Ever since I watched Free Solo on Netflix, I’d wanted to see Yosemite Valley with my own eyes. If you haven’t seen it, it follows Alex Honnold as he climbs El Capitan, a 3,000-foot granite wall, with no ropes at all. So in June 2024, my sister and I finally made the trip: two nights in Yosemite Valley and one very big hike. It truly was the trip of a lifetime.
Quick facts:
- 5.4 miles (8.7 km) round trip to the top of Nevada Fall
- 2,000 feet (610 m) of elevation gain
- 5 to 6 hours hiking time (about 8 hours with photo stops, in our case)
- Difficulty: strenuous
- Best in late spring and early summer
- No permit needed for the Mist Trail itself
Scroll down for the full practical info, trail tips and FAQ.
An early start
We stayed at the Yosemite Valley Lodge (my full review is coming soon), and after burgers and a couple of beers on our first night, we went to bed early. The alarm went off at 5:30 the next morning, and by 6:00 we were on our way to the trailhead at Happy Isles.
That early start turned out to be the best decision of the whole trip. There was almost nobody else on the trail. Just the two of us, the sound of the Merced River and the morning light coming through the trees. It was quite magical.
Up the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall
Within the first few minutes I thought, oh, this is going to be harder than I expected. The Mist Trail climbs right from the start, and it doesn’t really let up.
Then you reach the stairs. Hundreds of granite steps run right alongside Vernal Fall, and in early June, when the snowmelt is at its peak, the falls throw out so much spray that you’re walking through a cloud. That’s how the Mist Trail gets its name. It was absolutely gorgeous, and absolutely freezing. Even in June, by the time we reached the top of Vernal Fall we were shaking with cold. We stopped, ate our sandwiches and tried to warm up a bit before carrying on.
On to Nevada Fall
From the top of Vernal Fall the trail keeps climbing toward Nevada Fall. It’s a long, steady push, but the views back down the canyon make every step worth it. Many hikers come down a different way, looping back via Clark Point on the John Muir Trail for a fresh view; we stuck with the Mist Trail both ways so we could see Vernal Fall twice.
Right beside Nevada Fall is Liberty Cap, a massive granite dome that towers over the top of the falls. When we finally made it to the top, we found a little stream running across the granite. We pulled off our hiking boots and soaked our weary feet in the cold water. It was quite incredible, sitting there after hours of climbing with our feet in a mountain stream.
And then there’s the view. From the top of Nevada Fall you can see Half Dome in the distance, sort of calling you to come back and do the hike again, this time all the way to the top of Half Dome. That’s a much bigger challenge: the final stretch goes straight up the rock using the famous cables, and you need a separate permit to do it. We didn’t have one this time, but I’m already dreaming about it.
An unexpected sight: the pack mules
One of the most surprising moments of the day came on our way back down. We’d been so grateful to find a proper restroom at the top of Nevada Fall, miles from anywhere, and then we got our answer to the obvious question: how on earth do they empty it? A pack train of mules, led by a wrangler in a cowboy hat, carries the waste out. There’s no road and no plumbing up there, so this is how the park keeps the backcountry toilets running. We thought it was one of the most interesting things we saw all day, and a real reminder of how much quiet work goes into keeping a place like Yosemite open.
Coming down was the hardest part
Funnily enough, the hardest part of the hike wasn’t the climb. It was coming down.
By late morning the sun was out and it was hot, and the trail that had been empty at 6 a.m. was now packed with people. Going down those steep, wet granite stairs while squeezing past hikers coming up was honestly a bit dangerous. You need to take your time and watch every step.
On our way down we even passed people just starting out at 2 p.m. in the afternoon. We couldn’t believe it, after the long day we’d already had. All in, our round trip took about eight hours, including breaks.
Would I recommend it?
Absolutely, if you’re ready for it. This is a challenging hike. You need to be in good physical shape, and it’s not a hike for beginners. But the trail is well marked and easy to follow, and the scenery is some of the most beautiful I have ever seen. If you are fit and ready for an adventure, put it at the top of your Yosemite list.
Mist Trail to Nevada Fall: practical info
- Trailhead: Happy Isles, Yosemite Valley (shuttle stop #16)
- To the top of Vernal Fall: 2.4 miles (3.9 km) round trip, about 1,000 feet of elevation gain, roughly 3 hours
- To the top of Nevada Fall: 5.4 miles (8.7 km) round trip, about 2,000 feet of elevation gain, 5 to 6 hours. It took us about 8 hours with breaks.
- Difficulty: strenuous
- Water and restrooms: drinking water and restrooms at the trailhead and the Vernal Fall footbridge (May to October), and restrooms near the top of each fall. Carry your own water too: the park recommends 3 to 4 litres if you’re going to Nevada Fall.
- Park entry in 2026: Yosemite has dropped its timed-entry reservation system for 2026, so you just pay the entrance fee at the gate. When we went in 2024, our booking at the Yosemite Valley Lodge covered our entry, and we paid the fee when we arrived.
- Season: the spray is heaviest in spring and early summer. The lower Mist Trail beside Vernal Fall closes in winter because of ice and rockfall.
- Official info: National Park Service Mist Trail page.
Tips
- Start early. We were out the door by 6 a.m. and had the trail almost to ourselves. In summer you won’t avoid the crowds entirely, but an early start makes a huge difference.
- Dress for two different days in one. Early morning on the Mist Trail is freezing — the spray is so cold my sister and I were shaking, even in June. By the afternoon, when you’re coming back down, it can be blazing hot. Pack a rain jacket and layers for the climb, and sunscreen and a hat for the descent.
- Wear proper hiking shoes with good grip. The granite steps are wet and slippery.
- Bring food. A sandwich at the top of Vernal Fall saved us.
- Take the descent slowly. Coming down the stairs in the crowds was the trickiest part of our day.
- If you cool your feet at the top, choose a small side stream well away from the main river. Never go past the railings or swim near the falls. The current above Vernal Fall is deadly, and swimming there is illegal.
Mist Trail FAQ
How long does the Mist Trail take?
The park estimates about 3 hours round trip to the top of Vernal Fall and 5 to 6 hours to the top of Nevada Fall. With photo stops and a lunch break, it took my sister and me about 8 hours.
How hard is the Mist Trail?
It’s rated strenuous. You climb about 2,000 feet to Nevada Fall, much of it on steep, uneven granite steps that are wet from the spray. You need to be in good physical shape.
Do you need a permit or reservation to hike the Mist Trail?
No permit is needed for the Mist Trail. For 2026, Yosemite isn’t using its timed-entry reservation system, so you only need to pay the park entrance fee.
When is the best time to hike the Mist Trail?
Late spring and early summer, when the waterfalls are at their most powerful, though that’s also when the mist is heaviest. Whatever the season, start as early in the morning as you can.
Can you see Half Dome from the Mist Trail?
Yes. From the top of Nevada Fall you get a beautiful view of Half Dome in the distance.
Do you need a permit to hike Half Dome?
Yes. Hiking to the top of Half Dome requires a permit whenever the cables are up, which is usually from late May to mid-October. Permits are given out by lottery on Recreation.gov: a preseason lottery in March, plus a daily lottery two days before your hike. The Mist Trail itself doesn’t need a permit.
Can you hike just to Vernal Fall?
Yes. The top of Vernal Fall is a great turnaround point if you’re short on time or energy. It’s about 2.4 miles round trip.
Is the Mist Trail worth it?
Absolutely. Even with the crowds and the climb, standing in the mist beside Vernal Fall and looking out from the top of Nevada Fall are two of the best moments I have ever had in a national park. If you’re fit and prepared, put it on your Yosemite list.
Is the Mist Trail dangerous?
The granite steps are slippery from the spray and people do get injured, most often by rushing on the descent or climbing over the railings for a photo. Take the stairs slowly, stay behind the railings, and never swim or wade above the falls. The current above Vernal Fall has killed hikers in the past.
What should I bring on the Mist Trail?
A rain jacket, warm layers for the misty climb, a sun hat and sunscreen for the hot descent, sturdy hiking shoes with good grip, 3 to 4 litres of water, snacks or lunch, and a small first aid kit. A dry bag or plastic bag for your phone is useful in the heaviest spray.
How much water should I take on the Mist Trail?
The park recommends 3 to 4 litres if you are going all the way to Nevada Fall. We took 2 litres each, which felt heavy and turned out to be more than we needed — we had not realised there is drinking water available on the trail. If you carry about 1 litre and plan to refill at the water stations (at the trailhead and the Vernal Fall footbridge, May to October), you should be fine.
Can you hike the Mist Trail with kids?
Honestly, I would not recommend taking children under 8 on the Mist Trail. The granite steps beside Vernal Fall are absolutely treacherous when wet, and when the trail is busy it is even worse. For ages 8 to 10, I would seriously hesitate — only consider it if they are experienced hikers who are used to steep terrain and you travel a lot with them. From about 10 and up it is doable, but it is still a hard climb, and you know your own child best.
Have you hiked the Mist Trail? Tell me about it in the comments.
Last updated: November 2026.
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- Hiking in Banff
- Swimming at Wailua Falls – Kauai
- Coming soon: Yosemite Valley Lodge review
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