Mist Trail, Yosemite National Park: Address, Phone Number, Mist Trail Reviews: 5/5

Curry Village Dining Pizza Deck

The area

Best nearby

Restaurants

13 within 5 kms

254

1.4 km$$ - $$$ • American • Pizza • Fast food

Meadow Grill

1.2 km$ • Quick Bites • American • Fast food

Curry Village Dining

154

1.4 km$$ - $$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly

The Ahwahnee Dining Room

2,649

2.4 km$$$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options

Ahwahnee Hotel Bar

536

2.3 km$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Vegetarian Friendly

Degnan's Kitchen

538

3.2 km$ • Quick Bites • American • Fast food

Degnan's Kitchen

196

3.2 km$ • Quick Bites • American

Village Grill

117

3 km$ • Quick Bites • American • Fast food

Degnan's Loft

221

3.2 km$$ - $$$ • Pizza

Base Camp Eatery

227

3.1 km$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • American • Fast food

Happy Isles Fen Boardwalk

Attractions

61 within 10 kms

3 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Lookouts

Ahwahnee Historic Building

431

2.3 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings

1.7 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks

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5.0

1,037 reviews

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AFischer3

Grandville, MI14 contributions

Tall steps in places

I enjoyed this hike, but it is harder for shorter people, as some of the steps are tall. The path was wet, so wear good non-slip shoes. Stop along the way and take photos.

Written 17 June 2022

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Trail with lots of civilization

Washington State95,854 contributions

We headed up the Mist Trail with dozens of other hikers and walkers. The first part to the footbridge is paved and busy busy busy. The view of Illilouette Fall is an extra bonus.

The restroom at the footbridge was clean and had no bears (one was in the restroom last month.) We refilled our water bottles at the water station.

I was unhappy to see an off leash “service dog” scampering everywhere amidst her large group. It is unclear how she provided service to her owner (I could not tell who it was!) Hopefully she did not disturb any of the legal residents of the wilderness including lizards, birds, ground squirrels, and Western Gray Squirrels.

Written 17 June 2022

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Kim C

33 contributions

It is All uphill but fabulous and so worth the climb

My favorite hike! This was moderate/strenuous and I didn't make it to the top. The steep wet stairs were a show-stopper but still a fabulous hike. It is crowded and there were tears from kids that didn't want to be there. It is ALL uphill!! Be prepared and flexible. Went on a hot day - the mist was magical!

Written 11 June 2022

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Amanda H

Plano, TX457 contributions

Moderate leaning towards the Strenuous at the end

Family

We hiked from Happy Isles to top of Vernal Falls, then swung right up the Clark turnoff to reach Muir trail which we took back down. You’re uphill and then level out a picturesque bridge as you look up at the lovely waterfalls. Then you realize you have another 500 ft in elevation gain over 300 ft and 600 granite steps with the waterfall splashing you in the face and idiots stopping on the gravel stairs to take selfies and check their selfies oblivious of the lien behind them trying to climb up the waterfall. Also once you start the stairs, there is no sign telling you how many more to go, in fact you’ll think you accidentally climbed the Vernal fall, but then you see the top of Vernal and catch your breadth and tell yourself it was worth the climb. that’s when you look for where you’re supposed to hang right…you go further up, then you see the Clark turnoff, that is another 300 ft uphill!! Then when you’re almost done with it you see the search and rescue rangers at the trail head and alas..there is the downhill Muir trail that will take you back down and connect to the trail at that lovely bridge you saw earlier. It took us right at 3 hours and we were trekking it downhill. Fill up your water every time you have a chance!!! You’ll need it!!

Written 10 June 2022

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

BT3rd

Datchet, UK5,815 contributions

Beware it’s steep

Couples

The walk to the bridge to view the first falls is paved, but steep. However you can rest on the rocks as you go up. There is a bridge to view Vernal falls and a stair way to see it more closely. From there Nevada falls is a real hike.

Written 2 June 2022

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Wade G

Bainbridge Island, WA5 contributions

Nice hike but steep

Really liked it but did not expect it to be so vertical (we are in our 70s). Good view at the bridge. Lots of people hiking but all were friendly and helpful.

Written 17 May 2022

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Super Simple Salty Life

Winter Garden, FL575 contributions

Not for kids

This is an amazing trail that leads to Vernal and Nevada Falls. It is not for kids though! We saw so many young kids or people hiking with flip flops on, I hope they weren't going past the steps to Vernal Falls. It is not too bad of a hike to the bottom of Vernal and you can get a great view! But once the stairs get wet, and the trail gets crowded, it can be very tricky. More people die on this trail than any other part of Yosemite. We turned around once the handrail for the stairs ended, it was too crowded and slippery to go any further without something to hold on to. Still got some amazing pictures!

Written 2 January 2022

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Patrick M

Orcutt, CA65 contributions

For advanced hikers only.

This is a steep ascent and only for the hiker that is in shape. Don't kid yourself if you are not ready for a strenuous trip. Great trip overall.

Written 18 November 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

D. Aaronson

Asheville, NC670 contributions

Challenging but rewarding

This is a steep hike up, even to the lower viewpoints of Vernal Falls. The granite stairs are a workout and not for those afraid of heights. The view of Vernal is best about halfway up the stairs although the top is defnitely interesting. Emerald Pool is a pleasant place to stop and rest on the way to Nevada Falls.

Written 24 August 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

bobbyza

Phoenix, AZ313 contributions

Wonderful Hike!

Considered a moderately strenuous hike covering slightly over 1000 feet in elevation change. The Mist trail is 0.8 miles to the footbridge (so 1-1/2 miles round trip) OR, 1.2 miles approx to the top of Vernal Falls(2.4 miles round trip) . Good ops of Vernal Falls from the footbridge. Also of note is that there is water available just past the footbridge to fill up water bottle. The second half of the hike from footbridge to the falls is considerably more uphill, but my wife and I in our mid 60's got to the base of Vernal Falls. Allow for 2 to 3 hours depending on length of hike and ability. Recommendation is to hike in the morning during the summer months!

Written 7 August 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Mishelly B

Hey!!! Is the park , road , trails on for Easter week ??

Washington State95,854 contributions

Hi Next time post on the active Yosemite forum rather than this seldom viewed Q&A feature. Yosemite is always open. (Well, almost always. It has closed for forest fires and for government issues, but not for the season.)

Arulmozhi T

Hey, we plan to see Vernal falls, it is okay to hike with 18 months baby with baby carrier? How steep it is? Give me some inputs regrading this falls. Thanks in advance.

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Aurelie B

bonjour, il faut compter combien de temps aller à Vernal Fall puis à Nevada Fall

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JBRetired

Apple Valley, CA430 contributions

5 hours round trips are there any bathrooms. Seems too crowded to wonderoff in the woods

Washington State95,854 contributions

Yes, there are a few spots with outhouses. The National Park website includes this information in its description of the Vernal Fall & Nevada Fall hike (Mist Trail up and John Muir Trail down.) "Restrooms are located at the shuttle stop near the trailhead (stop #16). Additionally, restrooms are located at the Vernal Fall footbridge, approximately 1 mile up the trail (May to October). Vault toilets are available beyond the top of Vernal Fall (along the Mist Trail) and at the top of Nevada Fall (along the Mist Trail)." If you post questions on the active Yosemite forum, you'll get immediate replies. This Q&A feature is seldom seen.

jenrivers23

Salinas, CA

If we go up to Nevada Falls, can we return via John Muir Trail?

jenrivers23

Salinas, CA

Is it currently open? I’d heard it was closed. If so, is it dangerous going back down Mist?

breezy135

Washington12 contributions

We are doing the mist trail on Saturday and don’t want it to be too crowded. If we take the shuttle at 7 AM is it going to be pretty busy? Or should we park and Walk the extra mile to the trailhead? Thanks!!

Washington State95,854 contributions

Hi The Yosemite forum is very active. Questions are answered the same day. This Q&A feature has few readers. In spring, getting on the first shuttle of the day is usually a good idea. If you prefer an earlier start, using the Hikers Parking Lot past Curry Village / HalfDomeVillage is the closest parking to Happy Isles. However, driving out of the Valley at the end of the day will be very challenging & slow due to the traffic. Saturday is the busiest day of the week in Yosemite Valley. There are maps linked to the Top Questions on the right side of the Yosemite forum page.

Michele N

Is this trail crowded in the early morning in may?

Washington State95,854 contributions

Yes. The Mist Trail is the most popular trail in the Valley. If you can begin the hike very early, it will be less crowded. Coming down the John Muir Trail is usually easier and less crowded.

breezy135

Washington12 contributions

We plan on doing this hike on Saturday morning around 6:30am, is there anywhere to park near the trail head or do you have to take a shuttle? And if so how early do the shuttles start? Thanks!!

kstellla

United States21 contributions

Yes, there is parking, however it’s not right in front of the entrance. Not too far, but not too close. Shuttles do run everywhere in the valley section. I remember ditching the shuttle ideas due to its start time. I think it started running at 8:00a.

Alain

Pescantina, Italy13 contributions

hello!first of all do you suggest me to visit yosemite at the end of april or is it too early? is it possible to hike this trail at the end of april? what else could i see in yosemite park in this period?

Washington State95,854 contributions

Hi Rather than this Q&A for a trail in Yosemite, I recommend that you participate on the TripAdvisor Yosemite NP forum page. The Top Questions on the Yosemite page include information about Planning a spring visit, What to do in Yosemite Valley, Maps, and more.

MeliAustralia

Crace, Australia14 contributions

Hello, Is it suitable to hike with young kids and a toddler in a baby Carrier. Does the shuttle take you most of the way to see the falls? Thanks in advance

Richard B

San Carlos, CA71 contributions

Small children would be OK but take frequent breaks and keep them in front of you so you can keep an eye on them. There are steep drop offs so they need to stay in the middle of the trail. As far as using a carrier you had better be in good shape to carry the additional weight. The shuttle takes you to a close stop but it is .8 miles to the bridge and 1.5 miles to Nevada Falls.

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