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Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls
Hiking Trail
Hard
7.58 mi
2,258 ft
A stunning hike up steep climbs, passing close to Vernal and Nevada Falls.
This trail is a mellower yet still amazingly-stunning alternate to the Half Dome Trail. Furthermore, it is a great option for a shorter day if you haven't been able to secure a permit for the Half Dome route. The Mist Trail ascends steeply to Vernal and Nevada Falls. The beauty of the two falls provides a fitting opportunity to break and rest while along the course of your hike. The name of the trail comes from the fact that the trail is in such proximity to Vernal and Nevada Falls that it is nearly impossible to avoid being misted by the cascading water. This particular route is ideal for those who only want to or only have the time to be out for 1.5-2 hours. There are stairs along the route, so runners should expect some stair running! After ascending to the trail’s high point above Nevada Falls, you can either return on the same path or take an alternative trail for the descent, providing a loop option rather than an out-and-back. The alternate return trail is the John Muir Trail. You could reconnect with the Mist Trail at a few different points lower down on the route. It is not surprising that this route is one of the most popular routes to run or hike in the Yosemite Valley. Written by Ian Macnairn
This trail is a mellower yet still amazingly-stunning alternate to the Half Dome Trail. Furthermore, it is a great option for a shorter day if you haven't been able to secure a permit for the Half Dome route. The Mist Trail ascends steeply to Vernal and Nevada Falls. The beauty of the two falls provides a fitting opportunity to break and rest while along the course of your hike. The name of the trail comes from the fact that the trail is in such proximity to Vernal and Nevada Falls that it is nearly impossible to avoid being misted by the cascading water. This particular route is ideal for those who only want to or only have the time to be out for 1.5-2 hours. There are stairs along the route, so runners should expect some stair running! After ascending to the trail’s high point above Nevada Falls, you can either return on the same path or take an alternative trail for the descent, providing a loop option rather than an out-and-back. The alternate return trail is the John Muir Trail. You could reconnect with the Mist Trail at a few different points lower down on the route. It is not surprising that this route is one of the most popular routes to run or hike in the Yosemite Valley. Written by Ian Macnairn
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Strava Routes
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Happy Isle Loop Rd Climb | 0.24 mi | 10 ft | 0.4% |
| Mist Trail Part 1: Happy Isles to JMT (Official) | 1.03 mi | 502 ft | 9.2% |
| Mist Trail to Vernal Falls | 1.59 mi | 991 ft | 11.7% |
| Happy Isle Loop Rd Climb | 0.32 mi | 292 ft | 16.6% |
| Happy Isles to Bridge | 0.45 mi | 325 ft | 9.6% |
| Half Dome, Yosemite | 0.70 mi | 722 ft | 18.8% |
| Upper bridge to top of Vernal Falls | 0.60 mi | 705 ft | 22.2% |
| Mist Trail Part 2: JMT to Reflection Pool (Official) | 0.38 mi | 551 ft | 27.4% |
| John Muir Trail Climb | 0.31 mi | 476 ft | 28.4% |
| John Muir Trail Climb | 0.50 mi | 223 ft | 8.3% |
| Mist Trail Part 3: Reflection to the Top (Official) | 1.07 mi | 925 ft | 16.4% |
| John Muir Trail Climb | 0.24 mi | 138 ft | 10.9% |
| John Muir Trail Climb | 0.32 mi | 272 ft | 16.0% |
| Nevada Falls to Vernal Falls (JMT) | 2.93 mi | -1,476 ft | -9.1% |
| Nevada Falls to Vernal Falls | 2.13 mi | -1,545 ft | -13.7% |
| Mist/Muir Intersection Down | 1.01 mi | -489 ft | -9.1% |