+ 194
Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls
Trail Running Route
Hard
7.58 mi
2,258 ft
A stunning trail run 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 run. 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 run. 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
Created By
Strava Routes
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Happy Isle Bridge - Nevada Falls | 2.88 mi | 1,932 ft | 12.7% |
| Happy Isle Loop Rd Climb | 0.78 mi | 423 ft | 10.1% |
| The Tourist Gauntlet (Happy Isles to Vernal Falls Bridge) | 0.97 mi | 410 ft | 7.5% |
| Top of Vernal Fall | 1.37 mi | 1,138 ft | 15.1% |
| John Muir Trail Climb | 0.20 mi | 240 ft | 20.0% |
| Happy Isle Loop Rd Climb | 1.97 mi | 1,575 ft | 15.1% |
| John Muir Trail Climb | 0.37 mi | 525 ft | 26.9% |
| John Muir Trail Climb | 0.21 mi | 157 ft | 14.2% |
| Nevada Falls Climb | 0.53 mi | 584 ft | 20.6% |
| Nevada Falls to Vernal Falls Footbridge | 2.61 mi | -1,552 ft | -10.9% |
| JMT Nevada Falls to Happy Isles | 3.29 mi | -1,909 ft | -10.7% |
| John Muir Trail Climb | 0.24 mi | 135 ft | 10.2% |
| JMT Downhill - Panorama Trail to Middle Mist Jct | 0.96 mi | -456 ft | -8.8% |
| JMT Downhill - Middle to Lower Mist Jct | 1.20 mi | -863 ft | -13.5% |
| Happy Isles trail downhill - JMT to Bridge | 1.03 mi | -482 ft | -8.8% |
| Happy Isle Descent - Bridge to Bridge | 0.89 mi | -463 ft | -7.7% |