Sprawling meadows covered in wildflowers spread out across the valley floor until they are abruptly stopped by towering cliffs so shear the not even the bravest cottonwoods dare to grow on them. As your gaze fixes upward you set your eyes on cascading waterfalls falling from the sky. The cool mist covers your hot skin as you drag your body up another steep stair chiseled in stone. You wipe the salty mixture of sweat and mist away as it runs down your cheek and into the corner of your mouth. Looking up you see the first of many waterfalls on Yosemite’s Mist Trail.

What It Is

Yosemite’s Mist Trail is one of the most rewarding and scenic hikes in the park. That being said, there tend to be a lot of people there but it is well worth it. The hike itself is moderately strenuous, climbing 1000ft to Vernal Falls and then another 1000ft to Nevada Falls. To Vernal Falls from the trailhead is 2.4 miles round trip, if you continue to Nevada Falls it becomes a total of 5.4 miles round trip. The hike will take about 3-6 hours depending on how far you go.

How To Get There

The closest parking is the trailhead parking lot east of Curry Village. This usually fills up fast so look for parking in Curry Village or park anywhere in the valley and jump on a free shuttle, just get off at stop #16 for Happy Isles. The trailhead is a starting point for the John Muir Trail and Half Dome, as well as the Mist Trail. The Mist Trail can be combined with the John Muir Trail to create a spectacular 7 mile loop hike. Be aware when returning, the John Muir Trail is 4 miles one way compared to the Mist Trail’s 2.7 miles.

Where To Stay

Campgrounds in Yosemite Valley

Reservations/First-Come/Fee $25-$30

The best place to camp in Yosemite National Park is in Yosemite Valley. You will need to make reservations. There are also first-come first-serve campgrounds in the park. Be aware that Yosemite is a big park so try and camp as close as possible to Yosemite Valley.