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Vernal and Nevada falls, roaring streams of snow fed water courses, Emerald Pool, marvelous trail engineering, and glacier carved
granite cliffs of awe inspiring grandeur in every direction. The "Mist Trail" gets its name from the wind blown mist that tends to
soak hikers as they pass by the falls. I have to say that while hiking up the trail in April of 2009, not only did I get a good
granite cliffs of awe inspiring grandeur in every direction. The "Mist Trail" gets its name from the wind blown mist that tends to
soak hikers as they pass by the falls. I have to say that while hiking up the trail in April of 2009, not only did I get a good
Hiker standing near the base of Vernal Fall.
| drenching, but my digital SLR camera also got a good soaking. Thankfully Nikon did a good job weather sealing the D300 camera that I was carrying at the time, and it made it through with no permanent damage (even though a got a bit concerned is some of the wettest areas). To the right you see a map outlining the route along the Mist Tral. The trail head is located at Happy Isles near the Nature Center. Just a bit up the trail, you come to a nice trail sign (image below) that lists all the mileages to key areas in the park. Note the final entry on the sign indicating that Mt Whitney is 211 miles away via the John Muir Trail. This long but beautiful trail is world famous and traverses some of the most spectacular high country in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. |
From a starting elevation of 4035 feet, you travel 0.8
miles up a steep foot path (photo to the right) that
leads to the Vernal Fall Bridge (2). This section of the
trail is paved, and it is not unusual to see people
pushing folks in wheel chairs or babies in strollers
(hard work) all the way up to the first bridge view
point. Hikers gain 400 feet of elevation on this first leg
of the trail. Multitudes of people make this 0.8 mile
journey in order to see the spectacular view of Vernal
Falls (see photo below). Several people call it a day at
this point, but many go on to the top of Vernal Falls,
which is a 1,009 foot elevation gain from the trail
head in Happy Isles. But the trip is well worth it. I
would be hard pressed to think of a trail anywhere
that delivers so much beauty in such a short distance.
Beyond the bridge, at 0.2 miles, the Mist Trail and the John Muir Trail diverge. To
proceed directly to the top of Vernal Fall, follow the Mist Trail 0.5 mile (0.8 km)
up a steep granite stairway of over 600 steps. Prepare for slippery footing and a
tremendous amount of waterfall spray in spring and early summer. This portion of
trail is closed in winter due to risk of falling ice and rock.
Vernal Falls with a height of 317 feet (Image to the Left), and 594 foot Nevada
Falls are fed by the Merced River (7). Congress designated the Merced River as
Wild and Scenic in 1987. The National Park Service manages 81 miles of the
Merced River, encompassing both the main stem and the South Fork in Yosemite
National Park and the El Portal Administrative Site.
As you can see in the photo, Vernal Falls is a wonderful example of Yosemite
Valley's many water falls. Also note the lush green canyon that it pours into. Many
photographers line up their tripods for images up this canyon. The first foot bridge
is a good vantage point for those looking to get that special photo of Vernal Falls.
Flowing water always adds so much to any hiking experience, and the Mist Trail is
famous for this. All this beauty does have it's dangers though, and most deaths
along the Mist Trail have taken place because people fail to respect the incredible
power of fast moving water.
From the foot bridge, you can either take a
series of switchbacks along the side of the
mountain that makes up the John Muir Trail
(4), or you can ascend the Mist Trail , which is
a steep climb up 500 granite steps that are slick
from the moisture laden environment. But take
note, traveling on this section of the Mist Trail
(image to the right) requires careful placement
of your feet if you do not want to take a very
painful tumble.
The stone stair steps also require a lot of
physical work to ascend and descend. They
can also be tough on the knees if you have
problems in that area. But you can overcome
these difficulties by making sure you set
enough time aside so that you can take it easy
and enjoy your surroundings. Some people
make it a speed contest going up and down this
trail, but you miss out on a lot of subtle beauty
if you travel the trail in this fashion.
series of switchbacks along the side of the
mountain that makes up the John Muir Trail
(4), or you can ascend the Mist Trail , which is
a steep climb up 500 granite steps that are slick
from the moisture laden environment. But take
note, traveling on this section of the Mist Trail
(image to the right) requires careful placement
of your feet if you do not want to take a very
painful tumble.
The stone stair steps also require a lot of
physical work to ascend and descend. They
can also be tough on the knees if you have
problems in that area. But you can overcome
these difficulties by making sure you set
enough time aside so that you can take it easy
and enjoy your surroundings. Some people
make it a speed contest going up and down this
trail, but you miss out on a lot of subtle beauty
if you travel the trail in this fashion.
In the photo to the left, you can see how slick the rock
surfaces get near the falls. The Mist Trail is well named
for this feature. Going off trail and climbing on these rocks
is also to be discouraged for obvious reasons. If you have
children along, keep close watch on them. It does not take
much wandering by one of your younger ones to land
them in big trouble in this type of terrain. Also note the
incredible scale of this area. If you look closely, you can
see a few people taking a break in the just off center to
the upper left hand portion of the image on the left.
surfaces get near the falls. The Mist Trail is well named
for this feature. Going off trail and climbing on these rocks
is also to be discouraged for obvious reasons. If you have
children along, keep close watch on them. It does not take
much wandering by one of your younger ones to land
them in big trouble in this type of terrain. Also note the
incredible scale of this area. If you look closely, you can
see a few people taking a break in the just off center to
the upper left hand portion of the image on the left.
As the stair case approaches the top, the misty air
begins to thin, and if you are traveling on a sunny day,
you will begin to experience the warming rays of the
sun filtering through the moisture laden air. It is also an
opportunity for more beautiful photographs as you will
witness to the right. Otherwise common sites of dully
colored areas of grass and moss come to life when
light hits them in just the right way.
You are not far from the top of Vernal Falls at this
point, and once you reach the top, you can relax on a
series of smooth granite platforms and enjoy the well
earned views or the landscapes below. One their you
will be able to appreciate the height of Vernal Falls 317
feet, and watch as the Merced River pours millions of
gallons of water over this beautiful precipice.
begins to thin, and if you are traveling on a sunny day,
you will begin to experience the warming rays of the
sun filtering through the moisture laden air. It is also an
opportunity for more beautiful photographs as you will
witness to the right. Otherwise common sites of dully
colored areas of grass and moss come to life when
light hits them in just the right way.
You are not far from the top of Vernal Falls at this
point, and once you reach the top, you can relax on a
series of smooth granite platforms and enjoy the well
earned views or the landscapes below. One their you
will be able to appreciate the height of Vernal Falls 317
feet, and watch as the Merced River pours millions of
gallons of water over this beautiful precipice.
From the top of Vernal Falls, you
will be able to get a good view of
the trail below. Check out the
army of people ascending the trail
in the photo to the right. This
picture was taken in mid April of
2009, and already the trail is
crowed. As the year moves toward
summer these crowds will only
increase, so take a deep breath and
relax if you are caught in this
traffic jamb. There is a reason for
why all these people hike the
will be able to get a good view of
the trail below. Check out the
army of people ascending the trail
in the photo to the right. This
picture was taken in mid April of
2009, and already the trail is
crowed. As the year moves toward
summer these crowds will only
increase, so take a deep breath and
relax if you are caught in this
traffic jamb. There is a reason for
why all these people hike the
Mist Trail. It is because, as mentioned above, you will be hard pressed to find a trail anywhere in the world that packs so much
beauty into so few miles of effort.
Another luxury of this popular trail, is all the rest rooms that are placed along the way. In the photo in the above right hand
portion of this page you see a solar toilet that has been constructed at the top of Nevada Falls, but there are facilities like this also
beauty into so few miles of effort.
Another luxury of this popular trail, is all the rest rooms that are placed along the way. In the photo in the above right hand
portion of this page you see a solar toilet that has been constructed at the top of Nevada Falls, but there are facilities like this also
at the end of the first foot bridge at the base of Vernal Falls,
and another one at the top of Vernal Falls, and there is even
a good sized restroom placed in Little Yosemite Valley.
Things have changed a whole lot since the days I used to
hike this trail.
Once on top of Vernal Falls, you will be able to get a
spectacular view of the water cascading over the edge.
There is a railing at this edge of the falls, and for very good
reason. There have been people who ignore this barrier, and
have ended up going over the falls. Hard to believe that
people will play around in the water so close to the falls
edge, but people do these things, and pay a dear price for it.
This is another place where you need to keep a sharp eye
out on your little ones if they are along with you.
and another one at the top of Vernal Falls, and there is even
a good sized restroom placed in Little Yosemite Valley.
Things have changed a whole lot since the days I used to
hike this trail.
Once on top of Vernal Falls, you will be able to get a
spectacular view of the water cascading over the edge.
There is a railing at this edge of the falls, and for very good
reason. There have been people who ignore this barrier, and
have ended up going over the falls. Hard to believe that
people will play around in the water so close to the falls
edge, but people do these things, and pay a dear price for it.
This is another place where you need to keep a sharp eye
out on your little ones if they are along with you.
As you continue up the trail, in just a short distance,
you come to Emerald Pool seen in the image to the
right. Many years ago, people, including myself,
would put these slabs to use as a slippery slide into
the water pool below. Today, this activity is
prohibited, as you can see by the warning in the
photo of the sign stating this just below the picture
of Emerald Pool. Too many people were getting
hurt, and some deaths occurred over the years due
to this type of activity. Therefore, the park had to
put a stop to it.
I have to admit that over forty years ago, when I
was young and a little crazy, I slipped on these slabs,
and banged my head just hard enough to gash my
forehead open. After hiking down the Mist Trail
with a nice little headache, I was rewarded for my ill
planned slide into Emerald Pool with a timely visit to
the Yosemite Valley doctor where I received a half
dozen stitches or so for my efforts.
In the picture just below, you see a romantic view of
a couple on a foot bridge along the way to Nevada
Falls. Beautiful scenes such as this abound along the
Mist Trail. I tried to catch up with these folks and
offer to send them a copy of the digital file, but was
unable to find them when I got there.
you come to Emerald Pool seen in the image to the
right. Many years ago, people, including myself,
would put these slabs to use as a slippery slide into
the water pool below. Today, this activity is
prohibited, as you can see by the warning in the
photo of the sign stating this just below the picture
of Emerald Pool. Too many people were getting
hurt, and some deaths occurred over the years due
to this type of activity. Therefore, the park had to
put a stop to it.
I have to admit that over forty years ago, when I
was young and a little crazy, I slipped on these slabs,
and banged my head just hard enough to gash my
forehead open. After hiking down the Mist Trail
with a nice little headache, I was rewarded for my ill
planned slide into Emerald Pool with a timely visit to
the Yosemite Valley doctor where I received a half
dozen stitches or so for my efforts.
In the picture just below, you see a romantic view of
a couple on a foot bridge along the way to Nevada
Falls. Beautiful scenes such as this abound along the
Mist Trail. I tried to catch up with these folks and
offer to send them a copy of the digital file, but was
unable to find them when I got there.
Note the sign above. Contrary to what some
folks may say about the fun of swimming
and playing in the water along the Mist
Trail, it is illegal to do so, and as mentioned
above, most deaths take place because of
this type of activity.
folks may say about the fun of swimming
and playing in the water along the Mist
Trail, it is illegal to do so, and as mentioned
above, most deaths take place because of
this type of activity.
The Merced River is fed throughout the high country of the Sierra Crest, by
snowfields and glaciers including those on Mount Lyell (the highest peak in the
park). The river then drops steadily through U-shaped glacial canyons and
alpine lakes such as Washburn and Merced. It then descends form the high
country and flows quietly through the nearly level floor of Little Yosemite
Valley just before roaring over a 594 foot cliff to become spectacular Nevada
Falls (8) (shown to the right). The photo below, shows hikers working there
way up the last rocky section of the Mist Trail just before gaining the top of
Nevada Falls.
snowfields and glaciers including those on Mount Lyell (the highest peak in the
park). The river then drops steadily through U-shaped glacial canyons and
alpine lakes such as Washburn and Merced. It then descends form the high
country and flows quietly through the nearly level floor of Little Yosemite
Valley just before roaring over a 594 foot cliff to become spectacular Nevada
Falls (8) (shown to the right). The photo below, shows hikers working there
way up the last rocky section of the Mist Trail just before gaining the top of
Nevada Falls.
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Yosemite National Park - Mist Trail timberlinetrails.net
Yosemite Home Page
Where to Stay
Things To Do
Half Dome (via the Cable Ladder)
Current Weather
The Mist Trail - is the most
popular trail in Yosemite
National Park, based on the
sheer number of people who go
out of their way to hike up it's
steep granite carved steps. And
there is good reason for this well
deserved popularity, for there
are few places in the world that
sport such beauty in terms of
contrast and variety of scenery.
As a participant on this trail
during the spring months, you
will be treated to spectacular
Where to Stay
Things To Do
Half Dome (via the Cable Ladder)
Current Weather
The Mist Trail - is the most
popular trail in Yosemite
National Park, based on the
sheer number of people who go
out of their way to hike up it's
steep granite carved steps. And
there is good reason for this well
deserved popularity, for there
are few places in the world that
sport such beauty in terms of
contrast and variety of scenery.
As a participant on this trail
during the spring months, you
will be treated to spectacular
The relief map to the right shows
many of the key landmarks along
the trail. From Happy Isles to the
top of Nevada Falls is a 5.4 mile
round trip journey via the Mist
Trail, or a 6.8 mile round trip if
you make use of the John Muir
Trail (4) to the right of the mist
trail.
many of the key landmarks along
the trail. From Happy Isles to the
top of Nevada Falls is a 5.4 mile
round trip journey via the Mist
Trail, or a 6.8 mile round trip if
you make use of the John Muir
Trail (4) to the right of the mist
trail.
MIST TRAIL STATISTICS
Description Miles Elevation (in feet)
SUMMARY:
Well, that's about it for the Mist Trail, hope you enjoyed your visit here at Timberline Trails and pray for God's best for you
and your loved ones, no matter where you choose to spend your time in this glorious creation that God had entrusted
to us.
Dave French
OTHER RELATED LINKS:
Yosemite National Park Where to Stay Things to do in Yosemite Half Dome (via the Cable Ladder)
Timberline Trails
Deeper Insight - A difficult path to take. As mentioned in the above write up, careful placement of the feet on the
Mist Trail takes concentration and care on the part of the hiker in order to assure a safe trip. Gaining altitude on steep uneven
granite blocks, is always challenging, and there is no substitute for stamina and experience when it comes to making good
progress in this type of terrain.
Traveling a path in life that is God pleasing also takes concentration, sustained effort, and can be extremely challenging to say
the least. With all the snares and obstacles that everyday life seems to throw at us, it is vital that we have help. Completing a
God pleasing well lived life here on earth is an impossible undertaking on our own. However, help is closer than you think,
and it comes in the person of Jesus Christ. He paid the entry fee for us to have access to the God of this universe so we could
be with Him forever. The below Bible verse talks about some of the benefits of being with God in heaven.
God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall
be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed
away." Revelation 21:3-4
But until that day comes, it is important that we read and make use of the best navigational book out there. This book is
called the Bible, and it contains all you will ever need to know about living a life that pleases God. No other book on earth
contains so much time tested knowledge, wisdom, and direction for the human spirit. It is the only book that is able to guide
you into the everlasting. It will be that ultimate source of light to illuminate even the darkest of times. So it does not matter if
you scale the highest heights, or descend to the lowest depths, the Bible will provide guidance for whatever path you happen
to be on. God's Word, the Bible assures you of this.
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105
For more on this most important subject please visit the following links:
"The Ultimate Journey" and the "Meaning of Life"
Description Miles Elevation (in feet)
- Happy Isles Trailhead 0.0 4,035
- Bridge (Vernal Fall View Point) 0.8 4,435 (This first leg of the trail has stroller and wheelchair access)
- Top of Vernal Falls 1.5 5,044
- Emerald Pool 1.6 5,104
- Top of Nevada Falls 2.7 5,907 (It is 3.4 miles if you use the John Muir Trail)
SUMMARY:
- The Mist Trail is the most popular trail in Yosemite National Park.
- Few if any trails throughout the Sierra Nevada Range offer so much beauty in so few miles of effort.
- Some people have lost their lives while traveling along the Mist Trail. Mostly as a result of falling into fast moving water,
or swimming or wading in areas with strong under current.
- The Mist Trail demonstrates some of the finest foot path engineering I have ever come across in all my outdoor travels.
- Opposed to what some people may tell you, sliding, swimming, wading, or playing in the water near Emerald Pool is
prohibited. There are other areas, such as the top of water falls, where the park service has put up fences for hiker's
safety. When in any doubt, stay out of the water and use good common sense. Fast moving water can be a killer, and as
mentioned above, it is the cause of most deaths in the park.
- It is wonderful to have your children along with you, but keep a close eye on them. The terrain is beautiful, but can be
very dangerous if not treated with the utmost respect.
- Don't forget your still camera, video, or even both. There is no end to the photographic possibilities on the Mist Trail.
Make sure you have something along to protect your camera with. Water can be your photographic tools worst
nightmare. During times of heavy run off (usually during the spring and early summer months), the Mist Trail is
perfectly capable of giving your camera (or other water sensitive items) a good shower bath. Very few electronics can
stand up to this kind of abuse, and there is no doubt that serious and/or costly damage may occur. Even my so called
semi pro weather sealed Nikon D300 digital camera started to act a little funny in a couple of sections (but no lasting
damage, thankfully).
- Careful placement of feet is a must on slick steep granite steps, especially going down. Lack of concentration or fooling
around in some of the tricky sections of the trail could result in serious injury or even death.
- Make sure to adjust your hiking plans to your groups experience and physical condition. Doing so will make the whole
outing a pleasant experience for all. You can plan to stop at the first bridge for a spectacular view of Vernal Falls from
below (wheel chair and stroller access)........Or can stop at the top of Vernal Falls, have lunch, and relax on the warm
granite slabs in season.........Or you can go all the way to the top of Nevada Falls and beyond. All are great options.
- In conclusion, The Mist Trail is one of those must do hikes (if hiking is something you like to do), and it is my firm
belief that the experience will be one you will likely never forget. In our modern day era, there are fewer and fewer
places where you can see this much unspoiled beauty so near to major metropolitan areas.
Well, that's about it for the Mist Trail, hope you enjoyed your visit here at Timberline Trails and pray for God's best for you
and your loved ones, no matter where you choose to spend your time in this glorious creation that God had entrusted
to us.
Dave French
OTHER RELATED LINKS:
Yosemite National Park Where to Stay Things to do in Yosemite Half Dome (via the Cable Ladder)
Timberline Trails
Deeper Insight - A difficult path to take. As mentioned in the above write up, careful placement of the feet on the
Mist Trail takes concentration and care on the part of the hiker in order to assure a safe trip. Gaining altitude on steep uneven
granite blocks, is always challenging, and there is no substitute for stamina and experience when it comes to making good
progress in this type of terrain.
Traveling a path in life that is God pleasing also takes concentration, sustained effort, and can be extremely challenging to say
the least. With all the snares and obstacles that everyday life seems to throw at us, it is vital that we have help. Completing a
God pleasing well lived life here on earth is an impossible undertaking on our own. However, help is closer than you think,
and it comes in the person of Jesus Christ. He paid the entry fee for us to have access to the God of this universe so we could
be with Him forever. The below Bible verse talks about some of the benefits of being with God in heaven.
God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall
be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed
away." Revelation 21:3-4
But until that day comes, it is important that we read and make use of the best navigational book out there. This book is
called the Bible, and it contains all you will ever need to know about living a life that pleases God. No other book on earth
contains so much time tested knowledge, wisdom, and direction for the human spirit. It is the only book that is able to guide
you into the everlasting. It will be that ultimate source of light to illuminate even the darkest of times. So it does not matter if
you scale the highest heights, or descend to the lowest depths, the Bible will provide guidance for whatever path you happen
to be on. God's Word, the Bible assures you of this.
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105
For more on this most important subject please visit the following links:
"The Ultimate Journey" and the "Meaning of Life"
Folks relaxing on the stone slabs and benches at the top of Vernal Falls.
Hikers standing at the railing near the edge of Vernal Falls