The Mist Trail – Yosemite National Park

The Mist Trail at Yosemite National Park might just be the most popular all-around hike in The Valley. And for good reason!  Not only do you get views of two beautiful waterfalls and granite mountains for days, it is also the starting point for the world famous John Muir Trail and Half Dome trail.

Now I did this trail with a 3 year old, so we only made it to Vernal Falls. But, if you’re feeling up to the challenge, you can take the Mist Trail all the way up to the top of Nevada Falls and then come back down the JMT to the trailhead. Doing the loop gives you the best of both trails in the area.

The trail starts out at Valley stop 16 on the Yosemite transit system; Happy Isles.  You’ll want to follow the pedal path up to the bridge which is where the official trail starts.  It’s not too exciting at first as it starts out as a paved road.  The paved trail continues for about a mile, gaining altitude at a decent rate and ending at the Vernal Falls footbridge (there are restrooms there too), before it gets to the paved portion that is un-maintained pavement.  And that’s where, the fun begins!

The next mile runs along the river and continues to gain altitude. Soon enough, you’ll come to the highlight of the trail: the granite staircases.  This is also where you’ll likely get wet if you’re visiting in the Spring.  The first time I did this trail was in May 2013 and I got SOAKED!

The last time I did this trail, I also hurt my knees so bad going up the stairs and coming down the JMT that I thought I’d never hike again (read more about my story here).  So if you are prone to knee pain, please make sure to prepare accordingly before heading out.  Trust me when I say you’ll need all the help you can get (including the lightest pack you can carry).

Adelaide and I decided to turn around at Vernal Falls.  She had done all but the first .5 mile by herself, and she was at her limit.  But she wanted to hike back by herself (I bribe her with candy haha).  So, we stopped for lunch and then hiked back down.  And, I’m happy to report, that even with ALL of those stairs, I hiked back knee pain free!!!  Woo-hoo.

For more insight into our Mist Trail adventure at Yosemite National Park, check out my video below. Be nice though, I made it while hiking with a 3 year old.

For a complete trail description, visit the amazing family behind Earth Trekkers!