Explore this 6.4-mile loop trail near Yosemite Valley, California. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 4 h 10 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are April through October. You'll need to leave pups at home — dogs aren't allowed on this trail.
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We started at nine and it wasn’t very crowded until we were headed back down around one. It was wet, but definitely doable. Not a lot of snow no crampons needed. The section between Nevada. Falls and Clarks point was closed so that part of the loop isn’t doable but the cut through between John Muir Trail, and the mist Trail make it possible to still do most of the loop. It is quite the climb pretty much all the way up to Nevada Falls. The stairs are very steep and the switchbacks up at the top near Nevada. Falls are also very steep. Personally, I felt like Vernal Falls was a lot more exciting not disappointed that we did in Nevada Falls but if you are Not sure you can make it all the way up just know that you’re seeing the best part at vernal Falls.
I went early started around 6am took a wrong turn ended up going to Vernal falls then took the long way around on the mist trail to get to Nevada Falls. I beat the people traffic I didn’t run into anyone until I made my way back down. Great views some steep spots hope your legs are ready.
A fabulous hike that in my opinion is one of the best in the U.S., and definitely number one in California. The waterfalls are not flowing much this time of years, but it was still a great hike.The JMT from the top of Nevada Falls down to Clark Point is kind of icy, so take poles if you decide to attempt the loop. Otherwise you will need to do it as an out-and-back.
Great trail to get up and close with the massive granite formations. Stairs were fun on the way up, and a bit of a challenge on the way down, especially the icy patches up the top. Very busy on the way up to Vernal, not too bad up near Nevada Falls. Unfortunately the top looping path around Nevada Falls was closed due to icy conditions (super slippery), so we doubled back and took the next crossover to loop around Vernal Falls.
Spectacular trail, even with the falls not being as big as they typically are in the summer. The views are definitely worth the effort, but it is for SURE a steep/strenuous hike! The stairs are no joke. It’s also a bit icier towards the top, so I would recommend bringing poles to help guide your footing, or spikes if you have them. Unfortunately the John Muir trail down was closed due to ice when we went, so we had to come back the way we came which was definitely harder on our knees. Overall 100% worth the effort, but bring ample water, food, and take breaks in between to take in the views!
The views were spectacular. Started early so no crowd at all. I attempted the half dome trail when I reached the top of this trail. Realised pretty late that didn't have sufficient water and harness. Also didn't have enough daytime left for that hike. There were enough incredible views. The was out was a awesome day. Wouldn't want to do this in summer though would be too much heat.
Trail was jammed all the way up to Vernal Falls. Expectedly so. The stairs are steep and serious! The reward is worth it. Keep going. The way down from Nevada Falls is a treat for the first half of the descent. Switchbacks galore towards the junction at Mist Trail. Take your time! This is a trail that will make you want to stop at every vista point.
An incredible trail! Hiked it the week of November — great conditions and not wet or slippery. As others have recommended, I think going up Mist is better. There stairs felt steep and relentless, but I’d rather climb up than climb down. The Stairmaster has really paid off! (For some reason, it was a 9+ mile hike for us, much longer than what AllTrails stated.)
Frequently asked questions about Vernal and Nevada Falls via Mist Trail
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What is the expected weather this week for Vernal and Nevada Falls via Mist Trail?
- Tue, November 26 - 46 degrees/rain
- Wed, November 27 - 50 degrees/partly cloudy
- Thu, November 28 - 55 degrees/mostly sunny
- Fri, November 29 - 57 degrees/partly cloudy
- Sat, November 30 - 59 degrees/mostly sunny
