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Is Mist Trail Yosemite hard?
Difficulty: Medium, but bordering strenuous if you go all the way to the top of Nevada Fall. The stretches beside Vernal and Nevada Falls are both quite steep - in fact, the last few hundred meters up the Vernal Falls trail are stairs cut into the cliffside.
Is the Mist Trail worth it?
From sweeping scenic vistas to powerful waterfalls, Mist Trail is easily worth the climb. Don't be scared of hiking the Mist Trail in Yosemite because it is strenuous and steep. After the hike, you'll have memories for a lifetime.
How many steps is the Mist Trail?
600 stepsTo proceed directly to the top of Vernal Fall, follow the Mist Trail 0.3 miles (0.5 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 (hence the name for this trail!).
How long is the Half Dome hike Mist Trail?
approximately 14.2 milesThe hike has a distance of approximately 14.2 miles and a total elevation gain of about 4,800 feet. The average duration of the hike is typically 10 to 12 hours, but it could easily take longer due to the strenuous nature of the hike.
What's the hardest hike in Yosemite?
At the top of the toughest hikes in Yosemite list is Clouds Rest. With a unique view of Half Dome's lofty backside, Clouds Rest is the flip-it-and-reverse-it alternative to jumping through hoops for a permit to climb the famed rock.
Can kids hike the Mist Trail?
The Mist Trail is a moderate hike doable with kids. We chose to make the steep 1.5 mile climb up to Vernal Fall with our kids ages 8, 11, 14, and 15. The first paved mile of the trail is the busiest and leads you to the Vernal Falls footbridge.
Is Mist Trail scary?
While most of the victims were swept over the falls when they climbed past a barrier at the top of the hike, there are actually many dangerous spots along the lower parts of the trail as well. A view from the top of Vernal Falls. The beauty of this hike is partly what makes it so dangerous.
Is the Mist Trail Safe?
Before you hit the trail, you should be aware that the Mist Trail can be dangerous if you're not careful. It's steep and slippery. And if it's closed, it's for good reason. More people die on the Mist Trail than anywhere else in Yosemite, largely due to people ignoring safety precautions.
Can you see Half Dome from Mist Trail?
The Mist Trail offers adequate challenges for hikers, but the payoff comes in the form of incredible views of Yosemite's Half-Dome. Yosemite National Park, situated in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, is known for its massive granite cliffs and flowing waterfalls.
Can you hike Half Dome as a beginner?
Climbing Half Dome isn't an adventure recommended for complete beginner hikers (though it is a great motivation goal to get you hiking more). The cable route is considered one of the most dangerous hikes in a U.S. national park. All this being said, this is a totally safe hike as long as you're properly trained!
Is hiking Half Dome scary?
It is completely fine to turn back as this is a genuinely scary section of hiking. It is far worse than anything we've ever seen in a decade of hiking around the world (Angels Landing has nothing on Half Dome). So if you're not sure, just go and see it for yourself!
What's the shortest hike to Half Dome?
The Mist TrailHiking to Half Dome via The Mist Trail is the shortest, most direct route and is 17 miles, which is the distance that most people associate as the “Half Dome hike”.
Is Mist Trail scary?
While most of the victims were swept over the falls when they climbed past a barrier at the top of the hike, there are actually many dangerous spots along the lower parts of the trail as well. A view from the top of Vernal Falls. The beauty of this hike is partly what makes it so dangerous.
Is the Mist Trail Safe?
Before you hit the trail, you should be aware that the Mist Trail can be dangerous if you're not careful. It's steep and slippery. And if it's closed, it's for good reason. More people die on the Mist Trail than anywhere else in Yosemite, largely due to people ignoring safety precautions.
How long does it take to hike Mist Mountain?
Yes, there's quite a far bit of elevation gain over quite a short distance, but it never gets too steep. For the most part, the trail is just mud; there's very little scree until you're almost at the hot springs. The hike is roughly about 4km to the hot springs (one way), so it takes between 1 and 2 hours to reach.
Can you see Half Dome from Mist Trail?
The Mist Trail offers adequate challenges for hikers, but the payoff comes in the form of incredible views of Yosemite's Half-Dome. Yosemite National Park, situated in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, is known for its massive granite cliffs and flowing waterfalls.
How far is the Mist Trail?
The Mist Trail (Vernal and Nevada Falls) Distance: 3 miles (4.8 km) round trip to Vernal Fall, 7 miles (11 km) round trip to Nevada Fall. If you walk from Curry Village instead of catching a shuttle bus to the trailhead, add an extra 1.5 miles (2.4 km) round trip. Why Hike the Mist Trail?
When is the best time to visit the Mist Trail?
Best Time to Visit: During peak runoff, which is generally from April into June, though after particularly snowy winters this can extend well into July. See the Should I Hike the Mist Trail Today? page for examples of how the falls look at various states of water flow and for information on current flow levels.
Why do people hike the mist trail?
While many of Yosemite's trails are popular due to having a single spectacular destination, the Mist Trail has fabulous views scattered all along it, beginning at the bridge overlook, progressing to two unforget table waterfalls that fall a combined total of more than 900 feet (270 meters), and ending with perhaps the most striking of all: the view of Nevada Fall, Liberty Cap, and the back of Half Dome from the Muir Trail return segment.
Where are the bathrooms in Yosemite?
Besides the ones at Curry Village, you'll find them across the bridge at the first overlook, at the top of Vernal Fall, and at the top of Nevada Fall.
Where to park in Yosemite Valley?
Parking: You can park just about anywhere in the eastern half of Yosemite Valley and catch a free shuttle bus to the trailhead near Happy Isles. The nearest parking, however, is at the trailhead parking lot, which is just east of Curry Village (Half Dome Village).
Is the trail to Vernal Falls steep?
The stretches beside Vernal and Nevada Falls are both quite steep - in fact, the last few hundred meters up the Vernal Falls trail are stair s cut into the cliffside. If you need a gentler workout, you can just proceed as far as the bridge looking upstream to Vernal Fall without exerting yourself quite so much.
Can you get covered with spray in Yosemite?
You can get covered-with-spray close to two of Yosemite's rock-star waterfalls, and the view looking back from the Muir Trail is just as remarkable as the trail up the falls. Crowd Factor: Heavy to the top of Vernal Fall, especially when the water is high.
Why is the Mist Trail closed?
Year-round, however, the lower portion of the Mist Trail along Vernal Fall closes in winter due to risk of falling ice and rock. Also, the upper portion of the John Muir Trail between Clark Point and the top of Nevada Fall is closed in winter due to treacherously icy conditions. Keep in mind that the sections of trail that remain open in ...
How long is the John Muir Trail?
5.4 miles (8.7 km) round trip (via Mist Trail); 5-6 hours. 2,000 feet (610 m) elevation gain. You can also take the John Muir Trail to the top of Vernal Fall (via the Clark Point cutoff) and the top of Nevada Fall, or combine the Mist Trail and John Muir Trail into a loop. See map. Hours:
What are the rules for a wildlife trail?
Pets, bicycles, and strollers are prohibited. Do not shortcut switchbacks, which causes rapid trail erosion and results in injuries. Keep your food within arm's reach at all times and do not feed the wildlife. Carry out all trash and food waste (fruit peels, shells, etc.).
Why are reroutes in the trail?
This is an extremely popular trail. Due to COVID-19 protocol, re-routes may be in place to practice social distancing.
Is the John Muir Trail accessible?
This trail is not accessible.
How far is the Mist Trail from Yosemite to Nevada Falls?
The round-trip hike to Nevada Falls from Yosemite Valley is 6.4 miles with an elevation gain of around 2,000 feet. The Mist Trail itself consists of 600+ steps. During the winter months, you’ll have to hike both up and down the stairs as the loop via the John Muir Trail will likely be closed due to snow.
How hard is the Mist Trail?
I’m not going to lie, the “hard” rating given by AllTrails to the Mist Trail is accurate. You’re literally just climbing steps or walking up steep rocky trails almost the entire way up.
What to wear and pack for the Mist Trail?
One of the best tips for hiking the Mist Trail in Yosemite is to pack layers including a good rain jacket.
Why do people die on the mist trail?
More people die on the Mist Trail than anywhere else in Yosemite, largely due to people ignoring safety precautions. If you only follow one of these tips for hiking the Mist Trail, it’s this: don’t be that person who steps behind the guard rail for a selfie, wears the wrong footwear and slips, or attempts to get too close to the rushing water.
When is the best time to hike the mist trail?
When’s the best time to hike the Mist Trail? The best time to hike the Mist Trail is when the waterfalls are in full force. So generally, April to June as the snow pack from the mountains melts. In terms of time of day, this is a very crowded trail. When we started around 9:00am on a Monday, it was packed!
Is the mist trail dangerous?
Before you hit the trail, you should be aware that the Mist Trail can be dangerous if you’re not careful. It’s steep and slippery.
Should you go all the way to the top, or stop at Vernal Falls?
Personally, I really enjoyed going all the way to the top. The stairs are definitely the hardest part of the journey. And most people turn around once they get to Vernal Falls. Therefore, the trail up to Nevada Falls is considerably less crowded.
Where to watch the waterfall in Yosemite?
Eminently accessible and popular, the Mist Trail takes hikers through Yosemite National Park to Vernal Fall Bridge, the best place to watch the waterfall.
Can you get wet hiking in the summer?
The first part of the hike is sharp uphill along a rather large path. The second part is quite a lot of stairs. Depending on the weather and amount of water in the waterfall, it is possible to get quite wet on the trail. Keep that in mind if you are hiking during cold weather. In the hot summer, it is a relief!
Is the John Muir Trail one way?
As a result of COVID the trail is currently one way, meaning you must make a loop via either Clark Point or up to Nevada Falls and down the John Muir trail. We elected to do the loop up to Nevada Falls and down John Muir. For us, we found this trail to be challenging but beautiful and worth it.
Water
- Drinking water is available at shuttle stop #16, near the trailhead, and also at the Vernal Fall Footbridge (May to October). This is the only drinking water available along the trail, so carry plenty of water for your hike.
Restrooms
- Restrooms are located at the shuttle stop, near the trailhead. Additionally, restrooms are located at the Vernal Fall footbridge, approximately 1 mile up the trail (May to October). Vault toilets are available beyond the top of Vernal Fall (along the Mist Trail) and at the top of Nevada Fall (along the Mist Trail).
Top of Nevada Fall
- 5.4 miles (8.7 km) round trip (via Mist Trail); 5-6 hours 2,000 feet (610 m) elevation gain You can also take the John Muir Trail to the top of Vernal Fall (via the Clark Point cutoff) and the top of Nevada Fall, or combine the Mist Trail and John Muir Trail into a loop. See map.
Hours
- Year-round, however, the lower portion of the Mist Trail along Vernal Fall closes in winter due to risk of falling ice and rock. Also, the upper portion of the John Muir Trail between Clark Point and the top of Nevada Fall is closed in winter due to treacherously icy conditions. Keep in mind that the sections of trail that remain open in the winter may be very icy and/or snowy. View current c…
Getting Here
- Located at Happy Isles at shuttle stop #16. Follow the signs across the bridge to where the trail begins. There is no parking in the immediate area.
Rules & Regulations
- Stay on the established trail: do not swim or wade in the river and do not walk along the edge of the river.
- Observe warning signs and railings - these exist for your safety.
- Pets, bicycles, and strollers are prohibited.
- Do not shortcut switchbacks, which causes rapid trail erosion and results in injuries.
Hazards & Warnings
- Carry a head lamp (with fresh or extra batteries) in case you end up hiking more slowly or farther then planned and find yourself hiking back in the dark. Sprained ankles and knee injuries are common on this trail. There are many areas of loose rock/decomposed granite, mixed with steep steps, and water, which makes for slippery footing in places. Avoid becoming dehydrated or exp…