/tags/yosemite.rss en-us The Mist Trail, which takes you to the top of not one, but two waterfalls, is one of the most spectacular day hikes at Yosemite National Park in California. The day begins at Yosemite's Curry Village, where a park shuttle picks you up and deposits you at the Happy Isles trailhead. From this point, you will follow a gently rising trail for about a mile. This section of the hike, called the John Muir Trail, is easy and usually crowded. You first sight Vernal Falls from the footbridge which crosses the Merced River. At 317 feet tall, Vernal Falls is truly spectacular. Take the time to snap a few pictures from the bridge, then continue on your way. This second leg of the hike is where the Mist Trail gets its name. As you continue up steep steps carved into granite, prepare to be drenched by mist from the powerful waterfall. But rewards await at the top of the Falls. As you dry off, contemplate the amazing view, and allow yourself to be lulled by the tranquility of the Emerald Pool. The Emerald Pool is a large, tranquil pond just upstream from the sheer drop-off of Vernal Falls. It has surprised many waders who thought its waters safe, only to be caught by the powerful current, so take heed of the "No Swimming" signs and keep your feet on land. Cross back over the Merced River and follow through the woods a bit to get your first view of Nevada Falls. Here, churning water falls 594 feet to crash on the granite boulders below. As you begin your steep ascent to the top of those nearly 600 feet, keep in mind that the strenuous workout is worth it. When you finally emerge at the top of the Nevada Falls, you will find a paradisiacal view of Yosemite Valley stretching out before you in a vast panorama. You will also be able to catch sight of Half Dome, and the hikers who dot its face. Because many are unable to complete the climb to the top of Nevada Falls, the crowds will be thinner than at Vernal Falls, and you will have the opportunity to really lose yourself in the breathtaking views that Yosemite National Park is famous for. The descent is relaxing, although long, as the John Muir Trail takes you down the other side of the falls and through a series of switchbacks to return to the footbridge at the bottom of Vernal Falls. Take your time, enjoy the quiet of the trail away from the thundering water of the Falls, and remember that you have climbed more than 900 feet today to experience Yosemite National Park the way it was meant to be experienced. Thu, 12 Aug 2010 02:20:26 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/hike-mist-trail http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/hike-mist-trail