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Trek along the Mist Trail to Vernal Falls in Yosemite National Park

Published by Jodi Garner, Writer

Country: United States

The Experience

The waterfalls of Yosemite National Park have a reputation for being some of the most beautiful in California, and possibly the world. The roaring waters of the Yosemite National Park’s five main waterfalls are set against the backdrop of the giant granite mountains of the Yosemite Valley. Vernal Falls is one of Yosemite’s most beautiful and mysterious waterfalls, and one that must not be missed on any trip into the Park.

Vernal Falls has a staggering 317-foot drop before crashing into the large boulders below. The sheer force of this powerful waterfall can be felt within your core as you hike to the falls’ summit. No visit to Vernal Falls would be complete without this hike; although it’s not for the faint of heart.

The trailhead begins near the Happy Isles Nature Center, which can be reached by any of the Yosemite Valley’s many shuttle buses. John Muir Trail starts off soft and gradual, but is soon misleading. The trail winds through the valley’s enormous trees and giant boulders, offering spectacular views along the way. As you continue along this 1.5-mile trail, the slope of the John Muir Trail will steadily increase in some sections, and the angle is more than 50 degrees! With this quick gain in altitude, the views of Yosemite Valley only get better.

The many switchbacks along the John Muir Trail can sometimes be misleading as to how far you have actually travelled. It’s not until you reach the Vernal Falls bridge that you can actually see a partial view of the Yosemite National Park. Standing on this wooden bridge is a great opportunity for some quick snapshots as the water flows fast down this cascade to join the Merced River that flows throughout most of the Yosemite National Park

Once past Vernal Falls the John Muir Trail is renamed The Mist Trail. This is appropriate because for the remainder of the journey, hikers will be covered in a soft yet refreshing mist which continuously comes off the Vernal Falls. This makes the plant life surrounding The Mist Trail beautifully lush, but also makes most of the trail damp. Muddy sections along this trail are not uncommon, and the granite stone becomes slippery under this constant spray. Hikers should use caution.

The Mist Trail soon leaves the forest and creeps along the large polished stones of the surrounding mountains. Hundreds of large stone steps have been cut into the hillside allowing for a safer journey up the falls. During peak season this trail can get quite busy, but don’t spend your whole time looking at your feet as you may miss the many rainbows that grow out of this continuous mist. As you reach closer and closer to the top of the waterfall, the many viewpoints become even more phenomenal, both at the waterfall and of the valley in the background.

Once you reach the top of the Vernal Falls you can breathe a sigh of relief. You have made it up this treacherous trail and the reward stand in front of you. The Yosemite Fall shows its full beauty. Take lots of time to enjoy the calm at the top of Vernal Falls for soon you will have to turn around and make the trek back down, leaving behind you one of the most beautiful spots in Yosemite.

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Puzzle

When to Go to Trek Along The Mist Trail To Vernal Falls

Yosemite National Park is open year round for visitors. Peak season starts in late May and continues on until early October. During this time the trail to Vernal Falls can become quite busy and crowded, but still makes for a great hike, and the mist will keep you cool as you travel along.

Travellers should avoid doing this trail in the winter or colder weather as a thin layer of ice tends to cover most of it, which can make it incredible dangerous. If you do plan on travelling in the winter months, ice-gripping shoes are a great idea, and always travel with a partner.

More Experiences Nearby

Hike the Mist Trail at Yosemite National Park
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 ...0 miles away.

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Books and DVDs

John Muir Trail: The essential guide to hiking America's most famous trail
The Concise Visitor's Guide to Yosemite

Elsewhere on the Web

Day Hikes in Yosemite Valley
The Complete Guide to the John Muir Trail

Media References

Yosemite's back-country hikers have seen the light (newspaper)
Los Angeles Times article: Yosemite's well-appointed High Sierra Camps let backpackers leave the heavy stuff behind, providing meals, tent cabins, toilets and hot showers.

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