The Yosemite Mist Trail is more than just a hike—it’s a rite of passage for anyone visiting the park.
With granite steps carved alongside roaring waterfalls, refreshing mist spraying your face, and panoramic views that only get better the higher you climb, it’s no surprise this is one of Yosemite’s most popular and rewarding trails.
I’ve hiked this trail—from the footbridge to Nevada Fall and looping back through the John Muir Trail—more than a dozen times. Solo, with my husband, while pregnant, and carrying my son. It’s totally doable at all activity levels with the right mindset and preparation.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to hike the Mist Trail safely, confidently, and with joy—from the footbridge to Vernal Fall and all the way to Nevada Fall.
Mist Trail Yosemite Overview
- Trailhead: Happy Isles (Shuttle Stop #16)
- Distance: 3 miles round trip to Vernal Fall | 7 miles round trip to Nevada Fall
- Elevation Gain: ~2,000 ft to Nevada Fall
- Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
- Time Needed: 2–3 hours to Vernal Fall | 4–6 hours round trip to Nevada Fall
- Trail Type: Out-and-back or loop (via John Muir Trail)
Yosemite Mist Trail Sections (What to Expect)
To start you can park at the trailhead parking lot by stop 15. This parking lot fills up fast so get there early. You want to get there early anyway to start your hike to beat the heat and crowds. Or you can take any shuttle to stop 16. Cross the bridge and you’ll see the sign for the entrance of the trailhead.
1. Trailhead to Footbridge (0.8 miles)
This first stretch is paved and steadily uphill with about 500 feet of elevation gain. The Vernal Fall Footbridge offers your first waterfall view and is a great turn-around spot for those short on time or energy. There’s a water fountain and restrooms here—open during spring and summer only.
Tip: This section is doable with sturdy strollers, but the trail becomes stairs shortly beyond the bridge. It’s also a 500-foot calf workout—so if you’re pushing a stroller, congratulations on your unofficial Yosemite quad day!
2. Footbridge to Vernal Fall (1.5 miles total)
The real adventure begins. Steep granite steps (600+ of them!) climb alongside the thundering fall. During spring and early summer, expect to get drenched. Most stairs are narrow and wet—use caution and go slow. There is also railing and spots to rest along your route. Take breaks as needed.
Fun fact: Vernal Fall drops 317 feet and roars at full strength during snowmelt season.
3. Emerald Pool
At the top of Vernal Fall, you’ll find a peaceful resting area—Emerald Pool and the Silver Apron granite slide. Swimming is prohibited due to strong currents, but it’s an awesome spot for a snack and to soak in the view. It’s also a great place to hammock and enjoy the scenery. You might even spot some wildlife (a bobcat or mountain lion). There are also pit toilets here. The last bathroom break you have until Little Yosemite Valley.
4. Nevada Fall (3.5 miles one way)
Continue climbing for a more rugged, less crowded section of trail. Nevada Fall is even taller—594 feet!—and the view from the top is one of the best in Yosemite. f you’re up for the challenge, this extra push is 100% worth it! At the top there’s a pretty bridge, great views, and water to filter. Use caution when playing in the water up top. Depending on the season, the pool may be more full and dangerous. During peak summer, though, it’s a great place to cool off and relax.
Return Option: The John Muir Trail Loop
Instead of backtracking down the slick stairs, many hikers descend via the John Muir Trail, which adds some distance but is easier on the knees and less wet. You’ll get epic views looking back at Nevada Falls and good views of Yosemite Falls. It may be less wet but the sandy switchbacks make the trail slick in a different way.
Tip: If hiking with kids or a baby in a carrier, this route is safer for the descent.
Best Time to Hike the Yosemite Mist Trail
- Spring to Early Summer: Peak waterfall flow, high mist levels (prepare to get wet!)
- Mid to Late Summer: Waterflow slows, stairs dry out
- Fall: Quieter crowds, but reduced flow
- Winter: Stair sections often closed due to ice and snow; check trail conditions. John Muir Trail open year-round
Start early (before 8am) to beat crowds and sun exposure.
Tips for Hiking Mist Trail in Yosemite
- Wear proper shoes: Traction is key—wet granite is slippery
- Bring layers: Mist makes the trail colder than you’d think
- Waterproof gear: Consider a light rain jacket or poncho
- Snacks & water: No services beyond the footbridge
- Camera protection: Keep electronics in a dry bag
- Respect signs & stay on trail: The river and rocks can be dangerous
- Always check the trail conditions. NPS closes the trails sometimes for maintenance. That will totally affect your hiking experience.
Mist Trail With Kids: What You Should Know
Many hikers assume Mist Trail is only for adults or older kids—but that’s not true. With preparation and realistic expectations, families with babies or toddlers can absolutely do this trail.
I’ve been hiking this trail with my son since he was 1 month old. We started with a front-facing carrier. As he got older and heavier, we moved to a hiking backpack, and now he walks a lot of the trail. Don’t let anyone stop you from doing something you love.
Tips for Hiking Mist Trail With a Baby or Toddler
- Use a quality hiking carrier, not a stroller (unless you’re only going to the footbridge)
- Dress them in waterproof layers—they’ll get misted too! From experience, young babies and toddlers usually don’t like getting wet.
- Bring extra snacks, layers, and a towel or blanket for comfort breaks
- Don’t rush—take frequent breaks and use the footbridge or Vernal top as turnarounds if needed
- Consider descending via the John Muir Trail to avoid steep, wet stairs with a little one
For older kids (6–10), the full Yosemite Mist Trail is possible with good supervision and patience. The stairs can be intense, but the adventure of walking next to a waterfall is usually enough to keep them excited.
Bonus: Photography Tips for the Yosemite Mist Trail
This trail is a photographer’s dream—with dramatic water, glowing granite, and misty rainbows.
Best Mist Trail Photo Tips:
- Bring a microfiber cloth to wipe mist off your lens
- Use a waterproof camera bag or dry sack
- Shoot early morning for soft light and fewer crowds
- Use fast shutter speeds to capture misty droplets OR slow shutter for silky water if you bring a tripod
- Capture scale by photographing hikers against the falls
- Use a GoPro or phone if you don’t want to ruin your expensive gear.
If you’re a photographer (or traveling with one), you’ll want to slow down and savor every section.
👉 If you fall in love with the views and want to take a piece of the trail home with you, check out my Etsy shop where I sell prints of Yosemite—including shots from the Mist Trail. Whether you’re drawn to the roaring waterfalls or misty morning light, there’s a piece of this iconic hike waiting for your walls.
Final Thoughts: Why the Yosemite Mist Trail Is Always Worth It
The Yosemite Mist Trail is the one hike I’ll NEVER get tired of.
It’s hard, yes—the elevation gain is a killer. even to the footbridge. but the return on investment is unbeatable. You earn every view, every gust of mist, every thunderous waterfall. Whether you stop at the footbridge or power through to Nevada Fall, you’ll walk away feeling awe-struck.
This is Yosemite at its most alive.
And yes—you can do it with kids.
