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by Moira126
Mays Landing, New Jersey
February 28, 2010
From journal Yosemite! Such Beauty!
by Wasatch Rebel
Salt Lake City, Utah
January 3, 2010
by Ischyros
Mishawaka, Indiana
November 26, 2005
From journal Heaven on Earth
by StephCat
Redondo Beach, California
March 20, 2005
With all the rain we’d had recently this spring (2005), I had trepidation regarding the potential conditions in Yosemite. Not to worry – we had the warmest trip yet this past weekend, and the roads were totally clear, with no ice or snow. Instead we got brilliant, clear skies, snow-kissed cliffs, and balmy temperatures.
Friday afternoon, we parked at the trailhead parking past Curry Village and walked to Happy Isles. We were able to hike the Mist Trail this time, heading up past Vernal Falls to the bridge below Nevada Falls, then up to Clark Point (net elevation gain about 1,500 feet) and down the John Muir Trail. As gorgeous as it is being close to Vernal Falls on the steep stairs just adjacent, the prettiest view was from the ‘official’ viewpoint just off the trail to Clark Point – you could see Vernal Falls spilling over the edge and down, from a bird’s eye view. A couple other hikers came by after we’d scrambled back up to the main trail, and I couldn’t help but tell them, "Check it out, it’s so gorgeous." Their (snidely voiced) retort? They’d come up the Mist Trail and had already seen Vernal Falls. Their loss!
On the way down, we hit some snow packs occluding the trail. I was not thrilled (my fear of falling kicking in), but we managed to get across them.
From journal Yosemite in the Spring
by Foxboro Marmot
Foxboro, Massachusetts
January 17, 2005
Cross the bridge and continue up the Mist Trail. It’s another 0.75-mile from the bridge to the top of the falls. Things quickly get steeper. We understand that the trail is aptly named—during much of the year, there’s a mist in the air, making both visibility and footing difficult. Again, in early October, the river and falls were very tame, so we didn’t have any mist-related issues.
The National Parks people say there are 600 steep stone steps to the top of the falls—but who’s counting? We can’t imagine how treacherous the climb up the ledges and granite steps would be if they were slick with moisture. Some spots were dangerous and slippery from a fine coating of dust! At the end of the steepest stretch, the trail turns left toward the top of the falls along a narrow ledge, protected by a handrail (thankfully).
At the top of Vernal Falls, there’s a railing so you can get right to the edge. There’s something hypnotic about standing there, watching the river hurtle over the edge. Take a short walk upstream to see Emerald Pool, where the river collects and settles before careening madly off the cliff, and Silver Apron, a flat rock slope where the river spreads out and slides into the pool.
If you’re feeling up to it, continue on to Nevada Falls, another mile or so up the trail.
From journal Yosemite - It's Spectacular!
by smokeysf
San Francisco, California
September 30, 2004
It is a great place to take in the miracle of nature.
The steps are slippery and wet, but there is a cable to hold on to. Not for the out-of-shape person, but if you are in good shape and have a good fitting, you will be ok.
From journal Yosemite National Park
Beautiful when the falls are performing at their greatest (spring).
Steep, paved trail. Approximately 500 granite steps to the top of Vernal falls. A wonderful, awesome hike. Continue on to Nevada Falls