Follow the Mist Trail to Vernal Falls as outlined in my Mist Trail to Vernal Falls tip. Beyond Vernal Falls, the trail levels out and offers great shots of Emerald Pool and Silver Apron. DO NOT SWIM IN THE RIVER!! Many people are swept over the falls every year. The trail crosses the river and soon starts another steep climb up several rocky switchbacks, along the base of soaring Liberty Cap. Watch your step here, as loose gravel can make footing tricky. At the top of the switchbacks, the trail splits. Head left for a set of restrooms and also to hike to Little Yosemite Valley or to the top of Half Dome or Clouds Rest. Go right to reach the brink of the Nevada Falls. Return the way you came, but be very careful! An easier way down is by way of the John Muir trail. You won't get wet this way either.

They don't call this the Mist Trail for nothing. During spring runoff, be sure to bring either your bathing suit or rain gear, because you will get soaked! If you don't want to get wet and are happy with a distant view, hike the moderately steep route to the Vernal Falls bridge. Along this route you will get an impressive view of Illouette Falls, hidden deep in a slot canyon across the river from the trail. There is no trail to the base of this fall although you can get to the top from the Panorama Trail. If you're brave, continue on from the bridge! After rounding a bend, the spray hits you and stays on through most of the 300+ steps you have to climb to the top of Vernal Falls. This trail is the most popular trail in the park, so you will have plenty of company!

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.

The trail starts at the Happy Isles shuttle bus stop, with a gradual uphill walk into a narrowing canyon along the Merced River. About a quarter-mile in, there’s a second canyon that opens up to the south. We’re told that Illouette Falls can be seen at the far end, but it was dry when we hiked. It’s a 0.75-mile walk to the footbridge over the Merced River, which offers a great first view of Vernal Falls. Many people use this as a turn-around point, and many also appreciate the water fountain and restrooms on the far side of the bridge.

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.

This is a strenuous hike about 7 miles long (includes Vernal Falls hike). It will take about 5 to 6 hours.

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.