Outbound Collective logo

Vernal & Nevada Falls via Happy Isles

Yosemite Valley, California

4.6/5
based on 20 reviews

Details

Distance

7.23 miles

Elevation Gain

2815 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Kristina Zhylenkova

Take in unforgettable views of Vernal Falls, Nevada Falls, Liberty Cap, and the back of Half Dome. This hike can be modified: you can hike to the top of Vernal Fall or keep going to the top of Nevada Fall. The best time to visit is spring/early summer when the waterfalls are at their peak flow. 

This popular hike starts near Happy Isles in Yosemite Valley. The first mile of the trail is paved and almost entirely uphill. You will come to the footbridge which tends to be very crowded. About 0.2 miles beyond the footbridge, the Mist Trail and the John Muir Trail diverge. Follow the Mist Trail 0.5 miles up a steep granite stairway of over 600 steps directly to the top of Vernal Fall. Use caution on this part of the trail. The stairs can become dangerously slippery. Prepare for slippery footing and a tremendous amount of waterfall spray, especially in spring and early summer. At the top of Vernal Falls, you can get breathtaking views straight down the 317 foot waterfall.

Here you can either choose to turn around and head back the way you came or you can continue up to the next junction which is about 0.2 miles and take the longer route back via the John Muir Trail or continue uphill on the Mist Trail to the top of Nevada Falls. Continuing along the Mist Trail, you’ll hike another 1.5 miles of steep, rocky switchbacks in order to reach Nevada Fall. At the top of the trail, head right to reach the footbridge that crosses the Merced River above the waterfall.

From this point, you can either return down the Mist Trail, or continue over the bridge to the John Muir Trail for an alternate route back down. If you choose the John Muir Trail, you will enjoy views of Liberty Cap, the back of Half Dome, and a different view of Nevada Falls all in the same frame. The John Muir Trail is longer, about 4 miles one way compared to the Mist Trail, which is 2.5 miles so plan accordingly.

Read More

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app
Download GPX File

Features

Photography
Hiking
Family Friendly
Scenic
Waterfall

Vernal & Nevada Falls via Happy Isles Reviews

If you've never been to Yosemite, the mist trail to vernal and Nevada falls is definitely a must do! Start early to avoid the crowds and get great pictures without people walking up the stairs. It is a climb, but you just gotta take your time and it will all be worth it in the end

Love love love this hike. The waterfalls are gorgeous.

Epic hike. Leave early in the morning to ditch the crowds. I would recommend a rain jacket to stay dry because you will get absolutely drenched. Also maybe a waterproof bag. I would say it’s decently strenuous but you can stop and turn back whenever you want. Although, it’s worth it to go all the way to the top.

Love every moment of it not to bad of Hike

I haven't done too many longer hikes in Yosemite aside from this one so I don't have a lot to compare it to, but I personally thought this hike was amazing and well worth the crowded trail (definitely start early if you want to enjoy the hike up to Nevada Falls). The part of the trail where it's basically rock steps near Vernal Falls was slammed with people when we were there, probably because I stopped too many times to take photos coming up, but it's still worth every minute. Definitely take the JMT on the way down.

I've been hiking this trail since I was 6 years old with my family. Still each year when I visit Yosemite, it's a must-do. Great adventure post, thanks!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Half Dome via the Mist Trail

Thru-Hike the John Muir Trail

Snow Creek Trail

Mirror Lake

Mist Trail to Vernal Falls

Hike to Hidden Falls (aka Tenaya Creek Falls)