My experience hiking the Mist Trail in Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park has no shortage of hiking trails. Some of the most spectacular views I have ever seen came from this valley. With several hiking trails to choose from, one of the most famous and popular is the Mist Trail, and with good reason. The trail includes 2 spectacular waterfalls: Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls. The best time to visit are in the Spring and early Summer when the water is raging. I recommend shoes with good traction as some parts of this hike can get very wet and slippery. Also any waterproof gear will definitely come in handy!

The trailhead starts at Happy Isles. The first section of the hike to Vernal Falls is on a very well-paved path and only a little less than a mile long. Although definitely steep, there are many families and children on the the first part of the hike to see Vernal Falls. Once you reach the Vernal Falls footbridge, you’ll see many people taking a break and taking in the views. This is also a good spot to use the bathroom and fill up your water at the water station if you are planning on continuing the hike up to Nevada Falls.

After this first section, many families and children head back down the trail and don’t continue on. While the next part of the trail is slightly less crowded, this is still one of the most popular Yosemite hikes, so you won't be alone. The next part of the trail includes a granite staircase that takes you alongside of Vernal Falls. This is where you get wet. I had to put my phone and my camera in my waterproof backpack. (This is where a GoPro could come in handy!) The falls were pouring on us! But in 95 degree weather, this felt amazing. This was one of my favorite parts of the hike; getting drenched as we walked alongside one of the most beautiful waterfalls.