How to Complete the Vernal and Nevada Falls Hike in Yosemite

When planning my 3-day trip to Yosemite National Park, I asked several people if there is one hike they would recommend, what would it be. All of them responded with Vernal Falls. Even though it is listed as a strenuous hike, I knew I had to do it. (Strenuous hikes are usually not my forte.) While I was at Vernal Falls, I might as well continue along the Nevada Falls hike. Unfortunately, there was not a lot of accurate information out there on Vernal and Nevada Falls hike, so I am hoping this blog will give you the information you need.

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How Do You Get to the Vernal and Nevada Falls Hike?

Drive to the Curry Village area and follow signs to the trailhead parking near the Happy Isles Nature Center. During normal operating times, the shuttle will take you from the parking area to the Happy Isles Trailhead (Shuttle Stop #16). However, if you are visiting during a time when the shuttle is not in operation, you will have to walk from the parking area to the trailhead. This walk is 0.5 miles each way.

What is the Best Route for the Vernal and Nevada Falls Hike?

When you look at a trail map, you will notice that you walk to a footbridge that crosses Merced River. From this point, the trail looks like a figure 8, so there are a few different routes you can take. However, Yosemite encourages you to take the clockwise loop up the Mist Trail to the top of Nevada Falls and back down the John Muir trail to finish the loop. The Mist Trail consists of over 600 uneven steep granite steps alongside Vernal Falls that are actually easier to climb up than climb down. The John Muir trail is a bit longer than the Mist Trail and consists of several switchbacks.

How Long is the Vernal and Nevada Falls Hike?

Good question. Honestly, I have not yet figured it out exactly. When doing research on the Yosemite website, looking at a Yosemite guidebook, and reading various travel blogs, the trail length is different in every case. Even the signage located on the trail did not add up to the trail length as advertised by the Yosemite trail maps and website. The trail lengths vary from 5.4 miles to 8.8 miles, quite a difference! So I packed enough water for the worst-case scenario and hoped for the best. After analyzing the data on my fitness watch and reading a couple different trail maps, my best guess is that the Vernal and Nevada Falls hike via the Mist Trail/John Muir Loop is 6.5 miles. (You will need to add 1 mile to your total hiking length if you walk from the parking area instead of taking the shuttle.)

This hike from parking lot to parking lot took us around 6 hours to complete. We only stopped for short breaks to catch our breath and to use the restroom. We did not stop for lunch or extended rests. Depending on your fitness level and how many breaks you take, you should allow for 5-7 hours for this hike. The park recommends that you bring a head lamp with you on this hike just in case you are caught on the trail after dark.

When Should You Do the Vernal and Nevada Falls Hike?

The short answer is most anytime! The waterfalls are robust during Spring and Summer when snow is melting. As the snow disappears, the falls become low in late Summer and Fall. Be careful when hiking when the falls are heavy. There is a reason the trail is called the Mist Trail. Spray from the waterfalls coats the stone steps making them extra slippery.

Check current trail conditions to see if the Mist Trail is open especially when traveling during Fall or Winter. Parts of the Mist Trail and John Muir trail may be closed due to icy conditions or routine maintenance. When we were there in October the Mist Trail was closed during weekdays for maintenance but was open on weekends.

Make sure to pack plenty of water and snacks, no matter what time of year you are doing this hike. On a cool October day, I drank 64 ounces of water.

What if I Need to Go to the Restroom on this Hike?

No Problem! This is one of the only hikes I have ever been on that has restroom facilities along the trail. There are three locations you can relieve yourself on the hike to Vernal and Nevada Falls. After you cross the first footbridge, you will find restroom facilities. Additionally, you will find restrooms at the top of Vernal Falls and at the top of Nevada Falls. What a relief!

What to Expect on Your Hike to Vernal and Nevada Falls

To the Vernal Falls Footbridge

After starting at the official trailhead, you will walk approximately 0.8 miles, mostly uphill the entire hike. On the footbridge, you can see large boulders along the riverbed with Vernal Falls off in the distance. This is a popular stopping point, and you will find lots of people picnicking here. Also, do not swim in the river. Currents are strong, and people have lost their lives.

To the Base of the Mist Trail Stairs

Walk another 0.3 miles to get to the base of the steep granite steps along Vernal Falls. When you are standing at the bottom of the stairs, they do not look too intimidating. But shortly after walking them, you will understand why people talk about how difficult this part of the trail is.

On the Mist Trail Steps Beside Vernal Falls

For 0.6 miles, you will walk up over 600 steep, narrow, uneven granite stairs that will have your heart racing. Luckily, you are walking next to Vernal Falls, so you can always claim you need to stop and take pictures of the falls when you need a little break.

At the Top of Vernal Falls

Once you finish the Mist Trail Stairs, marvel at views of the canyon carved by Merced River. Take a break at the top of Vernal Falls. There is plenty of space on open slick rock for you to rest out of the way.

To Emerald Pool

After a very short 0.1 miles from the falls, you will see a small pool. This is Emerald Pool. Shortly after passing Emerald Pool, you will come to another footbridge crossing Merced River.

Cross the Second Footbridge

After another short walk from Emerald Pools, you will reach the second footbridge that crosses the Merced River on this trail. After you cross this bridge, be prepared to start walking steeply uphill again.

To Top of Nevada Falls

Brace yourself, you still have another 1.0 miles of uphill hiking to get to the top of Nevada Falls. This walk involves switchbacks of smaller stone steps than the Mist Trail steps, but that does not mean this part of the hike is easy. You will have views of Nevada Falls for most of this uphill hike.

To the Footbridge over Nevada Falls

As soon as you arrive at the top of the uphill climb, you will turn right for a short 0.3-mile walk to the footbridge that crosses just upriver of Nevada Falls. Here you can walk to the edge of the slick rock and look out over the canyon. Pat yourself on the back, you reached the top!

If you decide to hike back down the Mist Trail instead of taking the John Muir Trail, then now is the time to turn around. I would highly encourage you to walk down the John Muir Trail though even though it is longer. Walking down the steep granite stairs while trying to avoid the droves of people coming up the stairs sound more difficult than it is worth. Plus, you have already walked the Mist Trail. Why not try a new path?

To Clark Point

Begin your downhill trek for 1.2 miles until you reach Clark Point. As you make your way down, make sure to look back for great views of Nevada Falls. When you get to the intersection at Clark Point, turn left to continue down the John Muir Trail. If you turn right, this will cut over to Vernal Falls. When the Mist Trail is closed, this is the path you have to take to see the Vernal Falls.

To the Mist Trail Intersection

Continue another 1.2 miles down a series of 13 switchbacks. Again, turn left at the Mist Trail intersection.

To the Vernal Falls Footbridge

You are getting so close to the end! After turning left at the Mist Trail intersection, you will walk 0.2 miles to reach the Vernal Falls Footbridge. Cross the bridge, and you are in the home stretch now!

To the Trailhead

Walk the last 0.8 miles mostly downhill to where the trail began. Here, you can catch the shuttle to your parking area if the shuttles are operating. If not, you will have to limp the last 0.5 miles back to your car to completely finish your Vernal and Nevada Falls hike.

Trail Highlights

Trailhead – Happy Isles Trailhead (Shuttle Stop #16)
Trail length – 6.5 miles (You will need to add 1 mile in total distance if you have to walk from the parking area.)
Elevation Gain – 2,191 feet
Difficulty – Strenuous
Time Required – 5-7 hours
Route Type – Loop

Safety Tips as Recommended by Yosemite National Park

Stay on established trail. Do not swim or wade in water as unexpected currents have caused deaths.
Carry a head lamp in case you hike slower than expected and find yourself hiking in the dark.
Sprained ankles and knee injuries are common on this trail.
Drink plenty and drink often, rest in the shade, and eat salty snacks. Yosemite recommends 3-4 quarts/liters of water per person.
The Mist Trail granite steps can be slick and crowded.