The Mist Trail is one of Yosemite National Park’s most iconic hikes, delivering a raw, elemental encounter with Yosemite’s waterfalls that is as thrilling as it is demanding. Starting near Happy Isles in Yosemite Valley, this 7-mile round-trip journey pushes you through a changing landscape where rushing waters dare you to get closer and granite cliffs rise fiercely at every turn.

Your adventure begins on a well-marked trail that threads through fragrant pine and fir forests. Early on, the Merced River calls with its lively currents pushing forward beneath footbridges, setting a brisk pace. As you climb, the trail narrows and steepens; the terrain shifts to slippery granite steps, slick with spray from Vernal Fall’s thunderous descent. This is a moment to respect the waterfall’s force—while exhilarating, caution is key as the rocks are slick beneath your boots.

Reaching the Vernal Fall footbridge offers a panoramic prize: the falls unleash energy you can almost feel pulsing through your bones. From here, the Mist Trail challenges you further with a steady climb alongside the cascading waters, pushing your legs and lung capacity uphill. Along the way, clouds of mist hug the trail, cooling and soaking you—prepare accordingly with waterproof layers or quick-drying gear.

At Nevada Fall, the landscape opens wider, revealing sweeping vistas of the valley below and the granite expanses beyond. The trail here is less steep but still requires focus—this section tests stamina as much as it rewards with scenery.

Practicalities shape this experience: the total elevation gain is roughly 2,000 feet, covering terrain from packed earth to steep granite. Expect 3 to 4 hours for the round trip at a steady pace. Start early to avoid midday heat or afternoon crowds, carry at least 2 liters of water, and dress in layers. Footwear with reliable grip is essential due to wet, uneven steps.

This hike offers not just a physical challenge but a conversation with nature that demands attention and respect. The waterfalls aren’t just sights to see—they’re forces, fiercely themselves, inviting you to join their course, if only briefly. Mist Trail is an unfiltered slice of Yosemite’s wild heart, rewarding those prepared for its rugged honesty.