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Yosemite
Hikes, restaurants, viewpoints, etc in Yosemite National Park
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Yosemite the Beautiful
If you love the great outdoors then Yosemite has to be in your must places to visit!
Vernal Falls at Yosemite National Park
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
43 reviews for Vernal Falls at Yosemite National Park
43 reviews in English
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Review from April B.
1/7/2012 8 photos
STUNNING!!
We took Mist Trail on the way to Half Dome and I'm so glad we did! We got to see this amazing fall! I went in August and it was about 6:30am ish when we got to the top of Vernal Falls. So it was pretty cold, but I was still able to capture the BEST pictures!!
Mist Trail is very dangerous and people have died on this trail! Make sure you're prepared and have all the necessary items for an intense hike! There are no railings so if you don't watch where you're going you can fall. If you act smart and prepare for this hike this can be the best experience of your life. I can definitely say I'll never forget this part of my trip!
Make sure you train too! This hike is not for everyone. You'll experience the stairmaster from HELL! -
Review from Adrienne H.
Palo Alto, CA
10/2/2011 2 photos
We did this hike to the Vernal Falls Footbridge the first weekend of October. Although there are lots of great things about going to Yosemite in late summer/early fall (fewer crowds, perfect hiking weather), one big drawback is that the waterfalls are not nearly as impressive as they are in the late spring and early summer (or so I'm told, this was my first trip). However, Vernal Falls is one of the ones that flows year-round and we did want to see some waterfalls, so we did this hike. It was nice, but not spectacular, especially after seeing panoramic views of the valley from Glacier Point the previous day. Compared to that hike (4-mile trail) I felt like it was almost as strenuous with less reward. It was a short hike but also a tough one. Although it was a paved path, it was very steep - I'd say Mission Peak steep for those who are familiar with the Bay Area. Granted, we didn't go all the way to the top of the waterfall, and that might have been much better, but the view from the footbridge in October was only ok. While I can't fault the waterfall for not being spectacular at the end of the season, there are ways to see waterfalls in the park for WAY less effort (Lower Yosemite Falls is a flat 0.5 mile walk to the viewing area). And if I were going to put in that effort again, I'd do an all-day waterfall hike like Upper Yosemite Falls. You do get closer to the falls here than other places, though. I guess I just don't really see the allure of a short, strenuous hike unless the view is spectacular. I prefer short, easy walks and long, strenuous hikes. If I came back in the early summer I might do the hike all the way to the top of Vernal Falls, but the view from the footbridge in October was definitely underwhelming.
Its a 1-mile+ walk from Curry Village, or take the shuttle to Stop #16 and then a quick walk.Listed in: Natural Wonders, Yosemite
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Review from Cyndi G.
9/26/2011
This hike is a must-do. Yes, it gets crowded but there is a reason everyone flocks to the Mist Trail, which leads to Vernal Falls - the scene is absolutely gorgeous at every point.
You can do a short hike to the Vernal Falls Footbridge and gawk at the waterfall from afar or continue up the steep, slippery steps for an up-close encounter with the waterfall. The top of Vernal Falls is the perfect place spot for lunch but be careful, the chipmunks are bold as they will come right up to you and steal your food when you're not paying attention.
Follow the Mist Trail and continue up to the top of Nevada Fall. I believe it's another 1.5 miles with an additional elevation gain of 900 ft. I found this section of the trail to be more challenging than the way up to Vernal Falls. It involves more switchbacks with steep and slippery steps. When you reach the top of Nevada Fall, you're in Little Yosemite Valley, which is also a campground. I think most people intending to hike Half Dome camp here in order to get a really early start for the hike up Half Dome since the trail continues up that way.
To the right, is the drop off for Nevada Fall and the overlook. Also, the massive granite dome next to the waterfall is Liberty Cap. The Merced River runs through Little Yosemite Valley, drains through Nevada and Vernal Falls and drops into the Yosemite Valley. The view at the top is a magnificent sight to behold and worth the effort going up.
This is by far one of the most beautiful hikes I've trekked. It's too bad we didn't get to stay longer to enjoy the scenery because as soon as we reached the top, the thunderstorm came in. Our group, along with many others, were caught in the thunderstorm on the way down and it was downright frightening. Thankfully, we all made it down safely but if there is impending rain or t-storms, take every precaution to not get caught in it.
I am amazed by the beauty of Yosemite every time I visit. -
Review from Donna H.
7/18/2011
It's the middle of the night. Honeybadger don't care, honeybadger has her own headlamp.
Face is drenched, and legs are about to give way, honeybadger don't care, honeybadger aint gonna die.
Tripped and fell.. got bruises and gnarly cut. honeybadger don't care, honeybadger will get right back up and continue up the stupid slippery stairs.
Eww, honeybadger held on to each rock, got her jacket covered in wet dirt, probably touched bugs...
honeybadger don't care.
Maybe next time I can do the hike during the day and enjoy the views, instead of fearing for my life. I'd rather take it slow then rush up again. -
Review from Ami T.
9/6/2011 7 photos
We were in Yosemite for 3 days in August. We had a long hike planned for our second day but did not have much planned for our first day there. So after eating lunch at Yosemite Village, we headed over to the visitor center and asked a park ranger to recommend a scenic hike that was not going to take too long (because by that time it was already past 2pm). We told her we wanted to see a waterfall. She asked if we were in good shape and felt comfortable climbing up stairs. We answered, sure! And this was her recommendation. I am SO glad we went in and asked! This was a very beautiful, unique, awesome hike.
We took the shuttle to "Happy Isle" stop and took the mist trail from there. It is an easy hike up to the bridge (forget the name of it). Some people get satisfied with the view of the Vernal falls from this bridge, but do not stop here. If you have good shoes on and are willing to climb up the stairs, definitely continue on to the top of the falls. I think the best part of this trail is where you get so close to the waterfall that you get splashed with water (hence the name "mist trail"). It feels so good, especially when you are sweating your butt off climbing up those stairs!! The view from the top is ok, but I really enjoyed that misty part of the trail. It was so cool to see the waterfall up close, and the rainbow was an added surprise!
It is a leisurely hike up to the bridge, so it probably doesn't matter too much what you wear, but after the bridge, it turns into more of a serious hike, so do NOT show up in sandals or street sneakers such as Puma or Converse. The stairs are pretty slippery, so it is not safe! If you have hiking shoes/boots, they would be your best bet. If you don't own a pair, running shoes should be ok, but be careful. We saw a few people slip and fall (thank god nobody really got hurt). Also, avoid wearing jeans! There is nothing more uncomfortable than jeans sticking to your skin when you are hiking, especially in summer time. I don't know why so many people show up to national parks in skinny jeans......... One thing I noticed on this trip is that Yosemite is so famous that it does attract a bunch of clueless outdoor amateurs (I am no pro, but hey I have common sense!). -
Review from Lei B.
6/7/2011 10 photos
Date of hike: 5.31.2011
So after our disappointment at the Four Mile Trail (http://www.yelp.com/bi...) we came here for an "easier" trail that had less mileage. We were kind of avoiding this trail because this is the start of the Half Dome trail and we didn't want to just be teased of the thought of Half Dome. However I'm glad we had a little taste of the difficulty of the Half Dome trail.
To get to the bridge is about 0.8mi, this is where we initially said we were going to stop. Just getting to the bridge is nothing but incline again, I saw more than a dozen people stopping to the side huffing and puffing. By this time I was exhausted from the hike the day before AND the hike in the morning but I pushed myself and got to the bridge. Some of my friends and I decided to go to the top of Vernal Fall, just a "measly" 0.7mi more.
Just a warning, you will get wet! Make sure you bring a light waterproof jacket or poncho unless you don't mind getting wet. Also be very careful because the steps are pretty slippery and there could be lots of traffic.
My friend and I ended up turning back just right beside the falls, maybe only 0.4 mi left. We were both super tired and there was just too many people around.
This is a MUST place to visit when you're in Yosemite. If you're a beginner hiker, it's ok to stop at the bridge or at the bottom of the falls before the steps. No one will judge you.Listed in: Pumpin' Up, Yosemite the Beautiful
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Review from Stacy K.
Las Vegas, NV
11/26/2011
Just breathtaking. Unfortunately I was with a tour group with a bunch of older people so hiking to the top was out of the question. But via the Mist Trail, it was still a great view. The trail can be a little strenuous, but there's a reason why this place averages 5-star reviews. Went there on Black Friday morning, and I heard from the tour guide that the waters are heaviest during the warmer seasons. Nonetheless, it's a must see when in Yosemite!!!
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Review from Eric G.
Mountain View, CA
8/29/2011 6 photos
Yosemite is filled with icons revered around the world: Half Dome, El Capitan, Yosemite Falls and so much more. Yet, I haven't gone in decades because I've been deterred by the seemingly omnipresent and crushing crowds. This year, we decided to go despite the crowds because the huge runoff meant the waterfalls were running especially high.
We parked at Curry Village, took the shuttle to the Mist Trail trailhead, and hiked up the Mist Trail to the top of Vernal Falls. The Mist Trail is noteworthy on three fronts. First, the trail is beautiful, especially as it goes into the splash zone and then to the fall's top with its emerald pools. Second, the trail was PACKED with people. At some narrow junctures, we had to wait for traffic going in the opposite direction. Third, it is dangerous! We went right after 3 people went over Vernal Falls to their death, and more people have died since. Some of those folks made riskier choices than we did, but the trail is very steep and very slippery.
Remarkably, both kids handled the trail fine. My eight year old son Jacob is a bit of a mountain goat, so I wasn't worried about him, but my five year old daughter Dina likes the concept of hiking more than she likes the reality. My wife found a way to motivate Dina, however, by promising an ice cream cone back at Curry Village if she got to the top without complaining much. Dina got to the top, didn't complain much, and got her earned treat. Everyone won!
We went on a Monday, and Yosemite was still quite crowded. It was unquestionably better than going on a weekend or holiday, but the off-season is a better time to visit. -
Review from Fatty A.
San Francisco, CA
10/29/2011
Its called a falls versus a fall cuz it hits rock before landing in the pool of agua before. you are smerter now.
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Review from Laura C.
5/20/2011
Spectacular views. However a never ending uphill hike with rewarding views along the way. Bring a good rain or windbreaker.
The boyfriend proposed to me up here. Nuff said. -
Review from Sarah N.
San Francisco, CA
10/17/2011
Beautiful hike up to Half Dome. Even if you don't go all the way to the dome. hop on this trail and head up to the falls. It's a fine place to stop and picnic. Really beautiful area of the world - should be on your bucket list.
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Review from Greg G.
8/28/2011
I think honestly this is my favorite waterfall hike in the valley. You can crawl out on to the rocks under the falls. Some with a love for icy cold water can even swim at the bottom of the falls. Heck if you are like I just want to get to the top, there are stairs! Lots of them ... At the top depending on how early in the season you go, you can either get drenched or misted on by the water coming off of parts of the trail. I advise earlier in the season (wetter but at the same time more active stuff going on). Yeah this trail is popular but it fizzles out past a certain point because ... well the stairs get to people I guess :(
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Review from Tom C.
8/8/2011
Its absolutely breathtaking how much water is still flowing in late July. As you're on the Mist trail (with 500 of your friends on the wet, slippery, steep steps), the falls sounds like a jet engine. The roar of that much water combined with the rainbows created by the mist is a pretty cool place to be. Hint: The mist trail is super crowded on the way up. I found it much easier and less crowded to go onto Nevada Falls and take the John Muir trail back rather than the Mist trail. Its a bit more in length but gradual descent, and sweet views that you don't get with the Mist trail.
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Review from gene d.
Irvine, CA
8/11/2010
Getting to the top is well worth the hike (more so than to the Top of Yosemite). You can relax and soak in the views of the Emerald Pool and even catch one or two bone heads sliding down the Silver Apron (the granite embankment that runs along the Emerald Pool).
The Mist Trail itself is a great experience, but I do agree that there are tons of people. What's worse are the very impatient, rude, and potentially dangerous teenagers who run up and down the slippery steps as if there is a race.
Notes:
I made the mistake by stopping at the Top of Vernal Falls. If you can make it to Vernal Falls, take the time to continue up John Muirs trail towards the top of Nevada Falls. I was told that it was only 45 minutes away and was more breath taking than Vernal.
Oh, and if you have young teenage girls, be warned: Euro males sun bathing in dark boxer briefs were everywhere. Not a fun sight to see. -
Review from Richard K.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
9/29/2010 3 photos
This is a beautiful hike that is part of the Mist trail. The first part to the bridge is a steady incline on a paved path. At the bridge, you will get your first breathtaking view of the waterfall.
After the bridge, the incline gets pretty steep and you will get a good work out. It is beyond me how moms and dads have those babies strapped to their bodies. Kudos to them. The stone carved stairs is jagged and very steep. Along the way there will be many more kodak moments.
At the top, one must just stop and say 'wow'. Soon thereafter, you will realize, it is crowded there so do your goofy pictures hanging over the waterfall and head to the lake up there. This area is a nice place to eat lunch. I want to slide down that slab of rock above the lake. Next time, next time.
I suggest keep going up to Nevada Falls, which is just a little over a mile up along the Mist trail. I did this by myself and the path narrows big time with no railing. There were times I was crawling because I did not want to fall to a gruesome death. I would not go past Vernal Falls with kids. Once you up there, you will see the back side of half dome and a great view down. It is awesome up there and even better in late November (a little chilly) when you have no one around you and it just oneself and nature.
An experience everyone needs to have is Yosemite and the Mist Trail.Listed in: California Nature, Yosemite is Heaven
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Review from eileen h.
7/27/2010
Came to hike the Half Dome with friends the other weekend and we decided to take a different trail down. The Misty Fall Trail goes along the edge of Vernal Falls. It's one of Yosemite's more famous trails so it tends to get really crowded.
Be careful of the slippery steps and the be prepared for the amount of water that will get on you. The water was surprisingly salty, but it felt really good on that hot day.
The view is amazing! It's rare to get that up close with a waterfall. It's definitely a great place to take pictures. -
Review from Julia H.
Milpitas, CA
7/1/2010
We came to Yosemite to do Vernal Falls since I adore waterfalls and the BF wanted me to do get some training and do parts of the Half Dome trail.
Getting here was easy. We hopped onto the hybrid bus from Curry Village (Stop #14) and headed to #16 for the Misty Trail.
Vernal Falls tends to be a bit crowded so you will be hiking up with people pushing baby buggies, families, or people are there to take pictures. Like me. :D
You first head up a dirt path until you reach the official trailhead which starts out as a paved path. And it goes up. The gradient increases until you reach the bridge.
It's a great view and there's a bathroom nearby. All that running water gives off that subliminal message to your body! There's a small sink where you can rinse your hands or use the fountain to take a sip of icy cold water. The heat from the bus stop doesn't go up to the bridge and it's a refreshing place to eat a quick snack or take a moment to rest.
Then it's upwards and onwards by the side of the river. As we then reach the stone stair case, you'll go up to the point where the mist from the waterfall starts coating your skin. This is when you pull out your handy dandy $1 poncho and put it on. Then get ready to get WET!!!
I steadily climbed the staircase with one hand holding on to the poncho's hood so it doesn't fly off my head and the other just touching the rocks. It was an exhausting but exhilarating hike up the stairs as the Vernal Falls was completely full and gushing with ice melt.
Once I made it to the top, it was like a different scene! People lounging everywhere and drying off or taking pictures right by the edge of the waterfall. We took some pictures and then found a spot to eat our lunch. It was refreshing and breathtaking all at once.
I even laid out in the sun for a quick nap.
There's another pit toilet nearby in case you need to go.
Afterward, we took the John Muir Trail back down to the valley floor, which was full of switch backs but an easier descent.
It was an amazing experience and I totally want to go again! We went the second week of June and it was absolutely perfect! Especially with such a late winter, the waterfalls were nice and full. Best time to go!Listed in: The Great Outdoors
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Review from Phung D.
Rosemead, CA
8/13/2010 4 photos
- 3 Miles hike total
- It's a MUST SEE/HIKE!!!
- It will be worth it once you get up to the top
- Park in Curry Village, and the shuttle will take you to the trail
- When you get to the bridge, you're half way there
- When you have to climb the stairs, you're ALMOST there
- It does get slippery as you climb up the stairs so be extra careful
- The view is BREATHTAKING only because those stair were so tiring. Nah, it's really gorgeous once you get up there. The hike wasn't too bad but since I get motion sickness, I had to stop here and there to cool down. The water was REALLY STRONG during May so it felt like it was raining as you get closer to the top.
- Once you get close to the top, it takes only another 1.6m to Nevada Falls. -
Review from Pamela M.
8/23/2010
Come early and come often....I came when the falls weren't very big and it was still a spectacular sight with plenty of photographic opportunities. The hike is fairly easy for people who do a lot of hiking, but the last set of staircases to the top of the falls were giving some people issues. I lent my hiking poles to a nice older lady who was determined to make it up, and she did!
Two tips: take hiking poles if you have knee issues, you won't really need them on the way up, but they will save your knees on the way down. Pack a lunch with you, with the abundance of spots to sun yourself on the top of the falls, you'll want to fuel up and rest for more hiking. -
Review from Tom D.
Laguna Hills, CA
8/8/2011
Hiking to the top of Vernal Falls with my wife and boys (age 4 and 7) was a wonderfully life-altering experience.
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Review from Lolia S.
San Francisco, CA
9/1/2008
It is possible to get to the top of Vernal Falls without wearing athletic or hiking shoes. On my first attempt to get to the top, I wore my flip flops (Havaianas). I can walk for hours in these, so I didn't think it would be a problem. It was fine at first but as you get closer to the top, there's an area where the rocks are very slippery. If you've ever worn rubber flip flops in the rain and walked on a slick sidewalk, you know that they have no traction.
I wore a pair of wedge espadrilles with wrap-around ribbon ties the next time. I made it to the top! On my way up, I received multiple compliments on my shoes. It's fun to be impractical but don't wear nice shoes because they will get muddy.
The steps become quite steep too and it's always crowded, but if you need to pause, there's usually a place to do so (like the rocks on the side). Having so many people behind you raises the anxiety level though. Once you reach the top it's nice to look over the waterfall and rest for a bit.Listed in: The Great Outdoors, Yosemite National Park
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Review from maninderpal m.
Union City, CA
7/14/2011
Great easy hike to see a beautiful waterfall and if you have a little bit of energy, you can get super close. I have hiked up to the top of Vernal Falls about 12 times now with various groups of people, I've gone with kids as young as 3-4 and with adults 70 years old, so all types of people can do it. If you feel tired, stop and take breaks, I personally think the hike to the bridge is harder then going up to the mist trail to the top of the falls. Expect a big crowd on weekends and on top of the waterfalls, but spend some time up there, it's beautiful, you can also go a little further up and there is another bridge and you can view Nevada Falls. Simply put this a doable hike for all people and should be a must do if you're in Yosemite.
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Review from Ayelet I.
Los Angeles, CA
4/4/2008
There are some reviews you write just for yourself. Because you know they are too honest and nobody else is going to care anyway. Like with Disneyland, Griffith Park or the Staples Center, where reviews are written despite the fact that nobody ever references them when they go-they just figure it out as they do and they don't care about people's personal anecdotes, such is this review. Well here come the anecdotes, so move along folks.
I wasn't looking forward to this hike. I am not athletic. God ensured this when he gave me flat feet, a small hole in my heart and weak lungs that allowed obese classmates to pass me by when we were running the mile in middle school. So anything that requires stamina and strength is automatically something that I know will require I show my weaknesses, which I am loathe to do. Well, minutes into the ascent up the trail to the Falls bridge I was gasping for air. Crap. I wanted to give up. I wanted to go back down and wait for the shuttle to take me to Mirror Lake and its equally placid walking path.
But Mark wasn't letting it happen. It would have been so easy if he'd just been an asshole and been impatient with my frequent stops to catch my breath or crankiness at not wanting to do this. But he wasn't. He just kept offering me water, telling me we could take it slow as I tried to rush off up the steep trail to bely my weakness, and taking my hand to show he was supportive of my efforts. Shockingly enough to me, we made it, and what a view. Suddenly it was worth it, seeing the tons and tons of water rushing down Vernal Falls and crashing onto the rocks below. It was amazing.
The hike back down was thankfully easy, and when a woman passing up asked, "is it worth the struggle?" it was an honest yes that came as the reply, even though to appreciate it required I 'fess up to my weakness rather than just be upset it might be exposed and call it quits before it could be. For anyone who's willing to work a little to get something wonderful back this is a hike to make time for. -
Review from Mariko F.
10/6/2008
A fantastic, fantastic walk. And the steps aren't that bad... You are distracted by an amazing view and there are lots of places to stop and catch your breath. But the view of the waterfalls from all the different angles is amazing. From below, level, above, and if you go back towards Yosemite Village via the John Muir trail, you get to see the waterfall from way above, which is a bit terrifying.
The squirrels are overly friendly. I had one basically sniff my fingers as I bent down to take a picture of it.
But seriously, what an amazing walk. -
Review from Huana P.
Santa Monica, CA
10/23/2007
The Mist Trail leading to Vernal Falls is an excellent hike for those who are in decent shape. Meaning, those people who can walk for a long time and can get onto their hands and knees and climb up steep granite steps if they are afraid of heights.
I did this hike with my Mom and we're not die-hard hikers like everybody else seems to be at Yosemite. While everybody else had walking sticks, Columbia/North Face jackets, camelbacks and actual hiking boots, we just had layers of normal clothing, running shoes and an eager anticipation to get to the top of Vernal Falls!
Take the free Hybrid Yosemite shuttle to stop 16, Happy Isles. Currently there is a detour which has you start on a different trail (?John Muir trail?), then somehow it gets back onto the Mist Trail, and then you take the Mist Trail all the way to the top of Vernal Falls.
The elevation is 1000 ft, so be ready for lots of heart pounding if you tend to do your hikes fast. Bring water and high-energy food too (like almonds!). The trail is really beautiful. Out of all the trails (for beginners) at Yosemite, I would choose this one as the best. You get on the soft soil of this path and see the beautiful changing colors of the fall, and then you walk past creeks and granite boulders....and the whole time you hear the water from the Fall. It's a very very very nice trail!
Once you get to the base of Vernal Falls, that's when the trail turns from easy to moderate. There are STEEP granite steps which lead to the top of Vernal Falls. I hear that these steps get very slippery in the spring/summer since the Fall is much larger during that season. If you're afraid of heights like me, then go slowly and CLING to the cliff. That's what I suggest. And DO NOT look down otherwise you might throw up and start cursing your decision to even go on this trail. The nice thing about the last 40 feet is that there are lead pipe railings to help you make your way up.
Once you make it up those steep granite steps, YAY! you're at the top of Vernal Falls. Here there's a large amount of space to eat, drink water and recoop. If you want, you can keep going up another 900 ft in elevation to Nevada Falls, but for us, we called it a day and decided to head back down.
Heading down those granite steps can be tricky. One wrong move can throw off your center of gravity, and boy it might not be so pretty heading down Vernal Falls. Hmm.
The way down is hard on the knees, but it's worth it. Mist Trail/Vernal Falls is an amazing way to spend the morning. We went comfortably slow and it took us 3 hrs roundtrip. Others probably could do it in 2 hrs. Totally worth it (even if you're afraid of heights)! -
Review from Sarah P.
Bend, OR
2/17/2011
Seriously people, this hike is just awesome. If you only have time to do ONE thing in the Valley (and let's hope you can do more), do THIS. It's just unbelievable. I love EVERYTHING about Yosemite, but this hike gets me totally fired up. I even dragged my parents up it and they liked it! It's a tough hike for a beginning hiker (like my mom), but just take lots of breaks, bring water and a snack and be prepared to breathe hard!
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Review from Yee Gan O.
5/27/2009
From the high vantage point of Glacier Point, you can make out the dual system of Vernal and Navada Falls and with magnification, you can see the bridge just below Vernal. This inspired me and my friend to hike up to Vernal Falls.
A quick ride on the free shuttle system delivered us to the well signposted start to Vernal Falls. The climb up is a well maintained path with a wall but be warned that it is a steady uphill gradient for most of the way. You are compensated by some gorgeous views along the way. The first reward is the bridge crossing the river just below Vernal Falls - some good pictures. Then you see Vernal Falls, which is amazing in spring. The spray from the cascading water invariably makes rainbows. There is a stone stair system which runs beside the waterfall and is fun but can get wet and the view can get vertiginous. There's an alternative route round the back.
I would class this as an easier medium climb but you get great views and a sense of achievement when you reach it. -
Review from qirk z.
Los Gatos, CA
6/10/2010 1 photo
It's a hike to get to the bridge at the first main reststop near the fall.
The view up and the view down is spectacular.
This hike can get crowded, and the bridge reststop gets more so.
You'll see some squirrels watching you watch them. -
Review from Jonathan Y.
Irvine, CA
11/4/2009
This is a great hike, it's not that hard, it's alongside a huge waterfall, and once you reach the top there's a fantastic soaring view that opens up into a roaring waterfall cascading right in between two valleys. You have so many scenic moments, this is a great place for first timers and just to go with friends. Plenty of picnic spots at the top, and squirrels have no fear. If you feed them they will like you but I think if you spend the night they would all eat you alive. All in all a great time, easy hike..
..UNLESS you come at the beginning of the season...which is the end of the spring "rainy" season, which is a different kind of fun. Instead of ambling up the side of a beautiful waterfall on carved granite steps, you're fighting your way along a roaring beast, trying not to slip too hard on the slick wet rocks, with a torrent of rain thrashing you from above AND from the side because the crazy wind is blowing the waterfall's mist right towards you. You will definitely get drenched, but if you work together and make it to the top...it's dry and suddenly you can see again. Absolutely amazing fun. You're like Indiana Jones!Listed in: "Fortune and Glory, kid.…
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Review from Anna Veronica V.
San Diego, CA
7/20/2009 2 photos
It was 2pm, and it was a very hot summer day. We had originally planned a FULL day of hiking starting at 9am. We wanted to do the 7 mile hike from Glacier Point down to the valley. But the world had other plans for us, because at 8am, I was having breakfast by myself at our B&B, while my boyfriend was on a phone conference meeting about circuit boards and things not related to nature.
Finally at 2pm, we had parked, gotten food supplies, stashed them in our backpacks, we had had lunch, and we were ready to get started and finally see some action!
My boyfriend thought it might be better to do the lazy river, and then hike up Bridal Veils Fall, since it was so late. We were on the shuttle, when I decided I WANTED to do the Mist Trail, and at the Happy Isles Stop, I declared this was our stop.
We played for a while at the bottom of the trail at the river banks. The clear water was just so inviting we couldn't resist. And after a few minutes, we were on our merry way.
Upon reaching the bridge, I was exhausted. But we still had about 4 more hours of daylight, and we had come that far. So up up up we went. The views on Mist Trail are simply spectacular.
I literally felt my city problems (work, traffic, crazy people) go away. I was in another world.
Upon reaching the top of the falls, we were greeted by another sight: The beautiful little pond/lake on top of the falls that was just BEGGING to be swum in. At first it was just our feet, and then we were in the water up to our waists. One thing led to another, and we soon found ourselves sliding down a mini waterfall and diving headfirst from rocks into that clear clear water. We were freezing at first, but it soon went away and the water felt great.
2 hours after playing in the water, I am sunbathing on a rock, and realized that this was exactly what my soul needed. It was a great escape from the city. My problems were so so far away.
I love you Vernal Falls. Thank you thank you thank you for an amazing time.
A word of caution, the water looks calm. But the current is STRONG. I don't think it would be wise to be swimming out there alone. Try out the water first while grabbing onto a rock, before you actually set out to swim. -
Review from Nancy M.
San Jose, CA
6/10/2008
Nothing feels better than getting to the top of Vernal and pointing at all the people that are suffering as much as you did. Lol!
No seriously though, this is my favorite hike in the whole park. The walk to the top while getting soaked is something you have to experience. Worth every excruciating uneven step.
Just be careful not to slip on the rocks. It could be your last if you don't have careful footing. I would not recommend this trail for children or the elderly because from an exception from the top and right along the cliff side there is no railing. *barfing because i hate heights* -
Review from Eva B.
Folsom, CA
10/28/2010
Beautiful and strenuous 1,000 foot elevation hike. Be ready for the small stairs at the end, the hardest part of the hike. The emerald pools and view of Nevada falls from the top of Vernal was worth it ten fold. The time of the year I went (October) the mist trail was not a mist trail and the falls were more graceful. I hope to go back in the late spring for the mist!
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Review from Tracy S.
7/12/2011 3 photos
There's a reason The Mist Trail is the most popular hike in Yosemite...it is worth the effort. But be warned: it IS an effort. The first segment of the trail, while paved and wide, is steep. If you can tackle this and get to the bridge, that is a real accomplishment. The second segment, though, is where the magic happens. Bring a cheap poncho, especially if you have camera equipment, because you will get wet. And don't feel bad if you are suffering trying to get up the granite steps...everybody is, even the experienced hikers. But if you take it slow and give yourself plenty of breaks, you WILL make it! If you really want to push yourself, keep going until you get to the top of Nevada Falls. The views from up there are spectacular and far less crowded than the top of Vernal Falls. I recommend you take the Mist Trail up and the John Muir Trail down...this way, you get the full experience.
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Review from Justine H.
Bloomfield, NJ
12/14/2008
Nothing feels better than climbing up all those stairs and making it to the top of Vernal Falls. It's gorgeous. It's nature at it's best. Definitely a great fun way to get your butt and legs looking fabulous darling. No wonder my grandma was named after this beautiful Fall.
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Review from Tiffany R.
Dallas, TX
8/27/2010
Its a long, treacherous walk. The staircases at the end are difficult and dangerous.
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Review from Lily L.
8/2/2010 1 photo
A calf workout for sure! But nothing if you're planning on climbing all the way up to Half dome. It's a few hours roundtrip and you're climbing up a misty trail (during the summertime when the waterfall is heavy) so the steps can be slippery. But you get a gorgeous view along the way. Up at the way top is a calm lagoon where you can wade in if you want to risk hypothermia since the water is icy cold. Up at the top you get a great view of the Nevada Falls as well, and probably the best view of it since you can't see it as well once you get closer.
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Review from Melanie I.
Roseville, CA
6/19/2009
SO PRETTY! I hiked the mist trail past Vernal Falls, to Nevada Falls, which is 2.5 miles uphill. I might have complained occasionally, and had to stop and catch my breath a time or two, but it was all worth it for the breath-taking views. Rather than take the steep trail back down again, I took the John Muir trail, which is longer, at 4 miles, but much less steep, and a different type of scenery, with vast expanses of granite, and stunning views of half-dome.
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Review from angie k.
San Diego, CA
7/15/2007
3.2 mile hike! Moderate hike only if you are in good shape. I haven't worked out in the past three months, so it was a little bit tough on my body going up hill. However 1.6 miles up was a good cardio workout! The 1.6 miles going down the trail was a breeze! Spectacular view at the top - Vernal Falls. You will see for yourself! After you reach Vernal Falls, hike less than half a mile and you will reach Emerald Pool. Bring a sandwich and drinks to have a picnic by the water. Go early in the morning if you can - the heat and the hike up will prove difficult. Make sure you stay hydrated too! Bring at least two bottles of water. If you normally hike, this won't be extremely difficult for you. Most importantly, have fun!
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Review from Carissa G.
Austin, TX
10/13/2009
Amazing hike in the spring or summer
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Review from Ann T.
San Diego, CA
6/19/2009
We only hiked up to the bridge area because we had children under 7 with us but it was a good mile or more of hiking uphill mostly but totally doable. Beautiful hike lots of water falls along the way. God made some amazing things and Yosemite is just such a small part of it.
