Beyond the OverlookVernal + Nevada Falls via the Mist Trail
Continue to Nevada Fall for the thinner crowds and more remote feeling we enjoyed—and make an early start part of the plan.
Last reviewed September 2026 · How we review our guides
We hiked Vernal and Nevada Falls via the Mist Trail in June 2023, with about 7 miles recorded for our outing, and returned to both falls in June 2024. The force of the water was a huge part of the experience. Seeing the waterfalls running so strongly is amazing.
Our recommendation: if you have the energy and time, continue beyond Vernal Fall to Nevada Fall. We liked Nevada Fall because the crowds thinned as we went farther and the hike felt a little more remote. For us, that change in atmosphere made the additional climb worthwhile. It was still a popular trail, but it gave us more of the feeling we had come to Yosemite for.
We came back because this is a beautiful spot. Continuing to Nevada Fall gave us both another waterfall and a welcome change from the busiest part of the trail.
What we would prioritize next time: an early start. The number of people was the part we liked least. Near the beginning, we remember waiting for hikers moving in both directions. We would plan the day around getting on the trail early rather than treating this as an outing to fit in whenever we arrived. The quieter feeling near Nevada Fall was our experience on these visits, not a guarantee of solitude.
Choose your distance: NPS lists 1.6 miles round trip to the Vernal Fall footbridge, 2.4 to the top of Vernal Fall and 5.4 to the top of Nevada Fall via the Mist Trail, starting at Happy Isles. Our roughly 7-mile day is our recorded outing, not the standard trailhead distance. Parking access and route choices can change your total.
NPS describes the first paved mile as the busiest stretch. Beyond it, the Mist Trail climbs steep granite steps; spray can make the footing slippery. Stay behind railings and out of the river. The John Muir Trail provides another route, but adds distance. See the NPS route descriptions and current detours.
Think about the way down before you start
I would look at the return route before committing to the full day. Coming down the John Muir Trail adds distance, but gives you different views and an alternative to heading back down the Mist Trail’s steep, crowded stairs. If stairs bother your knees, it is worth considering, provided the extra mileage works for you. Check the park’s current detours first; the longer route still takes effort.
September 2026 planning note: NPS currently lists scheduled Mist Trail work through October, subject to change. Check the linked notice for the affected section and access hours before setting out.
Plan the rest of your Yosemite trip
Where we stayed · Parking and early starts · Long-hike packing list