Vernal Fall Yosemite National Park
In May of 2019 we were able to join a few friends on a weekend adventure for their first visit to The mist trail and Vernal fall. Vernal fall is one of Yosemite National Parks most iconic hikes and sites because of the beautiful drop off of the Merced river into the valley and creates this unique mist and rainbow effect at the base of the fall when the water is flowing strong.
I love hiking the Mist trail. It is not easy hike and if you go after mid morning the crowds are thick, but if you are willing to get up early and beat the crowds, and are willing to trudge along all the way to the top, it is a spectacular experience.
Leaving Happy Isle in the valley you almost immediately start an upward trek up a path that in basic terms will make your legs burn. After approx. a mile you will reach a wooden bridge that gives you your first glimpse of Vernal Fall.
Continuing on you start climbing rocks and tree lined dirt trail towards the mist section of the trail. the mist trail becomes wet and slick as it climbs a well defined staircase of stone steps up along the side of Vernal fall. If you go bring rain coat and bag to keep gear dry.
The final accent up the edge of the cliff to the top of the fall is epic.