Mist Trail Vernal Fall hike guided day trip: Yosemite Valley

Climb the Mist Trail's granite staircase straight into a 317-foot waterfall

This 6 to 8-hour guided hike on the Mist Trail in Yosemite National Park takes you from Yosemite Valley to the base of Vernal Fall, then up a steep granite staircase alongside the cascade itself. A professional guide leads the route, which operates April through November and includes trekking poles on request. The elevation gain is approximately 1,265 feet, and the hike requires a moderate level of fitness.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hike Mist Trail to Nevada Fall

• Start hike at Yosemite Valley
• Walk along Mist Trail
• Reach base of Vernal Fall
• Cross Merced River
• Climb granite staircase beside Vernal Fall
• Get wet near waterfall
• Continue to Nevada Fall
• Return to Yosemite Valley

The Experience

You start in Yosemite Valley with views of Half Dome framing the day. The Mist Trail climbs toward Vernal Fall, one of the park's most-hiked routes, and the guide handles the navigation while you focus on the terrain. The trail crosses the Merced River for views before the real climb begins — a steep granite staircase built into the rock face alongside the 317-foot waterfall. The mist from the cascade reaches you as you ascend, so bring a waterproof layer or expect to arrive at the top soaked.

The guide carries first-aid supplies, water-purification methods and sun protection, so you don't need to pack those. You bring your own lunch, snacks and water — the hike is long enough that you'll need fuel. Trekking poles can be requested ahead of time, which many hikers use on the descent to save their knees on the steep granite. The route is strenuous and the elevation gain is real, so moderate fitness matters; this isn't a casual walk.

The hike runs April through November, when water flow and weather make the trail passable. Yosemite National Park entry is arranged as part of the booking. International visitors may owe an additional entrance fee collected at the gate. Wear good walking shoes — the granite is unforgiving, and the trail has no margin for slipping.

What’s included

• Professional guide leading the route.
• trekking poles available on request.
• Yosemite National Park entry arranged.
• guide-carried first-aid kit, water-purification methods, sunscreen and bug repellent.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPets welcome

Operated by Lasting Adventures

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and leads at a pace suited to a moderate fitness level, so you can follow the commentary and the route without scrambling to keep up. This works well if you're visiting Yosemite for the first time and want the Mist Trail without navigating the park or the trail logistics yourself.

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Top questions

How steep is the Mist Trail and what's the elevation gain on this hike?

The Mist Trail includes a steep granite staircase alongside Vernal Fall with an elevation gain of approximately 1,265 feet over the 6 to 8-hour route. The climb is the defining feature of the hike and requires moderate fitness to complete safely.

Will I actually get wet on the Mist Trail?

Yes — the mist from Vernal Fall's 317-foot cascade reaches you as you climb the granite staircase, so you should expect to get soaked. Bring a waterproof layer or accept that you'll arrive at the top wet.

What do I need to bring on this hike?

Bring your own lunch, snacks and water bottles; the hike is long and you'll need fuel. Wear good walking shoes with solid grip on rock. The guide carries first-aid supplies, sunscreen and bug repellent, so you don't need those. Trekking poles can be requested when you book.

When does this hike operate and how long does it take?

The Mist Trail hike runs April through November and takes 6 to 8 hours total. The seasonal window depends on water flow and weather conditions that make the trail safe and passable.

Is Yosemite National Park entry included in the price?

Yosemite National Park entry is arranged as part of the booking. International visitors may owe an additional entrance fee (approximately USD 100 per person) collected at the gate on the day of the hike.

What fitness level do I need for this hike?

The hike requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The 1,265-foot elevation gain and steep granite staircase make this a strenuous route, and it is not recommended for travelers with medical or physical issues that affect endurance or balance on steep terrain.