Yosemite Hike on the Mist Trail from Curry Village to Vernal and Nevada Falls

ABOUT THE HIKE: Meetup at 9 AM in front of the cafeteria in Curry Village, walking from shuttle stop 15 at Curry Village to shuttle stop 16 at the trail head for the "Mist Trail."

Plan A for more advanced hikers... We hike 3.1 miles past Vernal Fall to the top of Nevada Fall including 600 steps up the Mist Trail. Prepare for slippery footing and a tremendous amount of waterfall spray as we proceed up the steps. We have a rest stop to regroup for lunch at the top of the Nevada Fall. Look for us off trail on the right side of the falls looking downriver. The return trip to the valley floor will be via the John Muir Trail and Horse Trail. The loop hike is 8 miles round trip with 1,900 feet of elevation gain/loss with a beginning elevation of approximately 4,500 feet at the valley floor. This is a very strenuous hike, given the distance, elevation gain, altitude, and steep wet stairs. This is also a bucket list hike and one of the best hiking experiences in California!

Plan B for beginning hikers... We will proceed part way up this ascent to Vernal and Nevada Falls. Possible stopping points are at the Vernal Fall footbridge (at 1.6 miles with 400 feet of elevation gain/loss) and Vernal Fall (at 2.4 miles with 1,000 feet of elevation gain/loss). Beginning hikers will probably want to stop short of the slippery 600 steps of Mist Trail beyond the foot bridge leading to Vernal Fall. If you chose to leave the group, you will be taking personal responsibility for returning the same route back to the trailhead. This route is an out/back hike; you follow the same trail out and back to Curry Village. We suggest you team up with a hiking buddy for your return trip to avoid hiking alone.

Please note Yosemite trip overview for Driving Directions and map to Curry Village.

DISCLAIMER: Group organizer and assistant organizers assume no liability; hike at your own risk. By being a member of this group you hereby agree to assume all risks and liability related to or resulting from any and all group functions. You agree that neither you nor any third party will hold any of the group's leaders, officers, or representatives liable for any injury, loss, or damage to your own person or any members of your family, friends, acquaintances, children, pets, or property, arising directly or as a consequence from a group activity. You also agree that your membership of this group is based on an "at will" basis.