Is Vernal Falls trail hard?
Vernal Falls is a 4 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Yosemite Valley, California that features a waterfall and is rated as difficult. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best used from May until November.
How long does it take to hike to Vernal Falls?
2-3 hour
Highly recommend it for anyone staying in the valley or visiting with enough time for a 2-3 hour hike. While the distance isn’t long, you will stop a lot along the way to take in the beauty and also spend time at the top of the falls. The hike starts from Happy Isles (shuttle stop #16).
How many steps to Vernal Falls Yosemite?
600 steps
To proceed directly to the top of Vernal Fall, follow the Mist Trail 0.3 miles (0.5 km) up a steep granite stairway of over 600 steps. Prepare for slippery footing and a tremendous amount of waterfall spray in spring and early summer (hence the name for this trail!).
How long does the Mist Trail take?
| Rating: | Fairly strenuous to strenuous day hike |
|---|---|
| Access: | Happy Isles Trailhead (Shuttle Stop 16 along the Yosemite Valley shuttle system) |
| Time Required: | 3-6 hours |
| Length: | 5.5 miles round trip up Mist Trail and back down John Muir Trail (1.4 miles to top of Vernal Fall, 1.2 miles more to top of Nevada Fall) |
Does Vernal Falls dry?
It is a seasonal stream and usually dries up in the late summer or early fall. However, this is a HUGE snowfall year and this particular stream/waterfall may still have water in August or early September. Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall are fed by the Merced River which runs year-round.
Is the Mist Trail Hard?
The Mist Trail is a strenuous hike that offers incredible up-close views of two of Yosemite’s most famous waterfalls, as well as beautiful views of the valley and Merced River. Before you hit the trail, you should be aware that the Mist Trail can be dangerous if you’re not careful. It’s steep and slippery.
How difficult is Mist Trail?
Difficulty: Medium, but bordering strenuous if you go all the way to the top of Nevada Fall. The stretches beside Vernal and Nevada Falls are both quite steep – in fact, the last few hundred meters up the Vernal Falls trail are stairs cut into the cliffside.
Is the Mist Trail Safe?
This trail is dangerous and should be closed. The portion of the trail that ascends over slippery, wet granite steps is always crowded, with no handrails, and huge steps that were probably made for mules, not people. Don’t go above Vernal Falls on this trail if you value your life. Take the John Muir Trail instead.
How many miles is the Mist Trail to Vernal Falls?
Alerts & Closures (?) Considered the classic Yosemite hike, the Mist Trail to Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls lives up to its hype. The lower slopes are paved and scenic, but then you cross the Merced River and hike through the mist up 600 granite steps to the 317-foot Vernal Falls (3 miles round-trip).
How do you get to the top of Vernal Fall?
You’ll find an excellent view of Vernal Fall from the footbridge at 0.8 miles (1.3 km). About 0.2 miles (0.3 km) beyond the bridge, the Mist Trail and the John Muir Trail diverge. To proceed directly to the top of Vernal Fall, follow the Mist Trail 0.3 miles (0.5 km) up a steep granite stairway of over 600 steps.
How long does it take to hike the Vernal Fall trailhead?
Trailhead Elevation: 4,000 feet (1,200 meters) Total Elevation Gain: 300 feet (90 meters) Hiking Time: 1 – 2 hours. Why hike to the Vernal Fall footbridge? Sure, if it were up to you, you’d run to the top of Nevada Fall, walk back down on your hands, then do the Upper Yosemite Falls trail in the afternoon.
How many steps are there to Vernal Falls?
The lower slopes are paved and scenic, but then you cross the Merced River and hike through the mist up 600 granite steps to the 317-foot Vernal Falls (3 miles round-trip). You can then continue to the massive and booming 594-foot Nevada Falls (6 miles round-trip).