I was ready to go on a hike in Yosemite and I chose the Mist Trail. But when Thing 2 found out the strenuous trail climbs 1,000 feet, she complained. The ranger at the visitor center recommended we take the moderate trail to the Vernal Falls footbridge. With an elevation of 400 feet, the 1.4-mile hike was a better option.
We took the shuttle to the Happy Isles stop. This is the same trail that hikers take to Nevada Falls and to hike Half Dome. The area was bustling with activity and people. Since it’s the last stop for restrooms and drinking water, we stood in a long line to fill up our water bottles.
Afterwards, we walked up to the Happy Isles Nature Center. Although small, families seemed to enjoy looking at exhibits while kids sat at tables doing art work.
We realized we need to cross the Merced River to get on the hiking trail. Water rushed down large boulders as we walked back to the shuttle stop area. From there, we followed the crowd across the river and onto the right path.
The hike started out nice and flat. Soon, it started climbing up. Thing 2 kept asking to stop but I felt the faster we walked, the faster we reached the footbridge.
At the footbridge, I let Thing 2 sit down. Although beautiful, I had my heart on seeing Vernal Falls. I only had to continue another 3/4-mile and 600-foot ascent. I told Thing 2 I’d be back shortly and headed up. Because the crowds thinned out slightly, I could walk faster.
There were a lot of stairs but I kept going. Reaching a bend in the trail, I caught a glimpse of Vernal Falls. I quickened my pace and trudged forward.
With the hot sun beating down on me and knowing I had limited time, I didn’t get all the way to the top. The trail is called the Mist Trail because water from the waterfall hits the rocks. There were many warnings about slippery rocks but I didn’t get high enough to experience any mist. I think the mist would be stronger in the spring months when the waterfalls flow at their peak.
I got to a great vantage point, snapped several pictures and rushed back to the footbridge where I knew Thing 2 was waiting. Since there was no cell service, I couldn’t text her to let her know I was returning. I had told her I’d be back in 20 minutes, but it would be more like 40 minutes.
When I reached the footbridge, I saw DH sitting next to Thing 2. He had rented a bicycle to take around the valley and then met us at the foot bridge. We were getting ready to head down when a ranger came up to check on us. It turns out DH was sitting dangerously close to the rocks and was looking pale.
The man helped move DH where he wouldn’t pass out and fall into the stream. He checked DH’s pulse, which was rapid and made him drink water. When his color returned, the search and rescue member suggested we take it slow on the way back down. Because of that, I could take in some of the views I’d missed on the uphill climb.
At the bottom, Thing 2 and I waited about 45 minutes for an empty shuttle bus. Because DH had his rental bike, he pedaled away.
Tips:
Take a lot of water with you. We wasted time standing in the one water fountain line to refill our bottles. This is the last water stop for the trails to Vernal Falls, Nevada Falls and Half Dome so there are many people. Often they are filling multiple bottles, canteens and larger water containers causing long wait times.
If hiking the trail in the busy season, go early. Even mid-day is fine but try to get back to the shuttle stop before late afternoon when all the people from the other trails are also waiting for water and the shuttle.