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Photo: Diliff, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
This trail gradually gains of elevation along the Merced River by the time it reaches a footbridge offering an excellent view of the high Vernal Fall. From the footbridge the trail quickly gains another of elevation as it traverses steep and often slippery granite steps to the top of the waterfall, but the view is hugely impressive and worth the exertion. The Mist Trail is one of the busiest trails in the park during the high season––returning visitors might want to consider a hike outside the valley. From the top of Vernal Fall hikers can continue on to Nevada Fall.
Vernal Fall is a 317-foot (96.6 m) waterfall on the Merced River just downstream of Nevada Fall in Yosemite National Park, California. Like its upstream neighbor, Vernal Fall is clearly visible at a distance, from Glacier Point, as well as close up, along the Mist Trail. The waterfall flows all year long, although by the end of summer it is substantially reduced in volume and can split into multiple strands, rather than a single curtain of water.
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to Mirror Lake, around the lake
The first mile of the trail follows a paved service road and eventually leads to what is a large pond in spring and a meadow the rest of the year. When it contains water the lake reflects Half Dome, but even when the lake is dry the meadow still offers scenic views. Those who are interested can also hike around the lake bed and along Tenaya Creek.
round-trip
One of the most spectacular trails in the world, the Half Dome trail travels past Vernal Fall, and Nevada Fall, and then continues rising through a pine forest before opening up near the summit of Half Dome. The final mile is a grueling trek up granite steps, followed by wire cables that lead up the steep ascent to the top of Half Dome. Hikers should bring leather work gloves to protect their hands from the cables; some gloves are often available in a pile at the bottom of the cables. While it is possible to ascend Half Dome while the cables are down (between approximately October 15 and May 15), hikers do so at their own risk. Views and scenery are unforgettable, but hikers should be aware that the final climb up the back side of Half Dome via the cables can be exhausting and, for those with even a mild fear of heights, frightening. It's best to wear a safety harness and tethers, because parts of the cable route are extremely steep and slippery. Safety harnesses have saved many lives on what's considered the most dangerous hiking trail in the US, especially on wet days. While the majority of the trail is accessible without a permit, an $10 permit is required to traverse the final stretch of the trail beyond the base of the Half Dome subdome. 300 permits are available each day (approximately 225 to hikers and 75 to backpackers), with rangers stationed on the trail to turn away hikers without permits. Permits can be obtained in advance via a pre-season lottery (apply online between March 1 and March 31, permits issued in mid-April, an additional online application fee of $4.50 applies), and approximately 50 permits are made available in an evening lottery two days prior to the hiking date.
The only guide service licensed to operate in Yosemite, offering a range of options from daily 8:30AM climbing lessons for beginners through multi-day guided ascents of El Capitan for experienced climbers. Also offers rental camping and climbing gear.
The ice rink at Curry Village is open from mid-November until early March, conditions permitting. Skating sessions last 2.5 hours with one hour breaks between sessions.
round-trip
This relatively easy trail leads to the edge of Yosemite Valley. As the trail approaches Taft Point watch for fissures, which are deep cracks extending hundreds of feet downwards. The railed-in Taft Point offers a breathtaking view of Yosemite Valley, below.