At a little under 1.5 miles, you will pass the junction with the Half Dome Trail. The trail switches back and passes in and out of the forest as it climbs the ridgeline that connects Half Dome with Clouds Rest. Shortly after passing the campground, the trail starts to climb once again. At the Little Yosemite Valley Campground, you will also find the last restroom on this hike. If you have a filter, this is a good place to stock up on water. Along this section of trail, you will find the last reliable water (from the Merced River). The next 1.2 miles of trail is much more level than what you have already climbed. Once at the top, the Mist Trail ends and you rejoin the John Muir Trail. Also, Nevada Falls seems to be less misty, at least along the trail itself. The climb up Nevada Falls is longer than the climb up Vernal Falls, but less steep. Along the way, the trail crosses another footbridge across the Merced River. There is a restroom here.Ĭontinuing beyond here, the trail follows the Merced River as it gently climbs up to the base of Nevada Falls. After climbing the steps and walking along a narrow path on the edge of a cliff, you will find yourself at the top of Vernal Falls (about three quarters of a mile from the beginning of the Mist Trail). You may, however, want to have a second pair of socks in case your feet get wet. But on a summer day, the water can feel nice. This mist, along with wind generated by the falls, can drench you like a rainstorm. If the falls are flowing well, the mist from the waterfalls will be quite heavy. If you choose the Mist Trail, you will soon find yourself at the base of Vernal Falls climbing a rather long set of steps to the top. Most people prefer the Mist Trail for ascent and the John Muir Trail for descent. It is also much steeper, involves climbing lots of steps (some very wet), and (early in the season) possibly getting drenched by the waterfall mist that gives this trail its name. The Mist Trail is shorter and more spectacular alternative to the John Muir Trail from this point to the top of Nevada Falls. A short distance beyond this point is the junction with the Mist Trail. At this point is a drinking fountain, which is the last source of potable water on this hike (water can be filtered from streams beyond this point).
The first landmark along this trail is the Merced River Footbridge, about three quarters of a mile in. This route covers the hike to Clouds Rest from Happy Isles in Yosemite Valley.įrom the trailhead by the Happy Isles Bridge, start hiking up the John Muir Trail toward Little Yosemite Valley. Little Yosemite Valley can be accessed from Glacier Point or the Happy Isles Trailhead. You can start from either Tenaya Lake along the Tioga Pass Road or from the John Muir Trail in Little Yosemite Valley. Best of all, unlike Half Dome, no permit or lottery is required to climb Clouds Rest. Clouds Rest is the only place in the valley area where you can both see the entire valley along with a bird’s eye view of the TOP of Half Dome. The views from Clouds Rest are nothing short of stunning. But it is the highest point in the Yosemite Valley area.
Clouds Rest may not be the highest point in Yosemite.
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