Mist Trail Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the Mist Trail. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Yosemite National Park & Giant Sequoias 2-Day Semi-Guided Tour

• Yosemite Mist Trail and Nevada Fall Loop Private Day Hike

• Yosemite Valley Private Hiking Tour

• Yosemite Full Day Private Tour & Hike

• Yosemite Two Day Private Tour & Hike

The Mist Trail itself requires no special permit fees, but you’ll need a Yosemite National Park entrance pass to access the trailhead. Park entrance costs US$35 per vehicle for seven days, or US$70 for an annual pass, or US$80 for an America the Beautiful annual pass.

No special tickets or permits are required for day hiking the Mist Trail itself. However, you do need a valid park entrance pass and potentially timed entry reservations during peak season (US$2; required for select spring/summer dates). But once you’re in the park, you’re good to go.

Yes, guided tours are available for the Mist Trail, and they’re a good idea for new hikers. Options include half-day guided hikes to Vernal Fall (the destination in question), full-day adventures combining multiple trails, private guided experiences, and more. Tours typically include professional guides, park fees, snacks, and safety equipment.

The Mist Trail is rated as moderately strenuous. It involves 1,000 feet (around 300 meters) of elevation gain to Nevada Fall, a 5-mile (8-kilometer) trek featuring more than 600 granite steps, steep terrain, and slippery conditions from waterfall spray, especially during peak flow seasons. Hiking to Vernal Fall instead is shorter.

That’s a great question, because the Mist Trail has regular closures due to ongoing landscaping work. It’s typically open Fridays through Sundays and on holidays, plus Mondays through Thursdays from 3:30pm to 7am. As for time of year, it’s best hiked spring through fall, as winters can be icy and dangerous.