Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park

Mist Trail to Vernal & Nevada Falls

Vernal falls of Yosemite National Park.

We review our route at the Vernal Falls trailhead.

Today's hike will follow the popular Mist Trail along the Merced River past Vernal Fall and Emerald Pool, to Nevada Fall. In all, about a 7-mile loop with 2,200 feet elevation gain.

Sounds of rushing water fill the air as we get an early glimpse of Vernal Falls.

On the approach clouds of mist begin to swirl in the air.

Watch your step!

Into the mist they disappear.

After rounding the corner, we're greeted by some vivid rainbows!

Double Rainbow all the way!!

It was pretty sweet to watch Gretchen hike through the rainbow.

With sights like this one, it's clear why the Mist Trail is so popular.

View from atop Vernal Falls.

Through the rainbow I spot a procession of hikers.

Our early start helped us beat the crowd!

Nevada Falls

Most hikers double-back after reaching the top of Vernal Falls, but we continued on to Nevada Falls.

Occasional glimpses like this one foreshadow the presence of a great waterfall up ahead.

We power through a slew of switchbacks as Nevada rages on overhead.

Atop Nevada Falls a breathtaking view of water endlessly tumbling into the valley.

A view from a bridge looking straight ahead over the top of Nevada Falls.

Countless gallons of water furiously rush below my feet and disappear off the cliff side.

Looking back at Nevada Falls.

That is A LOT of water.

The John Muir trail back down offered plenty of great views of Nevada Falls and the valley below.

Along the trail, a view of Half Dome.

Happy hikers!

Sentinel Dome

Although the hike up to this point wasn't anything special, the view at the top certainly was.

A spectacular 360-degree view of Yosemite.

Ansel Adams' famous Jeffrey Pine.

Half Dome in profile

That thing is just freaking huge.

Looking back down at Vernal and Nevada Falls where we hiked earlier in the day.

Close-up of the two falls.

As the sun begins to set the valley's shadow engulfs the Mist Trail.

Sunset at Glacier Point

A popular gathering spot to catch a Yosemite sunet.

Daiquiris and a sunset.

Cheers to awesome!

The valley falls under shadow.

All eyes are on Half Dome as it slips below the day's last rays of sunlight.

We end our day with sweeping views of Yosemite Valley.