Winter Hike to the Vernal Fall Footbridge in Yosemite National Park
This week we’re in Yosemite National Park, heading out on a trail that I’ve actually shared with you before…but it’s an entirely different experience during Winter, so join me for a snowy hike along the Mist Trail to the Vernal Fall Footbridge.
FAST FACTS
• Distance: 3+ miles RT
• Elevation Change: 400 ft
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Vernal Fall Footbridge in Yosemite National Park
Happy Isles Loop Road leading to the Mist Trail
Trailhead for Mist Trail in the Yosemite Valley
Getting to the Trailhead
The Mist Trail begins at the east end of Yosemite Valley by the Happy Isles Nature Center. When shuttles are running you can reach the trailhead from shuttle stop 16. The large valley parking lot is less than a 1/2 mile from the trailhead, and it’s a great place to park and head out on this hike (but it can be inaccessible after a heavy snow). The Half Dome/Curry Village parking lot is also a good option. Starting here makes the total hike just under 4 miles round trip with nearly 400 feet in elevation change…and bonus, you also get to cross the Happy Isles Bridge if you take this path to the trailhead.
Starting off on the Mist Trail in Yosemite National Park
Merced River along the Mist Trail in Winter
Upper Yosemite Falls seen from the Mist Trail
Hiking
Soon after you begin on the trail, there are multiple spots to view cascading water along the Merced River, as well as interpretive panels with information on the local plants and animals. In less than half a mile in, you’ll want to stop at the overlook for wonderful views of Upper Yosemite Falls in the distance. At just under a mile, you reach the footbridge…you can hear the water raging as you approach the snow covered wooden walkway. This is your first official glimpse at Vernal Fall along the Mist Trail, and many turn back at this point after taking in the views.
If you’re looking for more, however, you can continue to the Mist Trail and John Muir Trail intersection 1/4 mile up the path. The Mist Trail often closes at this intersection for winter due to dangerous/icy conditions. From here you can either continue on the John Muir Trail to Clark Point (for views above Vernal Fall) and on to the top of Nevada Fall for a challenging 8+ mile round trip hike…or you can turn around and make your way back to the valley.
Mist Trail in Yosemite National Park
Mist Trail in Yosemite National Park
Vernal Fall Footbridge in Winter
Vernal Fall view from the footbridge
When to Visit
Yosemite waterfalls are known for flowing with the fullest volume in the springtime but winter can be a great time to visit the Vernal Falls footbridge. While Vernal Fall can slow to a trickle by autumn, once the first winter snow arrives the water flow picks up again. The Mist Trail can get packed with throngs of hikers in the spring and early summer but it’s rare you’ll see more than a handful of other people along this hike during the snowy winter months.
Vernal Fall view from the footbridge
Know Before You Go
• The NPS warns that Yosemite winter conditions (overhanging rock with large icicles, snow and ice covering the path) can make all trails here dangerous, so please adventure at your own personal skill and safety level.
• If I could give one piece of advice, it would be to only hike this trail with micro spikes when there’s snow and ice on the trail (these are the ones I use). I can’t count the number of people I’ve seen turn around (and far worse – completely wipe out) along this trail during the winter because they underestimated how slippery the icy conditions would be. Hiking boots are not enough to stand up to the layers of snow and ice that can coat the trail. Hiking poles are a great start, but they are secondary and far less helpful than ice cleats, which make the trail comfortable.
• Always check the NPS website for the most up to date information and trail conditions. When the Mist Trail closes, please do not attempt to continue on the trail…not only because the fine for crossing the closed trail marker has a minimum $250 fine, but because injuries and deaths occur every year from slick, hazardous hiking conditions and falling ice. No adventure here is worth risking your safety or the safety of others.
• Please remember the Leave No Trace Principles, bring plenty of water, and be bear aware…even in Winter black bears can be active in this area.
• Stay on established trails and don’t take shortcuts. Wilderness permits are required for overnight use and the first legal camping is in Little Yosemite Valley campground.
Top 10 Yosemite Valley Winter Attractions
Yosemite Valley Chapel
Sentinel Bridge
Ahwahnee Hotel
Mirror Lake
Curry Village Ice Rink
Bridalveil Fall
Mist Trail in Yosemite National Park in Winter
Glacier Point cliffside views from Mist Trail
In Summary
Thanks so much for joining me this week in Yosemite. For a virtual visit to the Vernal Fall Footbridge in Winter, make sure to watch my Behind the Blog video at the top of this post or check it out on YouTube here. Until next week I hope you find adventure encouragement wherever you go.
Merced River view from the Happy Isles Bridge
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About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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