CA - Happy Isles to Vernal Falls – John Muir Trail

Distance: 3.0 miles Elevation Gain: 1000 ft Difficulty: Moderate Type: Out-and-Back Surface: Paved/Rock Activity: Hiking Best Season: Year-round Typical Time: 2-3 hours Fee: $35 vehicle Dogs: False Permit: False

The Happy Isles to Vernal Falls hike marks the official starting point of the John Muir Trail, beginning at the Happy Isles trailhead in Yosemite Valley at mile zero of the 211-mile route to Mount Whitney. This iconic short hike along the Mist Trail climbs alongside the Merced River through classic Yosemite granite scenery to the top of Vernal Fall, where the river plunges 317 feet into a roaring pool below.

The trail earns its name from the perpetual mist generated by the waterfall, which drenches hikers on the stone staircase approaching the brink and nourishes a lush garden of ferns and wildflowers along the spray zone. Rainbows frequently arc through the mist on sunny mornings. The views back down the valley toward El Capitan and Half Dome are spectacular. This section of trail is among the most heavily visited in the national park system, so early morning starts are strongly recommended. It serves as an excellent sampler of what the JMT has to offer for those who cannot commit to the full thru-hike experience.