Mist Trail to Vernal Fall packing checklist | Camp Check [Skip to content](#content) [Camp Check](/) [Map](/)[About](/about) Show more details [← Back to map](/) · [Search spots](/#all) Trip details · Mist Trail to Vernal Fall # Mist Trail to Vernal Fall packing checklist * Activity**Day hike** * Park**Yosemite National Park, CA** * Nearest**Upper Pines Campground, 1.2 mi** More than 600 granite steps climb beside Vernal Fall, often in its spray. Short but steep, and slippery when wet. ## Trip details Distance 2.4 mi round trip to the top of Vernal Fall Elevation gain 1,000 ft Time About 3 hours Water stops Trailhead and footbridge (May–Oct) Best season Late spring for the most water (our pick) ### Source * [NPS Yosemite: Vernal and Nevada Fall trails](https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/vernalnevadatrail.htm) * [NPS Yosemite: hiking safety (1 quart every 2 hours)](https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/hikingsafety.htm) "Our pick" seasons are our own call. ## Packing list Reset Ready to go: **0%** · you have 0 of 12 ### Before you go * **Check conditions.** Closures, weather and trail status change. Look at [NPS Yosemite: current conditions](https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/conditions.htm) the day you go. * **Tell someone your plan.** Where you’re going, who’s with you and when you’ll be back. [NPS: leave a trip plan](https://www.nps.gov/articles/hiking-safety.htm) * **Know when to turn back.** Turn back if the steps are icy or running with water and you don’t feel steady. Never cross the railings or swim above the fall. This list is a starting point, not a guarantee. Conditions change, so adjust it for your trip and your group. We earn from qualifying Amazon purchases. [Details](/about#affiliate) Check off what you already have. For anything you still need, there’s a product suggestion when we have a good match. ### Trip-specific: permits and hazards 1. **Slippery granite steps**NPS: the steps are slick with spray. Wear shoes with good grip.Need itHave it No product pick yet. Bring your own or check with the park. Source: [NPS Yosemite: Vernal and Nevada Fall trails](https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/vernalnevadatrail.htm) 2. **No swimming above the falls**NPS prohibits swimming in Emerald Pool and the Silver Apron.Need itHave it No product pick yet. Bring your own or check with the park. Source: [NPS Yosemite: Vernal and Nevada Fall trails](https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/vernalnevadatrail.htm) 3. **Winter closure and summer detour**The lower Mist Trail closes in winter. In 2026 there’s a weekday detour Mon–Thu 7 am–3:30 pm from July 27 into October.Need itHave it No product pick yet. Bring your own or check with the park. Source: [NPS Yosemite: Vernal and Nevada Fall trails](https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/vernalnevadatrail.htm) ### The Ten Essentials [(NPS)](https://www.nps.gov/articles/10essentials.htm) 1. **Water**NPS: bring 2 L to the top of Vernal Fall (3–4 L to Nevada Fall). Refill only at the trailhead and footbridge.Need itHave it ![Nalgene Tritan Wide Mouth 32 oz](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71x9VbJrhvL._AC_SL1000_.jpg) Nalgene Tritan Wide Mouth 32 oz $17.99 on Amazon NPS: bring 2 L to the top of Vernal Fall (3–4 L to Nevada Fall). Refill only at the trailhead and footbridge. [Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001N7V1QG/ref=nosim?tag=giftsthatland-20) Source: [NPS Yosemite: Vernal and Nevada Fall trails](https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/vernalnevadatrail.htm) 2. **Food and extra food**Pack snacks plus extra food in case the day runs long.Need itHave it No product pick yet. Bring your own or check with the park. 3. **Navigation: offline map, map and compass**Know your route down: the Mist Trail or the John Muir Trail.Need itHave it No product pick yet. Bring your own or check with the park. 4. **Headlamp**NPS: carry a headlamp on every hike, even short ones.Need itHave it ![Petzl Tikka Headlamp](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71sDmxdaMIL._AC_SL1000_.jpg) Petzl Tikka Headlamp $34.95 on Amazon NPS: carry a headlamp on every hike, even short ones. [Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FDLSGR92/ref=nosim?tag=giftsthatland-20) Source: [NPS Yosemite: hiking safety (1 quart every 2 hours)](https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/hikingsafety.htm) 5. **Sun protection**The upper steps and the top of the fall are in full sun.Need itHave it ![Banana Boat Sport SPF 50 Spray (2-pack)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71KsaIMGD7L._SL1000_.jpg) Banana Boat Sport SPF 50 Spray (2-pack) $11.49 on Amazon The upper steps and the top of the fall are in full sun. [Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MQXX9US/ref=nosim?tag=giftsthatland-20) 6. **Rain jacket for the mist**You’ll get soaked by the mist in spring.Need itHave it ![FROGG TOGGS Ultra-lite2 Rain Jacket (men’s)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/613vT-iXDWL._AC_SL1000_.jpg) FROGG TOGGS Ultra-lite2 Rain Jacket (men’s) $22.74 on Amazon You’ll get soaked by the mist in spring. [Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CKCZOZC/ref=nosim?tag=giftsthatland-20) 7. **First aid kit**For blisters, scrapes and sprains, the most common trail problems.Need itHave it ![Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .5](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81Tk3JSPj0L._AC_SL1000_.jpg) Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .5 $31.95 on Amazon For blisters, scrapes and sprains, the most common trail problems. [Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DV6PDY9R/ref=nosim?tag=giftsthatland-20) 8. **Fire starter and emergency shelter**If you get stuck out after dark, a bivvy and a lighter keep you warm until help comes.Need itHave it ![SOL 90% Emergency Bivvy](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81xGw29aTYL._AC_SL1000_.jpg) SOL 90% Emergency Bivvy $25.49 on Amazon If you get stuck out after dark, a bivvy and a lighter keep you warm until help comes. [Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08NC9BLQ5/ref=nosim?tag=giftsthatland-20) 9. **Knife or repair kit**For quick gear fixes, cutting tape or trimming a blister pad.Need itHave it ![Opinel No. 08 Stainless Folding Knife](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51sHi+R6qwL._AC_SL1000_.jpg) Opinel No. 08 Stainless Folding Knife $16.62 on Amazon For quick gear fixes, cutting tape or trimming a blister pad. [Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000UGYWTO/ref=nosim?tag=giftsthatland-20) Prices and stock checked on Amazon on Oct 18, 2026, and may have changed. ## Photos ![Vernal Fall and the Mist Trail](/photos/mist-trail-vernal-fall-1.webp) Photo: [David Fulmer](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Vernal_Falls_and_Mist_Trail.jpg) · [CC BY 2.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0) · Wikimedia Commons ![The Mist Trail seen from the top of Vernal Fall](/photos/mist-trail-vernal-fall-2.webp) Photo: [Fabio Achilli from Milano, Italy](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mist_Trail_from_the_Top_of_Vernal_Fall,_Yosemite_\(29511983936\).jpg) · [CC BY 2.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0) · Wikimedia Commons Coordinates **37.7274°N 119.5438°W** Park **Yosemite National Park, CA** Time now **UTC --:--:--** [](/spots/watchman-campground)[](/spots/west-rim-trail)[](/spots/half-dome)[](/spots/mist-trail-vernal-fall)[](/spots/upper-pines-campground) Use two fingers to move the map **Affiliate disclosure:** As an Amazon Associate, Camp Check earns from qualifying purchases. Amazon links are affiliate links and don't change your price. **AI disclosure:** Pages are drafted with AI help and checked by a person against the linked NPS/USFS sources and live Amazon listings. Conditions, prices and stock change, so check before you go and before you buy. **Map data:** Elevation from [Terrain Tiles on AWS](https://registry.opendata.aws/terrain-tiles/) (Mapzen/Tilezen), built from USGS 3DEP and NOAA ETOPO1 data, among others. [About](/about) · [Sitemap](/sitemap.xml)