The Mist Trail (Part 3) - Nevada Falls

We had a good break at the top of Vernal Falls, ate our breakfast and rested our legs. Of course we didn’t feed any wild animals because we want to preserve nature and keep them wild. They kept approaching us again and again with that begging look on their faces but we didn’t give in.

 

About half an hour later we were off on our way again continuing to hike the Mist Trail which turns into rocky surfaces on our way up to Nevada Fall.

The trail started to look more like this, the section which was bare and rocky absorbed lots of heat from the sun and we felt it especially that morning. Good thing we were wore sunscreen.

The trail took another turn up and become a little bit challenging requiring us to exercise more endurance. We were extra careful hiking on the stone stairs and watched carefully were we stepped.

 

Then we reached the Nevada Fall Bridge which overlooks the gushing water coming from the fall and continued underneath to the Emerald Pool and the Vernal Fall down below.

The scene was spectacular and we asked ourselves where all this water end up? Is used for irrigation? There is a lot of water that can be put into good use.

As we continued climbing the trail winds itself into a wooded, shaded area were we got some relief from the heat and had a chance to catch our breath.

We entered the last part of the Mist Trail less than a hundred yards below Nevada Falls itself. The view is awesome, water cascading down, cooling up the air even though we were hiking in the hot sun; it felt good to know we are almost at the top. 

  




This is the last push and it looks like Amy took it in stride and kept pushing.

And finally we reached the top of Nevada Falls.

The bridge over the fall with Liberty Cap in the background. Last time we saw Liberty Cap was when we viewed it from Glacier Point earlier, it looks much different when you stand so close to it.

  


Jacob set up for the pictures.

 

Scenes like this are worth all the efforts and it can only be seen in Yosemite National Park.

Water gushing underneath the bridge on their way down

After spending about 3 hours at the top of Nevada Fall it was time to head back, only this time we will hike down about 2.5 miles on the John Muir Trail.

The Mist Trai (Part 2) - Vernal Falls

After a short break at the Vernal Falls bridge we continued our hike on the mist trail to Vernal Falls. The trail continued to climb up, we knew we have about 1,000ft elevation to make. However, most of the trail runs in the shade and only small portions of it are bare.

The water gushing among huge boulders created some coolness as well as wonderfully scene and made it easy for us to hike. Streaming water is always relaxing.

 

Again we were accompanied by a pair of squirrels who insisted on staying with us until we threw something for them to eat. They even made a love scene hoping this will persuade us to feed them but we didn’t budge, we want to keep them wild and fit. So, they gave up and split.

The trail continued to climb up while wrapping itself beneath the trees along the edge of the hills.

Now we got close to that section that was going to be very misty and wet. The trail was eroded and large chunks of it just broke, so you have to be careful and observe your surroundings. While climbing we always maintained our position close to the hillside.

 That’s the reason for the name Mist Trail. At this section of the trail the mist caused by the force of the gushing water coming down from the fall above is enormous. We got wet but since we were prepared with plastic bags our photo equipment remained dry.  Other hikers weren’t that lucky and damage to photo equipment occurred.

This section is wet as you can see. The rocks are soaked and slippery and you have to exercise extra caution climbing up. 

This is also the section where you start climbing on stairs carved in the boulders. It is dangers but not impossible. On the most slippery trail section a rail was installed to help us hold our balance.

It is so misty and wet that puddles were formed on the ground and make our hiking booths get wet.

Once we passed that misty section of the trail it turn dry and nice and we saw a nice rainbow above that area. The contrast of the rainbow against the trees and wet boulders makes it look incredible.

 At this point we arrived at the foot of vernal fall and the scene is spectacular. Water gushing from 317ft. down in full force. The sound of those gushing water is enormous and the air feels vibrated. Many hikers stop at this point to get their picture taken, after all this is what Yosemite National Park is all about.

Continue to climb those brick stairs we are almost at the top of vernal fall.

Just a few more stairs and we’ll be on top of Vernal Falls.

After a long steady climb we reached the top of Vernal Fall and Jacob started to take pictures. There we took a break and had lunch. The second chapter of our hike is completed.

Looking down at the falling water displayed a spectacular scene.