Happy Isles Trailhead

Happy Isles sits at the far east end of Yosemite Valley, where the road stops and the trail system takes over. It's the park's busiest trailhead, launching hikes from an easy riverside stroll to the 210-mile John Muir Trail. Most day hikers come for one reason: the climb toward Vernal and Nevada Falls starts here.

Where the trails go

• Little Yosemite Valley: 9.6 miles round trip, about 2,150 feet of gain, passing Vernal and Nevada Falls via the Mist Trail or John Muir Trail.
• Half Dome: 16.2 miles round trip, about 4,830 feet of gain, continuing past the falls toward the subdome. The summit cables require a separate permit from the National Park Service's lottery, not a general park reservation.
• Tuolumne Meadows: 22 miles one way via the John Muir Trail, gaining roughly 5,900 feet below Half Dome's south face — also mile zero of the full 210-mile John Muir Trail to Mount Whitney.

Getting there and staying safe

Reach the trailhead on the free Yosemite Valley shuttle to Stop 16 (daily, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.) or on foot from Curry Village; parking right at Happy Isles is limited. The Mist Trail earns its name — granite steps stay wet and slick with waterfall spray much of the year. Stay behind railings above Vernal and Nevada Falls: the current and slick rock at the top have led to real fatalities for people who cross barriers to get closer.

2026 access note

The upper Mist Trail is under repair through the 2026 season: from July 27 through the end of October, it closes Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m., reopening overnight and staying open in full Friday-Sunday and on holidays. The John Muir Trail is a workaround to reach the top of Vernal Fall during weekday closures.