Mist Trail Spring, Yosemite, California

## Overview Mist Trail Spring is a natural granite-filtered spring located near the iconic Mist Trail in Yosemite Valley, one of the most celebrated hiking destinations in the world. Situated along the route also known as the John Muir Trail, this public drinking spring offers visitors a chance to fill up with naturally mineral-rich water before embarking on the spectacular hike to Vernal Fall (317 feet) and Nevada Fall (594 feet). The water at this spring travels through Yosemite's ancient layers of granite and soil before emerging at the surface, a natural filtration process shaped by the Sierra Nevada's geological history. The source point itself is largely unaltered, though a small amount of stonework has been added to form a collection pool. The spring has been reported to flow reliably, with water available for extended periods throughout the hiking season. Visitors have described the water as high in minerals and clean-tasting, and it has historically been used as a drinking water source by hikers on the trail — though, as with any natural spring, water quality can vary with conditions. ## Directions 1. Enter Yosemite National Park and make your way to **Yosemite Valley**. 2. Follow signs toward the **Happy Isles** area (Happy Isle Loop Road). 3. Park at or near the **Happy Isles Trailhead** — the nearest address is 9031 Happy Isle Loop Rd, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389. 4. From the trailhead, begin walking toward the **Mist Trail / John Muir Trail**. 5. The spring is located approximately **5 minutes from the Mist Trail**, near the start of the route. Watch for a small stone-lined pool where water emerges from the ground. **GPS Coordinates:** 37.727888, -119.55804 *Note: A Yosemite National Park entrance fee is required. During peak season (late spring through early fall), the Happy Isles area can be very busy — consider arriving early or using the free Yosemite Valley shuttle (Stop 16 for Happy Isles).* ## What to Expect The spring sits in the lush, forested surroundings of Yosemite Valley at the gateway to one of the park's most popular trails. The setting is dramatic — towering granite walls, the sound of the Merced River nearby, and the mist from the falls drifting through the trees during high-water months. The water emerges from a natural source point into a small stone-lined pool. Flow has been reported as consistent during the main hiking season (roughly April through October), though conditions may vary in drier years or late in the season. The water is described as mineral-rich due to its passage through Yosemite's deep granite formations. This is an ideal stop to fill water bottles before heading down the Mist Trail to **Vernal Fall** (about 1 mile from the trailhead) and **Nevada Fall** (about 2.7 miles). The trail is steep and can be slippery, especially near Vernal Fall where mist from the waterfall soaks the granite steps — sturdy footwear is highly recommended. The area is within Mariposa County in the heart of the Sierra Nevada, and elevation at the trailhead is approximately 4,000 feet.