Clark Point
Iconic Yosemite viewpoint offering breathtaking perspectives of Vernal and Nevada Falls, accessible via the thrilling Mist Trail.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Waterfalls at their peak flow
Clark Point
Best Time
Waterfalls at their peak flow
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic Yosemite viewpoint offering breathtaking perspectives of Vernal and Nevada Falls, accessible via the thrilling Mist Trail.
"Awesome view of Half Dome and Nevada Falls from Clark Point, a great reward after a challenging hike!"
poncho for Mist Trail
Essential for staying dry on the Mist Trail, especially during spring waterfall season. :umbrella:
Start early to beat crowds
Hit the trails by 7 AM to avoid the busiest times, particularly on the Mist Trail. :clock:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vernal Falls from Clark Point
Clark Point
Spectacular, high-altitude views of Vernal Falls, offering a dramatic perspective of the Merced River's powerful descent.
+1Mist Trail Experience
Vernal Falls
A challenging but rewarding hike with iconic, up-close encounters with powerful waterfalls, especially in spring.
+1
Nevada Falls Vista
Clark Point
Offers a great vantage point to admire Nevada Falls, providing a beautiful place to rest and catch your breath.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Waterfalls
Gear Up for the Mist Trail
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
poncho for Mist Trail
Essential for staying dry on the Mist Trail, especially during spring waterfall season.
Start early to beat crowds
Hit the trails by 7 AM to avoid the busiest times, particularly on the Mist Trail.
Spikes for icy trails
Crucial for navigating snowy and icy conditions in spring for better traction. :ice_skate:
Knee-friendly descent
Consider descending via the John Muir Trail for easier switchbacks on your knees.
Tips
from all over the internet
poncho for Mist Trail
Essential for staying dry on the Mist Trail, especially during spring waterfall season.
Start early to beat crowds
Hit the trails by 7 AM to avoid the busiest times, particularly on the Mist Trail.
Spikes for icy trails
Crucial for navigating snowy and icy conditions in spring for better traction. :ice_skate:
Knee-friendly descent
Consider descending via the John Muir Trail for easier switchbacks on your knees.
Pack plenty of water
Stay hydrated, especially on strenuous hikes. Bring snacks too! :water_wave:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning views of Vernal and Nevada Falls from Clark Point, calling it a great reward for a challenging hike. The Mist Trail experience is a highlight, though hikers advise being prepared for wet conditions and steep ascents. Some find the descent tough on the knees, but overall, the scenery and accomplishment make it a memorable Yosemite experience.
"This viewpoint is awesome and only adds about a mile to your trip if you're going back to the Mist trail. Not a ton of people here and the hike if you go up the mist trail and over across Nevada falls is relatively strenuous but definitely doable."
Preston Radliff
"We visited Yosemite in March during our children’s spring break, and it was an amazing experience! Planning is crucial this time of year, as the weather can change rapidly. Some roads, like Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road, were closed due to snow, but Highway 140 was open, allowing easy access to Yosemite Valley. We were lucky to camp at Upper Pines Campground, one of the few open year-round.
The highlight of our trip was hiking to Nevada Falls via the winter route of the Mist Trail. The snowy and icy conditions made it challenging, but our shoe spikes were a lifesaver. Trails like Lower Yosemite Fall, Mirror Lake, and John Muir Trail were open and offered incredible views. March is also perfect for avoiding crowds and seeing waterfalls at their fullest.
Overall, a fantastic trip—peaceful, scenic, and unforgettable! Just make sure to plan ahead, check conditions, and bring the right gear."
Jan Jedlička
"made the hike a few days ago with a friend. it was sunny and lovely but clark point made it even lovelier! hard on the knees and toes (when going down) but great view of nevada falls from here and nice place to sit and catch a breath. you might be able to spot a blue jay!
took me around an hour and a half to reach this point. awesome view of half dome👍"
Maika Kogawara
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Clark Point is accessible via the Mist Trail or the John Muir Trail. The Mist Trail starts from Happy Isles in Yosemite Valley. During spring, Highway 140 is typically open, providing access to the valley, while Tioga Road may be closed due to snow.
Access to Clark Point can be affected by winter conditions. While Yosemite Valley is generally accessible, trails like the Mist Trail might have closures or icy conditions in winter and early spring. Always check current park conditions before your visit.
The Mist Trail trailhead is located at Happy Isles, accessible via the free Yosemite Valley shuttle bus system. Parking can be challenging, so using the shuttle is highly recommended.
No, Clark Point is a hiking destination and not accessible by car. You'll need to hike from the Yosemite Valley floor via the Mist Trail or John Muir Trail.
In winter and early spring, roads like Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road are often closed due to snow. Highway 140 is usually open year-round and provides access to Yosemite Valley.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Reservations may be required to enter Yosemite National Park during peak seasons or specific times. It's crucial to check the official Yosemite National Park website for the most up-to-date reservation requirements before your visit.
Yosemite National Park has an entrance fee per vehicle, which is typically valid for seven days. Check the NPS website for current fee information.
No specific permits are required for day hikes to Clark Point. However, if you plan to backpack in the Yosemite backcountry, wilderness permits are necessary and highly competitive.
Yosemite National Park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, specific facilities, roads, and trails may have seasonal operating hours or closures.
While there isn't a 'ticket' for the park in the traditional sense, you may need to secure a vehicle reservation in advance. It's best to check the NPS website for any reservation requirements.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The hike to Clark Point can be challenging, especially the switchbacks on the Mist Trail. It's considered beginner-intermediate, requiring endurance. The descent can be hard on the knees.
Clark Point offers a favorite high viewpoint of Vernal Falls, providing a stunning perspective of the waterfall.
Yes, the Mist Trail leads you very close to Vernal Falls, and you will likely get wet from the spray, especially in spring.
From Clark Point, you can continue to Nevada Falls, descend to the top of Vernal Falls, or visit the Emerald Pool. Views of Half Dome are also possible.
Clark Point itself may not be as crowded as the base of the falls, but the Mist Trail can get very busy. Starting early is key to avoiding crowds.
📸 📸 Photography
Clark Point offers excellent vantage points for photographing Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls. The trail also provides views of Half Dome.
Morning light can be beautiful for waterfall photography. In the fall, sunset light on El Capitan is also a highlight.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the grandeur of the falls and surrounding landscape. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details.
Use a waterproof camera bag or a rain cover for your camera. Lens filters can also help protect your lens from moisture.
While Clark Point is focused on Vernal and Nevada Falls, the John Muir Trail section can offer views of El Capitan, especially at sunset.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Start early to avoid crowds and heat. Bring plenty of snacks and water. If conditions are icy or wet, assess your children's comfort and safety carefully. The descent can be tough on little knees, so consider turning back at Vernal Falls or Clark Point if needed.
🎒 Backpackers and Long-Distance Hikers
Permits are essential for overnight trips in Yosemite's backcountry, and they are highly competitive. Planning your trip about 5 months in advance is recommended to secure permits. Researching trail conditions and understanding the permit lottery system is crucial for a successful backpacking adventure in this region.
📸 Photographers
+1 The surrounding granite cliffs and the Merced River add to the scenic beauty. Photography tips: Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the scale of the falls and landscape. A polarizing filter can help manage reflections on the water and enhance the sky. Be prepared for mist, so protect your gear. Consider visiting during golden hour for softer light and dramatic shadows.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mist Trail: An Iconic Yosemite Hike
+1Many visitors choose to hike the Mist Trail up to Vernal Falls and then return via the John Muir Trail, which offers a less steep descent and different perspectives. For those continuing to Nevada Falls, the climb becomes even more demanding. Planning is key: start early to avoid the peak crowds, wear waterproof gear, and ensure you have sturdy footwear.
Key features of the Mist Trail include the iconic footbridge offering a first glimpse of Vernal Falls, the steep, wet steps alongside the falls, and the stunning views from Clark Point and the top of Nevada Falls. It's a quintessential Yosemite adventure that showcases the raw power and beauty of the park's waterfalls.
+1Clark Point: A Scenic Overlook
+1From Clark Point, hikers can choose their path: continue upwards towards Nevada Falls, a more challenging climb, or descend towards the top of Vernal Falls and even further down to the Emerald Pool. The views from Clark Point are consistently praised, with some visitors noting it as a great place to catch their breath and enjoy the scenery.
While the Mist Trail can be busy, Clark Point itself is often described as having fewer people than the immediate vicinity of Vernal Falls, offering a slightly more tranquil experience. It's a testament to the diverse experiences available on a single hike, with each section offering unique rewards.
Yosemite in Spring: Waterfalls and Weather
However, spring in Yosemite also means variable weather conditions. Trails can be snowy and icy, especially at higher elevations, making appropriate gear like shoe spikes essential for safety. Roads such as Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road are typically closed until late spring or early summer due to snow, which can limit access to certain areas of the park.
Despite the potential challenges, spring offers the advantage of fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months. This allows for a more peaceful exploration of the park's iconic sights. Planning ahead, checking weather forecasts, and being prepared for a range of conditions are key to a successful and enjoyable spring visit to Yosemite.
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