Mist Falls

A cascading waterfall with massive granite mountains in the background.

An 8-mile round-trip hike through Cedar Grove to a spectacular waterfall cascade—the payoff is worth the effort. The first miles are deceptively flat and open, lulling you into a false sense of ease. Then the trail turns serious: the final mile is a steep wooded climb with 600 feet of elevation gain, thick roots, and rocky footing. The real danger comes at the end—mist and spray make the waterfall rocks treacherously slippery, and the river's hidden currents can trap swimmers. This is a hike that demands respect.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 8
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet: 600

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 8
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet: 600
Estimated Time: 6-8 hours for most hikers; 4-5 hours if you're fit and start early
Trail Surface: Mixed terrain. First 2 miles: flat, packed gravel and dirt through open meadow. Final mile: steep wooded trail with exposed roots, rocks, and rocky footing. Expect loose stone in sections.
Trail Features: Mist Falls cascade
Cedar Grove meadows
River views
Wooded forest canyon
Rocky footing and scrambling
Stream crossings
Trail Highlights: The Mist Falls cascade—a dramatic waterfall drop with heavy mist. River and forest views surround the cascade, but the waterfall is the main event.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Road's End Permit Station at the end of Highway 180 in Cedar Grove. The trailhead is located at the permit station along the Woods Creek and Bubbs Creek Trailhead. At the first trail junction (approximately 2 miles from Road's End), take the left fork to Mist Falls. Road's End is roughly 1 hour drive from Kings Canyon Visitor Center via Highway 180.
Parking Lot Size: Moderate-sized lot at the trailhead with overflow and overnight parking available in the same lot
Parking Fill Time: Full by 8–9 AM on summer weekends; earlier on peak holiday weekends. Midweek and shoulder season (late April, October) rarely fill.
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: No shuttle service. You must drive to Road's End and park in the lot. Early arrival is your only strategy.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: Day hikes do not require permits. Wilderness permit required if camping overnight. Check at Road's End Permit Station during operating hours for backcountry info.
Fees: $35 per vehicle (7-day pass, includes entry to both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and Hume Lake District)
Trail Status: Typically open late April through mid-November. Check nps.gov/seki for current Road's End conditions before you go.
Seasonal Closures: Highway 180 to Cedar Grove closes in mid-November due to snow accumulation. Typically reopens the fourth Friday in April, weather permitting. During closure, Road's End is inaccessible.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 1
Water Sources: Woods Creek and Bubbs Creek near Road's End. Stream crossings are present on the trail. Water is available but must be filtered or treated before drinking. No reliable potable water at the trailhead, so carry what you need.
Accessibility: The first 2 miles are relatively accessible on packed trail, but the final mile is steep and rocky with exposed roots. Not wheelchair accessible per NPS. One van-accessible parking space and one standard accessible space are available at Road's End; an additional van-accessible space is near the restroom. The trail itself is not suitable for wheelchairs or mobility devices.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Slippery mist-coated rocks near waterfall
Drowning risk in river—hidden currents
Steep descent on rocky footing
Stream crossings at high water
Bears—food storage required
Afternoon thunderstorms
Exposure to sun in early miles
Hazard Details: Mist and spray make the waterfall rocks deceptively slippery and treacherous—NPS explicitly warns that people have slipped and fallen here. The river's surface currents can drag swimmers under; drowning is the leading cause of death in Sequoia and Kings Canyon. Never approach the waterfall rocks or attempt to wade. This is active bear country; store all scented items (food, sunscreen, lip balm) in the bear lockers at Road's End, never in your vehicle. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the Sierra; turn back by 3 PM if storms are approaching.
Cell Service: Spotty to none. Cedar Grove is remote. Assume no cell service and plan accordingly. Tell someone where you're going.
Crowd Level: Moderate to busy. Summers are conga-line busy; weekdays and shoulder season are quieter.
Peak Crowd Times: Weekends year-round; especially June–August. Holiday weekends (Fourth of July, Labor Day) are extremely crowded. Weekdays and late April–early May are best for solitude.
Best Season: Late April through mid-November when Highway 180 to Cedar Grove is open. Peak season is June–September; shoulder season (late April, May, October) offers fewer crowds and stable weather.
Best Time To Visit: Early morning starts (6 AM) from late April through October when Cedar Grove access is open. Avoid afternoon hours—thunderstorms can roll in fast in the Sierra. Weekdays and shoulder season (late April, October) offer better parking and fewer crowds. Summer (June–August) is busiest; come prepared for 8+ AM arrivals with full lots.
Tips Advice: Trekking poles are essential—your knees will thank you on the steep descent.
Carry 2+ liters of water minimum; it's a long day and the final mile is relentless.
Start early to finish before afternoon thunderstorms.
Never approach the waterfall spray zone—the rocks are slippery enough to kill. Step back 50+ feet for photos.
Store ALL scented items (food, sunscreen, lip balm) in the bear lockers at the parking area. Never leave anything in your vehicle.
Wear sturdy boots with ankle support; flip-flops are a disaster here.
If water levels are high (spring snowmelt), the stream crossings become dangerous—scout them first and turn back if unsure.

More details

Park Area: Cedar Grove
Trail Markers: Well-worn trail with clear path for most of the route. The first junction at approximately 2 miles is clearly marked (take the left fork). Later sections are less distinct but still reasonable; a map is recommended.
Dogs Allowed: No
Biking Allowed: No
Shade Level: Mixed. Open sun exposure in the meadow sections (first 2 miles), then deep forest shade in the wooded canyon (final mile). Wear a hat and sunscreen for the early section; you'll be grateful for the shade later.
Emergency Contacts: Sierra Dispatch: (559) 565-3341. Road's End Permit Station is staffed during operating hours and can provide immediate assistance or radio for help.
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: Typically November–April due to Highway 180 closure. The trail itself may be passable during these months if road access is open, but assume snow in early November and mid-April; check conditions first.
Mud Season: April–May after snowmelt; creek crossings may swell and become dangerous. Stream water is high and cold. If you're hiking during this period, scout creek crossings before committing.
Wildflower Peak: June–July in the Cedar Grove meadows; wildflower display is modest but present along the first miles.
Fall Colors Peak: October in the Sierra forest canopy; aspen and mixed conifers turn golden.
Bug Season: July–September peak mosquito season near creek sections and shaded areas. Bring insect repellent; mosquitoes can be relentless.
Insider Tips: The "obvious" waterfall lookout point is NOT the best view. Hike left along the rocks (staying well back from the spray) to find the classic view and better photography angles.
The first 2 miles are deceptively flat—mentally prepare your legs for the steep final mile. Many hikers underestimate the climb.
Afternoon thunderstorms can roll in fast. Leave the waterfall by 3 PM, no exceptions.
Parking fills by 8–9 AM on summer weekends. The 5 AM arrival trick works if you're willing to start hiking before sunrise and use headlamps.
The false summit (where the trail flattens briefly around mile 3) tricks hikers into thinking the hard climb is over. It's not—keep going.
High water in spring makes the creek crossings dangerous. Scout them and turn back if you're uncertain.
Recent Updates: No recent trail closures or significant changes. Cedar Grove access is seasonal (mid-November–late April closure). Check nps.gov/seki for Road's End conditions and Highway 180 status before your visit.
Family Friendly Notes: Suitable for ages 8+ with moderate fitness. The final mile is steep and technically demanding; younger children or inexperienced hikers may struggle. Watch children closely near the waterfall—the rocks are dangerously slippery and the water is deep. Hand-holding is mandatory in the spray zone. For families with very young children, consider turning back at the main junction (2-mile mark) for a safer, flatter outing.
Nearby Facilities: Road's End Permit Station with restrooms. Nearest food and lodging are in Cedar Grove village or at Kings Canyon Visitor Center area (approximately 1 hour drive). Pack snacks and carry-out trash; there are no vendor services at the trailhead.
Review Summary: Hikers rave about the spectacular waterfall payoff but consistently emphasize the hazards: the slippery rocks, river danger, and steep final mile demand respect. Most hikers report the moderate distance and elevation gain are manageable, but the hazards separate casual walkers from those ready to hustle. Reviews note the first 2 miles are deceptive—beautiful but easy—and that the real challenge comes in the final mile scramble.

Frequently asked questions

Is this trail dangerous?

Only if you ignore warnings. The mist makes rocks deceptively slippery—people have slipped and fallen. Never approach the waterfall rocks or wade in the river. Drowning is the leading cause of death in these parks. Respect the water and stay alert, and you'll be fine.

Can I do this in half a day?

If you start at 6 AM and are fit, yes—4–5 hours round trip if you move steadily. Most hikers take 6–8 hours including breaks and time at the falls. Plan for 6–8 hours to be safe.

Do I need special gear?

Trekking poles save your knees on the steep descent and are highly recommended. Sturdy boots with ankle support are essential; flip-flops are dangerous. Bring 2+ liters of water. A map is smart despite the well-worn trail.

Are there bears?

Yes, this is active bear country. Store all food, sunscreen, lip balm, and scented items in the bear lockers at Road's End. Never leave anything in your car or on the trail.

Is it crowded?

Moderate to heavy on weekends, especially June–August. Weekdays and shoulder season (late April, May, October) are quieter. Arrive by 7 AM on summer weekends if you want a parking spot without stress.

Can I bring my dog?

No, pets are not allowed on any park trails in Sequoia and Kings Canyon.

What if I'm not very fit—can I still do it?

The first 2 miles are achievable for most people. The final mile is steep and will challenge anyone not regularly hiking. Be honest with yourself about fitness. If you're nervous, turn back at the 2-mile junction for a 4-mile flat walk instead.