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.

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.

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

Mist Falls - 8mi Moderate Hike

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Distance

8 mi

Elevation Gain

600 ft

Est. Time

6-8 hours for most hikers; 4-5 hours if you're fit and start early

Route Type

Out-and-back

Dogs Allowed

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.

Overview

About This Trail

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.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Moderate

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.

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.

Best Season to Hike

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.

Hiking Tips

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.

Family Info

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.

What Hikers Say

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.

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 8 miles

Elevation Gain: 600 ft

Duration: 6-8 hours for most hikers; 4-5 hours if you're fit and start early

Difficulty: Moderate

Route Type: Out-and-back

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.

Getting There

Trailhead: 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: Moderate-sized lot at the trailhead with overflow and overnight parking available in the same lot

Fills Up: Full by 8–9 AM on summer weekends; earlier on peak holiday weekends. Midweek and shoulder season (late April, October) rarely fill.

Restrooms at trailhead

Requirements

Permit Required

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)

Shuttle Available

No shuttle service. You must drive to Road's End and park in the lot. Early arrival is your only strategy.

Trail Rules

Dogs: No

Biking: No

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.

Map/GPS recommended

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: 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.

Shade: 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.

Cell Service: Spotty to none. Cedar Grove is remote. Assume no cell service and plan accordingly. Tell someone where you're going.

Hazards:

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.

Emergency: Sierra Dispatch: (559) 565-3341. Road's End Permit Station is staffed during operating hours and can provide immediate assistance or radio for help.

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Moderate to busy. Summers are conga-line busy; weekdays and shoulder season are quieter.

Peak 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.

Accessibility & Family

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.

Family Notes:

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.

What Hikers Say

Reviews

" 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."

Reviews from Google

FAQs

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?

Do I need special gear?

Are there bears?

Is it crowded?

Can I bring my dog?

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

📖 National Park Service — Mist Falls (official page) (checked 2026-07-02) 📖 National Park Service — Sequoia National Park fees, hours & conditions (checked 2026-07-05) 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works →

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