I Hiked Yosemite’s Most Famous Trail… Then Chaos Broke Out

Is Yosemite National Park’s Mist Trail actually worth the hype? We tackled California’s most famous trail over Memorial Day weekend, and it was an absolute rollercoaster! From dodging the peak-hour reservation system to surviving a literal "zombie apocalypse" at the shuttle stop during a surprise thunderstorm, here is everything you need to know before hiking the Mist Trail in Yosemite National Park. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 – The 6 AM Entrance Loophole (No Reservation Hack) 01:15 – Sunrise & Breakfast at Tunnel View 02:30 – Yosemite Valley Parking Chaos & Advice 03:45 – Taking the Shuttle to Mist Trail 05:10 – Hiking the Stairs & Getting Soaked in Mist 07:20 – The Thunderstorm & Shuttle Stampede 09:10 – Walking Back in the Rain (Best View of Half Dome) 10:45 – Final Verdict: Is It Worth It? ESSENTIAL VISITOR TIPS FROM THIS TRIP: Park Reservation Hack: If you don't have a park entry reservation (required 6 AM – 4 PM), enter the park before 6 AM. Parking: Arrive in Yosemite Valley before 7 AM during peak summer weekends, or you'll easily spend 30+ minutes hunting for a spot. Stay Location: Staying near Oakhurst / Yosemite Fork puts you just 10 minutes from the park gate for easy early morning entry. Shuttle Warning: Shuttles are great, but when bad weather hits, lines get crazy—be prepared to walk back to your car if needed!