July 10, 2023 – Yosemite National Park officials report that the Mist Trail, one of Yosemite Valley's most popular hikes, will be undergoing trail work this summer and fall.

Beginning today, Monday, July 10, the stair section of the Mist Trail will be closed Mondays through Thursdays between 7:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. The closure extends from the John Muir Trail junction (just uphill from the Vernal Fall footbridge) to the top of Vernal Fall. This section is scheduled to be open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. On most days it will be accessible before 7:00 a.m. and after 3:30 p.m., though there may be some nights when the trail must remain closed.

A portion of the John Muir Trail from Clark Point to Panorama Trail junction, which was previously closed due to damage from the winter, was reopened on Friday. Though open, this section remains hazardous. Please exercise caution and stay behind safety barriers when using this part of the trail.

During the Mist Trail section closure, a journey to Nevada Fall will look like this:

-Begin at the Happy Isles trailhead.

-Hike a mile up to reach the Vernal Fall footbridge.

-Soon after the footbridge, you will reach a junction. Head up the John Muir Trail to Clark Point. (Photo 2)

-After reaching Clark Point, you can continue on the John Muir Trail to Nevada Fall or go left to rejoin the Mist Trail.

-Hike down using the same route.

Hikers and backpackers headed to Little Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and points beyond from the trailhead at Happy Isles may hike uphill on the Mist Trail if they reach the Mist Trail/John Muir Trail junction by 7:00 am.

Source & photos: YNP