Mist Trail closure some days, 2025

Question

As the NPS has done over the past few years, they will be resuming the trail work project on the Mist Trail.

The closure section is from the gate w/ the JMT junction (just above the footbridge) to the top of Vernal Fall. This is the part with the granite steps along the waterfall.

Closure runs June 30 to October 30 (at least, that's the plan.)

Closure will be Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm. It is possible that the trail will be closed overnight if the trail crew needs access without hikers.

The trail will remain open Fridays, weekends, and holidays.

If you want to hike to the top of Vernal Fall, here are some options:

-- hike past the gate BEFORE 7 am. This is probably just over a mile from the trailhead in Happy Isles. And you'll also need time to hike from another destination as the trailhead does not have parking and the shuttle starts later.

-- hike up to the gate, arriving AFTER 3:30 pm. Continue up.

-- hike the JMT to Clark Point, then go down to the top of Vernal Fall. Go back up.

-- hike up the JMT to Clark Point or on to Nevada Fall, then come down the Mist Trail, arriving at the top of Vernal Fall AFTER 3:30 pm.

No guarantee that the trail will reopen at 3:30. It's a goal.

Answer

The Mist Trail in Yosemite National Park will have partial closures for trail work during 2025, similar to previous years. The closed section extends from the gate at the John Muir Trail (JMT) junction, just above the footbridge, up to the top of Vernal Fall. This includes the granite steps along the waterfall.

The closure schedule is as follows:

Dates: June 30 to October 30 (tentative, subject to change depending on trail work progress)
Days: Monday through Thursday
Time: 7:00 am to 3:30 pm
Possible overnight closures if trail crew needs full access without hikers
The trail remains open on Fridays, weekends, and holidays

If your goal is to hike to the top of Vernal Fall, you have several alternatives to work around the closure:

Start your hike early and pass the gate before 7:00 am. This requires timing your arrival carefully since parking at the trailhead is limited and shuttle service begins later.
Hike up to the gate and wait until after 3:30 pm for the trail to reopen, then continue to the top.
Take the John Muir Trail (JMT) to Clark Point, then descend to the top of Vernal Fall. Return via the same route.
Hike up the JMT to Clark Point or continue on to Nevada Fall, then descend via the Mist Trail, timing your arrival at the top of Vernal Fall after 3:30 pm.

Keep in mind that 3:30 pm is the planned reopening time; there is no guarantee the trail will reopen exactly at that time, so plan some flexibility into your schedule. Early mornings and late afternoons may offer the best chance to experience the top of Vernal Fall during the closure period.

Mist Trail closure some days, 2025

More Yosemite National Park Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions