Yosemite’s Classic Mist Trail Loop Is Back—With One Important Catch

After nearly three years of detours, one of Yosemite National Park‘s most popular hiking routes is finally whole again.

The National Park Service has reopened the John Muir Trail’s “Ice Cut” section between Clark Point and the Panorama Trail junction following an extensive reconstruction project prompted by the destructive winter storms of 2023. The reopening restores the classic loop that allows hikers to climb the Mist Trail past Vernal and Nevada falls before returning via the John Muir Trail.

For many Yosemite visitors, that route has long been considered one of the park’s signature day hikes. During the closure, hikers were forced to alter their plans, with some routes becoming significantly longer or unavailable altogether.

The reopened section is more than just another stretch of trail. Carved into steep granite cliffs, the Ice Cut serves as a key connection for hikers traveling to Nevada Fall, Half Dome, Little Yosemite Valley, and Glacier Point via the Panorama Trail.

According to Yosemite National Park, rebuilding the damaged trail required a significant engineering effort. Construction crews used rope-access techniques to work on the steep terrain while helicopters delivered concrete and other materials to locations inaccessible by vehicle. Workers also blasted rock, rebuilt retaining walls, widened portions of the trail, and resurfaced the route to improve long-term durability.

The result is a rebuilt trail approximately eight feet wide, designed to better accommodate both hikers and stock animals.

The Mist Trail Isn’t Fully Back to Normal

While the John Muir Trail reopening restores the popular loop, visitors should know that work continues on the Mist Trail itself.

As part of an ongoing rehabilitation project, the Mist Trail between the Vernal Fall Footbridge and the top of Vernal Fall remains closed Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The closure is expected to continue through October 2026.

The trail remains open on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, and also reopens after 3:30 p.m. on weekdays.

For hikers hoping to experience the famous granite steps alongside Vernal Fall, timing their visit is now just as important as choosing the hike itself.

What It Means for Hikers

The reopening means the traditional Mist Trail/John Muir Trail loop is once again available on days when the Mist Trail is open, allowing visitors to ascend one trail and descend the other instead of retracing their steps.

Those planning weekday hikes should still check current trail conditions before leaving home. Depending on the day and time, hikers may need to adjust their route around the temporary Mist Trail closure.

The National Park Service recommends checking current trail conditions and alerts before visiting Yosemite, especially during ongoing construction projects or periods of heavy visitation.

For residents of the mountain communities who hike Yosemite regularly, the reopening marks the return of one of the park’s most iconic trail experiences—while serving as a reminder that a little planning can still make the difference between an unforgettable hike and an unexpected detour.