The Lower Mist Trail - from the John Muir Trail (JMT) junction (just uphill from the Vernal Fall Footbridge) to the top of Vernal Fall - will be closed between 6:30am and 4:00pm as follows (subject to change):
- Monday through Thursday: 10/17 - 10/20
- Monday through Friday: 10/24 - 10/28
- Monday through Wednesday: 10/31 - 11/2
The trail will remain open on weekends and is expected to be open overnight, however there may be certain days when trail crew is not able to make it safe to open overnight. In that case, the gates will remain closed, and signs will be posted at the two closure gates that the trail is closed. Hikers and backpackers headed to Half Dome, Cloud's Rest, and points beyond from the trailhead at Happy Isles may hike uphill on the Mist Trail if they reach the Mist Trail/JMT junction by 630am, Monday through Friday. Otherwise, they must hike up the JMT (approximately 1 mile longer). Monday through Friday, hikers and backpackers traveling downhill/returning to the trailhead are encouraged to use the JMT to descend at all times since it will not be possible to change the sign at the trail junction at the Nevada Fall restroom anytime the Mist Trail needs to remain closed overnight. There is a $280 fine for entering a closed construction zone.
