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Mist Trail / JMT closed. 4/2/25

The popular paved portion of this combo trail (usually called the Mist Trail but actually the John Muir Trail) is closed at the trailhead near Happy Isles. There was a rockfall near the footbridge yesterday.

The entire trail is inaccessible.

Thank you for sharing the update. A closure on the Mist Trail/John Muir Trail near Happy Isles is significant because this area is one of the most heavily used trail segments in Yosemite Valley. A rockfall near the footbridge affects both safety and trail access, so a full closure is the park’s normal response.

Because the Mist Trail is the primary route to Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall, this closure means hikers must temporarily shift their plans, often toward alternative trails or viewpoints. The situation also highlights how dynamic Yosemite’s landscape can be, especially in spring when freeze–thaw cycles increase rockfall risk.

If you or others are planning spring hikes, here are some alternatives and considerations while the Mist Trail remains closed:

  • Use the Clark Point route when open. Sometimes the park opens the higher section of the JMT/Mist Trail via Clark Point even when Happy Isles access is closed, but this depends on conditions.
  • Choose the Mirror Lake Trail as an easy alternative. It offers great views of Half Dome and is less affected by rockfall concerns.
  • Hike the Four Mile Trail to Glacier Point (if seasonally open). This is a strenuous but rewarding route with spectacular valley views.
  • Explore the Yosemite Falls Trail. When open, it provides an excellent challenge with rewarding vistas of the valley and the waterfall.

Always check current conditions on the official Yosemite National Park page before heading out. Trail access can change daily due to rockfall mitigation, weather, or seasonal hazards.

With closures like this, flexibility is key. Yosemite always offers incredible alternatives, and even unexpected changes can lead to discovering new favorite hikes and viewpoints.

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