It depends on which "loop" you want to do and the time of day. The Mist Trail has a closure section from 7 am to 3:30 pm, Mon-Thu (extending to Fri in Sept) It's possible to do a loop via the Clark Point Cutoff (5 miles) or via the top of Nevada Fall (7 miles), but you have to be more creative about timing and direction during the week. Ask on the Yosemite forum where we can share maps, detailed tips, and more. This Q&A feature has few readers.

Hi Next time post on the active Yosemite forum rather than this seldom viewed Q&A feature. Yosemite is always open. (Well, almost always. It has closed for forest fires and for government issues, but not for the season.)

Yes, there are a few spots with outhouses. The National Park website includes this information in its description of the Vernal Fall & Nevada Fall hike (Mist Trail up and John Muir Trail down.) "Restrooms are located at the shuttle stop near the trailhead (stop #16). Additionally, restrooms are located at the Vernal Fall footbridge, approximately 1 mile up the trail (May to October). Vault toilets are available beyond the top of Vernal Fall (along the Mist Trail) and at the top of Nevada Fall (along the Mist Trail)." If you post questions on the active Yosemite forum, you'll get immediate replies. This Q&A feature is seldom seen.

Is it currently open? I’d heard it was closed. If so, is it dangerous going back down Mist?

Hi The Yosemite forum is very active. Questions are answered the same day. This Q&A feature has few readers. In spring, getting on the first shuttle of the day is usually a good idea. If you prefer an earlier start, using the Hikers Parking Lot past Curry Village / HalfDomeVillage is the closest parking to Happy Isles. However, driving out of the Valley at the end of the day will be very challenging & slow due to the traffic. Saturday is the busiest day of the week in Yosemite Valley. There are maps linked to the Top Questions on the right side of the Yosemite forum page.

Yes. The Mist Trail is the most popular trail in the Valley. If you can begin the hike very early, it will be less crowded. Coming down the John Muir Trail is usually easier and less crowded.

Yes, there is parking, however it’s not right in front of the entrance. Not too far, but not too close. Shuttles do run everywhere in the valley section. I remember ditching the shuttle ideas due to its start time. I think it started running at 8:00a.

Hi Rather than this Q&A for a trail in Yosemite, I recommend that you participate on the TripAdvisor Yosemite NP forum page. The Top Questions on the Yosemite page include information about Planning a spring visit, What to do in Yosemite Valley, Maps, and more.