Yosemite, CA– A section of the John Muir Trail in Yosemite National Park has reopened following major repair work to address damage caused by record-setting winter conditions in 2023.
The reopened section runs between Clark Point and the Panorama Trail junction, including the area known as the “Ice Cut,” where heavy snow, avalanches, ice, and water caused significant damage to the trail. The extreme conditions pushed a large section of granite outward, creating a crack approximately nine inches wide near the outer edge of the trail’s constructed stone guardwall. The damage forced the suspension of pack animal operations on that portion of the John Muir Trail and affected wilderness trail access.
A contracted trail crew completed extensive stabilization work, including rock blasting, concrete placement delivered by helicopter, and heavy equipment operations performed in steep terrain. The repairs expanded the existing rock cut by about six feet, creating enough space for an eight-foot-wide trail, an 18-inch-wide guardwall and an additional safety margin beyond the damaged area. Crews also relocated the guardwall, resurfaced the trail to improve drainage and created a safer surface for hikers and stock animals. Additional trail work continues nearby on the Mist Trail through October 2026, weather and conditions permitting.
Park officials credited the trail crews and maintenance workers involved in restoring the route and improving safety for visitors traveling through Yosemite’s wilderness. More information about trail operating hours can be found here.
