The Mist Trail from the top of Vernal Fall to the John Muir Trail junction near the Vernal Fall footbridge is closed to downhill hiking from 9 am to 4 pm daily. Hikers may return to the trailhead using the Clark Point cutoff trail and John Muir Trail. The Half Dome cables are up for the season..A permit is required to hike to the top of Half Dome when the cables are up.