What To Know When Visiting Yosemite Right Now
Park Status & Updates
- HYW 140 has a one lane closure in effect between Briceburg to Cane Creek for shoulder work (this new larger closer is expected to be completed around 2:30pm on April 16th). The one-lane closure between Yosemite Redbud Lodge and Cedar Lodge is still effect as crews continue work to remove rockslide debris from from the roadway.
- Fuels reduction work is occurring along Big Oak Flat Road. Visitors traveling in the area should expect to see crews working and equipment in use and anticipate 15 minute delays.
- Dinner service at the Ahwahnee will transition to a Prix Fixe dining experience. They will be offering the option of a 5 or 7 course Prix Fixe menu with the option to add on a curated wine pairing. There will be no a la carte options with the exception of the kid's menu for children 12 and under. Due to these changes, walk ins will not be accommodated, reservations are required and seatings will be limited.
- Badger Pass Ski Area and the Curry Village Ice Rink are closed for the season.
- The Wawona Hotel is closed to the public for a multi-year repair project.
- Road & Trail Closures/Status:
- Tioga Road remains closed for the winter season. Crews are are now performing spring preparations (plowing, etc...) on Glacier Point Road. It currently remains closed to all visitor vehicles, including bicycles.
- Half Dome cables are down for the season. A permit is required to hike to the top of Half Dome when the cables are up.
- The Four Mile Trail is now open all the way to Glacier Point.
A short section of the Valley Loop Trail at The Ahwahnee is closed due to rockfall risk, although a short detour is available.
- Climbing closures are in effect on several routes each year from March 1 through July 15 to protect peregrine falcons. Other closures may occur throughout the year.
Mist Trail and John Muir Trail Repair Closures
John Muir Trail "Ice Cut": Closed for Repairs through Late June
The John Muir Trail (JMT) is closed between Clark Point and the Panorama Trail Junction. Use the Mist Trail to reach Nevada Fall, the Panorama Trail, Little Yosemite Valley, and other destinations. Reopening date to be announced—check back for updates. Additionally, during this time there will also be intermittent closure of the Panorama Trail between Nevada Falls and the Illilouette Creek Junction for helicopter operations, with the first closure scheduled for April 22nd from 8AM to 5PM.
Mist Trail: Closed for Repairs Starting June 30
Closed Monday – Thursday, 7 am – 3:30 pm ONLY (June 30 to the end of October)
From June 30 through October, the Mist Trail from its junction with the John Muir Trail (above Vernal Fall footbridge) to the top of Vernal Fall will be open Fridays through Sundays and on holidays. It will normally also be open Mondays through Thursdays from 3:30 pm to 7 am (when safe). The John Muir Trail is an alternate route to the top of Vernal Fall at other times. This detour facilitates Mist Trail repair work.

- Housekeeping Camp has reopened for the 2026 season.
- Happy Isles Art & Nature Center has opened for the 2026 season, Monday - Friday from 9am - 4pm (transitioning to 7 days a week starting in May). Class details can be found at yosemite.org/art.
- Glacier Point Geology Hut Renovations - the Yosemite Historic Preservation Crew has closed off access to the Glacier Point Geology Hut for visitor safety while the building is being restored for its 100th Anniversary!
- Campground Status
Yosemite Valley:
Open: Upper Pines (reservation required), Camp 4 (first-come, first served)
Closed: Lower Pines, North Pines
Outside Yosemite Valley:
Open: Wawona, Hodgdon Meadow (both first-come, first-served)
Closed: Bridalveil Creek, White Wolf, Yosemite Creek, Tuolumne Meadows, Crane Flat, Tamarack Flat, Porcupine Flat
- In 2026, visitors will not need a reservation to drive into Yosemite, offering more flexibility while the park continues to manage traffic and ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for all.
Top Tips to Maximize Your Yosemite Experience
Essential tips to maximize your experience during your visit to Yosemite:
- A park entrance fee is always required. Purchase digital passes in advance online to save time at the gate. Cash is not accepted. Learn more about pass options and non-resident fees.
- Stay Informed with Traffic Alerts: Sign up for Yosemite's valley traffic alerts by texting YNPTRAFFIC to 333111 to stay updated on traffic conditions, enhancing your visit planning.
Optimal Visit Times: Arrive early in the morning (Before 5:00 AM) or later in the afternoon (After 4:00 PM) to avoid crowding. Remember, the park is accessible 24 hours a day (excluding Hetch Hetchy), allowing for flexible planning.- Weekday Visits: If possible, visit mid-week. While early Spring is generally less crowded than the Summer, weekends and holidays can still get busy. If your trip includes weekends, explore the diverse activities in Yosemite's Southern Gateway, such as local attractions, historical sites, wine tasting, hiking, axe throwing, and relaxing at Bass Lake.
- Guided and Adventure Tours: Take advantage of guided tours and hikes. Tours offer a unique perspective of Yosemite, relieve the hassle of parking.
- Explore Beyond the Valley: Visit areas like Wawona near the south gate entrance. Rich in history and activities, Wawona offers the Yosemite History Center, stagecoach rides, various hikes, a dog-friendly trail.
- Take Public Transportation: May - September, utilize YARTS for convenient travel to Yosemite with daily buses on Highway 41, departing from Oakhurst at 8:30 AM and 11:15 AM; visit www.yarts.com for schedules and details.
For more information:
VISIT: Yosemite's Current Conditions page
CALL: Oakhurst Visitor Center at (559) 683-4636
STOP BY: Oakhurst Visitor Center located at 40343 Highway 41 (daily from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm)

More Ideas for Things To Do!





