What To Know When Visiting Yosemite Right Now
Park Status & Updates
- Badger Pass Ski Area is closed for the season.
- Curry Village Ice Rink has 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 on Glacier Point Road. It 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 John Muir Trail between Clark Point and Panorama Trail junction (near the top of Nevada Fall, aka the ice cut) is closed due to hazardous conditions. The open portions of the Mist and John Muir Trails provide access to the tops of Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall. (Note: the Mist Trail to the top of Vernal Fall is open.)
The Four Mile Trail is now open all the way to Glacier Point. Winter conditions can still be found in small area near the top of the trail. Caution is advised (and traction devices & hiking poles recommended).
The Valley Loop Trail over El Capitan Bridge is closed Mondays through Fridays from 7 am to 6 pm through March 2026. When closed, there is no river crossing between the Swinging Bridge and the Pohono Bridge.
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.
- 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 early buses on Highway 41, departing from Oakhurst at 7:10 AM and 8:55 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)

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