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Yosemite Tunnel View - Spring 2024
Updated January 5, 2026
Blog What to Know When Visiting Yosemite - Right Now

No. Peak-hour reservations are not required for the rest of 2025.

We anticipate the National Park Service will provide updates later this year regarding possible reservation requirements for the Horsetail Fall event in February 2026 and summer 2026. As soon as announcements are made, we’ll share the details here.

For more details, visit our Reservation Information Page.

  • Badger Pass status is somewhat dynamic.
    • Badger Pass Road is currently still closed. Nordic routes in the area are open, but the Nordic Center has not opened yet. Access to the routes is only via the Chinquapin Trail. 
    • Alpine operations are now targeted to potentially open on Jan 9th, depending on conditions.  
  • The Wawona Hotel is closed to the public for a multi-year repair project.  
  • Road & Trail Closures/Status:
  • Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road are closed for the winter season.
  • El Capitan Bridge - Expect 15-minute delays, Monday through Friday, 7 am to 6 pm through March 2026 for bridge repair.
  • 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.
  • John Muir Trail between Clark Point and Panorama Trail junction (near the top of Nevada Fall, aka the ice cut) is closed for trail work.

  • The Four Mile Trail is closed near Union Point (about halfway up) with no access to Glacier Point.

  • 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 Swinging Bridge and Pohono Bridge.

  • 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
    • In Yosemite Valley
      • Open - Upper Pines -  reservations required, Camp 4 - first come, first served.
      • Closed  - Lower Pines, North Pines
    • Outside Yosemite Valley
      • Open - Wawona, Hodgdon Meadow (both are first-come, first served).
      • Closed -  Crane Flat, Bridalveil Creek, Porcupine Flat, Tamarack Flat, White Wolf, Crane Flat, Tamarack Flat, White Wolf, Yosemite Creek, and Tuolumne Meadows

Top Tips to Maximize Your Yosemite Experience

Looking for a great way to experience Yosemite all while leaving the driving to someone else? Take a guided tour!


Essential tips to maximize your experience during your visit to Yosemite:

  1. Optimal Visit Times: Arrive early in the morning (Before 5:00 AM) or later in the afternoon (After 4:00 PM) to avoid peak times and reservation requirements. Remember, the park is accessible 24 hours a day (excluding Hetch Hetchy), allowing for flexible planning.
  2. 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.
  3. Guided and Adventure Tours: Take advantage of guided tours and hikes. Tours offer a unique perspective of Yosemite, relieve the hassle of parking, and are your ticket to the park during reservation periods.
  4. 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, and dining at the historic Wawona Hotel.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

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)

There is so much to do here in the Yosemite and it's Southern Gateway. Click the image strip below to find out more.  


Our annual Visit Yosemite | Madera County Visitors Guide can answer all your questions about visiting California's Gateway to Yosemite. From the park itself to the museums, wineries, art galleries and more throughout Madera County, our guide can help you plan the perfect vacation. Please note that we mail to the USA only, but anyone can download the guide.
Visit Yosemite - Madera County
Oakhurst Visitor Center, 40343 Highway 41, Oakhurst, CA 93644
(559) 683-4636
Email us!

Hours:
7 days a week: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
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