Yosemite National Park

For those who can plan a visit to Yosemite June/July, you will be able to reserve a campsite in Upper Pines during June 15-July 15 when they open up reservations on www.recreation.gov at 7am Feb 15:

On February 15, at 7:00 a.m. PST, 50% of Upper Pines will be released for arrivals between June 15 and July 14, 2021. Sites closed for social distancing: 004, 008, 012, 016, 020, 034, 038, 040, 056, 058, 060, 063, 065, 070, 079, 081, 084, 094, 097, 101, 107, 115, 118, 122, 123, 127, 130, 131, 134, 138, 148, 149, 152, 157-240. Opening dates in 2021 for other Yosemite campgrounds have not yet been determined. Check back here for updates.

Yosemite reopens Feb 1, but only the Highway 140 entrance is open from the west due to road closures of Highway 41 from the south due to wind damage, temporary closure of the Highway 120 entrance from the north due to snow, and winter closure of the Tioga Pass entrance in the east.

Starting Feb 8, Yosemite will re-start their mandatory entrance reservations that may last at least through February. You will be required to sign up online ahead of time to visit the park, though those with overnight reservations for lodgings will be permitted to enter.

Information is available on current Yosemite conditions here:

https://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm

Here is an article regarding viewing for "Firefall" in Yosemite later this month:

https://www.fresnobee.com/news/california/yosemite/article248878154.html?ac_cid=DM376050&ac_bid=-685567776

There will be parking restrictions from noon to 7pm. in Yosemite Valley during the peak viewing periods for Firefall Feb 13-25.

Campground reservations should be available for Feb 8 and later as they re-open for overnight stays.

Mandatory mask-wearing within Yosemite should be in place as required by federal law to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 within the park and by visitors to other areas.

Yosemite National Park will likely remain closed at least through Monday, January 25, as the park conducts damage assessments, repairs facilities, and clears trees.

https://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm

Also be aware that once the park opens, mandatory mask wearing and social distancing guidelines will be in place to protect guests, employees and people they come in contact with in the future:

https://www.sfgate.com/california-parks/article/Yosemite-national-park-mask-mandate-biden-15886371.php

Here is a story about the beautiful combination of snow and fall foliage this month:

https://www.sfgate.com/california-parks/article/yosemite-winter-fall-snowliage-park-california-15731195.php

Here's a link to soem tips about visiting in Winter:

https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/winter.htm

Pay close attention to the weather forecast and be aware of tire chain requirements when visiting during predicted snow storms.

Tioga Road (Hwy 120 through the park) and Glacier Point Road are temporarily closed Tioga Road (continuation of Highway 120 through the park) and Glacier Point Road are temporarily closed due to snow and ice.

https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/conditions.htm

Check the Yosemite National Park website above for the latest conditions. You can also check https://roads.dot.ca.gov/ for the current condition of roads on the way to Yosemite.

The route least likely to encounter snow in winter is Highway 140 from the west.

You can also call: 1-800-327-7623 (ROAD) and input the road number for the current status.

Here is a link with information about driving in Yosemite in winter:

https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/tirechains.htm

In general, due to dry and warm conditions the last few years, there is usually only a small chance you will be required to put chains on your tires when you visit Yosemite Valley.

But conditions change quickly and you should always check the forecast for the days you plan to visit.

More often, there will be some snow when they will require you to carry tire chains with you (even if you have a vehicle with AWD/4WD) but you will not be required to put them on your tires as long as you have M+S, M/S, Mud/Snow-rated tires -- which almost all passenger cars use.

Be familiar with the snow ratings of R0/R1/R2/R3 conditions which dictate whether you need to bring or use tire chains.

https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/roadwork.htm

If planning a trip to Yosemite Valley from the south via Highway 41 between now and the end of the year, read the following (no weekend or night work is scheduled at this time):

They are working on Wawona Road (HWY 41) from now to the end of the year with 30 minute delays in sections and up to four hour delays in the section between Chilnualna Falls Road and Yosemite West.

You can avoid this by taking Highway 140 from the west, or entering the park before 7am and leaving after 5 pm.

Between the area South of Wawona Tunnel to Chinquapin (Monday through Friday): Drainage repair, shoulder stabilization, and slide stabilization work will occur from Oct 19 through Dec 31, 2020.

Oct 19–Oct 28: 30-minute delays, 7 am to 5 pm Nov 19–Dec 31: 30-minute delays, 7 am to 5 pm

Between Chinlnualna Falls Road and Yosemite West.

Oct 29–Nov 18: CLOSED from 8 am to noon and 1 pm to 5 pm

Then beginning, Thursday, Oct 29, crews will begin working on a slide stabilization located approximately 1-mile north of the Wawona Campground. As part of this stabilization there will be two, 4-hour closures each day with a 1-hour opening period between the two, 4-hour closures. These closures will extend for 3-weeks and they will be from 8AM to Noon and from 1PM to 5PM each work day thru Nov 18, 2020.

The Wawona Road will be closed at the Chilnualna Falls Road on the south end and Henness Ridge Drive on the north end of the closure area.

Yosemite National Park will close starting Thursday, Sep 17, 2020, due to hazardous smoke conditions within the park. It is expected to remain closed through the weekend.

Check these sites for updated information:

https://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm

https://www.facebook.com/YosemiteNPS/

https://www.fresnobee.com/news/california/yosemite/article245816475.html?ac_cid=DM283626&ac_bid=-2054442085

Yosemite will close to all visitors and vehicle access at 5 pm tonight (Thursday, September 17) due to significant smoke impacts and hazardous air quality throughout the park. Based on the air quality forecast, we anticipate this closure to be in effect at least through the weekend. We will continue to evaluate smoke, air quality, and fire activity throughout the region.

Read full news release: https://www.nps.gov/yose/learn/news/yosemite-national-park-to-close-due-to-significant-smoke-impacts-and-hazardous-air-quality.htm

See current air quality: https://fire.airnow.gov/?lat=37.672508866650354&lng=-119.80573

For updated road and weather conditions in Yosemite National Park, call 209/372-0200 and select option 1.