Wilderness Conditions Update

General Conditions

October 20, 2024
update to Hetch Hetchy on November 25, 2025

Fall is here and winter is on its way. Prepare for cooler days and long cold nights. Check the weather before starting your hike. Expect mixed conditions with mud at lower elevations, and a mix of snow and ice at 6,000 feet and above. There are limited services available due this winter season.

Learn more about exploring the Yosemite Wilderness in winter.

• Recent storms have replenished water sources and all marked and unmarked drainages are flowing again.
• The cables on Half Dome are down for the season.
• The toilets at Little Yosemite Valley, and Sunrise and Glen Aulin High Sierra Camps remain open year-round.
• The trail to Wapama Falls and Rancheria Falls is closed approximately through December for repairs. The closure is from Tueeulala Creek to Tiltill Creek. This means a loop up Beehive, past Lake Vernon and Laurel Lake, and back down to Rancheria Falls, exiting over Wapama Falls footbridge, is not possible.
• Glacier Point Road is closed to vehicles. When winter services open, vehicles may drive to Badger Pass and begin wilderness trips from trailheads there. Wilderness permits will be available at the Badger Pass A-frame.
• Tioga Road is closed to vehicles at Crane Flat (Tuolumne Grove).

Outside of Yosemite

• Devils Postpile/Reds Meadow Valley: Expect limited access again in 2025. Learn more about the closure and shuttle schedule.

Current Closures

All current trail closures are listed on the current conditions page.

Trails in Yosemite may be closed when there are hidden hazards or are impassable due to rock fall, snow, ice, or fire. Open trails are not necessarily free of hazards. By entering the wilderness, you are assuming responsibility for your safety and must use good judgment.

General Conditions by Season

If you're looking for an idea of what to expect at a different time of year, we have information about general conditions by season. Keep in mind that there is no "normal" condition for any particular season, so conditions often vary considerably from year to year.

Wilderness Permits

Wilderness permits are required for overnight stays in the Yosemite Wilderness. Reserved permits can be picked up at the following locations:

Wilderness Permit Reservations

All wilderness permits are available by reservation at Recreation.gov (help desk available Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm). Reservations are available up to 24 (168 Days) weeks to 3 days ahead of your entry date. Reservations are available for the areas covered by each wilderness center listed below until the closure date of the wilderness center. Then, permits are still required by available by self-registration.

Yosemite Valley Wilderness Center

Closed for the season as of October 21. Will reopen spring 2025. For winter wilderness permits, visit the Yosemite Valley Welcome Center (open 9 am to 5 pm) for permits and bear canisters.

Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Center

Closed for the season. Will reopen spring 2025 when Tioga Pass opens. Wilderness permits for the Tuolumne Meadows area only are available on the porch (self-registration). Be prepared with your own bear canister.

Big Oak Flat Information Station

Closed for the season. Will reopen spring 2025. Wilderness permits for the Tioga Road area only are available on the porch (self-registration). Be prepared with your own bear canister.

Wawona Visitor Center at Hill's Studio

Closed for the season. Will reopen spring 2025. Wilderness permits for the Wawona area only are available on the porch (self-registration). Be prepared with your own bear canister.

Hetch Hetchy Entrance Station

Hetch Hetchy Road is open from sunrise to sunset. Wilderness permits for the Hetch Hetchy area only are available at the entrance station (self-registration). There is no access to Hetch Hetchy beyond open hours (overnight parking is permitted in the overnight parking lot near the backpackers campground).

Food Storage

Bear resistant food canisters are required in the Yosemite Wilderness. Use a canister to store all food or scented items when left unattended. Remember that anything used in, on, or around the body is considered a food item. Whenever food or scented items are out, please keep them within arm's reach, even while day hiking.

If a bear approaches your camp, act immediately to scare it away. Maintain a safe distance while making as much noise as possible. Throw small stones or pines cones toward the bear, being careful not to strike the bear on the head. If the bear returns, repeat. Do not attempt to retrieve food or gear from a bear until it abandons the items.

After wilderness centers close for the season, please come prepared with your own allowed container or rent one at the Yosemite Valley Welcome Center.