Wilderness Conditions Update

General Conditions

June 1, 2026

Last winter provided a lighter-than-average snowpack across the Sierra Nevada, especially after the record-setting heat of March. This allowed hikers, bikers, and automobilists to venture into the upper reaches of the park early this year. A late-May storm brought snow to the high country and temporarily closed Tioga Road, but access as reopened across the park.

Although the road into Tuolumne Meadows is open once more, hikers should still anticipate early-season conditions across the high country: Consistent snow coverage above 9,000 feet (potentially lower on sun-shaded aspects), high water levels (both on trail and in streams), and the oncoming onslaught of mosquitoes.

All marked water sources are flowing on maps. Most creeks are passable but take precautions when crossing. Flows may vary over the course of the day, with high flow not always late in the day. Snow bridges are melting and failing and should not be relied on. Evaluate the situation as a group and turn around if you do not feel safe crossing a creek. The best option maybe to stop, turn around and be safe. In sections where trails are wet and muddy, please exercise discipline by staying on trail instead of stepping around and creating side trails that impact fragile meadow spaces in the park.

Anticipate downed logs across the trail caused by both winter snow accumulation and previous fires. When possible, step over logs while staying on trail. Trails will be cleared of logs by park sawyers as the season progresses.

Yosemite Valley

• The upper section of the John Muir Trail (JMT) between Clark Point and Nevada Fall is now closed for maintenance. All other trails out of the Valley are open and clear of obstacles.
• The Forsyth Trail from Little Yosemite Valley to Clouds rest has a large number of downed logs across it.
• The Merced River canyon is abloom with flowers and vegetation grows into the trail.

Wawona

• The Chilnualna Falls trail features roughly a dozen downed trees, with one over five feet wide, requiring a shimmy under to pass.
• Water crossings in either direction from the top of the Chilnualna Falls trail are easily managed.
• Turner Meadow is a burn area with many downed trees.

Hetch Hetchy

• Trail between Tiltill Valley and Lake Vernon is difficult to cross due to downed trees, overgrown brush, and eroding switchbacks.
• The Beehive to Rancheria Falls loop has multiple sections of flooded trail, make sure to bring your water shoes so you can splash right through!
• All water sources are flowing, yet all stream crossings manageable.

Glacier Point Road

• The trails along the south rim of the Valley are free of snow, but several muddy and wet sections of trail persist.
• The trail to Ostrander Lake has many downed trees.
• Illilouette Creek crossing from the Mono Meadows trailhead is still deep and swift. Proceed with caution when crossing.

Tuolumne Meadows

• Mosquitoes are abundant as the snow melts off.
• The Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne is in great condition with lots of water flowing through it. Morrison and Register creeks require wading through water up to two feet deep. Trail between Pate Valley and White Wolf has a large number of downed trees across it.
• North-facing aspects of the Cathedral Range (Cathedral Lakes, Sunrise Lakes, etc) hold significant snow loads, while other sunnier sections will feature wet and muddy trails.

Outside of Yosemite

• Devils Postpile/Reds Meadow Valley: Expect limited access again in 2026. 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

Open from 8 am to 5 pm for wilderness permits and bear canisters.

Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Center

Open from 8 am to 5 pm for wilderness permits and bear canisters.

Big Oak Flat Information Station

Open from 8 am to 5 pm for wilderness permits and bear canisters.

Wawona Visitor Center at Hill's Studio

Open from 8 am to 5 pm for wilderness permits and bear canisters.

Hetch Hetchy Entrance Station

Hetch Hetchy Road is open from sunrise to sunset. Permit pick up is required at an open wilderness center (Big Oak Flat is closest to Hetch Hetchy) . 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.