Wilderness Conditions Update

General Conditions

October 19, 2026

As summer wraps up and fall begins in earnest, expect longer nights, changing leaves, and variable conditions across elevations. Water sources are currently scarce, left to just the year-round lakes and rivers. Lows below freezing are becoming common at the higher elevations. However, this time of year can be variable. Check the weather forecast for rain, snow, or heat before you head out on your trip.

The park has entered fire restrictions for the season. Please check in with rangers about the current status of campfires throughout the park.

Be aware of seasonal closures as things slow down and prepare for the winter season. No overnight parking is permitted on Tioga Road or Glacier Point Road as of October 15. The Half Dome cables are down for the season.

Learn about exploring Yosemite in the winter.

Yosemite Valley

• Trails are clear and dry.

• The Mist Trail from its junction with the John Muir Trail (above Vernal Fall footbridge) to the top of Vernal Fall will be open Fridays through Sundays and on holidays. It will normally also be open Mondays through Thursdays from 3:30 pm to 7 am (when safe). The John Muir Trail is an alternate route to the top of Vernal Fall at other times. This detour facilitates Mist Trail repair work. A map of the detour is available.

• On the north rim, the flows in Cascade Creek, Yosemite Creek, Lehamite Creek, and Snow Creek are decreasing. The smaller creeks in between are not reliable.

• The cables on Half Dome are down for the season.

Wawona

• Many trails in this region are impacted by the Dome Fire. Check current trail and area closures before hiking.

• Many sections of trail in the southwestern section of the park (such as between Chiquito Pass and Buck Camp) have dense vegetation and may be hard to navigate. Bring a mapping device to aid in navigating these sections of trail.

• Prepare for hazards in a burn area when hiking in this region including fire weakened trees, logs, rolling debris and isolated areas of lingering heat.

Hetch Hetchy

• The trail between Tiltill Valley and Lake Vernon is difficult to cross due to downed trees, overgrown brush, and eroding switchbacks.

• Carry enough water to get to year-round water sources: small streams are dry.

Glacier Point Road

• Glacier Point Road is closed to overnight parking. This closure includes all pullouts, parking lots, and side roads.

• Bridalveil Creek and Meadow Brook on the south rim are flowing.

• Glacier Point Road and trailheads off of it are experiencing impacts from the Dome Fire. Check trail and area closures before hiking.

• People hiking the Red Peak loop should be aware that the bridge on the Lyell Fork of Triple Peak Fork is still broken: expect a wet crossing.

Tioga Road and Tuolumne Meadows

• Tioga Road is closed to overnight parking. This closure includes all pullouts, parking lots, and side roads.

• All services in Tuolumne Meadows are closed for the season. The hikers bus and YARTS have also stopped operating for the season.

• Composting toilets at Sunrise and Glen Aulin will remain open year-round.

Outside of Yosemite

• Devils Postpile/Reds Meadow Valley: Expect limited access again in 2026. Learn more about the closure and shuttle schedule.
• Fire restrictions are in effect in surrounding national forests and nearby national parks. Know the restrictions before you travel across boundaries!

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.