Wilderness Conditions Update

General Conditions

April 21, 2025

Spring is here and with it comes varied conditions. Expect trails to be entirely covered in snow at 7000ft, and snow as low as 6,000ft on north facing slopes or in shaded areas. Depths range from 6 inches to 4 feet depending on elevation and aspect. As the temperatures warm, expect mixed conditions with mud. As creeks begin to melt snow, expect weakened snow bridges and adverse hiking conditions. Water levels for creek crossings are usually lowest in the mornings, with levels rising significantly by the afternoon. Use caution when crossing creeks. There are limited services and resources available in April.

Learn more about exploring the Yosemite Wilderness in winter.

• The cables on Half Dome are down for the season.
• The vault toilets at Little Yosemite Valley, and Sunrise and Glen Aulin High Sierra Camps remain open year-round.
• Glacier Point Road is closed to vehicles. There is no vehicle access to Badger Pass. Skiers and snowshoers can use trail #7 from Chinquapin to Badger Pass. The trail starts behind the restroom and is 2.5 miles each way. Wilderness permits are available at the Badger Pass A-frame for those on trips originating in the area. .
• 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

Reopens April 25, 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.