November 2009
Notices
Tioga and Glacier Point Roads
From October 15 until the roads open in the spring, it is illegal to leave vehicles parked overnight along the Tioga Road between Crane Flat and Tioga Pass, or along the Glacier Point road east of Badger Pass, or at trail heads or any other area accessible from these roads.
If you are planning a hike from these roads after October 15, please arrange for drop-off or pick-up transportation. In addition be prepared for the possibility that the Tioga or Glacier Point Roads may be closed due to snow and that you will have to hike to another road or developed area that is open.
Public Transportation
All bus services to Tuolumne Meadows and in the Tuolumne Meadows area are closed for the season. Furthermore, all facilities except the gas station and wilderness center are closed in Tuolumne Meadows. The Glacier Point Tour Bus will remain operating until the Glacier Point Road closes.
Bears are active in Yosemite’s wilderness. There is high bear activity in the Glen Aulin and the Little Yosemite Valley/Sunrise Creek area. Please remember to store all your food and scented items in bear canisters or food storage lockers to protect the wildlife. Whenever food or scented items are out, please keep them within arms 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 abandons the items.
Trail Conditions
Winter conditions have arrived, so plan ahead and prepare accordingly. Be prepared for freezing temperatures at night and cold conditions during the day. Navigation skills are important this time of the year; the trail can become completely invisible due to snow accumulation. Please check current weather forecasts before your trip.
Water Availability
Water is plentiful throughout the park. Melting snow may be necessary since many smaller creeks, streams, and lakes do freeze over during the winter months. Please check your route before your trip and plan your destination appropriately.
Wilderness Center Hours
Yosemite Valley
The Wilderness Center is closed until spring 2010. Wilderness permits are available at Valley Visitor Center's information desk throughout the winter months from 9:00 am 5:00 pm. Bear canisters are available for rent, as well as a wide selection of maps and books at the Valley Visitor Center Bookstore.
Big Oak Flat
Wilderness Permits are available by self-registration until spring 2010. The station is located just east of the entrance to the park. This year, self-registration will be available at the campground office due to construction on the information station.
Wawona
Self-registration permits are available until spring of 2010 outside of Hill Studio.
Tuolumne Meadows
The Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Center is closed until spring/summer of 2010. Self-registration is available at the Tuolumne Ranger Station during the remainder of fall and winter. However there is no overnight parking anywhere along Tioga road and no bus service.
Canisters are available to at the Mono Lake Basin Visitor Center in Lee Vining until December 1. For current hours please call 760/647-3044.
Hetch Hetchy
Self-registration wilderness permits will be available at Hetch Hetchy after November 1. Bear canisters will not be available. The road will be open from 8:00am until 5:00pm throughout the winter season. There is no access to Hetch Hetchy beyond these hours.
Wilderness Permit Reservation Line
The reservation line is closed for the season. It will reopen on January 5, 2010 for reservations for trips starting in 2010. Permit reservations can be made 24 weeks to the day in advance of your starting date. The phone line is open Monday-Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm at 209/372-0740. For trip planning, general information and online permit reservations please visit our website http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/backpacking.htm or the interagency website http://www.sierranevadawild.gov/.
Food Storage
Bear-resistant food canisters are required in all parts of the Yosemite Wilderness. Use a bear-resistant food canister to store all food or scented items when left unattended. Whenever food or scented items are out, please keep them within arms reach, even while day hiking.
