Trails Update: 

Trails in Yosemite may be closed when there are hidden hazards or when they are impassable due to rock fall, snow, ice, or fire. Open trails aren't necessarily free of hazards--by entering the wilderness, you assume responsibility for your safety and must use good judgment. Trails not listed below are open, but may be snowy and very difficult to find from about November through May/June (and may have other hazards).

• The Mist Trail from near Vernal Fall Footbridge to the top of Vernal Fall is closed for the winter due to icy conditions and falling ice. Access to the top of Vernal Fall is available via the John Muir Trail, which may be snowy.
  
  
• The John Muir Trail is closed from Clark Point to the top of Nevada Fall due to hazardous snow conditions (access to the top of Nevada Fall is available via the upper portion of the Mist Trail).
  
  
• The Half Dome cables are down for the season. The cables usually go up the Friday before Memorial Day, which this year falls on May 25, 2012 (conditions permitting). Permits will be required seven days per week to hike to the top of Half Dome in summer 2012.
  
  
• The southern portion of the Mirror Lake Loop is closed due to a rock fall. (Access to Mirror Lake and Snow Creek Trail is still available, as usual.) Learn more about the rockfall.
  

Climbing closures are in effect on several routes each year from March 1 through Aug. 1 to protect peregrine falcons.

February 2012

General Conditions
The dry, cold weather that has prevailed so far this winter has finally become stormy, bringing the first significant snow to Yosemite's high country. One to three feet of snow can be found above elevations of 6000 feet. Careful trip planning and preparation are very important, as travel and navigation through snow present very different challenges than backpackers face in summer. Snow slows down, and can stop wilderness travel altogether, for some who venture out into it. Being prepared is any visitor's best bet when heading out during the winter season.

Visiting Yosemite's Wilderness in winter can have great rewards. Solitude and a blanket of snow can make for a great experience in beautiful winter scenery. However, those traits need to be balanced with fewer daylight hours and potentially dangerous weather. A trip that starts with crisp, sunny weather and great snow conditions can quickly turn to very cold weather, deep snow and difficult navigation. Weather forecasts can give us insight as to what may be expected, but always be prepared with an extra shell and insulating layers for added warmth.

The Ostrander Ski Hut is now open, please contact the Yosemite Conservancy for reservations and more details: 209/379-5161.

The Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road are closed due to ice and snow. Please call 209/372-0200 for current road condition and closure information.

Trail Conditions

Snow and ice are common on trails in the Yosemite Wilderness at this time of year, so please travel carefully and plan to encounter these conditions.

A wind storm blew through California on November 30 causing widespread damage to several areas of the Inyo National Forest, Devil's Post Pile National Monument and Yosemite National Park. From Mount Whitney to Tioga Pass, thousands of trees were downed by the storm. Pacific Crest and John Muir Trail hikers should plan for extra time and/or alternate routes along these trails. Please follow this link for more information from the Inyo National Forest: http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/inyo/alerts-notices/?cid=stelprdb5344090

Safety
Please take caution in traveling through Yosemite's wilderness this winter. Rangers will have the most up to date information on current conditions. You can contact the park at 209/372-0200 or visit the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center or Badger Pass Ranger Station for more information. Take the time to talk to other travelers on the trail to gain insight on what you may encounter ahead on the trail. Most importantly, know the limits of your own experience, abilities and equipment. The most important tool a wilderness traveler takes into the wilderness with them is sound judgment.

Wilderness Permits

Free wilderness permits are required for overnight stays in the Yosemite Wilderness. Permits for trips departing from Badger Pass must be obtained at the Badger Pass Ranger Station. Permits can be obtained at the following locations:

Yosemite Valley Visitor Center (Wilderness Center is closed for the season)
Open 7 days/week from 9 am to 5 pm. The visitor center offers permits, bear canister rentals, maps, books and current condition information. Permits are only available during open hours (no self-registration).

Badger Pass Ranger Station
Open 7 days/week from 8am to 4 pm. Permits, information and maps are available during open hours. Self-registration permits are available on the porch outside of open hours. Permits for trips departing from Badger Pass must be obtained at the Badger Pass Ranger Station. Please call 209/372-0200 for current road conditions. Always carry tire chains.

Big Oak Flat
Self-registration permits are available on the porch. Please bring your own bear canister. The Tioga Road is closed.

Wawona
Self-registration permits are available on the porch at the Wawona Visitor Center at Hill's Studio (closed for the season, adjacent to the Wawona Hotel). Bear canister rentals are available at the Wawona Store (open 7 days/week from 8 am to 6 pm). The Glacier Point Road is closed beyond Badger Pass ski area.

Hetch Hetchy Entrance Station
Hetch Hetchy road hours are 8 am to 5 pm.
Permits and bear canisters may only be obtained during open hours.
There is no access to Hetch Hetchy past open hours (overnight parking is permitted in the overnight parking lot near the backpacker's 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.