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July 3, 2008
Trail Conditions
Summer has arrived to the Sierra Nevada and most trails are now snow free. Some of the higher passes may still hold some snow, most notably Red Peak Pass. Other passes such as Donohue and Benson Passes, are mostly snow free, with just some large snow patches along the way.
With warmer temperatures, creeks and rivers are running high with snowmelt. Use caution and good judgment when crossing or fording creeks. Travelling up or down the creek might locate an easier crossing. Some creek levels may fluctuate with temperature; a creek that was passable in the morning may not be so in the afternoon.
Mosquitoes are abundant throughout the park, though mostly at higher elevations of 8,000 feet and above. Avoid camping at wet and wind protected areas such as meadows or nearby lakes and streams.
Summer is here and so are afternoon thunderstorms. Avoid high and exposed areas late in the afternoon if there are significant clouds in the sky. Thunderstorms can form rapidly, in the manner of a few short hours or less, so stay alert and scan the sky regularly if you are hiking in high and exposed areas. Be prepared to turn around and evacuate to a lower better protected area if a thunderstorm does develop nearby.
Wilderness Center Hours
Yosemite Valley
Open 7 days a week from 7:30 am until 5 pm.
Bear canisters are available for rent, as well as a wide selection of maps and books.
Big Oak Flat
Open 7 days a week from 8 am until 4:30 pm.
Bear canisters are available for rent, as well as a wide selection of maps and books.
Wawona
Open 7 days a week from 8:30 am until 5 pm (open until 6 pm on Fridays and Saturdays only)
Bear canisters are available for rent, as well as a wide selection of maps and books.
Tuolumne Meadows
Open 7 days a week from 7:30 am until 5 pm.
Bear canisters are available for rent, as well as a wide selection of maps and books.
Hetch Hetchy
Hetch Hetchy road hours are 7 am to 9 pm daily. Permits and canisters may be obtained during open hours year round. No access to Hetch Hetchy past open hours.
Wilderness Permit Reservation Line
The reservation line is open for the season. Permit reservations can be made 24 weeks to the day in advance of your starting date. The phone line is open Monday thru 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/planyourvisit/backpacking.htm. or the interagency website http://www.sierranevadawild.gov/.
Water Quality
Please help us protect Yosemite’s water quality. Sierra Nevada snow pack is the main source of drink water for many of California state residents, which may include you. Please follow all wilderness guidelines like disposing of human waste properly at least 100 feet away from water, camping away from water sources, and doing all cleaning away from water sources.
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 arm's reach, even while day hiking.
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