Wilderness Conditions Update

General Conditions

September 3, 2025

As we move closer to fall, the rain has finally arrived. The last few weeks have brought several inches of rain and have refreshed some water sources. Many seasonal creeks have dried up but named creeks may still be flowing. Ask about current water levels when you pick up your permit. Even with the recent rain, fire restrictions below 6,000 feet remain in effect.

• The cables on Half Dome are up. A Half Dome permit is required. Learn more about the Half Dome hike.
• The vault toilets at Little Yosemite Valley, and Sunrise and Glen Aulin High Sierra Camps remain open.
• Tioga Road is open. The last day for Tuolumne Meadows Hikers Bus is September 14. YART 395/120E route will cotinue once per day through September 30.

Yosemite Valley

• The Mist Trail from its junction with the John Muir Trail (above Vernal Fall footbridge) to the top of Vernal Fall will be closed to entry Mondays through Thursdays from 7 am to 3:30 pm June 30 through October 30 (dates and times subject to change). The trail will be open Fridays through Sundays and on holidays. The trail should normally be open from 3:30 pm to 7 am but it may occasionally remain closed overnight for safety reasons. The John Muir Trail is an alternate route to the top of Vernal Fall. The closure is due to trail work.
• The trail is clear and dry to the top of Clouds Rest (on north and south-facing aspects).
• The Merced River Canyon is clear. Some sections are dense with shrubs.
• Yosemite Creek, Lehamite Creek, and Snow Creek are all flowing.
• The Panorama Trail is clear.

Wawona

• The trail up the Chilnualna Falls trail is clear of trees and dry. All crossings are passable. Beyond the top of Chilnualna Falls connecting trails have many logs down. Rattlesnakes have been observed.
• Navigation on both trails leading north of the top of Chilnualna Falls may be more difficult to follow due to fallen logs and may be overgrown.
• The South Fork Merced River, Buck Creek, and the creek flowing from Grouse Lake to Chilnualna Falls are low but reliable water sources. Givens Creek is almost dry. The creek flowing from Royal Arch Lake to Buena Vista Pass is almost dry.
• Empire Meadow is overgrown in places.
• The trail between Buck Meadows toward Moraine Meadows has many downed trees.

Hetch Hetchy

• Seasonal creeks have mostly dried up. Plan to carry adequate water until you reach rivers or lakes.
• No available water between Rancheria Creek and Lake Vernon.

Glacier Point Road

• Bridalveil Creek is flowing and is approximately one foot deep. Over 2 weeks ago, Artist Creek and Meadowbrook were slow moving but could be dry by now.
• Bridalveil Creek Campground has closed for the season, so backpackers should park at the McGurk Meadow trailhead and walk through the campground to the trailhead.

Tioga Road and Tuolumne Meadows

• Dingley Creek is dry. Delaney Creek is low flow but still running. Water is plentiful in Spiller, Return, and McCabe creeks. Water is still to be found in Cold Canyon.
• Rafferty Creek is dry.
• The Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne is hot. Creeks can be crossed dry. Small flies are abundant in some sections. Be aware of rattlesnakes. Morrison Creek has a slow flow. The trail is clear of fallen logs.
• No water available at Sunrise backpackers campground. Water is available in Sunrise Creek along the JMT.
• The bridge southeast of Washburn Lake over the Merced River is out. An accessible crossing is 20 feet downstream. The crossing is 35 feet across and two feet at its deepest with a gentle current.
• PCT hikers are not eligible for side trips to Yosemite Valley without an additional permit.
• The Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center, Post Office, Grill, and Lodge are open. Tuolumne Meadows Backpackers Campground is open but will close this month.
• White Wolf Backpackers Campground is open with portable toilets. Carry in your own drinking water.
• Yosemite Creek Campground has closed for the season so backpackers must start hiking from Tioga Road.

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

Open daily from 8 am to 5 pm. Wilderness permits available, maps for sale, and bear canisters for rent.

Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Center

Open daily from 8 am to 5 pm. Wilderness permits available, maps for sale, and bear canisters for rent.

Big Oak Flat Information Station

Open daily from 8 am to 5 pm. Wilderness permits available, maps for sale, and bear canisters for rent.

Wawona Visitor Center at Hill's Studio

Open daily from 8 am to 5 pm. Wilderness permits available, maps for sale, and bear canisters for rent.

Hetch Hetchy Entrance Station

Hetch Hetchy Road is open from sunrise to sunset. Pick up reservations for wilderness permits at any of the other wilderness centers in 2025. 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.