Closures

Public Safety Closure Order (Wind Event)

January 19, 2021

Authority

Under the authority of 54 U.S.C. Section 100751(a) and Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations §1.5(a)(1) the Superintendent is closing the following portion of the park to public use or certain activities. This closure is necessary for the following reason(s):

• Maintenance of public health and safety

Closure and/or Public Use Limit

The lands within and around Yosemite National Park are continuing to experience high wind conditions which have led to downed power lines, weakened trees and damage to many park facilities.

In order to maintain the health and safety of park visitors and employees, the Superintendent is closing all areas within the boundary of Yosemite National Park.

This closure will be in effect as of 2:00 pm on January 19, 2021.

Exceptions

All residents, employees, partners, cooperators, approved critical employees of Yosemite Hospitality and/or government officials conducting approved administrative activities are exempt from this order. All exempted individuals must observe road closures and be aware of unmarked hazards.

Determination

The NPS issues this administrative order for the purposes of maintaining public health and safety during this wind event, the subsequent damage assessment and recovery.

Public Notice

Pursuant to 36 CFR §1.7 notification of this closure and/or public use limitation will be made through the following means:

• Signs posted at conspicuous locations along the affected roads and trails.
• Other methods (may include use of electronic media, park brochures, maps and handouts).

This closure and/or public use limitation is in effect when signed by the Superintendent and will remain in effect until rescinded.

 

Public Use Limitation (Public Health Emergency)

December 7, 2020

Coronavirus, the virus responsible for the disease COVID-19, has caused a public health emergency as declared by Mariposa County, the State of California, and the United States Government. In consultation with local, county, and state public health officials and guidance provided by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and in order to maintain public health and safety while allowing management and administrative operations to continue, the Superintendent is designating the entirety of Yosemite National Park as open for day use only during the hours specified in this order, and closed to all overnight use by non-residents of Yosemite National Park. For all who are present within the park at any time, certain public use limits or restrictions (community containment measures) are warranted to reduce the risk of exposure and transmission of COVID-19 at the individual and population level by limiting social interactions and preventing inadvertent exposures.

By order of the Superintendent of Yosemite National Park and under authority of Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 1.5(a), Section (a)(1) and Section (a)(2):

Starting Monday, December 7, 2020 at 12:00 pm, the following use limitations are in effect within Yosemite National Park:

• Yosemite National Park is closed to all non-residents between the hours of 5:00 pm and 8:00 am. For the purposes of this order, owners and long-term renters (over 28 days) of homes within the communities of Yosemite West, Wawona, Foresta or Aspen Valley are considered to be residents of Yosemite National Park.
• Overnight use of any part of the Yosemite Wilderness is prohibited.
• Individuals shall not congregate with members of other households unless expressly authorized by permit.
• Individuals who have been directed by a Public Health Official or the Superintendent to be in “isolation” or “quarantine” shall stay within their residence at all times except to receive medical care until cleared by a Public Health Official or medical professional.

Administrative exemptions or modifications to these use limitations or specified quarantine measures may be made for approved contractors, community members or park employees who perform certain critical community infrastructure or response roles as determined by the Superintendent. These measures are being enacted to maintain public health and safety. This designation will remain in place until rescinded.

 

Public and Employee Safety Closure

June 10, 2020

Coronavirus, the virus responsible for the disease COVID-19, has caused a public health emergency as declared by Mariposa County, the State of California, and the United States Government. In consultation with local, county, and state public health officials and guidance provided by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and in order to maintain the safety of park visitors, employees, and residents while allowing management and administrative operations to continue, the Superintendent is designating the following area closures in Yosemite National Park.

By order of the Superintendent of Yosemite National Park and under authority of Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 1.5(a) and Section (a)(1):

Crane Flat Fire Lookout and Helibase

The Crane Flat Helibase (including the parking lots, rappel towers, helicopter pad, fire lookout tower, and office buildings), Crane Flat Lookout Road, and the social trail that connects from the southern end of the Tuolumne Grove parking lot to Crane Flat Lookout Road are closed to public entry.

This area is closed to protect the health and safety of Yosemite National Park Firefighters and Heliquest contractors that operate, maintain, and staff the park contract helicopter. This operation is critical to the health and safety of park visitors and residents.

Lower Yosemite Falls Amphitheater

The Lower Yosemite Falls Amphitheater and boulder field, as accessed via the off-trail area to the northwest of the Lower Falls Footbridge, Lower Falls Overlook, and/or the adjacent paved trail to the base of Lower Falls and adjacent cliffs, is closed (see attached map).

All Lower Yosemite Falls Amphitheater climbing routes in this area are closed.

The area is closed to prevent visitor injury and to decrease the potential exposure of NPS rescue personnel to COVID-19 due to rescue efforts.

Notice of closure will be posted and areas will be monitored to ensure compliance. Please see attached maps for more information.

The designation will remain in place until rescinded.

 

The superintendent's compendium contains most closures and other Yosemite-specific regulations. Closures not included in the compendium are listed below (except for climbing closures).

 

 

 

Safety Closure (Wildlife Protection)

May 31, 2017 (The designation will remain in place until rescinded.)

Due to increasing bear activity along the Snow Creek Trail and the resulting potential for negative human-bear interactions, the area to the south and east of the footbridge as depicted on the attached map will be closed to overnight camping. The National Park Service will continue to monitor bear activity in this area and will re-open the area to camping as soon as conditions allow.

By order of the Superintendent of Yosemite National Park and under authority of Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 1.5(a) (1):

The area marked on the accompanying map entitled Wildlife Safety Closure dated May 31, 2017 is closed to overnight camping or unattended food (even when stored properly).

The marked area remains open for day use.

Notice of closure will be posted and area will be monitored to ensure compliance. Your cooperation in complying with this temporary restriction is greatly appreciated. Please see map below for more information.

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