Closures

The superintendent's compendium for Yosemite National Park and superintendent's compendium for El Portal Administrative Site contain most closures and other local regulations. Closures not included in these compendiums are listed below (except for climbing closures).This page shows areas closed and uses limited by temporary regulation and doesn't include closures of facilities and services.

By order of the Superintendent of Yosemite National Park and the under authority of Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, the following existing closures, public use limitation and general regulations are hereby modified:

 

 

 

Public Safety Closure – Rockfall Hazard West of Royal Arches

August 30, 2023

Rock climbers recently reported a new crack in a cliff on the western side of Royal Arches, near the climbing route Super Slide. Subsequent investigation revealed that this crack has partially detached a large pillar of rock, and that cracking was actively occurring. As a precautionary effort to reduce risk from rockfall, the National Park Service is implementing a temporary area and trail closure while the area is investigated further.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): The following areas and trails are closed to visitor use, including climbing and hiking activities, beginning August 30, 2023 and remaining in effect until further notice:

1. Area / Trail Closure:
   The Closure includes the Eastern portion of the Ahwahnee Hotel Parking area and extends to just East of Royal Arches creek. Approx. ¼ mile section of the Valley Loop Trail is included in the closure with a marked detour route around the hazard area.

2. Serenity Crack and Super Slide Climbing Area Closure: Closure includes all routes between and including Peruvian Flake West to the Rhombus Wall. The popular routes Serenity Crack/Sons of Yesterday, and Super Slide are included in the closure.

3. Ahwahnee Boulders Climbing: Closure includes all boulders east of and including the Ahwahnee boulder.

The cliff and cracks will be monitored to provide current information on rockfall hazard, and these closures are subject to change based on this monitoring. Your cooperation in complying with these temporary closures is greatly appreciated. The designation will remain in place until rescinded.

 

 

Safety Closure - John Muir Trail

April 1, 2025

On April 1, 2025, rockfall event was discovered on the John Muir Trail between Happy Isles and the Lower Vernal Falls Footbridge. This section of the trail is going to be closed for further evaluation.

By order of the Superintendent of Yosemite National Park and under authority of Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, Section l.5(a) and Section (a)(l):

Beginning April 1, 2025, through April 4, 2025, the following area(s) are closed to public use:

The John Muir Trail from Happy Isles to the Lower Vernal Falls Footbridge.

This designation will remain in place until April 4, 2025, or until rescinded.

 

Area Closure (El Portal Trailer Court)

July 1, 2022

In order to maintain public health and safety, the El Portal Trailer Court (EPTC) was closed to public use on March 14, 2022. Individuals who previously had housing assignment agreements with the National Park Service for government lots in the trailer court were provided official notice of the closure and given until June 30, 2022, to remove all personal property from the area. Effective July 1, 2022, at 12:01 am the EPTC (see attached map) is closed to all but administrative uses; all personal property remaining within the closed area will be considered abandoned and will be processed in accordance with the provisions of 36 CFR Sections 34.5(b)(14) and 2.22(c)(3) and 41 CFR Part 102-41.

By order of the Superintendent of Yosemite National Park and under authority of Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 34.5(a)(3), Section 1.5(a) and Section (a)(1):

Starting July 1, 2022, at 12:01 am the El Portal Trailer Court is closed to all public use.

Notice of closure will be posted and the area will be monitored to ensure compliance; administrative activities are exempted from this order. See attached map entitled “El Portal Trailer Court Area Closure” for more information.