Closures

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 (Special Event)

The natural phenomenon of the interaction between the setting sun backlighting Horsetail Fall, also known as “The Firefall”, will last from approximately Tuesday, February 12 through Sunday, February 24, 2019. In order for the public to safely experience this event, recently experienced and future forecast weather have created conditions that require modified traffic flow conditions in some areas of Yosemite Valley. In order to provide for public safety and the protection of natural resources the Superintendent of Yosemite National Park is implementing the following use restrictions until further notice is given.

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):

Starting February 12, 2019 at noon the following areas within Yosemite National Park will have the specified restrictions:

• Stopping or parking in any manner or location on Southside Dr. between El Capitan Cross and Swinging Bridge is prohibited.
• Southside Dr. between El Capitan Cross and Swinging Bridge is closed to pedestrians.
• All pullouts along Southside Dr. between El Capitan Cross and Swinging Bridge are closed.
• The Cathedral Beach Picnic Area is closed.
• The Sentinel Beach Picnic Area is closed.
• Stopping or parking in any manner or location on the stretch of road between Northside and Southside Dr. known as El Capitan Cross is prohibited.
• The number 2 lane (right, northern lane) of Northside Dr. between Camp 4 and El Capitan Cross is closed to all vehicles and is open to pedestrian traffic only.
• Stopping or parking in any manner or location on Northside Dr. between Camp 4 and El Capitan Cross is prohibited.
• All pullouts along the south side of Northside Dr. between Camp 4 and El Capitan Cross are closed to vehicles and pedestrians.
• All pullouts along the north side of Northside Dr. between Camp 4 and El Capitan Cross are closed to vehicles.
• El Capitan Picnic Area is closed to all vehicles except those which display an ADA placard.
• The speed limit along Northside Dr. between Camp 4 and El Capitan Cross is 25 MPH unless posted otherwise.

The closure area will be monitored to ensure compliance. Your cooperation in complying with this temporary restriction is greatly appreciated. Please see attached map for more information.

Management actions are exempted from this order. This designation will remain in place until rescinded.

 

 

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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