Wilderness Conditions Update

General Conditions

May 22, 2025

Spring is here and with it comes varied conditions. While lower elevations trails are blooming with grasses and flowers, Expect trails to be entirely covered in snow at 7,500 feet, and perhaps lower on north-facing slopes or in shaded areas. Depths range from six inches to four feet depending on elevation and aspect. Navigation can be difficult in snow, plan ahead with a map, compass or GPS and know how to use them.

If trails are snow free, expect mixed conditions with mud and water water water! Stay on the trail to avoid trampling young plants and habitats. As creeks begin to fill with melting snow, expect weakened snow bridges and adverse hiking conditions. Water levels for creek and river crossings are usually lowest in the mornings, with levels rising significantly by the afternoon. Use caution when crossing creeks and always be prepared to turn around. There are limited services and resources available in the park. Learn more about exploring the Yosemite Wilderness in winter.

• The cables on Half Dome will be up for the season by May 23, 2025. 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 year-round.
• Tioga Road opens for the season on Monday, May 26. Tioga Road trailheads remain on self registration only at Tuolumne Wilderness Center. Bear cans are not available to rent at this location at this time, so plan accordingly.

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 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Wilderness permits available, maps for sale, and bear canisters for rent.

Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Center

Closed for the season. Wilderness permits for the Tuolumne Meadows area only are available on the porch (self-registration). Be prepared with your own bear canister.

Big Oak Flat Information Station

Open daily from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm starting May 23. Wilderness permits available, maps for sale, and bear canisters for rent.

Wawona Visitor Center at Hill's Studio

Open daily from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm starting May 23. 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.