Wilderness Conditions Update

General Conditions

August 29, 2024

After a mid-August cold snap, temperatures have returned around average. Check water availability, weather and fire conditions before starting your hike. High elevation passes are clear but could continue to hold snow in patches. Water availability in smaller streams is less reliable. Mosquitos are minimal at most elevations, but gnats can be more abundant now in some areas.

Yosemite Valley and the Merced River Drainage

• Trails are clear and dry.
• On the north rim, the flows in Cascade Creek, Yosemite Creek, Lehamite Creek, and Snow Creek are decreasing. The smaller creeks in between are drying up.
• The footbridge upstream of Merced and Washburn Lakes is out on the Merced River at the confluence of the Lyell Fork. The river crossing is approximately 2 feet deep and 30 feet wide. Water is overall moving slowly.

Wawona

• Chilnualna Creek above the falls and Alder Creek is flowing at approximately 1 foot deep.

Hetch Hetchy

• Due to bear activity, camping is discouraged around Lake Vernon.
• Bring adequate water until you reach year-round water sources.

Glacier Point Road

• The trails along the South Rim of the Valley from Pohono Trailhead (via Taft and Dewey Points towards Tunnel View) are damaged by flooding. At times, rock is loose and makes the trail hard to discern from the surrounding slab.
• The trail to Ostrander Lake has been cleared of fallen trees. Due to low or no water availability, plan to carry enough water to make it to the lake.
• On the Pohono Trail, Bridalveil Creek is the reliable water source. Minimal water is available between the footbridge and Dewey Point. Minimal water flows in Meadow Brook. Bears are present around McGurk Meadow and near the Bridalveil Creek footbridge.
• Illilioutte Creek has adequate water and is passable.
• Bridalveil Creek Campground closes on September 3 so those starting at that trailhead will need to park at McGurk or Westfall Meadow and walk through the campground.

Tioga Road and Tuolumne Meadows

• The trail from White Wolf to Glen Aulin has been cleared of trees. Morrison Creek has some water.
• The approach from the east to Tuolumne Peak has limited water found in tarns (small pools).
• Rafferty Creek is running low.
• En route to Glen Aulin or Young Lakes, Delaney Creek has minimal water and Dingley Creek is mostly dry.
• Cold Canyon along the PCT heading north from Glen Aulin is completely dry. Fill enough water at Glen Aulin for approximately seven miles.
• Red Peak Pass is passable with some snow patches.
• Toilets are open at May Lake, Sunrise and Glen Aulin backpackers campgrounds.

Outside of Yosemite

• Devils Postpile/Reds Meadow Valley: shuttle service is limited to Friday through Sunday without access during other days. Learn more about the closure and shuttle schedule.

Current Closures

All current trail closures are listed on the current conditions page.

Tuolumne Meadows Campground, including the backpackers campground, will be closed for the 2024 season. There will be no camping of any kind in Tuolumne Meadows nor any exceptions for backpackers or hikers. Backpackers will have to camp at least four trail miles from Tuolumne Meadows.

Full or partial meadow closures to free-range grazing are in effect at Crescent Lake, Hook Lake North, Isberg Lake, Miller Lake, Rodger's Lake, Turner Meadow, and Upper Kerrick Meadow to align with the 2020 Biological Opinion for Yosemite toads and mountain yellow-legged frogs, and Virginia Canyon - Castle Camp for protection of sensitive vegetation resources. Further guidance is provided in the Superintendent's Compendium; detailed maps of meadow closures are at the stock use 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.

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.

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

Hetchy Road is open from sunrise to sunset. Wilderness permits for the Hetch Hetchy area and bear canister rentals are available at the entrance station from 8 am to 5 pm. 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.