January 6, 2021 General ConditionsSnow blankets the majority of the Yosemite landscape; expect snow at the higher elevations, 6,000 ft and up and possibly at lower elevations in shaded or forested areas. Once overnight camping restrictions are rescinded, you should expect to camp in snow. Current ClosuresFor more details, and all current trail closures, are listed on the current conditions page. Wilderness PermitsFree wilderness permits are required for overnight stays in the Yosemite Wilderness. Permits can be obtained at the following locations. Wilderness Permit ReservationsOpen Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Reservations are available up to 24 (168 Days) weeks ahead of your entry date. Yosemite Valley Wilderness CenterClosed for the season. Will reopen May 2021. Wilderness Permits maps for sale and bear canisters for rent are available at the Valley Visitor Center. Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness CenterClosed for the season. Will reopen spring 2021 when Tioga Pass opens. Wilderness permits for the Tuolumne Meadows area are available on the porch (self-registration). Be prepared with your own bear canister. Big Oak Flat Information StationClosed for the season. Will reopen spring 2021. Wilderness permits for the Tioga Road area are available on the porch (self-registration). Be prepared with your own bear canister. Wawona Visitor Center at Hill's StudioClosed for the season. Will reopen spring 2021. Wilderness permits for the Glacier Point Road and Wawona areas are available on the porch (self-registration). Be prepared with your own bear canister. Hetch Hetchy Entrance StationHetchy Road is open 8 am to 5 pm. Overnight parking at Hetch Hetchy will be limited due to construction. Please carpool or reduce the number of vehicles per group. Wilderness permits for the Hetch Hetchy area are available at the kiosk (self-registration). Be prepared with your own bear canister. There is no access to Hetch Hetchy beyond road open hours (overnight parking is permitted in the overnight parking lot near the backpackers' campground). Food StorageBear 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. |
Last updated: January 6, 2021