General Conditions
July 1, 2025
Midsummer offers long days with warmer temperatures and clearer trails with only snow lingering in the highest elevations and passes. Peak water has past but remains present. Seasonal creeks are lower and slower; named creeks are flowing and can typical be crossed via logs and rocks. Peak flowers and mosquitos have past in lower elevations but are quite present in the higher elevations. Trees down from winter storms have not yet been cleared and can slow travel in some places like the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne and above Chilnualna Falls. Plan ahead and stay on the trails to protect the meadows!
- The cables on Half Dome are up. 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 is open. Tuolumne Meadows Hikers Bus is operating. YARTS begins service on Tioga Road starting July 1.
Yosemite Valley
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Trails leaving the valley up to the north and south rims are clear of snow.
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The Mist Trail from its junction with the John Muir Trail (above Vernal Fall footbridge) to the top of Vernal Fall will detour to the John Muir Trail Mondays through Thursdays from 7 am to 3:30 pm from July through October (dates and times subject to change). The trail will be open Fridays through Sundays and on holidays. The Mist Trail is open from 3:30 pm to 7 am daily but may occasionally detour to the John Muir Trail overnight for safety reasons. The John Muir Trail is an alternate route to the top of Vernal Fall and facilitates Mist Trail repair work.
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Trail is clear and dry from Yosemite Valley to Sunrise Creek/Clouds Rest Junction continuing to the top of Clouds Rest (south facing). The north-facing side of Clouds Rest may be wet in places. Please stay on the trail.
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The Merced River Canyon is clear. Some sections are dense with shrubs.
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Snow Creek switchbacks are sun-warmed, and rattlesnakes have been observed.
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Panorama Trail is clear.
Wawona
- The trail up the Chilnualna Falls trail is clear of trees and dry. All crossing are passable.
- The Buena Vista loop is muddy and wet in sections. Buena Vista Pass is clear of snow and lakes have melted out.
- Rattlesnakes have been observed.
- Some bear activity reported near Turner Meadow. Empire Meadow is overgrown in places.
Hetch Hetchy
- Wapama Falls bridge is passable. Mist bellows over it and water covers the path and bridges in places.
- Frog Creek water levels may require a wet crossing near Laurel Lake.
- Section of the trail crossing Tiltill Valley are wet and can be up to a foot deep in spots. Please stay on the trail to reduce habitat damage.
- Seasonal creeks have mostly dried up. Plan to carry adequate water until you reach rivers or lakes.
Glacier Point Road
- Bridalveil Creek has water. Artist Creek and Meadow Brook are getting lower.
- Mono Meadow continues to be wet. Stay on trail to reduce impacts on the meadow.
- Illilouette Creek may still be a wet crossing, but water levels have dropped to below two feet.
Tioga Road and Tuolumne Meadows
- Snow remains patchy to consistent on high-elevation passes. Stay on trails to protect meadows and surrounding habitat.
- River and creek crossings have dropped to levels that can typically be crossed on logs and rocks. Navigate with caution.
- Mosquitos above 9,000 feet are significant in the Tuolumne Meadow area.
- The trail in Lyell Canyon has dried out some but muddy sections remain. Please stay on the trail to reduce habitat damage.
- The Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne has over 100 downed trees reported. Creek crossings in the canyon may still be wet but have dropped to a foot or lower in depth. Water is on the trail in sections. Be aware of rattlesnakes.
- Most creek crossings can be done with rock hopping or on logs up or down stream at this point.
- The bridge southeast of Washburn Lake over the Merced River is out. An accessible crossing is 20 feet downstream. The crossing is 35 feet across and 2 feet at its deepest with a gentle current.
- As of mid-late June, the north aspect of Don't be a Smart Pass required a combination of experience and equipment due to snow levels. Upper McCabe Lake was partially frozen.
- PCT hikers are not eligible for side trips to Yosemite Valley without an additional permit.
- The Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center, Post Office, Grill, and Lodge are open. Tuolumne Meadows Backpackers Camp is closed until the campground opens on August 1.
- White Wolf Backpackers Camp is open with portable toilets. Carry in potable water.
- The road to Yosemite Creek campground is open allowing you to start from the trailhead in the campground.
Outside of Yosemite
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 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
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.
