Wilderness Conditions Update

General Conditions

May 15, 2026

Spring is here and with it comes varied conditions. Early season conditions exist which can mean snow on trail in the high country, running and standing water throughout the trail corridor, and trees down across trails. Be alert for snow depths ranging from 6 inches to 4 feet depending on elevation and aspect, weakened snow bridges and adverse hiking conditions. Water levels for creek crossings are usually lowest in the mornings, with levels rising significantly by the afternoon. Use caution when crossing creeks.

• The cables on Half Dome are up for the season as of May 15.
• The vault toilets at Little Yosemite Valley, and Sunrise, and Glen Aulin High Sierra Camps remain open year-round.
• Glacier Point Road is open to vehicles.
• Tioga Road is open to vehicles

Outside of Yosemite

• Devils Postpile/Reds Meadow Valley: Expect limited access again in 2026. 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 from 8 am to 5 pm for wilderness permits and bear canisters.

Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Center

Closed for the season. Will reopen spring 2026. 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 from 8 am to 5 pm for wilderness permits and bear canisters.

Wawona Visitor Center at Hill's Studio

Open from 8 am to 5 pm for wilderness permits and bear canisters.

Hetch Hetchy Entrance Station

Hetch Hetchy Road is open from sunrise to sunset. Permit pick up is required at an open wilderness center (Big Oak Flat is closest to Hetch Hetchy) . 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.