Wilderness Conditions Update

General Conditions

June 15, 2026

Summer seasonal temperatures are increasing across the park. Expect high highs in sun-exposed low elevation parts of the park (Yosemite Valley, Wawona, Hetch Hetchy) and melting snowpack higher up (Tuolumne Meadows, Glacier Point). Hikers should drink plenty of fluids and electrolytes as well as plan around hiking during cooler times of the day.

Water crossings are becoming more and more manageable, but muddy trail conditions persist across high elevations in the park. Please be sure to plan around wet feet by bringing water shoes, gaiters, and/or extra pairs of socks.

The bug presence across the park is beginning to ramp up, especially in high meadows such as around Tuolumne Meadows and Sunrise High Sierra Camp. Head nets and bug spray will be of great use to manage the adversity brought on by our arthropod neighbors.

Anticipate downed logs across the trail caused by both winter snow accumulation and previous fires. When possible, step over logs while staying on trail. Trails will be cleared of logs by park sawyers as the season progresses.

Yosemite Valley

• The the John Muir Trail (JMT) between Clark Point and Nevada Fall is now closed for maintenance. All other trails out of the Valley are open and clear of obstacles.
• The Forsyth trail from LYV to Clouds Rest has a large number of downed logs across it.
• The Merced River canyon is abloom with flowers and vegetation grows into the trail.
• Rattlesnakes are becoming more and more common in Little Yosemite Valley and the Merced River valley east of it. Please keep your eyes open and give these creatures adequate berth and respect.
• Little Yosemite Valley has had many reports of habituated bears over the past couple weeks. Campers are required to consolidate their campsites to around the communal fire rings and the bathroom. Please be extra diligent with food storage and prepare yourself to yell aggressively at any bears you see in camp or approaching people.

Wawona

• The Chilnualna Falls trail features roughly a dozen downed trees, with one over five feet wide, requiring a shimmy under to pass.
• Water crossings in either direction from the top of the Chilnualna Falls trail are easily managed.
• Turner Meadow is a burn area with many downed trees.
• Many sections of trail in the southwestern section of the park (such as between Chiquito Pass and Buck Camp) have become overrun with vegetation and hard to navigate. Bring a mapping device to aid in navigating these sections of trail.

Hetch Hetchy

• Trail between Tiltill Valley and Lake Vernon is difficult to cross due to downed trees, overgrown brush, and eroding switchbacks.
• The Beehive to Rancheria Falls loop has multiple sections of flooded trail, make sure to bring your water shoes so you can splash right through!
• All water sources are flowing, yet all stream crossings manageable.

Glacier Point Road

• The trails along the south rim of the Valley are free of snow, but several muddy and wet sections of trail persist.
• The trail to Ostrander Lake has many downed trees.
• Illilouette Creek crossing from the Mono Meadows trailhead is still deep and swift. Proceed with caution when crossing.

Tuolumne Meadows

• Mosquitoes are abundant as the snow melts off.
• The Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne is in great condition with lots of water flowing through it. Morrison and Register creeks require wading through water up to one feet deep. The trail between Pate Valley and White Wolf has a large number of downed trees across it. Rattlesnakes are becoming increasingly common in Pate Valley and up the Grand Canyon.
• Snow is melting off of trail quite rapidly in all but the highest passes (such as Vogelsang, Donahue, and Ten Lakes Passes). This is leading to easier navigation as well as wet, muddy trail. Hikers should still expect to see small patches of snow on lower sections of trail.

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

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

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.