General Conditions
July 9, 2024
Summer conditions are now present with warmer temperatures, less predictable water sources and drier trails. The hot temperatures of the last few weeks have melted the snow up to approximately 10,000 to 11,000 feet. High-elevation passes may continue to hold snow on some aspects. Peak flows occurred in mid-May and water availability in smaller streams is less reliable. Trails can be wet and muddy through meadows and at elevations that have patchy snow. Stay on the trail instead of creating side trails, causing long lasting damage.
Mosquitos are abundant at higher elevations and more moderate at lower ones. Due to previous fires and early season conditions, logs may cross the trail. Where possible, step over logs to avoid creating social trails. Trail crews will work throughout the season to clear logs.
Yosemite Valley
- Trails are mostly clear and dry.
On the north rim, Yosemite Creek, Lehemite Creek, and Snow Creek are all good water sources. The smaller creeks in between may be starting to dry up. On the south rim, Bridalveil Creek is the only reliable water source.
Wawona
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The trail up the Chilnualna Falls is clear of trees and mostly dry. Chilnualna Creek is running full. Be cautious near the creek and when crossing.
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The Buena Vista loop (Grouse, Crecent, Johnson, Royal Arches and Buena Vista Lakes) is muddy and wet in meadow areas, but otherwise dry.
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There are more than 100 down trees around the loop, most of which lie on the north and south side of the loop. It is possible to step over or walk around them.
Hetch Hetchy
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Due to bear activity, camping is discouraged around Lake Vernon.
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Bring enough water to use for 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.
- If hiking to Ostrander Lake, carry water due to low or no water availability until you reach the lake.
Tioga Road and Tuolumne Meadows
- Mosquitoes are abundant as the snow melts off.
- The trail from White Wolf to Return Creek has not been cleared of trees yet. From Return Creek to Glen Aulin trailhead is clear.
- The trail from Vogelsang High Sierra Camp to the Pass has water on the trail. There is little snow remaining on Vogelsang Pass.
- The north aspect of Tuolumne Peak between Ten Lakes and the junction to Glen Aulin/May Lake may have retained snow.
- Red Peak Pass is 75% snow coverage on the north aspect with a bootpack trail through it.
- Mono Pass area has melted out.
Outside of Yosemite
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.
