Wilderness Conditions Update

General Conditions

August 6, 2026

Summer is in full swing across Yosemite’s wilderness! Expect high temperatures in sun-exposed and low-elevation areas of the park (Yosemite Valley, Wawona, Hetch Hetchy). Snow has melted out from all but the highest points, leaving some muddy meadows and water sources that are slowing down from their spring flows. Drink plenty of fluids and electrolytes as well as plan around hiking during cooler times of the day.

Meadows and lakes in the higher elevations have quite the mosquito presence. If you are heading to one of these areas, such as the Sunrise High Sierra Camp, head nets and bug spray are highly recommended to make it more enjoyable.

Anticipate logs across the trail caused by both winter snow accumulation and previous fires. When possible, step over logs while staying on trail. Park sawyers will clear trails as the season progresses.

Yosemite Valley

• The Mist Trail from its junction with the John Muir Trail (above Vernal Fall footbridge) to the top of Vernal Fall will be open Fridays through Sundays and on holidays. It will normally also be open Mondays through Thursdays from 3:30 pm to 7 am (when safe). The John Muir Trail is an alternate route to the top of Vernal Fall at other times. This detour facilitates Mist Trail repair work. A map of the detour is available.

• Tamarack Creek, Cascade Creek, Yosemite Creek, Lehamite Creek, and Snow Creek are still flowing on the north rim. Water may be available at other creeks in pools.

• Sunrise Creek is still flowing but getting lower as the season progresses.

• 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.

• The Merced River canyon is abloom with flowers and vegetation grows into the trail. Lost Valley is especially overgrown.

• The Forsyth trail from Little Yosemite Valley to Clouds Rest has a large number of logs across it.

Wawona

• The Chilnualna Falls trail has roughly a dozen downed trees, with one over five feet wide, requiring a shimmy under to pass.

• Many sections of trail in the southwestern section of the park (such as between Chiquito Pass and Buck Camp) have dense vegetation and may be hard to navigate. Bring a mapping device to aid in navigating these sections of trail.

• Turner Meadow is a burn area with many downed trees.

• Water crossings in either direction from the top of the Chilnualna Falls trail are easily managed.

Hetch Hetchy

• The trail between Tiltill Valley and Lake Vernon is difficult to cross due to downed trees, overgrown brush, and eroding switchbacks.

• Named streams in the Hetch Hetchy area are still flowing.

Glacier Point Road

• Bridalveil Creek and Meadow Brook on the south rim are flowing.

• Red Peak Pass is now completely passable without snow traction devices. People hiking the Red Peak loop should be aware that the bridge on the Lyell Fork of Triple Peak Fork is still broken: expect a wet crossing.

Tuolumne Meadows

• Mosquitoes are slowing down their activity as standing water sources are drying off but are still present at sunrise and sunset.

• Cold Canyon (PCT from Glen Aulin to Return Creek) is dry.

• Rafferty Creek is no longer flowing. Some water is available in stagnant pools.

• The Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne is in great condition, and the trail is completely clear of logs after wilderness rangers finished the yearly crosscut trip. Thanks, wilderness rangers!

Outside of Yosemite

• Devils Postpile/Reds Meadow Valley: Expect limited access again in 2026. Learn more about the closure and shuttle schedule.
• Fire restrictions are in effect in surrounding national forests and nearby national parks. Know the restrictions before you travel across boundaries!

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.