September 9, 2020 General Conditions Smoke from fires burning throughout the state of California are significantly impacting Yosemite. Air quality is poor in much of Yosemite though some areas of good air quality exist. Air quality is difficult to predict and can change rapidly with wind shifts or changes in fire behavior. Be prepared to change your trip as air quality changes. Check current air quality and fire information. Another useful tool to assess air quality in the park are the park webcams.



As summer transitions into fall, temperatures will start to trend downward, with cool or even cold nights. Due to the lower than average snowpack this year, water availability in the backcountry is not as plentiful and some water sources marked on the map have dried up. This includes seasonal water sources and spring run-off drainages.



Stage 2 fire restriction are in effect for all of Yosemite Wilderness. This means that wood fires are not allowed in the backcountry. This includes fires used for warmth and cooking. Liquid, gas, and jell based stoves are still allowed.



As fall approaches the black bears in Yosemite National Park will begin to enter into hyperphagia. In hyperphagia, bears can consume up to 20,000 calories a day! Summer food sources are drying up or finishing while the fall acorn season is just getting started, so bears are in a heightened search of food. Backpackers must be vigilant about storing all scented items properly in an allowed hard sided bear canister. Store bear canisters outside backpacks to avoid property damage and never leave food unsecured. As bears enter hyperphagia, they can become more opportunistic when it comes to finding food, including hikers and backpackers food that is not properly stored. Ensure that you do your part as a steward of the wilderness and make sure all scented items are stored properly at all times.



Due to COVID-19 there are many changes to normal operations inside Yosemite this summer. Wilderness permit issuance, wilderness center hours & operations, bear canister rentals and public transportation will be much different than in years past. Please read all guidance carefully before arriving.



See a map of trails that have been cleared of downed trees for the season. Please note that although most tree failures occur during the stormy winter months, trees can fail at any time. Park Area Trails, (landmarks included in description) Trail Conditions North and South Rim of Yosemite Valley Yosemite Falls, Lehamite Creek, North Dome, Dewey Point, McGurk Meadow Trails are clear and dry. Do not plan on water being available in all named creeks. It is starting to run low and pool in some spots and is no longer running in Ribbon Creek, Eagle Peak Creek, and Royal Arch Creek. Water may still be available in Yosemite and Snow Creeks. Lehamite and Indian Canyon Creeks may be low flow or pooling. Plan for hot and sometimes dusty conditions. On the south rim, Bridalveil Creek is still flowing but no deeper than 6" deep.



The camping closure between the top of the Snow Creek switchbacks and the Snow Creek footbridge is still in effect: there is no camping allowed in that area, and camping along Snow Creek is discouraged. Hiking past Snow Creek and finding campsites west of Indian Ridge is strongly advised. Glacier Point Rd Ostrander Lake, Illilouette Creek Many trails are closed in the south part of the park due to the Creek Fire. See the current conditions page for up to date information about closures.



Trails are mostly clear and dry. Water may still be available in the main drainages of larger named creeks, such as Illilouette, and from lakes.



Creeks in the south end of the park should not be expected to have water available. The South Fork of the Merced is dry. Illilouette Creek is still flowing, as is Bridalveil Creek and its tributaries.



Note: Glacier Point Road will be closed to all traffic in 2021 to rehabilitate and improve the road. There will be no access to the trailheads along the road. Wawona Area Chilnualna Creek, Buena Vista Loop Many trails are closed in the south art of the park due to the Creek Fire. See the current conditions page for up to date information about closures.



Trails are mostly clear and dry. Water sources are drying up. Alder Creek and Bridalveil Creek are still up to 4-6” deep. The North Fork of Chilnualna Creek is stagnant and pooling and the South Fork of Chilnualna Creek is no more than 2” deep. Buena Vista Creek is dry. May encounter some overgrowth in recently burned areas. Hetch Hetchy Beehive Meadows, Laurel Lake, Jack Main Canyon, Wilma Lake. Trails are generally clear and dry. Water availability should only be counted on at lakes. Some trails, especially through burned areas, are overgrown and may be challenging to navigate. Tuolumne Area: South of Tioga Rd

Lyell Canyon, Rafferty Creek, Echo Creek, Fletcher Creek Trails are mostly clear and dry. Rafferty Creek and Echo creeks are running low and slow. Lewis and Fletcher Creeks still holding water.



Vogelsang and Merced Lake HSC bathrooms are closed and potable water is not available. Tuolumne Area: North of Tioga Rd Glen Aulin, Cold Canyon, May Lake, Cathedral Creek Trails mostly clear and dry. Backpackers headed to lakes should pack enough water to make it to their lake destination. Some areas of the trail are faint due to overgrowth, especially on less popular trails.



Glen Aulin HSC bathrooms are closed and potable water is not available. Tioga Rd: West Half Moon Meadow, Ten Lakes, South Fork Cathedral Creek, May Lake Trails along Yosemite Creek south of Tioga Road are closed due to the Blue Jay fire. See the current conditions page for up to date information about closures.



Trails mostly clear and dry. Creek crossings are at a low flow and water availability should only be counted on at springs and lakes.



May lake HSC bathrooms are closed and potable water is not available. The road to the May Lake Trailhead is open. John Muir Trail (JMT) Little Yosemite Valley, Sunrise Creek and HSC, Donohue Pass Trail mostly clear and dry between Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows. Sunrise Creek is at a very low flow, it is 2-4" deep at the Clouds Rest junction and it is dry where it flows by Little Yosemite Valley. Sunrise HSC bathrooms are closed and potable water is not available. Some wet and muddy patches still exist in meadowed areas through Lyell Canyon. Please stay on the trail to help protect the resource.



Bears are active throughout the JMT corridor in Yosemite. Make sure all your food fits into your bear canister and store properly throughout your trip.



Forest Service areas outside Yosemite are currently closed to all use through at least September 14. Check with the Forest Service for more information.



Tuolumne Meadows Backpackers camp is open. Backpackers need to ensure they are in the backpackers area of the campground as the rest of the campground is closed. There are no other services open in Tuolumne Meadows. Current Closures Beginning September 8, the Mist Trail will be closed Monday-Friday, 7 am to 4 pm. For more details, and all current trail closures, are listed on the current conditions page.



Kerrick Meadow is closed each year to packstock grazing to reduce impacts to the federally-threatened Yosemite toad and endangered Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog. The area will temporarily reopen to grazing on August 15, 2019.



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 Free wilderness permits are required for overnight stays in the Yosemite Wilderness. Permits can be obtained at the following locations. Wilderness Permit Reservations Open Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Reservations are available up to weeks ahead of your entry date. Yosemite Valley Wilderness Center Open daily only for bear canister rentals 9 am to 1 pm. No permits will be issued at this station for 2020. Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Center Open daily only for bear canister rentals 9 am to 1 pm. No permits will be issued at this station for 2020. Big Oak Flat Information Station Open daily only for bear canister rentals 9 am to 1 pm. No permits will be issued at this station for 2020. Wawona Visitor Center at Hill's Studio Open daily only for bear canister rentals 9 am to 1 pm. No permits will be issued at this station for 2020. Hetch Hetchy Entrance Station Hetchy Road is open 8 am to 5 pm. No permits will be issued at this station for 2020. Be prepared with your own bear canister. There is no access to Hetch Hetchy beyond road 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.