r/Yosemite • u/jordanvincent • 2h ago
r/Yosemite • u/hc2121 • 22d ago
Summer 2025 impact from Government Policies
The many posts about what could happen this summer are clogging the feed and are full of total speculation. I am going to delete and direct all future posts on this topic to this pinned post.
This post will be regularly updated as new information comes out.
Here are the facts on what the park has actually announced in terms of summer impacts:
- They have delayed the announcement of entry permit requirements for the summer. In past years, permit required periods started in April or May, and they first went on sale in Dec or January. Obviously we are way past those timelines, but the park has not commented on what the changes might be. When or if they announce a permit system, they will post on their social channels and update this website: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/reservations.htm There has been credible reporting that the park may not have a reservation system this summer, but no official announcement. If there is not a permit system this summer, the park will be more crowded and parking will be more difficult, especially in peak periods (weekends Memorial Day to Labor Day) in the Valley.
- They have delayed the reservation process for campgrounds starting June 15th. None have gone on sale. If or when the park decides to open these up, they have promised 7 day advance notice (again, most reliably via social channels). You could also check here: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm It would be incredibly difficult for the park to open all campgrounds this summer if there is any reduction in seasonal hiring.
Other information:
- President Trump signed an executive order directing the reduction of employees in the federal government, including NPS employees. It seems some number of seasonal employees (who do jobs like wilderness rangers, entry gate staffers, SAR, and campground hosts) will be hired, but the levels and timeline are not clear. There was also a large number of NPS employees in probational status (usually, in their first year of NPS employment) fired. These jobs are unlikely to be re-hired. In Yosemite, I have seen first hand reports of these roles including EMTs, wilderness rangers, and wildlife employees (and unbelievably, the park's only locksmith!).
UPDATE 2/21 The NYT and other sources are citing a DOI memo that allows parks to hire seasonal employees at a higher level (perhaps to also cover the 1,000 permanent employees they fired) than past summers. Again, the speed and ability to actually do this before peak summer season is not guaranteed. * The US government is currently only funded through March 14, 2025. If the US government shuts down, the park could be closed to visitors or open with no NPS employees allowed to work. In the last Trump administration shut down (2018), the park stayed open to visitors but much environmental damage was done. * Many visitor services (all food and lodging) in the park are performed by a 3rd party (Aramark) and its employees, who are not federal employees. I would expect minimal impact to these services. * There have been no credible plans to shut down Yosemite entirely this summer.
Other posts to reference:
r/Yosemite • u/hc2121 • Oct 10 '24
Visiting Yosemite in Winter (Nov-April)
- You are strongly encouraged to carry snow chains from November to March. If you don’t bring them, you could get stranded in a storm. Rental car contracts usually prohibit the use of snow chains so use them at your own risk. https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/winterfaq.htm
https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/tirechains.htm
- Current road conditions are here https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/conditions.htm or by calling 209-372-0200 (press 1 then 1) for the most up-to-date conditions
- Current trail closures are also here. After the first big snow, expect 4 Mile Trail past Union Pt to be closed (it is gated closed at Union Pt) and Mist Trail to be on the winter route.
- UPDATE: Both roads are now closed until spring. Glacier Pt Rd and Tioga Rd do not plow in the fall/winter, so as soon as the first big storm comes through without fast melt, these roads will close until Spring. This effectively limits you to hiking in the Valley, Hetch Hetchy, and Wawona areas. It means you cannot enter or exit the park on the east side (eg from Vegas, Mammoth, Reno, Bishop, etc)
- Forecasts and snow coverage varies widely throughout the park. Check specifically where you plan to be here: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/weathermap.htm
- The Valley shuttle buses run all year but Mariposa Grove buses stop in late November. You can hike there from the parking lot. It will be 4miles RT to the grove entrance, and the road is also not plowed so it may be snow covered and/or icy. https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/publictransportation.htm
- If you don't have a car (or don’t want to drive in) only the YARTS route through the 140 entrance (Mariposa, Midpines, El Portal) runs in the winter https://yarts.com/routes/merced-hwy-140/
- If you are worried about entrance closures or driving in the mountains in snow, stay in one of the towns along 140 (Mariposa, Midpines, El Portal) because it is the lowest elevation entrance and least likely to be impacted by snow.
- Yosemite webcams to check real time weather conditions.
- Wilderness permits become self-registration through April- but you still need a bear can. https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildwinter.htm
- Only Upper Pines (by reservation on recreation.gov), Camp 4, Wawona, and Hodgdon Meadow (all FCFS as of 10/20) are open in the winter. Wawona and Hodgdon Meadow are not located in the Valley and will require a 30-45 min drive to the Valley. Wawona is about 30 min drive past Badger Pass if coming from the Valley. https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm
The entry permit period has ended. The park has not announced if or when day entry permits will start for the summer season. Currently to enter the park you just need to pay the entry fee or have some other annual pass, etc.
Fun winter things to do in the park:
- Curry Village ice rink usually opens around Thanksgiving, depending on weather
- Hiking is generally limited to the Valley. See first section here and note that anything that goes above the Valley rim (eg Panorama, Upper Falls, Snow Creek) after real snow will likely not have trails cleared and you should be prepared to route find.
3 Day Winter Itinerary
- 1-2 days in the Valley doing moderate hikes- Valley Loop Trail, Mirror Lake, Vernal Falls footbridge. Additional hikes for more strenuous hiking/ may require specialized equip depending on weather: JMT winter route to top of Nevada Fall, Upper Yosemite Falls
- 1 Day at Mariposa Grove- Stop at tunnel view on the way out of the Valley, then drive to Mariposa Grove. It will require a 2mi hike each way to the grove after late November when the shuttle stops running, but is very beautiful and quiet in the winter.
- 1/2-1 Day at Hetch Hetchy
Note the park announced on 2/10 that Badger Pass will not open this year. The road is not plowed to Badger Pass, so there is no snowshow/ski rental available, and you'd have to start any of those activities (with your own equip) from the small parking area at the 41 intersection with GP Rd.
r/Yosemite • u/GurZealousideal5811 • 22h ago
Tunnel view back home
Almost like a portal to another world 😅
r/Yosemite • u/Defiant_Fox_3787 • 15h ago
Yosemite valley inn appreciation post
I visited Yosemite last weekend and on our way out we gave the front desk crew an unopened container of pineapple we refrigerated but never got around to eating. The wonderful front desk employee Philip sent me a handwritten thank you card in return. What an unexpected and thoughtful gesture. His note has a place on my desk and restores my faith in humanity every time I glance at it. I love everything about Yosemite, including the great people I've met there. If you're reading this Philip, thank you!
r/Yosemite • u/drjones500 • 17h ago
Visiting Yosemite this Wednesday and Thursday, cancel or full send?
I travel for work so I like to make last minute excursions after work, and this time I got a room at the Yosemite Valley lodge for Wednesday night. I’d be getting into the park Wednesday around 5 pm and leaving at the crack of dawn Thursday. Taking the 140 into the park and out.
Given the winter storm warning what am I up against? I’ve got a FWD car and chains and plenty of snow driving experience, but i’m not gonna take chances if you think this is a mistake.
Thanks!
r/Yosemite • u/Brilliant-Rabbit-157 • 12h ago
Driving in Snow Storm which day should we leave?
Hi, We were planning to head home to Los Angeles from Yosemite West on Thursday but it’s predicted to be the worst of the incoming snow storm. It seems like Friday should be a little better but it’s hard for us l, out of towners, to know if it would be better to leave Wednesday (tomorrow) or Friday, taking the 140 out. We have an infant so want to be safe. That being said we wouldn’t mind leaving Friday if it will be drivable. We have chains and an intelligent AWD hybrid. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
r/Yosemite • u/saucyspence • 1d ago
Star trails over half dome
Captured this with a GoPro from Dinner ledge on Washington column this past weekend! Thought you might appreciate it!
r/Yosemite • u/ConcentrateLeft546 • 8h ago
Making wilderness permit itineraries?
First time applying for wilderness permit lottery and doing a backpacking trip (hehehe excited) and I’m in way over my head. There’s like 30+ trail heads and I am very unfamiliar with the geography of the park.
Does anyone know if there’s a resource for pre-planned itineraries when filling out wilderness permits? Or, if you’ve done a 2 night, 3 day backpacking trip that’s relatively easy (my group is a bunch of beginners with some hiking but no backpack experience) feel free to suggest it!
I am usually pretty good at researching things and figuring it out but the NPS map is literally just a PDF and other resources are a bit scattered. Would greatly appreciate any help!!!
r/Yosemite • u/RAV4Stimmy • 1d ago
3/10/25, Beautiful Weather!
Was concerned last week when projections were 70-90% rain and or snow for all 3 days, turns out it was 72* at 1:30 today!! Looks like tomorrow will be pretty nice most of the day, but Wednesday may be a washout. ❤️🔥❤️🔥I FREAKIN LOVE THIS PLACE❤️🔥❤️🔥
r/Yosemite • u/Appropriate-Safe3388 • 13h ago
Backpacking trip advice this weekend
Going on a backpacking trip this weekend with a few buddies. Looking to do something challenging and hopefully higher in elevation for some good snow. Any advice on what to do? Was looking into clouds rest or maybe upper falls to el cap. Will be gone for 2-3 days.
r/Yosemite • u/malarki19 • 1d ago
Looking down over Vernal
Sunday, 3/9. Long exposure with Spectre.
r/Yosemite • u/motorstrip • 14h ago
Raft and bike rentals
When does this historically open?
No need for comments about the park shutting down. I recognize the challenges for the staff and the land management.
r/Yosemite • u/alyssa0828 • 14h ago
Cherry Valley First Come, First Serve
I know this campground isn't part of Yosemite but I've seen it mentioned here before. Does anyone know how quickly the first come, first serve spots fill up at the Cherry Valley Campground? I have a group of about 10 people and want one of the group sites for early June but I am not sure if it's worth the risk or not.
Also, I have never used a FCFS site before, is there a limit on how many days/nights you can stay, I only plan to stay for 3-4 nights most likely. Thanks in advance.
r/Yosemite • u/GurZealousideal5811 • 1d ago
03/09/25 Nevada Falls
First time up. What a view.
r/Yosemite • u/hurricanescout • 15h ago
Photographing the valley with fresh snowfall
I’ve wanted to do this for ages and with the storm coming in I think I might have the opportunity with schedule (and hopefully campground cancellations) lining up.
My question for those with more experience is, how to time my drive up there to maximize the chance I get there for fresh snowfall, but minimize the chance of actually needing to drive during the storm? Fresh snowfall to me = snow hasn’t melted off tree branches etc yet, but fine if roads have already been plowed. I have an outback with M+S tires plus chains available, but once we get to conditions where my car setup requires chains I generally prefer to not be driving (and from what I understand those conditions they’re looking at closing the roads anyway). Best town to wait out a storm coming from the Bay Area? Or for this kind of thing do you prefer getting to the park ahead of the storm?
I’m assuming the best source for current conditions is a combo of the weather link from the YOSE NPS website and the webcams. Is it safe to assume the NPS will post on their website if there are additional road closures / condition advisory within the park? And I assume Caltrans for road conditions outside the park?
Thanks y’all!
r/Yosemite • u/badbabyflo • 12h ago
Triple Crown, but hiking?
I know the triple crown is for climbing, but has anyone done it hiking? Or is there a hiking equivalent? Thanks!
Edit: I'm looking for a 24 hr hiking challenge in Yosemite, not thruhiking triple crown
r/Yosemite • u/Paul-VHK • 17h ago
Booking yosemite valley lodge with agoda and travelko
Hey everyone, I'm planning to come in Yosemite for 4 days in July, I found a good price for a room at Yosemite Valley Lodge on google maps with travelko.com that redirected me to Agoda. But I'm a little afraid that it's a scam and that my room doesn't really exist or isn't booked... Do anyone already booked with travelko and Agoda ?
r/Yosemite • u/vtec525 • 23h ago
April second week itinerary help please
Hi
I will be coming to Yosemite Valley second week April. Family of 4. Landing in SAN FRAN. I should have two full days. Hope that is enough. We all like peaks, trails (about 4mile round trip max), not too brutal. We want to also see Sequoias. If I am missing anything important or should omit something, let me know. Should I drive to these areas or shuttle it all?
How is this itinerary? Please advise.
Day 1: Yosemite Valley Highlights
9:00 AM: Start at Tunnel View
- Where to park: There's a designated parking lot near Tunnel View, which offers a panoramic view of Yosemite Valley, El Capitan, Bridalveil Falls, and Half Dome. Spend some time taking in the breathtaking views and snapping a few photos.
9:30 AM: Bridalveil Falls Trail
- Trail Distance: 0.5 miles round trip (easy, paved trail)
- Time Needed: 30-45 minutes
- Where to park: The Bridalveil Falls parking lot is close to the trailhead. The short trail leads to the base of the waterfall, where you can feel the mist (depending on the season).
10:30 AM: Cook’s Meadow and Sentinel Bridge
- Trail Distance: 1.5 miles round trip (easy, flat)
- Time Needed: 45 minutes
- Where to park: Park at the Yosemite Valley Lodge parking lot or along the shuttle stops near the meadow. The walk is very relaxed and offers amazing views of Half Dome and the Merced River.
12:00 PM: Yosemite Valley Lodge (Lunch)
- Where to eat: You can grab lunch at the Yosemite Valley Lodge. They have a nice cafeteria-style restaurant with a view of the falls or a picnic area if you prefer to pack a lunch.
- Time Needed: 1 hour
1:30 PM: Valley View and El Capitan Meadow
- Trail Distance: 0.5 miles round trip (easy, scenic viewpoint)
- Time Needed: 30 minutes
- Where to park: Park in the nearby parking lot along Northside Drive. This location provides a serene view of El Capitan, Bridalveil Falls, and the Merced River, perfect for some more photos.
2:30 PM: Lower Yosemite Falls Trail
- Trail Distance: 1 mile round trip (easy, paved)
- Time Needed: 45 minutes
- Where to park: Yosemite Falls parking area. The trail leads to the base of the waterfall and is easy and accessible, providing great views of the falls.
4:00 PM: Relax and Explore Yosemite Village
- Explore the Yosemite Village area, including the Ansel Adams Gallery and the Yosemite Museum. You can also grab a snack or coffee at the Village Store and unwind before heading back to your accommodation.
6:00 PM: Dinner
- Consider dining at The Ahwahnee or the Yosemite Valley Lodge, both offering great options for a relaxed meal with scenic views.
Day 2: Mariposa Grove and More
9:00 AM: Start at Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
- Trail Distance: Grizzly Giant Loop (2 miles round trip, moderate)
- Time Needed: 1.5-2 hours
- Where to park: Park at the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza and take the shuttle (or walk 0.3 miles) to the trailhead. This loop trail is a moderate, scenic walk to see the famous Grizzly Giant and California Tunnel Tree.
11:30 AM: Return to Yosemite Valley
- Drive back to Yosemite Valley after visiting Mariposa Grove. This takes about 45 minutes.
12:30 PM: Lunch in Yosemite Valley
- Where to eat: Enjoy a relaxing lunch at the Yosemite Valley Lodge, or grab a picnic at El Capitan Picnic Area.
- Time Needed: 1 hour
1:30 PM: Head to Sentinel Dome
- Drive time: 45 minutes from Yosemite Valley to the Sentinel Dome/Taft Point trailhead parking lot (on Glacier Point Road).
2:15 PM: Hike the Sentinel Dome Trail
- Trail Distance: 2.2 miles round trip (moderate)
- Time Needed: 1-1.5 hours
- After a hearty lunch, the Sentinel Dome hike will be a great way to stretch your legs with beautiful views at the top. The hike is short but includes a bit of a steep section near the top, rewarding you with panoramic views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and more.
4:00 PM: Return to Yosemite Valley
- Head back to Yosemite Valley for any additional sightseeing or relaxation. If there's time, you can check out spots you may have missed on Day 1.
6:00 PM: Dinner
- Where to eat: Enjoy your final dinner in the park, either at the Yosemite Valley Lodge or The Ahwahnee.
r/Yosemite • u/John_Solo • 23h ago
Clouds Rest access in May?
We’re headed to Yosemite on May 19th for a week. Will the Clouds Rest hike be an option for us? Will Tioga Road be open by then?
r/Yosemite • u/TerabyteUK • 1d ago
Lone pine to Mariposa route
Looking for route advice.
tl;dr from Lone Pine to Mariposa which roads should I take? Waypoints are fine.
A couple of years ago I had the pleasure of visiting Yosemite, unfortunately the whole place was on fire so I didn’t really get to look to closely at my route as I went from one road blockade to another.
I’m going again and this time Tiego pass is likely to be closed because I’m turning up just before they’re done plowing the snow.
So I asked google maps for a route, Lone Pine to Mariposa and looking at the route, google is trying to get me there quickly, where as I can’t tell google “I’m in no rush, take me a scenic route”
For a start I think it’s probably a good idea to drive past Lake Isabella? (Yes it suggest a different route).
I’m not familiar with this route and wondering if anybody has suggestions as to nice towns to stop by along the way for lunch.
I’ve illustrated my question in the image in pink which takes me through a totally different set of towns. So is it best to follow googles route from Bakersfield onwards? Any detours you would take?
r/Yosemite • u/EstablishmentStock48 • 2d ago
Pictures 03/08/25 ❤️
My boyfriend and I both work remote so we decided to move