Yosemite National Park, a haven for nature enthusiasts, offers a wealth of outdoor activities. To ensure a smooth visit, it’s crucial to stay informed about the park’s road conditionscamping availabilityand trail updates. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of what you need to know before embarking on your adventure.
Whether you’re planning a scenic drive, a camping trip, or a hike, understanding the current status of Yosemite’s infrastructure is essential. From the accessibility of major roads to the availability of campgrounds and the conditions of popular trailsthis guide covers all the critical information to help you plan your visit effectively.
Road Conditions in Yosemite National Park
Yosemite’s road network is a vital part of exploring the park. As of June 2026, most major roads are open, providing access to the park’s stunning landscapes. Here’s a breakdown of the current road statuses:
- Wawona RoadOpen, continuing from Highway 41.
- El Portal RoadOpen, continuing from Highway 140.
- Big Oak Flat RoadOpen, continuing from Highway 120.
- Yosemite Valley RoadsOpen.
- Hetch Hetchy RoadOpen from sunrise to sunset, closed during snow or forecasted snow.
- Tioga RoadOpen, continuing from Highway 120.
- Glacier Point RoadOpen.
- Mariposa Grove RoadOpen to vehicles with disability placards; others must use the free shuttle.
For the most up-to-date information, visitors are encouraged to call the provided number or check the park’s official resources. Additionally, a map showing road conditions outside of Yosemite is available for further assistance.
Camping and Lodging in Yosemite
Camping in Yosemite offers a unique way to immerse yourself in the park’s natural beauty. However, it’s important to note that camping and sleeping in a vehicle are only allowed in registered campsites. If campgrounds are full, visitors must find alternative camping locations outside the park.
Yosemite Valley Campgrounds
In Yosemite Valley, several campgrounds are open and require reservations. Here’s a detailed look at the current status:
- Upper PinesOpen, closed from May 26 to June 8.
- Lower PinesOpen, closed from June 9 to 19.
- North PinesOpen, closed from June 22 to July 2.
- Camp 4Open.
No first-come, first-served campgrounds are currently available in Yosemite Valley.
Outside Yosemite Valley
For those looking to camp outside Yosemite Valley, several options are available:
- WawonaOpen, requires reservations.
- Hodgdon MeadowOpen, requires reservations.
- Crane FlatOpen, requires reservations.
No first-come, first-served campgrounds are currently available outside Yosemite Valley. Some campgrounds, such as Bridalveil Creek, White Wolf, Yosemite Creek, Tuolumne Meadows, Tamarack Flat, and Porcupine Flat, are closed.
Reservations for campgrounds are available up to five months in advance and are strongly recommended. For those without reservations, details about camping without a reservation are available on the park’s official website. Additionally, lodging information, including Housekeeping Camp and High Sierra Camps, can be found on Yosemite Hospitality’s website.
Trails and Wilderness Conditions
Yosemite’s trails offer a variety of hiking experiences, but it’s important to be aware of any closures or hazards. Trails may be closed due to rockfall, snow, ice, or fire, and open trails may still present hazards. Visitors should exercise good judgment and assume responsibility for their safety.
Yosemite Valley Area
The John Muir Trail between Clark Point and Panorama Trail junction is closed through mid-July for trail repairs. A detour via the Mist Trail is available. Additionally, the Mist Trail from its junction with the John Muir Trail to the top of Vernal Fall will be open on Fridays through Sundays and holidays from June 30 through October, with specific hours for other days.
The Panorama Trail will be closed in the vicinity of the John Muir Trail junction on specific dates due to helicopter operations. The Half Dome cables are up for the season, and a permit is required to hike to the top of Half Dome.
Other Areas
No closures are currently reported in the Crane Flat to Tuolumne Meadows area, Mariposa Grove, or Hetch Hetchy area. However, climbing closures are in effect on several routes from March 1 through July 15 to protect peregrine falcons, and a wilderness climbing permit is required for all overnight big wall climbs.
For more information, visitors can view webcams in Yosemite National Park and stay updated on current fire news. The last update to this information was on June 5, 2026.
