Tioga Road is temporarily closed. Click here for more TRAVEL ALERTS and information.
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Updated: Nov 4th, 2024
Blog What to Know When Visiting Yosemite - Right Now
  • Tioga Road (continuation of Highway 120 through the park) is temporarily closed.
  • Half Dome cables are now DOWN for the season. 
  • Traffic delays (~15 minutes):
    • Northside Drive - when leaving Yosemite Valley as crews continue tree work in the western part of the valley between El Capitan Woodlot and the Pohono Bridge.
    • Tioga Road - Forestry work will be done along the Tioga Road between White Wolf and Olmsted Point. Work will take place Mondays through Thursdays, 7:30am to 4:30pm.
  • Repairs continue on the Mist Trail will be undergoing repairs - through to October 31. The Lower Mist Trail - from the John Muir Trail (JMT) junction (just uphill from the Vernal Fall Footbridge) to the top of Vernal Fall - will be closed M-TH between 7:00am and 3:30pm from 7/1/24 – 10/31/24 (subject to change). The trail will remain open Fridays, weekends and holidays. It is expected to be open overnight, though there may be some days when trail crew is not able to make it safe to open overnight. In that case, the gates will remain closed, and signs will be posted at the two closure gates that the trail is closed.  

Hikers and backpackers headed to Half Dome and points beyond from the trailhead at Happy Isles may hike uphill on the Mist Trail if they reach the Mist Trail/JMT junction by 7:00am, Monday through Thursday. Otherwise, they must hike the JMT

  • A short section of the Valley Loop Trail at The Ahwahnee remains closed due to rockfall risk, although a short detour is available.
  • Merced Grove is closed for tree work/biomass removal.
  • Happy Isles Art & Nature Center  - is closed for the season.
  • Elizabeth Lake Trailhead (in Tuolumne Meadows Campground) is closed. Start from the visitor center or Dog Lake parking areas instead.
  • Campground Closures
    • Porcupine Flat, Crane Flat, and Lower Pines campgrounds are now closed for the season.

    • Hodgdon Meadow, Wawona, and Camp 4 will have returned to first come, first served operation.

    • North Pines & Backpacker Camp will close on Wednesday, October 30.

    • Upper Pines will reduce to the front two loops (sites 1-94) on Sunday, November 3 and remain on reservation through the winter.

Top Tips to Maximize Your Yosemite Experience

Looking for a great way to experience Yosemite all while leaving the driving to someone else? Take a guided tour!


Essential tips to maximize your experience during your visit to Yosemite:

  1. Optimal Visit Times: Arrive early in the morning (Before 5:00 AM) or later in the afternoon (After 4:00 PM) to avoid peak times and reservation requirements. Remember, the park is accessible 24 hours a day (excluding Hetch Hetchy), allowing for flexible planning.
  2. Weekday Visits: If possible, visit mid-week. While early Spring is generally less crowded than the Summer, weekends and holidays can still get busy. If your trip includes weekends, explore the diverse activities in Yosemite's Southern Gateway, such as local attractions, historical sites, wine tasting, hiking, axe throwing, and relaxing at Bass Lake.
  3. Guided and Adventure Tours: Take advantage of guided tours and hikes. Tours offer a unique perspective of Yosemite, relieve the hassle of parking, and are your ticket to the park during reservation periods.
  4. Explore Beyond the Valley: Visit areas like Wawona near the south gate entrance. Rich in history and activities, Wawona offers the Yosemite History Center, stagecoach rides, various hikes, a dog-friendly trail, and dining at the historic Wawona Hotel.
  5. Take Public Transportation: May - September, utilize YARTS for convenient travel to Yosemite with daily early buses on Highway 41, departing from Oakhurst at 7:10 AM and 8:55 AM; visit www.yarts.com for schedules and details.
  6. Stay Informed with Traffic Alerts: Sign up for Yosemite's valley traffic alerts by texting YNPTRAFFIC to 333111 to stay updated on traffic conditions, enhancing your visit planning.

For more information:

VISIT: Yosemite's Current Conditions page
CALL: Oakhurst Visitor Center at (559) 683-4636
STOP BY: Oakhurst Visitor Center located at 40343 Highway 41 (daily from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm)

There is so much to do here in the Yosemite and it's Southern Gateway. Click the image strip below to find out more.  


Our annual Visit Yosemite | Madera County Visitors Guide can answer all your questions about visiting California's Gateway to Yosemite. From the park itself to the museums, wineries, art galleries and more throughout Madera County, our guide can help you plan the perfect vacation. Please note that we mail to the USA only, but anyone can download the guide.
Visit Yosemite - Madera County
Oakhurst Visitor Center, 40343 Highway 41, Oakhurst, CA 93644
(559) 683-4636
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Hours:
7 days a week: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
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