• Tioga Road, Glacier Point Road (beyond Badger Pass), and Mariposa Grove Road are all closed for the season. 
• Half Dome cables are now DOWN for the season.
• Four Mile Trail winter closure is in effect. The trail is closed at the gate below Union Point due to ice and snow.
• The John Muir Trail between Clark Point and Panorama Trail junction (near the top of Nevada Fall) is closed for the season due to dangerously icy conditions. The Mist Trail provides access to the top of Nevada Fall.
• Traffic delays:
  • Valley Forestry will be removing tree hazards along North Side Drive and Hwy 140 El Portal Road the week of December 9th. Anticipate traffic delays of up to 15 minutes.
• The Wawona Hotel is closed to the public for a multi-year repair project.  
• 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/Status Changes

  • Porcupine Flat, Crane Flat, and Lower Pines campgrounds are now closed for the season.

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

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

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

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.