That legacy holds true today. Activities in Yosemite National Park. Little Yosemite Valley Campgrounds is minimally developed and depends on the cooperation of campers to to keep it clean, safe, and functioning properly. Trails in Yosemite may be closed when there are hidden hazards or when they are impassable due to rock fall, snow, ice, or fire. For the past century, however, the land known today as Sunol Wildereness Regional Preserve was used almost exclusively as ranch land. Yosemite National Park is located in central California. Browse updates from our team, including press releases, blog posts, new products and publications, media coverage, and videos. Its close proximity to Yosemite Falls makes it the perfect base camp for exploring Yosemite National Park. ... Today… If you don't have a reservation, get details about camping without a reservation. Drive carefully even when there are no chain requirements: you may encounter icy spots on mostly dry roads. Yes, Yosemite National Park is open, and yes, a reservation is required. December through April). It just takes a while. The hike-in campground here is a little under 4 miles (6.5 km) from the trailhead in Yosemite Valley and about 3.5 miles (5.5 km) from the summit of Half Dome. Since Yosemite is open all year, there’s always something to do. However, the Hetch Hetchy Entrance Station is open only during daylight hours (approximately) and some roads are closed due to snow from around November through May or June. Graphic courtesy of Yosemite National Park Service. Rivers & Waterfalls: Yosemite Falls, Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall, and Bridalveil Fall are flowing at low levels. It depends what you're looking for, and each season has its advantages. Added by Ed Francisco. Most of our restaurants are open all year, and many offer outdoor seating during the warmer months. Backcountry campgrounds, such as those in Little Yosemite Valley, can be accessed by getting a wilderness permit, which are still available. Little Yosemite in Sunol is a scenic hike offering breathtaking oak lined canyon views and dramatic waterfalls. The center itself is open only weekends and holidays (except for Thanksgiving and Christmas) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A little shop sells books, … Here’s useful information to help families plan a trip to Yosemite this summer. Continuation of Highway 120 through the park. Two campgrounds inside Yosemite National Park that reopened June 11 will remain open, although no additional campgrounds will be reopened until at least Aug. 1, park officials said. Little Yosemite Valley, situated between Half Dome, Liberty Cap and the Cascade Cliffs, and straddling the Merced River, is within close proximity of the national park's main valley. Call 209/372-0200 (press 1 then 1) for the most up-to-date conditions (the information below only reflects planned or long-term closures). Yosemite Conservancy. A steep uphill hike leads to Quarter Dome where rangers will check that your wilderness permit includes Half Dome. Reservations are available and recommended up to 366 days in advance. How do I get a reservation to enter Yosemite? Jamestown is a cute little "gold rush" town as are many along highway 49. Little chance that 120 into The Valley will be open. However, the Hetch Hetchy Entrance Station is open only during daylight hours (approximately) and some roads are closed due to snow from around November through May or June. Its glass and wood architecture work in unity with the surroundings and the ample windows allow in the bright mountain sunshine while providing remarkable views. Yosemite is officially open today, day-use reservations are required if you’re not staying in the park, and not all facilities and services are available. The park reopens entirely in mid to late spring. - YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transportation) will be running from local communities. Weekly updates from the Tuolumne Meadows winter rangers (approx. Yosemite National Park offers a wide variety of restaurants to satisfy every palate. Sequoia/Kings Canyon has closed most areas to help curb the spread of coronavirus. Perched high in the pine trees, with a great view, is the other half of the Sport Chalet duplex. This unit has a granite rock fireplace in the living room, with a rustic pine mantle shelf, and is open to the dining area, with kitchen & skylights, to bring in that natural light. It was established as a national park in October of 1890 and boasts almost four million visitors per year. It's a short 2 miles upstream from the visitors center and is open 8am to dusk all year long. It looks like Upper Pines won't open in this first round of openings) - Backpackers campgrounds will open. From Little Yosemite Valley, the hike to the summit of Half Dome is 4.1 miles. Here are the best scenic points listed in order driving east from Yosemite … Open trails aren't necessarily free of hazards--by entering the wilderness, you assume responsibility for your safety and must use good judgment. Yosemite National Park is open 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. Visit our press room or publishing page. Please note this is a … The trail overlooks a piece of Little Yosemite, with an obvious, well-worn cutoff trail that leads down to the canyon floor. Yosemite National Park is open all year, 24 hours a day. This shady spot is the ideal place for an impromptu picnic with your fellow hikers. There are a handful of different ways to acquire a reservation, listed below. There are camping options available as well. The work funded by Yosemite Conservancy is visible throughout the park, from trail rehabilitation to wildlife protection and habitat restoration. You can get into Yosemite valley by going south along 49 to Mariposa and then up 140 along the Merced river. Associated Press photo. In 2020 reservations are required to visit. Looking for information about press or publishing opportunities? Through the support of donors, Yosemite Conservancy provides grants and support to Yosemite National Park to help preserve and protect Yosemite today and for future generations. Relax by the water as you fuel up for the road and take in the gorgeous sights and sounds of Sunol’s Little Yosemite one last time. Water may not be available along the way, so carry plenty. TRAVEL ALERT: Yosemite lodging and campgrounds temporarily close Dec 7. Reservations are available up to five months in advance and are strongly recommended. Through the summer, Yosemite has tried to reduce COVID-19 risks by making available only about half of the 240 campsites in Yosemite Valley's Upper Pines area, about 120 spots. Virtually all of the park's other campsites have been closed for months, and … Yosemite National Park is closed to all visitors until further notice. Open trails aren't necessarily free of hazards--by entering the wilderness, you assume responsibility for your safety and must use good judgment. Plowing updates from the Tioga and Glacier Point Roads. Under the East Bay Regional Park District's multi-use land management policy, cattle continue to graze in the 6,859-acre wilderness. Bring a bear canister or use the communal bear lockers. Canyon View Trail to Little Yosemite - California | AllTrails Getting hungry? Yosemite National Park is open 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. The distance from Yosemite Valley to Lee Vining (on US Hwy 295) is a little less than 80 miles, but it will take at least two hours to drive it. Carry tire chains in your car and be prepared to use them (even if your car has four-wheel drive): chains may become mandatory at any time. Depending on health and safety, things can change, so check Yosemite National Park website also. First-come, first-served: None, Open: Reservations required: None (Check road conditions and Hetch Hetchy hours.). Everyone staying in LYV Campground needs to take appropriate measures to ensure no bears are attracted by food in the open. Expect total delays of up to 30 minutes Sunday nights through Friday afternoons (north of Wawona Campground and north of Chinquapin/Glacier Point Road intersection) through December. Yosemite National Park will reopen Thursday, but don’t expect to spontaneously show up for a visit. Operating Hours & Seasons. Climbing closures are in effect on several routes each year from March 1 through July 15 to protect peregrine falcons. Park remains open … Yosemite Valley stores like the Village Store is open, as well as The Ansel Adams Gallery. This is the payoff. Lodgings at the Ahwahnee, Yosemite Valley Lodge and Curry Village (at half capacity) in the park are open. Today, camping, picnickin… That is if you don't stop, which is probably unrealistic because of these gorgeous spots you'll pass. The Wawona Store and El Portal Market are also open. Trails not listed below are open, but may be snowy and very difficult to find from about November through May/June (and may have other hazards). Bears: Bears are active throughout the park! Learn more about Yosemite in summer, fall, winter, or spring, and find out what kind of weather to expect. 4 of 46 Visitors view Yosemite Valley and Little Yosemite Valley from the Glacier Point outlook in Yosemite National Park. Trails in Yosemite may be closed when there are hidden hazards or when they are impassable due to rock fall, snow, ice, or fire. You don't need reservations to visit the park, but you should make reservations for lodging and campgrounds well in advance. Yosemite National Park is open year round, but much of the park closes to visitors come late autumn and the winter snows. Open year round, with a different calendar of activities for each season, Yosemite is a flagship national park in terms of education, volunteerism and of course, outdoor adventure. Check today's campground availability by calling 209/372-0266. Little Yosemite Valley is a smaller glacial valley upstream in the Merced River drainage from the Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park.The Merced River meanders through the 3.5 mi (5.6 km) long flat valley, draining out over Nevada Fall and Vernal Fall before emptying into the main Yosemite Valley. Be sure to store your food properly and to remain at least 50 yards from bears in forest and meadows. Visit Yosemite Hospitality's website for lodging information (including information about Housekeeping Camp and High Sierra Camps). Food services will also be open in Yosemite Valley. Check road conditions and Hetch Hetchy hours. A reminder to … Is there a best time to visit Yosemite? All others must cycle or hike to the grove from Mariposa Grove Welcome Center (near South Entrance). Today’s and tonight’s Yosemite National Park, CA weather forecast, weather conditions and Doppler radar from The Weather Channel and Weather.com Limited sales will be available outside of the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center as well. - 60 sites at Lower Pines will open - 81 sites at Upper Pines will open (edit: I should have said North Pines. Or you could reserve at Mariposa or Coulterville, also cute little historic towns. Current information about road work in Yosemite, National Weather Service forecasts for Yosemite, View streamflow data for the Merced River in Yosemite Valley, area to the south and east of the footbridge, Due to the Blue Jay Fire, the following trails are closed (, The trail to Bridalveil Fall is closed due to the. Inside the Little Yosemite gorge (D. Wood/Flickr). View estimated opening and closing dates in 2021 for all campgrounds once they become available. Open: Reservations required: Upper Pines Yosemite Valley Lodge is a favorite choice for families and large groups. First-come, first served: None, Closed: Hodgdon Meadow, Wawona, Bridalveil Creek, Crane Flat, Tamarack Flat, White Wolf, Yosemite Creek, Porcupine Flat, and Tuolumne Meadows. Bedrock mortars used by Native Americans for pounding acorns that were found in the area are reminders of Sunol's first inhabitants. See what’s new at Yosemite Conservancy! 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