Yosemite Valley Closure Due to Flood Threat—Find Out What’s Still Open in Yosemite National Park

Beginning Friday night, April 28, a majority of Yosemite Valley will close as warmer spring temperatures lead to melting California’s significant snowpack, resulting in expected flooding. This closure is scheduled to last until Wednesday, May 3, though it may extend beyond that, as noted in an advisory on the Yosemite National Park website.

Officials announced that all bookings for accommodations and campsites in eastern Yosemite Valley—including those in Curry Village, Housekeeping Camp, Upper Pines, North Pines, Lower Pines, Camp 4, Yosemite Valley Lodge, and the Ahwahnee—will be automatically canceled and refunded during the flood-related closure. Wilderness permits can be adjusted to other trailheads, subject to availability.

The closure encompasses the El Capitan crossover east of Yosemite Valley, along with Yosemite Village, Yosemite Falls, and several viewing spots for Half Dome, Vernal Falls, and Nevada Falls.

Yosemite Valley will close when the Merced River at Pohono Bridge (a nearly century-old stone structure where El Portal Road splits into Southside Drive and Northside Drive—the valley's two main routes) is anticipated to exceed 10 feet. The National Weather Service forecasts this will occur at 10 p.m. on Friday, April 28. At that point, “critical infrastructure will begin to flood, rendering it unsafe for visitors in Yosemite Valley,” authorities report.

What other areas are closed in Yosemite National Park?

This winter and spring, Yosemite’s snowpack measured over 240 percent above the average, with the deepest snowfall ever recorded above 8,000 feet within the park.

The substantial snowfall will cause three Yosemite roads to open later in the season than typical:

• Tioga Road, which winds through the northern part of the park up to Tioga Pass (California's highest vehicular crossing), is expected to open in late June or early July.
• Glacier Point Road, providing access to the Glacier Point trailhead (among others), will remain closed until July (it usually opens to vehicles in May).
• Mariposa Grove Road, leading to the renowned Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, sustained damage this past winter; it is anticipated to open by the end of May at the earliest, though authorities indicate it may be delayed further.

Additionally, due to melting snow, the Merced River’s water levels are expected to stay high until mid-July, which may render the river unsafe for swimming, rafting, or boating during this period.

What areas are currently open in Yosemite National Park?

For those planning to visit Yosemite this weekend and next week, some areas will be accessible, but officials warn that “while western Yosemite Valley will stay open, it may close if traffic congestion or parking becomes overwhelming.”

Park officials advise visitors to anticipate traffic jams and delays, extremely limited parking, potential additional road closures or detours (depending on water levels and traffic), and “very few opportunities for hiking and other recreational activities.”

Here’s what is still open in Yosemite National Park as of April 28.

Western Yosemite Valley

The western section of Yosemite Valley is open, featuring Tunnel View (a famous lookout point of Yosemite Valley with Half Dome in the backdrop), El Capitan Meadow (where visitors can view El Capitan and Cathedral Rocks), and Valley View. Bridalveil Fall is visible from the road, but the trail leading to the waterfall is currently closed.

Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias

Home to the largest collection of sequoias in Yosemite, featuring over 500 mature giant trees, Mariposa Grove is open and can be reached via a hiking trail. Although the road to the grove is closed, hikers can access it with a two-mile trek each way that includes a 500-foot elevation gain. However, the National Park Service noted that as of mid-April, the grove was still quite “snowy.”

Tuolumne and Merced Sequoia Groves

Sequoia enthusiasts can also visit the Crane Flat region of Yosemite National Park, an area filled with meadows and forests, to explore the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias, which contains about two dozen mature giants (accessible via a one-mile hike with a 500-foot elevation drop and a strenuous return hike). The Merced Grove of Giant Sequoias, also home to around two dozen mature giants, requires a challenging 1.5-mile hike each way, involving 500 feet of elevation loss followed by an equal gain on the return trip.

Hetch Hetchy

A hidden gem within Yosemite National Park, Hetch Hetchy Valley is still accessible. Visitors can enjoy stunning granite cliffs, waterfalls, and a somewhat contentious reservoir, along with plenty of hiking opportunities. Current access hours are from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. (April 1 to April 30) and from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. starting May 1 through Labor Day. Authorities warn that the Wapama Falls footbridge may occasionally close during the spring and summer due to high water levels.

Wawona

Wawona, which features the Yosemite History Center and Wawona Hotel, remains open to visitors.

Plentiful waterfalls and no reservation needed

Despite the infrastructure issues caused by snow this spring, there’s a silver lining.

For starters, the waterfalls are particularly plentiful this year. A live-streaming webcam of the 2,425-foot Yosemite Falls showcases the Upper Yosemite Fall at its peak flow due to snowmelt. Once the valley is accessible again, visitors can look forward to a stunning display this spring and summer.

Moreover, after three years of requiring reservations, Yosemite National Park is not requiring advance bookings for park entry this year. The entrance fee for a seven-day visit is $35 per vehicle. While no reservations are needed for the park itself, they are still necessary for all campgrounds until October (with the exception of Camp 4, which will begin requiring reservations on May 21).

With no reservation system currently in place and a slight delay to the traditional season start due to flooding and snowpack this spring, the National Park Service anticipates that Yosemite National Park will experience significant crowds during the peak of the summer travel season.

For those intending to visit Yosemite National Park this year, park authorities recommend, “Arrive by mid-morning to steer clear of traffic delays at entrances and other parts of the park.”