What to know before heading to Yosemite National Park this summer

Sheyanne N Romero, Visalia Times-Delta
·6 min read
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Yosemite National Park, like much of California, has received more rain and snow this year than any other time in recent memory. It is that reason people are flocking to the park for a peek... or a peak.

Before making the trek to the popular national park during its busy season, visitors should know a few key pieces of information.

Road conditions at the park

If you're planning a trip to the park this summer, start by arriving early in the morning.

Visitors have reported long lines with 1–2 hour delays at park entrance stations, plus congestion on Valley roads into the park. On weekends and holidays parking in Yosemite Valley is likely to fill completely by mid-morning, park officials said.

Yosemite Valley, Wawona, and the Mariposa Grove are open and reachable by entering Yosemite via Highways 41 and 140. Hetch Hetchy and Hodgdon Meadow (but not other areas of Yosemite) are accessible via Highway 120 from the west. Tioga, Glacier Point, and Mariposa Grove roads are closed.

Here is a look at current road conditions throughout Yosemite National Park:

  • Wawona Road (continuation of Highway 41 from Fresno): Use caution and expect delays at single-lane sections of road. There are at least three spots under construction.

  • El Portal Road (continuation of Highway 140 from Merced): Open

  • Big Oak Flat Road (continuation of Highway 120 from Manteca): Expect 30-minute delays due to road work.

  • Yosemite Valley roads: Open

  • Hetch Hetchy Road: When open, hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

  • Tioga Road (continuation of Highway 120 through the park): There is no estimated opening date for Tioga Road. Spring opening work is in progress, but it will open later than usual this year due to heavy snowpack.

  • Glacier Point Road: Glacier Point Road will open no earlier than July, due to construction.

  • Mariposa Grove Road: When open, road is open only to vehicles displaying disability placards. All others must use the free shuttle from Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza (near South Entrance).

Valley Loop Trailfrom El Capitan Crossover to Four Mile trailhead will be closed for pile burning that started June 8. Pile burning is planned in Yosemite Valley along Southside Drive. Planned fires in the park can cause smoky conditions at times.

Visitors can buy a pass at an entrance station, or save time and pre-purchase a pass online. Although reservations are not currently required to enter Yosemite, park staff recommends visitors make reservations for lodging, camping, and backpacking.

Waterfalls and trails to explore

There are roughly 800 miles of trails within Yosemite National Park. Along those trails rest some of the nation's most popular and majestic waterfalls.

Here are just a few trails and waterfalls to visit this summer.

  • Mist Trial: This trail to Vernal and Nevada falls is one of Yosemite Valley’s most popular. Visitors should expect the trail to be crowded. Hikers are encouraged to be "courteous" to fellow hikers, especially on challenging sections. Consider returning from the top of Vernal Fall through the John Muir Trail, to reduce traffic on the slippery staircase section of the Mist Trail.

  • Panorama Trail: Although the trail is open and mostly clear of snow to Glacier Point, there is still a significant amount of snow at Glacier Point itself. There is water on the trail, and a very challenging stream crossing toward the top of this route. Those attempting to hike this trail should be very well-prepared and use extra caution, park rangers said. Four Mile Trail and Glacier Point Road are closed. There is no alternative route to return to Yosemite Valley.

  • Little Yosemite Valley: The trail starts at Happy Isles and travels near steep granite cliffs, past both Vernal and Nevada Falls. The shortest and steepest route up is the Mist Trail, while the John Muir Trail takes a longer and lower angle path.

  • Lower Yosemite Fall Loop Trail: This trail is open, however off-trail areas remain closed. Visitors need to stay on the trail at all times.

  • John Muir Trail: The section of trail between the junction with Panorama Trail and Clark Point is closed indefinitely. There is a serious risk of rockfall, which would take the trail with it. Those continuing to Nevada Fall from the top of Vernal Fall should use the Mist Trail in both directions.

  • The best time to see waterfalls is during spring, when most of the snowmelt occurs. Some waterfalls, including Yosemite Falls, are often completely dry by August.

  • Yosemite Falls: Flows from November through July, with peak flow in May. Visitors can see Yosemite Falls from numerous places around Yosemite Valley, especially around Yosemite Village and Yosemite Valley Lodge. A one-mile loop trail leads to the base of Lower Yosemite Fall.

  • Sentinel Falls: Flows from March through June, with peak flow in May. This waterfall is located on the south side of Yosemite Valley, just west of Sentinel Rock.

  • Horsetail Fall: Flows from December through April. The fall is famous for appearing to be on fire when it reflects the orange glow of sunset in mid- to late-February. It falls off of the east side of El Capitan and is best seen from just east of El Capitan.

  • Nevada Fall: This waterfall flows all year; however, peak flow is typically in late May. Nevada Fall can be seen from a distance at Glacier Point.

  • Vernal Fall: The waterfall also flows all year. By mid- to late- summer, it narrows and separates into one, two, or three falls as water flows decrease. Vernal Fall can be seen from a distance at Glacier Point.

A newly married couple poses for pictures Thursday, May 25, 2023 at the base of Yosemite Falls in Yosemite National Park.
A newly married couple poses for pictures Thursday, May 25, 2023 at the base of Yosemite Falls in Yosemite National Park.

Water safety

Thousands of people visit Yosemite every year to enjoy the beautiful waterfalls, rivers, and creeks, but water-related accidents are the second most common cause of death in the park, Yosemite National Park service officials stated.

On June 1, snowpack was 257% of average in the Tuolumne River basin and 346% of average in the Merced River basin for this time of year, according to NPS officials. As of early June, snow conditions from 8,000 feet up are similar to average conditions in early April.

"Many accidents happen in places where hazards are not obvious," National Park Service officials stated. "Keep in mind that one misstep on a rock, even above a seemingly calm pool, may result in inability to escape from a hazard downstream."

Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall, Bridalveil Fall and Yosemite Falls are flowing very high for this time of year. Visitors should use "extreme caution" anywhere near flowing water and stay back from riverbanks.

If a sign says "NO SWIMMING," visitors are not permitted to swim or wade in water. There are some areas that are closed to swimming and wading — like Emerald Pool, above Vernal Fall — where multiple incidents are reported each year.

In May, a man tried to float down the river, fell out of his tube, and was found clinging to a tree in the river. He was only saved by "rapid response by rangers and a lot of luck," park officials stated in a social media post.

This article originally appeared on Visalia Times-Delta: Plan ahead before heading Yosemite National Park this summer