Summer in Yosemite: Roads, Trails, & Campgrounds Reopen

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK – Yosemite National Park is preparing to welcome visitors for the peak summer season with expanded access across the park, including the reopening of popular trails, climbing areas, and full campground availability.

Campgrounds, Trails & High Country

All Yosemite front-country campgrounds will be open this summer and available for reservation through Recreation.gov. Most High Sierra Camps are also returning to operation, offering visitors additional opportunities to experience the park’s backcountry.

Also reopening, is a section of the Valley Loop Trail near Royal Arches and several popular climbing routes that were previously closed for safety monitoring. The Ice Cut section of the John Muir Trail is expected to reopen in July following visitor safety and trail improvements.

Tioga & Glacier Point Road

Tioga road is scheduled to open to vehicle traffic on May 15th, marking the earliest opening in 16 years. The trans-Sierra route across the park provides access to Tuolumne Meadows and Yosemite’s high country. Limited services will be available and it is recommended to bring your own appropriate levels of food and water. Vault and portable toilets will be available along Tioga Road (but not drinking water) and no other services will be available.

Glacier Point Road is opening to vehicle access May 9th, providing sweeping views of Yosemite Valley and easy access to high-elevation trailheads. Park officials say the roads offer visitors convenient entry points into the high Sierra, with opportunities ranging from short day hikes to remote wilderness experiences. Overnight wilderness trips require a wilderness permit, which can be reserved in advance through Recreation.gov.

Half Dome Permits Open

Hiking to the top of Half Dome, which rises 5,000 feet above Yosemite Valley, will open May 15. Half Dome daily lottery permits also opened, with applications available two days in advance of the desired hiking date.

“Yosemite continues to expand access while protecting the park’s extraordinary resources,” said Superintendent Ray McPadden. “We’re excited to welcome visitors to more areas of the park this summer and encourage everyone to plan ahead for a safe and enjoyable experience.”

Visitors should expect traffic during weekends, particularly on Saturday mornings. To help reduce congestion, park officials encourage visitors to purchase Yosemite digital site passes and America the Beautiful passes in advance through Recreation.gov, visit midweek, arrive early or later in the day, and explore areas beyond Yosemite Valley.

Officials said digital park passes purchased in advance can significantly reduce wait times at entrance stations and improve traffic flow into the park.

Visitors are also encouraged to check current conditions, plan ahead, and prepare for changing weather and busy conditions. Parking in Yosemite Valley fills early during peak summer days, and services may be limited in some areas.

For more information, trip planning resources, and entrance passes, visit National Park Service Yosemite page or Recreation.gov.