YOSEMITE – With the federal government shut down, you will still be able to visit Yosemite National Park, but there will be some areas and services that are not available.
Visitor services in the park may be diminished or areas may be closed due to environmental, public safety, or other unknown factors. Also, road and weather information will not be updated.
Emergency Services
In case of emergency, dial 911. Response time may be increased. The Yosemite Medical Clinic remains open during normal operating hours and days: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except holidays (which includes Dec. 24 and 25, and Jan. 1).
Roads
Roads normally open at this time of year remain open, conditions permitting, including Wawona Road (continuation of Highway 41), El Portal Road (continuation of Highway 140), Big Oak Flat Road (continuation of Highway 120 from the west), and the Badger Pass Road. Roads may close in the event of a natural event such as snow storm, rockfall, fallen trees, etc. Tioga Road, Glacier Point Road (beyond the ski area), and Mariposa Grove Road are closed for the season.
Visitor Information
National Park Service-provided information and orientation are not available. Entrance stations are unstaffed, but remain open. Visitor centers and the Yosemite Museum are closed. The public information office phone line is not staffed. All National Park Service programs are cancelled (programs offered by other organizations, such as park concessioners, may operate).
Concession Run Facilities
Concession services normally provided at this time of year remain open. This includes lodging, tours, restaurants, stores, Yosemite Valley shuttle system, and gas stations provided by the Park’s three concessioners (Yosemite Hospitality, The Ansel Adams Gallery, and El Portal Market). Additionally, commercial use authorization holders are able to enter the park.
Restrooms and Trash Removal
National Park Service-provided services are limited. Restrooms at or near concession facilities remain open. Facilities not located near concession facilities are closed due to reductions in staffing. Dispose of trash in a dumpster or trash can that is not full in order to protect wildlife and avoid a citation/fine. Do not leave trash on top of or next to a dumpster or trash can, or stuff trash into a full one. Carry your trash to a dumpster or trash can at a hotel or store that is open and has a dumpster or trash can that is not full.
Campgrounds
Upper Pines Campground and Camp 4 are open but unstaffed and will remain open unless there is a life/safety risk. Reservations are not being honored. Due to their proximity to concession facilities, the restrooms at these campgrounds are open. Wawona and Hodgdon Meadow Campgrounds are closed, as are other campgrounds normally closed in winter.
Hiking
Hiking trails normally open at this time of year remain open, conditions permitting.
The Mist Trail from its junction with the John Muir Trail above Vernal Fall footbridge to the top of Vernal Fall and the John Muir Trail from Clark Point to near the top of Nevada Fall (the “ice cut”) are closed for the winter. It is possible to hike to the top of Vernal and Nevada Falls using still-open sections of trail, however, conditions may be snowy and/or icy.
The Four Mile Trail is closed for the season below Union Point. It is possible hike from Yosemite Valley to below Union Point (about halfway up the trail), with nice views.
Skiing
Yosemite Ski and Snowboard area is open.
Public Transit
Free shuttle service is available in Yosemite Valley, as usual. For information on public transportation to Yosemite, visit www.yarts.com.
For more information, visit the Yosemite website.
