Most of Yosemite National Park to Close in Anticipation of Flooding

Yosemite National Park is set to close a large portion of Yosemite Valley due to the possibility of flooding. According to a press announcement, the closure will begin on Friday, April 28 at 10 pm, and will continue until Wednesday, May 3. The closure may continue for a longer duration, with further flooding and closures expected in May or June.

The closure will include eastern Yosemite Valley, and all lodging and campgrounds will be automatically canceled and refunded. Wilderness permits can be rescheduled to alternate trailheads as space allows.

During this closure, visitors can access Wawona, Mariposa Grove (via hike only), Crane Flat area, Hetch Hetchy, and western Yosemite Valley. However, parking in western Yosemite Valley and throughout the park will be extremely limited, and visitors are urged not to park off-road. No services will be available in western Yosemite Valley.

The closure will be at El Capitan crossover, the road that crosses the Merced River just east of El Capitan, and there will be no visitor access (including pedestrian access) east of that road. The park officials have advised visitors to plan their trip accordingly and explore other areas of the park.

The park officials are closely monitoring the weather and will make adjustments as necessary. In case of an emergency, the park’s emergency services will remain available, and visitors should call 911.

Yosemite National Park is known for its spectacular waterfalls, granite cliffs, and giant sequoias, attracting millions of visitors each year. The park officials urge visitors to check the park’s website for updates and closure information before planning their trip.