March 18, 2023 - Yosemite National Park officials with the park’s reopening this morning of Yosemite Valley and Hetch Hetchy, here are few pointers and reminders on how to safely recreate while park recovery efforts continue.

• Yosemite Valley remains on day-use only from sunrise to sunset until March 20 with limited services found only in Yosemite Village. No reservation is required to enter the park.

• On March 20, the open areas of the park return to 24-hour access with the return of some lodging and other facilities, conditions permitting. Hetch Hetchy maintains open hours from 8 am to 5 pm.

• Currently, Yosemite Valley can only be accessed by the El Portal Road (Highway 140), and tire chains may be required to be in your possession. Call 209/372-0200 (then 1, 1) for current road conditions. Please drive carefully as debris may be in the roadway.

• Many paved pedestrian paths are plowed, but all hiking trails are covered in snow. Waterproof boots and traction devices are advisable on the paved paths which may be icy. Hiking on snow-covered trails is not recommended.

• Avoid river and creeks, which are running high and have snowbanks that may collapse.

• Do not walk in roadways as the roads are narrow with high snowbanks.

• Do not enter closed areas.
Source: NPS  Photo credit: NPS