Yosemite National Park to close due to anticipated flooding

Most of Yosemite National Park will be closed from Friday until at least May 3, the California park has announced.

Temperatures are expected to rise this weekend to almost 60 degrees, 15 degrees warmer than normal, which will melt snow and raise water levels in the Merced River.

With the park having received nearly four times its normal snowfall this past winter, this weekend’s anticipated warm snap creates a particularly strong flooding risk.

The huge snowcap also means that periodic floods could still affect the park throughout May and June.

Travelers who had booked stays at the park will receive a refund and wilderness permits will be rescheduled. 

Certain areas of the park including Wowona, Crane Flat and Hetch Hetchy will remain open. However, services will be limited and visitors have been told not to park off-road.

There will be no visitor access (including pedestrian access) east of that road. Parking in western Yosemite Valley and throughout the park will be extremely limited. Do not park off road. No services will be available in western Yosemite Valley. (4/4)

— Yosemite National Park (@YosemiteNPS) April 25, 2023