Last week, on June 2, Yosemite National Park has announced that it is increasing recreational access to the Park. The National Park Service (NPS) is working servicewide with federal and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic. NPS is planning on using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis.
Yosemite National Park was one of the Parks that was completely closed since March 20th, 2020, as a result of covid-19 related health concerns.
Phased Reopening
NPS is working on a phased reopening plan and working closely with health authorities and local governments.
Starting on June 5, first to gain access are those:
- with an existing wilderness permit reservation
- and to those with an existing Half Dome permit
After that, park operations will be evaluated and adjusted to gradually include more park areas, boardwalks, trails, picnic areas and other landscapes.
On June 8th, park officials announced that the Park will open to the public on Thursday, June 11th.
Yosemite Opens on Thu. June 11th
Beginning Thursday, June 11, most areas of the park will be open with some modifications. Due to public health and safety concerns, some locations and facilities are closed.
Open with modifications:
- The Mist Trail from the top of Vernal Fall to the John Muir Trail junction near the Vernal Fall footbridge is closed to downhill hiking from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm daily. Hikers may return to the trailhead using the Clark Point cutoff trail and John Muir Trail
- Backpackers campgrounds are not open to people arriving in the park by bus
- Hetch Hetchy Road will only be open from 8 am to 5 pm.
Closed:
- Lower Yosemite Fall boulders (the area between the footbridge/viewing area and the waterfall)
- Bridalveil Fall area (this area is closed due to scheduled maintenance work)
- Crane Flat Helibase
- Chowchilla Mountain Road
Tioga Road will open on Monday, June 15.
Reservations are REQUIRED
All vehicles entering Yosemite National Park will be required to pay the park entrance fee and have one of the following:
- Day-use reservation
- Upper Pines Campground or Wawona Horse Camp reservation
- Yosemite Valley Lodge, Curry Village, or The Ahwahnee reservation
- Private lodging or vacation rental reservation in Wawona, Yosemite West, or Foresta
- Yosemite wilderness permit
- Yosemite Half Dome permit
- Commercial use authorization
Upon showing proof of your reservation and a matching photo ID at the entrance station, you will be issued a vehicle permit to enter the park.
Visitors who enter the park via YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System) buses, bicycle, on foot, or on horseback will not be required to have a day-use reservation to enter the park. Park entrance fees still apply.
Credit cards are the only form of payment accepted for entrance fees. Read more…
Safety
Yosemite National Park officials emphasized the importance of safety of all visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners. They are committed to monitor each facility and service to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance.
While these areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased and services may be limited. When recreating, the public should follow local area health orders, practice Leave No Trace principles, avoid crowding and avoid high-risk outdoor activities.
- Keep your distance. Give others plenty of room whether you are on a trail or in a parking lot. If staying at least six feet from others is not possible, wear a cloth face covering as recommended by the CDC.
- Keep it with you. If you brought it, take it with you. Trash pickup and restroom facilities will continue to be limited in many park areas. Follow Leave No Trace principles.
- Know your limits. Yosemite National Park is one of the busiest search and rescue parks in the country. Many of these incidents could be avoided with visitors planning and making responsible decisions. During the ongoing health crisis, it is critical to make wise choices to keep our national park rangers and first responders out of harm’s way.
- Protect wildlife. Obey speed limits and be aware of wildlife. During the closure, due to lack of vehicular traffic, park rangers have observed more wildlife congregating adjacent to or on internal park roads.
Nature is Good For You
The CDC has noted that being physically active is one of the best ways to keep the mind and body healthy. In many areas, people can visit parks, trails, and open spaces as a way to relieve stress, get some fresh air and vitamin D, stay active, and safely connect with members of their household.It is important, that visitors should always research the park they want to visit in advance to ensure an enjoyable and safe experience. Park rangers are on duty to uphold normal rules and regulations and assist visitors as needed.
You can learn more about the positive effect nature has on mental health by clicking here.
The Pines Resort is the only full service resort in the Yosemite area.
Located 17 miles south in the Sierra National Forrest. The Pines Resort offers Cabins, Suites, Restaurants, Market, Conference Space, Bar and Full Service Marina on-site. Everything you need is in walking distance.
Call 559-642-3121 to reserve your getaway today!
Sources:
https://www.facebook.com/YosemiteNPS/
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