The Scoop
Here are some tips to make your 2023 visit to Yosemite National Park as smooth as possible.
Get to the entrance as early as possible! I arrived June 22nd at 7:00 am, and went right through.
Even earlier is better as we get further into the summer.
Take it easy driving in the Park. This is a national park, not the Autobahn.
There will be traffic, maybe some wildlife, and certainly lovely views; but pull over in the turnouts to let other cars go past you, or to stop and enjoy some sights along the way.
And watch out for pedestrians in the roads.
Try to stop for a few minutes at the Tunnel View, either on your way in or on your way out of the park. It’s worth it.
The Bridalveil Falls parking area is closed, and there are some road detours as you follow the valley floor route.
Nab the first parking spot you see, because there may not be any further along and the one you pass will be gone by the time you try to return to it.
There are tram stops in convenient locations, so park and use the tram to get around.
With all the rain and snow we experienced this past winter, the Merced River is still running springlike fast, and deep, and cold. It is beautiful and dangerous, and will likely be closed to rafting for some time. Heed all signs to stay out of the water.
Every year someone gets caught in the currents and tragically drowns. You don’t want it to be you or your friends or family.
I took a mask with me because there were some prescribed burnings in process and the air was smoky that day.
No one is sure if those will continue or not, but the air quality can change according to burn pile locations, times of day, and other unknowns.
Notwithstanding these cautions, Yosemite is always beautiful and worth visiting.
Summer conditions can be challenging, so just be prepared!
Here are some additional details from our local “Visit Yosemite” friends.
GLACIER POINT REOPENING PLAN
Glacier Point Road will be open weekends only starting July 1. The road will be open :
-July 1 from 6 am through July 4 at 10 pm
-July 8 from 6 am through July 9 at 10 pm
Glacier Point Road will open seven days per week, 24 hours per day, starting July 15 at 6 am.
Expect 30-minute delays, Monday through Friday, 6 am to 9 pm.
NEW: Yosemite has implemented a Traffic texting system :
- Locals & Visitors can text YPNTRAFFIC to 333111 to get updated alerts.
- When the Valley is FULL, NPS will reroute traffic around the valley via the El Capitan crossover.
- Remind guests that when this happens.
- We’ve attached a flyer with text info and maps that you are free to distribute. CLICK FOR PDF FLIER
We’ve created a BLOG “What to know when visiting Yosemite right now” with Tips & current information. Please feel free to link this on your website, social, reservation confirmation, etc…. We will update this daily if needed!
Please remember to remind guests:
- Go in early or late- arrive at the entrance gate before 7 am or after 3 pm?
- Take YARTS or a private tour or adventure. CLICK HERE FOR YARTS
- Go mid-week – Monday thru Thursday when the park is less busy – although this year it’s been very busy mid week as well.
- Pre Purchase your vehicle pass. CLICK HERE FOR VEHICLE PASS
Also remember that there is so much to see and do outside Yosemite, so if they need to wait to see the park, they can play here as well!
Visit: Yosemite This Year .com or stop at the visitor center, 40343 Highway 41, Oakhurst, CA and we’ll give them lots of great information and maps.
Visitor Center hours are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm daily (note: we try to stay open until 5:30 or 6 pm most days when we are fully staffed).
Visiting Yosemite Summer 2023
Visit Yosemite | Madera County
40343 Highway 41
Oakhurst, CA 93644
(559) 683-4636
WATER SAFETY
CLICK HERE FOR California’s Recreate Responsibly Water Safety Information
CLICK HERE FOR PDF OF WATER SAFETY FLIER
SOUTHERN YOSEMITE VISITOR CENTER OPEN HOURS OF OPERATION
The Southern Yosemite Visitor Center is open 7 days a week from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
If you need help you can call 559-683-4636, email info@yosemitethisyear.com, or stop by 40343 Highway 41, Oakhurst.
Rhonda Salisbury, CEO/Film Commissioner
Visit Yosemite | Madera County
Yosemite/Madera County Film Commission
40343 Highway 41, Oakhurst, CA 93644
(559) 683-4636 • Yosemite This Year .com
#YosemiteMadera #RecreateResponsibly
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