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Yosemite Closes to Visitors as Winter Storm Topples Trees and Raises Avalanche Danger

A safety order prompted by dangerous snow loads, falling trees plus avalanche risk restricts access to guests with lodging reservations.

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, CA - DECEMBER 16: Trees in a meadow are coated in white after a major Pacific storm dumps a foot of in snow in Yosemite Valley (4,000 feet above sea leval) and 8-10 feet of powder in the higher elevations of the Park and along the Sierra Nevada crest on December 16, 2021, in Yosemite National Park, California. Even though it's still technically autumn, the transition to a more winter-like pattern of rain and snow has placed a hold on California's exceptional and extreme drought. (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images)
6. In California, Yosemite National Park drew 4,121,807 visitors.
Yosemite National Park, seen here in March 2023, has closed due to heavy snow.
A park ranger vehicle sits near the Big Oak Flat entrance into Yosemite National Park along Hwy 120. Four of Yosemite National Park’s five entrances are closed as a powerful winter storm brings heavy snow and strong winds to the Sierra during Bay Area ski week.

Overview

  • Superintendent Raymond McPadden ordered a full-park safety closure on Feb. 19 citing high snow loading, multiple road shutdowns, ongoing tree failures and potential avalanche conditions.
  • Visitors with existing lodging reservations may enter via Highway 140 (Arch Rock) but movement within the park is limited to essential needs or emergencies.
  • An avalanche captured on Friday highlighted the risk as Wawona Road (Highway 41) and Big Oak Flat Road (Highway 120 from the west) remained closed, leaving most entrances shut.
  • Yosemite Hospitality evacuated all campgrounds and soft‑sided tent cabins; a tree struck an employee dorm with no injuries reported, and displaced staff were sheltered in Curry Village facilities.
  • Park officials warn the Horsetail Fall “Firefall” is very unlikely to be visible during this viewing window, following last weekend’s reservation-free crowds, packed shuttles and full parking.