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Formed over millennia, the majestic peaks and snow-dusted landscapes of Yosemite National Park never fail to inspire wonder. The park’s sense of timelessness — granite can outlast politicians, can’t it? — was a comfort during the recent federal government maelstrom.
Yosemite kept its gates open during the 35-day government shutdown and fires still crackled in the grand Ahwahnee-era fireplaces of the Majestic Yosemite Hotel, but portions of the park were shuttered and trails closed. It was a relief to see the nps.gov website flickering back to life this weekend.
Updates are still coming, but here’s what we know right now:
Some areas of the park that were closed to visitors during the shutdown are reopening this week.
UPDATE (Jan. 31): Mariposa Grove, its welcome center and parking lot are reopening Jan. 31, and visitors will be able to hike, snowshoe or cross-country ski in to reach the grove of giant sequoias. The free shuttle that normally runs between the visitor center and the grove is closed for the winter, but will resume service as scheduled on March 15.
All the park entrance stations — save for Tioga Pass, which is normally closed at this time of year, cutting off access from the eastern side of the Sierra range — and the Valley Visitor Center and Yosemite Museum will be back to normal staffing on Jan. 28. Ranger tours, hikes and programs will resume, as well.
The Hetch Hetchy Entrance (take Highway 120 to Evergreen Road) and access to the reservoir and its trails are open Thursday-Sunday.
UPDATE (Jan. 29): Restrictions at the South Entrance to the park, where Highway 41 becomes Wawona Road have been lifted. Wawona Road is currently open.
The John Muir Trail and Mist Trail have been closed, along with trail access to Vernal and Nevada Falls, but the winter route is expected to reopen on Jan. 28
And a ban on sledding and other snow play within the park — due to what was delicately described as “human waste issues” — has been lifted for Crane Flat and Goat Meadow, which will reopen this week, although specific date information is still to come.
As always, roads, trails and campgrounds are still subject to closure due to weather. Keep an eye on road conditions, carry snow chains and check with the park for updates.