Yosemite, CA…(This is the latest from the Park. The pertinent details are near the bottom of their update…”Yosemite National Park is working closely with federal, state, and local public health authorities, as well as the four surrounding counties (Mariposa, Tuolumne, Madera, and Mono), to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and develop a phased approach to increase recreational access and services.

Click Above for Larger Image from the NPS

Our operational approach continues to be centered on examining each facility function and service provided to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance and will be regularly monitored. We continue to work closely with the NPS Office of Public Health using CDC guidance to ensure public areas and workspaces are and will be safe and clean for visitors, employees, partners, and volunteers.

Our goal is to continue to provide a wide array of outstanding opportunities for visitors to enjoy Yosemite National Park as we gradually increase access. However, some facilities and services that we’ve been accustomed to offering in the past will not be possible this year due to the pandemic. We continue to work closely with the concessioner on our operational planning and a public announcement will be made when our plans have been finalized.

We are also encouraging visitors to Find their Virtual Park! NPS parks and programs are sharing virtual content on their websites and social media. Check out our wildlife webcams, virtual tours, Junior Ranger programs, citizen science videos, even coloring pages. There are countless ways to #FindYourVirtualPark.

How will park closures affect my annual pass?
The America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass (Interagency Pass) is valid for one year from the date of purchase (or valid for a lifetime if you purchased a Senior Lifetime Pass) and may be used by up to two people who have signed the back of the pass. Due to the unprecedented nature and unknown duration of the coronavirus pandemic, the Interagency Pass Program is not currently able to issue refunds or extend the passes. We do, however, recognize the difficult circumstances we are all experiencing. We are looking into possible solutions and will provide additional information on our website.

What will happen to my camping or lodging reservation if the park remains closed during my planned visit?
Reservations for campgrounds and Yosemite Hospitality lodging facilities inside Yosemite will automatically be canceled, and full refunds issued, if the park is closed during your reservation dates. For campgrounds, If you would like to cancel your reservation for later in the season (beyond the dates we have currently canceled), you can do that at recreation.gov. During that process, you can additionally request a refund of the $10 cancelation fee. Cancelled campground reservations will not be moved to an alternate date. (View additional campground updates.)

What will happen to my Half Dome permit if the park remains closed during my planned visit?
Half Dome permits for June 5 and later that were awarded during the preseason lottery are valid. The daily lottery is not resuming immediately, but may resume later this month. Permitholders will receive additional information by email.

What will happen to my wilderness permit reservation if the park remains closed during my planned visit?
Normally, 60% of wilderness permits are available by reservation 24 weeks in advance, with the remaining 40% available in-person the day before the hiking start date. Wilderness centers will not be issuing permits in person this year.

This year, 40% of permits that would normally be available first-come, first-served are instead available by lottery two weeks in advance. Beginning June 11, you can submit a reservation request 15 days in advance of a hike, with the lottery running 14 days in advance. Unreserved permits remain available up to nine days in advance. It is not possible to obtain a wilderness permit reservation fewer than nine days in advance.

From hiking start dates from June 11 to June 25, any unreserved permits that are part of the 60% quota are available at https://yosemite.org/yosemite-wilderness-permit-request-form/.

All permits will be emailed to reservation holders, following required permit education from wilderness rangers.”