Yosemite Wilderness

Fire Weather Watch issued October 8 at 11:40AM PDT until October 10 at 9:00PM PDT by NWS Reno NV

October 8th, 11:40 AM — 2:00 PM

* AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 274 Southern Mono County, 420 Northern Sierra Front including Carson City, Douglas, Storey, Southern Washoe, Western Lyon, and Far Southern Lassen Counties, 421 Southern Sierra Front including Alpine, Northern Mono, Southern Lyon, and Western Mineral Counties, 423 West Humboldt Basin in Pershing County, and 429 Lahontan Basin including Churchill and Eastern Mineral Counties. * TIMING...From Saturday morning through Saturday evening. * WINDS...Southwest winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts 35 to 45 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Minimum Humidity between 14 to 22 percent. * DURATION...3 to 6 hours. * IMPACTS...The combination of gusty winds and prolonged dry conditions, even in areas where humidity may not be as low, can cause fires to rapidly grow in size and intensity before first responders can contain them.

Lake Wind Advisory issued October 8 at 11:45AM PDT until October 10 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Reno NV

October 8th, 11:45 AM — 2:00 PM

* WHAT...Southwest winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. * WHERE...In California, Mono County. In Nevada, Mineral and Southern Lyon Counties. * WHEN...From 11 AM to 11 PM PDT Saturday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds and rough waves on area lakes will create hazardous conditions for small craft.

Tamarack Flat Campground

From Recreation.gov

Season dates for this campground are tentative and subject to change depending on weather, road openings and other conditions. Updates will be posted here ahead of additional releases.

Overview

Yosemite Wilderness encompasses approximately 94% of Yosemite National Park's 750,000 acres and is congressionally designated wilderness—the highest level of protection for public lands. The wilderness is open and accessible year-round for overnight backcountry use, though winter access is significantly limited. Tioga Road (Highway 120 through the park) closed for winter on November 25, 2024, and typically remains closed until late May or early June, restricting access to the high country. Glacier Point Road is also closed for winter. Wilderness permits are required year-round for all overnight stays and operate on a quota system. From May through October, 60% of permits are available via lottery on Recreation.gov 24 weeks in advance, with remaining permits available walk-up. November through April permits are non-quota and available without reservation. Bear canisters are mandatory for all overnight trips (except Little Yosemite Valley and High Sierra Camps which have bear lockers). Winter wilderness camping requires self-sufficiency with proper snow and avalanche gear, as most high-elevation areas experience heavy snowpack. The Hetch Hetchy area remains accessible year-round and offers winter wilderness access. No vehicle entrance reservations are currently required for winter visits. Contact wilderness centers for conditions: Yosemite Valley year-round, though hours vary seasonally.

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