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In what seems like a constant battle with wildfires, Yosemite National Park is the latest victim. While the park is not fully aflame, burning like the great Yellowstone Fire of 1988, this year’s fire danger is being taken seriously by NPS officials. Starting on July 25th, 2018, most of the popular regions of Yosemite will be closed until nearly the end of month. Hopefully, the closure will be temporary and the fire danger will decrease.
Yosemite, which is one of the most iconic and most-visited National Parks in the United States is a popular summer destination. Each year, millions flock to the forests, waterfalls, and stunning rocks of the region, each enjoying the family-friendly amenities, the wild adventures and the technical journeys that can be had. Sadly, the west is not just a stunning selection of natural wonder; it is also a dry tinderbox that can burn quickly at the smallest of sparks.
The following is an official press release from the NPS:
Yosemite National Park announces Yosemite Valley and Wawona will close at Noon tomorrow, July 25, 2018, to all visitors due to the ongoing impacts of the Ferguson Fire. These closures include all hotels, campgrounds, and visitor services in Yosemite Valley and Wawona. Park visitors currently staying in park campgrounds and lodging facilities are asked to be out of these areas by Noon tomorrow. With the ongoing closure of Highway 140, park visitors can exit the park via Highways 120 and 41. The temporary closure is expected to last until Sunday, July 29, 2018. The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is closed.
Since the fire began on Friday, July 13, several other park facilities and roads have been closed due to fire impacts and the need to support firefighting operations. These closures include the Glacier Point Road, Bridalveil Creek Campground, the Wawona Campground, the Merced Grove of Giant Sequoias and others. .
Highways 120 West and East, and the Tuolumne Meadows area remain open at this time.
The park will continue to work with the Incident Management Team and assess conditions day by day.
For updated 24-hour road and weather conditions for Yosemite National Park, please call 209-372-0200, press 1 and press 1 again. Updated information is also available onthe park’s website at www.nps.gov/yose.
