Yosemite National Park Closed Due to Winter Storms

Heavy snowfall and fallen trees prompt park closure through Friday

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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Yosemite National Park has been closed through Friday due to the impacts of a major winter storm, including heavy snowfall of up to 4 feet in some areas and numerous fallen trees. The National Park Service announced the closure, noting that visitors with lodging reservations may still enter the park through the Arch Rock entrance on Highway 140.

Why it matters

Yosemite is one of California's most popular and iconic national parks, drawing millions of visitors each year. The closure due to severe winter weather disrupts travel plans and access to the park's natural wonders, highlighting the challenges parks face from extreme climate events.

The details

Since Monday, Yosemite Valley and the park have received about 4 feet of snow, with up to 52 inches in some areas. Next week, the park could get an additional 12 to 18 inches of snow at the highest elevations. Visitors from the park's campgrounds and Curry Village tent cabins were evacuated earlier this week ahead of the storm.

  • On Monday, Yosemite Valley and the park began receiving heavy snowfall.
  • On Thursday, the National Park Service announced the park closure through Friday.

The players

National Park Service

The federal agency responsible for managing and protecting Yosemite National Park.

Emily Wilson

A meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Hanford, California.

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What they’re saying

“Yosemite Valley could get rain because of higher temperatures, but the highest peaks could get an additional 12 to 18 inches of snow between Monday and Wednesday.”

— Emily Wilson, Meteorologist (latimes.com)

What’s next

The National Park Service will continue to monitor the weather and road conditions, and will reopen the park once it is safe for visitors.

The takeaway

The closure of Yosemite National Park due to severe winter weather underscores the increasing challenges national parks face from the impacts of climate change, including more frequent and intense storms that can disrupt access and threaten the safety of visitors and staff.