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Yosemite Park to POSSIBLY re-open first week of June
From a conference call at 9am this morning with the Superintendent of Yosemite… Let me emphasize, ALL OF THIS CAN CHANGE AT ANY TIME. This is merely a representation of the call this morning and it was to invitees only and has not even been presented to local communities or some government offices yet.
– Hope to announce at end of this week (5/18 – 5/22) actual plans, so everything below can CHANGE.
– The plan right now is to reopen first week of June (don’t know exact date). THIS CAN CHANGE!
– Goal to control capacity to 50% of 2019 average day through day use passes.
– 2000 cars/day allowed for people staying in the park.
– 1700 cars allowed for day use.
– Average day last year was ~6400 cars/day to Yosemite Valley, and ~7500 for the whole park.
– Passes will be available online to reserve from 2-30 days out. At the beginning of this program you MUST go online to reserve a pass. You can NOT just drive to the gate and get into the park. There is an expectation that things will change and adapt and you MAY be able to get a day of pass.
– The NPS will not be acting as the Social Distance police. It will be incumbent upons people to be responsible for themselves. At your own risk.
– Tioga pass reopening is still weeks away, possibly mid June.
– Valley shuttle will not be operating. Bikes are encouraged.
– YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transportation) will be running from local communities.
– 60 sites at Lower Pines will open
– 81 sites at Upper Pines will open (edit: I should have said North Pines. It looks like Upper Pines won’t open in this first round of openings)
– Backpackers campgrounds will open.
– At this time other campgrounds will NOT open.
– There will probably be limitations on popular areas like Tunnel View, one way trails, etc…
I’ll update as I learn more….