Yosemite National Park reopens road on 10 October
Published on 10/11/2026 at 08:00 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWSKey points in brief
- Glacier Point Road reopened at Yosemite National Park on 10 October 2026 after the Dome Fire closure.
- The National Park Service said Yosemite National Park was open and operating normally on 10 October 2026, with some trails still closed.
- The reopening restores vehicle access to Glacier Point, while trails within the active fire footprint remain closed on 10 October 2026.
- Yosemite Valley offers shuttle connections, granite landmarks and access to Glacier Point Road through Wawona Road and Highway 41.
Yosemite National Park reopened Glacier Point Road on 10 October 2026 after the Dome Fire closure, giving visitors in Yosemite Valley access to the road leading to Glacier Point. The National Park Service said the park was operating normally, while several trails in the fire area remained closed.
Glacier Point Road reopened on 10 October
The National Park Service announced that Glacier Point Road reopened at 7am on Saturday, 10 October 2026. The road had been closed because smoke reduced visibility and firefighting operations were taking place along the route.
The reopening does not remove every restriction linked to the Dome Fire. Buena Vista Trail remains closed, and all trails within the active fire footprint are closed. This includes southbound and eastbound trails reached from Glacier Point Road. The Panorama Trail remains an important exception for hikers accessing Glacier Point, as reported before the reopening by regional coverage of the reopening.
The park service recorded the Dome Fire at 6,829 acres and 61 per cent contained in its 10 October fire update. Fire crews were continuing patrols, and drivers were told to watch for firefighters working along the road.
Glacier Point connects the road reopening with Yosemite Valley
Glacier Point is an overlook on the rim above Yosemite Valley, with views across the Valley floor, Half Dome and the high Sierra. The National Park Service visitor guide places the overlook 3,200 feet above the Valley floor and describes Glacier Point Road as a route from Wawona Road to the viewpoint.
The reopening therefore changes access to one of the park's best-known high viewpoints without restoring every nearby trail. Visitors can drive towards the overlook, but the fire-related trail closures still shape where walkers may continue. That distinction matters because the road and the footpaths now have different access conditions.
Yosemite Valley itself is surrounded by granite walls and includes landmarks such as El Capitan and Half Dome. The Valley also contains the main visitor services, shuttle stops and trailheads used by people exploring the central part of the park.
Fire restrictions remain part of the October visit
The 10 October update said the park was open and operating normally apart from listed trail restrictions. It also said fire restrictions were in force below 8,000 feet because of high fire danger. Conditions can change as crews monitor the fire and weather.
Seasonal planning is also relevant. Glacier Point Road typically closes during November when winter conditions arrive, while Tioga Road can close at a similar point in the season. The reopening on 10 October is therefore a current access change within a period when road conditions may still shift.
Visiting Yosemite National Park: what travellers from Western Europe should know
- Glacier Point Road reopened on 10 October 2026 at 7am, according to the National Park Service update.
- Vehicle access is restored on the road, but Buena Vista Trail and trails within the active fire footprint remain closed.
- Yosemite Valley is connected by roads from Merced, Fresno and other California routes. The Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System provides year-round bus service from Merced, while free Valley shuttles connect central visitor areas.
- Glacier Point stands 3,200 feet above the Valley floor. Walkers should expect steep mountain terrain on trails around the viewpoint, and some routes remain closed because of the fire.
- Entry requirements depend on your nationality; UK travellers can check the FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, Irish travellers the Department of Foreign Affairs at ireland.ie.
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Frequently asked questions about Yosemite National Park
What changed at Yosemite National Park on 10 October 2026?
Glacier Point Road reopened at 7am on 10 October 2026 after the Dome Fire closure. Fire-related trail restrictions remained in place.
What is closed after the Glacier Point Road reopening?
Buena Vista Trail and all trails within the active fire footprint remain closed. Southbound and eastbound trails reached from Glacier Point Road are also affected, while the Panorama Trail remains open to hikers.
Where is Yosemite National Park and how do you get there?
The park is in California, with Yosemite Valley as its central visitor area. Road access includes Highway 41 through the South Entrance, Highway 140 from Merced and Highway 120 from the west and east.
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