Fall is one of the busiest times of year for Yosemite, drawing visitors seeking cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and changing colors across the Sierra. But travelers heading to the park this week should know theDome Fire remains one of California's most active wildfires, with smoke and closures affecting parts of the park.
The wildfire, burning north of Wawona Dome near Chilnualna Falls, has grown to more than 5,200 acres and is 30% contained, according to the latest CAL FIRE update.
While Yosemite National Park remains open, firefighters continue working in rugged terrain as smoke and fire activity affect some popular visitor areas.
Here's the latest on the Dome Fire.
What roads and trails are closed by the Dome Fire?
The biggest impact for travelers is the ongoing closure of Glacier Point Road,
one of Yosemite's most popular scenic drives. Park officials say the road is closed because of smoke-related visibility concerns and to allow firefighting operations to continue safely.
Several hiking areas also remain off limits, including:
- Chilnualna Falls Trail
- Trails leading from the top of Chilnualna Falls toward Buena Vista and Crescent lakes
- Ostrander Trail and surrounding backcountry areas south of the trail corridor
Visitors planning wilderness trips should check the latest park advisories before departing, as closures may change with fire activity.
How is the Dome Fire smoke affecting air quality?
Smoke conditions continue to shift throughout Yosemite and nearby communities. According to the National Park Service, air quality can vary significantly depending on wind patterns and time of day.
Recent forecasts have called for:
- Moderate air quality in Yosemite Valley
- Good conditions at times in Wawona, El Portal and Mariposa
- Unhealthy-for-sensitive-groups conditions at times in Tuolumne Meadows when smoke drifts northward
Travelers with asthma, heart conditions, or other respiratory concerns may want to monitor conditions through AirNow before visiting and consider limiting strenuous outdoor activity during smoky periods.
Early morning and evening hours can bring changing smoke conditions, so check forecasts regularly throughout your trip.
Alternate Yosemite itineraries
If fire-related closures affect your plans, many of Yosemite's signature attractions remain accessible.
Visitors can still enjoy:
- Yosemite Valley viewpoints, including Tunnel View and Valley View
- Yosemite Falls and Lower Yosemite Fall Trail
- El Capitan viewing areas
- Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
- Hetch Hetchy and other areas away from fire activity
- Four Mile Trail and Panorama Trail, which remain open to hikers despite the Glacier Point Road closure
Park officials emphasize that most visitor services and major attractions continue operating normally.
What fall visitors should know about Dome Fire
The Dome Fire is expected to remain a visible presence in Yosemite as firefighters continue strengthening containment lines. Visitors may see smoke columns, firefighting aircraft, and emergency personnel throughout portions of southern Yosemite.
The good news for travelers is that the National Park Service and CAL FIRE report no immediate threats to park infrastructure, roads serving Yosemite Valley, or developed visitor areas. Yosemite remains open, and most fall activities can continue with some flexibility and advance planning.
Before heading to the park, visitors should check the latest updates from Yosemite National Park and CAL FIRE, as well as weather.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dome Fire reshapes Yosemite fall visits with smoke, closures
