Wildfire Closes Popular Trails at Yosemite National Park
If you’re heading to Yosemite National Park soon, you may need to change your hiking plans. A new wildfire has closed several trails in the park’s southern part, including the Chilnualna Falls Trail.
The Dome Fire was discovered on Sept. 15 north of Wawona Dome, near Chilnualna Falls. The last update from CAL FIRE Tuesday night listed the fire at 100 acres and 0% contained.
Yosemite says the fire is burning northeast of Wawona and may cause smoky conditions around the park. The cause is still under investigation.
However, Yosemite remains open, and the park’s current conditions page lists Wawona Road and the other major park roads as open.
Which Trails Are Closed?
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The Chilnualna Falls Trail is currently closed because of the Dome Fire. Trails leading from the top of Chilnualna Falls toward Buena Vista Lake and Crescent Lake are also closed. However, Yosemite says you can still reach both lakes from the east.
The closure order is currently scheduled to remain in place through 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 23, although the park could extend it if needed.
There Are Still Hazards in the Area
Yosemite is warning visitors to stay out of the closed areas while firefighters work on the Dome Fire. Hazards include falling limbs and fire-damaged trees, burning logs, hot ash, and stump holes. Smoke may also reduce visibility or cause breathing problems.
The fire was first reported at about five acres on Tuesday, then grew to 100 acres later that day. CAL FIRE said it was moving away from the community of Wawona as it requested additional ground and air resources.
Check Conditions Before Your Hike
The trail closures could change as crews continue working on the fire, so visitors should check Yosemite’s current conditions and closure pages before heading out.
Fire restrictions are also currently in place below 8,000 feet in Yosemite because of increased fire danger.
