# Yosemite South Entrance: this week

> Week of Nov 9–15, 2026 · Yosemite National Park · Fish Camp / Oakhurst (Hwy 41) · Status: **Open — Winter Storm Watch**. Facts fetched Nov 12, 2026 from official NPS and NWS sources.

HTML version: https://parks.goes.health/parks/yosemite/south-entrance.html

The South Entrance on Highway 41 from Fresno, Oakhurst and Fish Camp leads to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, Wawona, and then Yosemite Valley, a little over an hour north.

## This week at the South Entrance (official conditions)

- **Open:** Wawona Road (Hwy 41): open. Sources: [Yosemite Current Conditions (updated Nov 11, 2026)](https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/conditions.htm)
- **Heads-up:** NWS Winter Storm Watch for this area, issued Nov 11, in effect until Nov 17 at 4 am PST. Sources: [NWS Hanford: Winter Storm Watch (issued Nov 11, until Nov 17 4 am PST)](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=37.507&lon=-119.632)
- **Info:** Mariposa Grove Road: open only to vehicles displaying a disability placard. Everyone else takes the free shuttle from the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza, which runs approximately late April through November. Sources: [Yosemite Current Conditions (updated Nov 11, 2026)](https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/conditions.htm)
- **Info:** Wawona Campground: open, reservation required until Nov 29. Bridalveil Creek Campground: closed. Sources: [Yosemite Current Conditions (updated Nov 11, 2026)](https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/conditions.htm)
- **Closed:** Glacier Point Road temporarily closes Thu Nov 12 at 5 pm. An area east of Wawona Road and south of Glacier Point Road remains closed after the Dome Fire; the Chilnualna Falls trail has reopened. Sources: [NPS Yosemite alerts (NPS Data API, fetched Nov 12)](https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/conditions.htm); [Yosemite Current Conditions (updated Nov 11, 2026)](https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/conditions.htm)
- **Info:** Fuel: Wawona, 24/7 by credit card. Sources: [Yosemite driving directions, fuel & GPS warning](https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/driving.htm)

**Entrance fee:** Private vehicle $35. Non-US residents 16+ pay an additional $100 nonresident fee unless entering with an annual / America the Beautiful pass. Sources: [NPS Yosemite fees & passes](https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/fees.htm); [NPS Data API (parks, operating hours, fees)](https://www.nps.gov/subjects/developer/api-documentation.htm)

## Forecast near the South Entrance

- **NWS Winter Storm Watch:** Winter Storm Watch issued November 11 at 5:33PM PST until November 17 at 4:00AM PST by NWS Hanford CA

| Period | Temp | Forecast | Wind |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tonight | 41°F | Clear | 5 mph |
| Thursday | 61°F | Sunny | 0 to 5 mph |
| Thursday Night | 37°F | Partly Cloudy then Slight Chance Light Rain | 0 to 5 mph |
| Friday | 46°F | Rain then Showers And Thunderstorms | 5 to 10 mph |
| Friday Night | 29°F | Showers And Thunderstorms then Slight Chance Rain And Snow | 0 to 10 mph |
| Saturday | 44°F | Slight Chance Rain And Snow then Mostly Sunny | 0 to 5 mph |
| Saturday Night | 29°F | Partly Cloudy | 0 to 5 mph |
| Sunday | 47°F | Partly Sunny | 0 mph |

Snapshot from the National Weather Service, fetched Nov 12, 2026. Live forecast: https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=37.507&lon=-119.632

## What actually matters here this season

The goal is a good trip, not a scary one. These are the hazards NPS highlights for this area and season, and what to do about each.

- **Winter storm on Hwy 41.** The NWS forecast here shows rain and thunderstorms Friday, then a chance of rain and snow with a low near 29°F. Chain controls can start with little notice. Sources: [National Weather Service point forecasts (api.weather.gov, fetched Nov 12)](https://www.weather.gov/); [NWS Hanford: Winter Storm Watch (issued Nov 11, until Nov 17 4 am PST)](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=37.507&lon=-119.632); [Yosemite Current Conditions (updated Nov 11, 2026)](https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/conditions.htm)
  - In GOES: Environmental Health: hypothermia and frostbite assessments
- **Fire-scarred areas.** Stay out of the posted Dome Fire closure area. Burned slopes can drop rocks and trees, especially in rain. Sources: [Yosemite Current Conditions (updated Nov 11, 2026)](https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/conditions.htm); [Dome Fire update, Oct 13, 2026](https://www.nps.gov/yose/learn/news/dome-fire-update-october-13-2026-morning.htm)
  - In GOES: Offline interactive health assessment + 50+ visual how-to guides
- **Bears in the groves and around Wawona.** Bears are active parkwide. Store food properly and keep your distance in forest and meadows. Sources: [Yosemite Current Conditions (updated Nov 11, 2026)](https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/conditions.htm)
  - In GOES: Wildlife Encounters: location-specific risk indicators for bears and other dangerous animals

## Checklist for the South Entrance

- [ ] **Watch the forecast until you leave** — The Winter Storm Watch runs through Nov 17.
- [ ] **Chains and a full tank** — Fuel at Wawona; carry chains even with 4WD.
- [ ] **Plan on the shuttle for Mariposa Grove** — Private cars need a disability placard.
- [ ] **Download GOES in Oakhurst or Fish Camp** — Before you drive into the forest.

Follow official NPS rules, posted closures and ranger instructions. They override anything on this page.

## Yosemite park-wide

- **Black bears in all areas.** NPS: bears remain active in all areas of the park. Store food properly, use bear-proof dumpsters, and stay at least 50 yards from bears in forest and meadows — but yell at and scare away a bear that approaches you or is in a developed area. Yosemite has an estimated 300–500 black bears and no grizzlies. Sources: [Yosemite Current Conditions (updated Nov 11, 2026)](https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/conditions.htm); [Yosemite bears](https://www.nps.gov/yose/learn/nature/bears.htm)
  - In GOES: Wildlife Encounters: location-specific risk indicators for bears and other dangerous animals
- **Rivers and slick rock.** Waterfalls are flowing low, as usual for November, but NPS still asks visitors to use caution along rivers and creeks: rocks are slippery even when dry. Sources: [Yosemite Current Conditions (updated Nov 11, 2026)](https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/conditions.htm)
  - In GOES: Offline interactive health assessment + 50+ visual how-to guides
- **Winter storm, chains and ice.** NWS Hanford issued a Winter Storm Watch (Nov 11, until Nov 17, 4 am PST) for the park's southern area, and the forecast calls for rain and thunderstorms Friday, with snow possible at higher elevations. Carry chains even with 4WD and expect icy spots on mostly dry roads. Sources: [NWS Hanford: Winter Storm Watch (issued Nov 11, until Nov 17 4 am PST)](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=37.507&lon=-119.632); [Yosemite Current Conditions (updated Nov 11, 2026)](https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/conditions.htm); [National Weather Service point forecasts (api.weather.gov, fetched Nov 12)](https://www.weather.gov/)
  - In GOES: Environmental Health: hypothermia and frostbite assessments
- **Smoke and air quality.** The Dome Fire (Sept–Oct) was 86% contained with minimal activity as of NPS's Oct 13 update, and fire closures remain around the Glacier Point Road area. Air quality can still be affected by fires elsewhere or prescribed burns, so check current AQI before strenuous hikes. Sources: [Dome Fire update, Oct 13, 2026](https://www.nps.gov/yose/learn/news/dome-fire-update-october-13-2026-morning.htm); [Yosemite Current Conditions (updated Nov 11, 2026)](https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/conditions.htm); [AirNow fire & smoke map](https://fire.airnow.gov/)
  - In GOES: Respiratory Hazards: smoke, pollution and pollen (AQI) monitoring

## All active Yosemite NPS alerts

From the NPS Data API, fetched Nov 12, 2026. Live: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/conditions.htm

- **[Park Closure] Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road will temporarily close on Nov. 12 at 5 pm.** Tioga Road (continuation of Highway 120 through the park) and Glacier Point Road will temporarily close on Thursday, November 12, at 5 pm due to a forecast of snow. Call 209/372-0200 (then 1, 1) to check road conditions in the park.
- **[Information] No overnight parking on Tioga & Glacier Point Roads.** Overnight parking is not allowed on Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road, including all parking lots reachable from these roads.

## Get the GOES app before the gate

**When signal drops, GOES steps in.** A winter storm watch, fire-scarred slopes and bears in the groves. Get GOES before Fish Camp so its offline cold-weather and injury guidance is ready.

GOES — Outdoor Health & Safety is your outdoor safety companion: an offline interactive health assessment, 50+ visual how-to guides, 200+ prevention tips across 60+ medical topics, and location-specific risk indicators (wildlife, cold, heat, altitude, ticks, poisonous plants, UV, smoke). Built by wilderness medicine physicians: founded by Dr. Grant Lipman; Chief Medical Officer Dr. Colin Little, MD, FAWM.

- iOS (App Store): https://apps.apple.com/us/app/goes-outdoor-health-safety/id1576527901
- Android (Google Play): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.goes.mobile
- About GOES: https://goes.health/platform

Free to download. Premium features need a monthly or annual subscription after a 7-day free trial. GOES provides guidance. It is not a substitute for professional medical care.

## Other Yosemite entrances

- [Arch Rock Entrance](https://parks.goes.health/parks/yosemite/arch-rock-entrance.md): Open — Hwy 140 / El Portal Road
- [Big Oak Flat Entrance](https://parks.goes.health/parks/yosemite/big-oak-flat-entrance.md): Open — weekday delays
- [Hetch Hetchy Entrance](https://parks.goes.health/parks/yosemite/hetch-hetchy-entrance.md): Daylight only — closes for snow
- [Yosemite overview, closures and park-wide risks](https://parks.goes.health/parks/yosemite/index.md)

## Sources

Fetched Thu Nov 12, 2026 (JST), which is Wed Nov 11 evening in US time zones. We don't publish wait times, wildlife sightings or conditions we can't source.

- [Yosemite Current Conditions (updated Nov 11, 2026)](https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/conditions.htm)
- [NWS Hanford: Winter Storm Watch (issued Nov 11, until Nov 17 4 am PST)](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=37.507&lon=-119.632)
- [NPS Yosemite alerts (NPS Data API, fetched Nov 12)](https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/conditions.htm)
- [Yosemite driving directions, fuel & GPS warning](https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/driving.htm)
- [National Weather Service point forecasts (api.weather.gov, fetched Nov 12)](https://www.weather.gov/)
- [Dome Fire update, Oct 13, 2026](https://www.nps.gov/yose/learn/news/dome-fire-update-october-13-2026-morning.htm)
- [NPS Yosemite fees & passes](https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/fees.htm)
- [NPS Data API (parks, operating hours, fees)](https://www.nps.gov/subjects/developer/api-documentation.htm)
- [Yosemite bears](https://www.nps.gov/yose/learn/nature/bears.htm)
- [AirNow fire & smoke map](https://fire.airnow.gov/)
- [NPS Yosemite National Park](https://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm)

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*GOES provides guidance. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. ParkReady Guides is not affiliated with or endorsed by the National Park Service. Always follow official NPS rules, posted closures and ranger instructions. Conditions change quickly; check the linked NPS pages before you go. In an emergency, call 911.*

ParkReady Guides by GOES Health · Week of Nov 9–15, 2026 · facts fetched Nov 12, 2026 from NPS and NWS. Agent overview: https://parks.goes.health/llms.txt · Conditions feed (JSON): https://parks.goes.health/conditions.json