National Park Officials Target Early June To Open Yosemite
Updated 5/19/2020
Yesterday, May 18th, administrators of the Yosemite National Park Service held a presentation to update the public regarding Yosemite’s reopening plan and the measures being instated amid COVID-19. Here’s a breakdown of the information they provided and what it means for Lasting Adventures.
When will Yosemite Open?
Yosemite is planning for an early-June reopening, but there is no official date set at this time. Park officials stated that the Yosemite will reopen when California, and/or the counties immediately surrounding Yosemite, reach phase three of the state’s four reopening phases in the COVID-19 timeline. As the timeline is based around the virus, technically there is no set date. Park staff remains optimistic, however, and Yosemite is tentatively targeting a reopening date in the first week of June.
What does this mean for Lasting Adventures’ programs?
We have requested more information from the park to confirm when we’ll be able to start operating in the wilderness, but we have yet to receive a firm answer. In other National Parks there is an average 2-week waiting period after the official reopening and before operators such as Lasting Adventures can begin their programs. With this said, we continue to promote programs and dates in/after July 1st more actively than those in June. Should you have a trip planned with us in June and you choose to wait and see, we will provide notices as soon as we receive them and at least 7 to 14 days prior to your trip should we need to cancel.
My trip is scheduled after July 1st. Will it still happen?
If all goes well with reopening the economy and operation remains safe, yes, we will run our programs as planned in all parks.
What changes are you making to your trips due to COVID-19?
Lasting Adventures is unique in that we offer small-group backcountry adventures in natural, outdoor environments removed from population centers. We are also scheduling groups with no more than 10 people (2 guides and up to 8 participants) and we are following the recommendations provided by CDC and local authorities as outlined on our COVID-19 Response page. On this page is where we also have detailed information about our Terms and Conditions, including cancellations, due to COVID-19.
What about your programs in other National Parks such as Lassen Volcanic and Olympic National Parks?
All programs outside Yosemite are now scheduled to begin after July 1st. Barring postponement caused by a resurgence of COVID-19 cases, these programs will run as planned.
What other information do you have about the reopening?
Yosemite National Park is planning to limit all vehicles and visitors in the park. You will need to make a reservation in advance to enter the park. We are working with Yosemite to make plans for admittance for all participants on our trips, and will provide updates as we receive them. There will be limited services and no public transportation within Yosemite this summer. However, Yosemite Area Rapid Transit will continue to provide public transportation into and out of the park.
If you have specific questions and/or need to request a date change, please contact us at staff@LastingAdventures.org and/or leave a message at 800-513-8651.