July 3, 2009 - The Fourth of July is one of the busiest weekends in Yosemite National Park. The park estimates that up to 50,000 visitors will visit and pass through Yosemite over the extended holiday weekend. The increase in visitors can lead to traffic congestion during midday. Visitors are encouraged to come into the park as early in the day to avoid any delays. All park campsites under the reservation system have been sold out. However, there are a limited number of first-come, first-served campsites available throughout the park. It is anticipated that these sites will be full by the beginning of the weekend.
Yosemite National Park Rangers will be conducting safety and sobriety checkpoints throughout the park over the Fourth of July weekend. Park Rangers will be stopping vehicles to ensure occupants are wearing their seatbelts, driving safely, and that drivers are not impaired.
Visitors taking the Wawona Road (Highway 41) should also be aware that the Grouse Creek fire is burning three miles southwest of Yosemite Valley and north of the Glacier Point Road. This fire started on May 30 from a lightning strike and is being managed by the National Park Service. Due to the proximity of the fire to the Wawona Road, visitors may be subject to traffic delays.
Additionally, the Harden fire is burning on the north side of Yosemite National Park west of Harden Lake and northwest of White Wolf. Due to these two fires, park visitors may experience smoky conditions. The NPS continually assesses air quality and works with surrounding communities to ensure healthy conditions for park visitors.
The possession and discharge of any type of fireworks is prohibited in Yosemite National Park.
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