Yosemite's Dome Fire has closed Chilnualna Falls, but most trails remain open
Most of Yosemite remains open despite the Dome Fire near Wawona. Here's which trails are closed, what air quality to expect, and why fall still offers better crowds than summer.
The Dome Fire, which started September 15 near Wawona, the gateway community to Yosemite's southern wilderness, has closed the popular Chilnualna Falls trail during one of the park's busiest visiting seasons. Yet most of Yosemite remains open, and fall actually offers Californians a better experience than the crowded summer months—provided they plan around temporary closures and account for smoke conditions near Wawona.
The fire's impact is concentrated in the southern section of the park near Wawona, where the Chilnualna Falls trail and connecting routes are off-limits. The NPS has not announced when the closure will lift. Visitors have time to visit Yosemite this fall, but need to understand which areas remain accessible, how smoke will affect conditions, and why September and October offer distinct advantages over summer travel.
Understanding the closure: Chilnualna Falls and what remains open
The Dome Fire began at 8:28 a.m. on September 15, near Wawona Dome in Mariposa County. It has burned between 1,977 and 3,047 acres depending on the reporting date—the National Park Service reported 1,977 acres at 10 percent containment as of September 18, while CAL FIRE reported 3,047 acres at 15 percent containment on September 20.
The closure directly affects Chilnualna Falls, a series of cascading waterfalls located in southern Yosemite. The main waterfall reaches 240 feet. The full hike is 8.2 miles round-trip with 2,400 feet of elevation gain, taking 5 to 7 hours and classified as strenuous. It starts from Wawona and gains appeal partly because it draws fewer crowds than popular Yosemite Valley routes. Chilnualna Falls runs year-round, unlike ephemeral falls that dry up by late summer, making the September closure particularly frustrating for hikers planning fall trips.
The National Park Service also closed trails from the top of Chilnualna Falls toward Buena Vista and Crescent Lakes. However, both these lakes remain accessible via eastern approaches, so backpackers and day hikers seeking those destinations can reroute. The NPS has emphasized that there are no immediate threats to infrastructure or developed areas.
Half Dome cables remain up (through October 13), Hetch Hetchy has no closures, Glacier Point Road is open, Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is accessible, and high-country trails along Tioga Road remain largely open. The park has not issued evacuation orders or closures affecting the Yosemite Valley floor or major thoroughfares. For visitors flexible about which areas to explore, this fire represents an inconvenience rather than a reason to postpone a trip.
Air quality: Where smoke will be heaviest
Smoke conditions vary dramatically by location within the park, and the NPS warns of periods of unhealthy air quality in some areas at certain times of day. The heaviest smoke impacts are expected around El Portal and Wawona—the gateway communities closest to the fire. Some smoke is also possible in Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows, but the main valley, where most visitors stay and hike, typically experiences lighter conditions than the southern approaches.
Wawona sits in the fire's immediate vicinity, experiencing the densest smoke as air currents flow through the park. Visitors staying in Wawona or hiking in the southern section of the park should expect the worst conditions. Those based in Yosemite Valley or visiting the high country will experience less smoke impact.
The park directs smoke-sensitive visitors to check fire.airnow.gov for current and forecasted air quality readings before and during their trip. Smoke can reduce visibility for photography and hiking, compromise scenic views, and trigger respiratory discomfort in those with asthma or other conditions.
September versus October: Different seasons with different advantages
September and October in Yosemite are not interchangeable, and the distinction matters for planning. September retains summer-like warmth, with daytime temperatures in the 70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit and nighttime temperatures in the 50s to low 60s. Summer crowds are beginning to thin but remain substantial. Fall foliage has not yet appeared—aspen and maple leaves are still green. September appeals to visitors comfortable with crowded conditions who prefer warm weather and want to avoid early snow.
October represents a distinct season with notably different conditions and timing. Daytime temperatures average in the 60s to mid-70s Fahrenheit, while nighttime temperatures drop to the 40s—a significant shift requiring layered clothing, rain jackets, gloves, and beanies. October brings 'the first significant rain and snowstorms of the year,' according to visitor guides, creating dramatic cloudscapes and reactivating waterflows. Some ephemeral waterfalls dry by late summer; October rains can restore them. The downside: Tioga Road, which provides access to high-country areas, typically closes in November but may close in late October depending on snowfall, shortening the window for high-elevation hiking.
Fall foliage peaks in late October. Maples turn yellow, aspens glow gold, and dogwoods display colors, creating natural displays that photographs cannot adequately capture. Golden hour lighting occurs around 7 a.m. and sunset, offering exceptional conditions for landscape photography. October draws significantly fewer visitors than August's peak, meaning easier parking, shorter trails at trailheads, fewer people at scenic viewpoints, and more campsite availability. One visitor guide describes October as 'one of the best times' for catching fall colors, offering 'the perfect blend of pleasant weather, stunning scenery, and a bit of solitude.' For visitors prioritizing fewer crowds and fall scenery over warmth, October is clearly superior despite the weather trade-offs.
“October sees dramatically fewer visitors than August's peak, meaning easier parking, shorter trail queues, and more campsite availability.”
Other September and October trail restrictions beyond the fire
Beyond the Dome Fire closures, visitors should plan around other temporary restrictions that coincide with fall visitation. The Mist Trail section to Vernal Fall, one of Yosemite Valley's most iconic trails, has limited access through October. It's open Friday through Sunday and holidays, plus Monday through Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 7 a.m.—essentially closed during standard business hours on weekdays. This restriction affects the most popular waterfall hike in the valley.
A section of Valley Loop Trail has weekday closures through December for bridge work, though alternate routes exist. These are temporary restrictions that prioritize maintenance and safety over visitor access. Most other major trails—Mariposa Grove, May Lake, high-country routes—remain open in September and October, though the trail between the wilderness center and Lembert Dome is closed for construction (an alternate trail is available). Backcountry trails can be difficult to find or impassable from around November through May or June due to snow, but front-country destinations remain accessible through the fall.
Campground reservations are available up to five months in advance and are 'strongly recommended' by the NPS. Yosemite typically lifts timed-entry reservation requirements after summer, so fall 2026 visitors should not need advance digital passes to enter.
How to prepare and stay informed before traveling
Visitors planning a September or October trip should check multiple information sources before departure and monitor conditions during travel. The NPS posts regular Dome Fire updates on its Yosemite news page, and fire.airnow.gov provides current air quality readings for specific park locations. Because the Dome Fire closure has no announced end date, travelers visiting in October should check current conditions before their trip—trails could reopen once the fire is contained, or closures could be extended if fire conditions worsen or spread. Calling the park visitor center before arrival provides the most current information.
When planning an itinerary, consider which areas are non-negotiable. If Chilnualna Falls is essential, check NPS updates close to your trip, since no reopening date has been announced. If seeing fall colors is the priority, late October maximizes that experience. If avoiding crowds matters most while maintaining trail access, late September or early October (before peak color) offers a middle ground. Most of Yosemite will remain accessible regardless, allowing visitors to build alternative itineraries around Half Dome, valley floor hikes, Glacier Point, Mariposa Grove, and the high country.
Pack for variable conditions. September allows lighter layering; October requires warm morning and evening gear plus rain protection. Bring sun protection for all seasons. Monitor air quality forecasts and consider activity levels accordingly—visitors with respiratory sensitivities may want to confirm smoke conditions before arrival. The combination of fewer summer crowds, continued access to most park attractions, and fall scenery makes September and October 2026 a viable visiting window despite the fire's proximity to Wawona. The key is staying informed about current conditions and building flexibility into plans.
Related coverage: What Yosemite's canceled reservation system means for a fall visit; How national park reservation systems work.
