Snow and Road Conditions

For current conditions, check our park's Facebook and Instagram, check the weather station, or call us at 209-795-7980. 

NOAA has accurate forecasts: https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=38.307083&lon=-120.276597

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Snow Closures

As the park is between 4,500-4,900 elevation, we can receive snow anytime from late October - May. Starting either the first significant snowfall (doesn't melt within a day) or December 1st, whichever comes first, the Walter W. Smith Parkway road fully closes to vehicles. This road will not reopen until May 1st or later if there is still snow. The road is open to cyclists, pedestrians, and skiers. 

Closed areas to vehicles include: Scenic Overlook, Lava Bluffs, Stanislaus River, South Grove, Bradley Grove, and Beaver Creek.

Open areas to vehicles include: Visitor Center, North Grove trail and offshoots (River Canyon trail, North Grove Overlook Trail), North Grove Day Use Area and first-come, first-served camping in loop 1-11 in the North Grove Campground.

The Visitor Center will close due to power outages or a snow storm. The park only closes under extreme weather conditions or if there is too much snow to plow. Check our park's Facebook and Instagram for the most up-to-date information.

Snow Recreation

Skiing and snowshoeing is allowed on all trails, fire roads, and closed roads, such as part of the North Grove Campground and the Parkway road. There are no skiis or snowshoes available to rent in the park. We do not groom the trails. Please do not go off trail, both for your safety and to preserve the animals' habitats under the snow. 

Snowplay, such as sledding and snowball fights, are allowed on fire roads, closed roads, the Day Use area, the North Grove Campground, and across the parking lot from the Visitor Center. Snowplay is not allowed on any trail or in the meadow. There are snowparks up Highway 4.