More areas have closed within Yosemite National Park as a result of the government shutdown which has now stretched into its twelfth day with no end in site.
Hetch Hetchy and the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias are now closed due to a lack fo restrooms and the resulting impacts of human waste.
Park Rangers are screening incoming vehicles at the South Entrance from 9am to 6pm and allowing only those with a reservation for lodging to proceed. All others are being asked to enter the park via Highway 140 from Mariposa. Visitors planning to visit the Yosemite Ski and Snowboard Area are being asked to enter via Highway 140.
There are currently no safe places for sledding or snow play within Yosemite. Visitors are asked to refrain from sledding in the park. Snow play areas at Crane Flat and Goat Meadow are closed. Sledding is prohibited at the Yosemite Ski and Snowboard Area.