Yosemite National Park

A hike up to Sentinel Dome rewards people with great views of the landscape around them.
Not just a great valley, but a shrine to human foresight, the strength of granite, the power of glaciers, the persistence of life, and the tranquility of the High Sierra. First protected in 1864, Yosemite National Park is best known for its waterfalls, but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area, and much more.
Map showing location of park.
Dome Fire Update, September 23, 2026 (morning)
The Dome Fire remained active overnight with most activity being on the north and northeast flanks of the fire.
Dome Fire Update, September 21, 2026 (morning)
The Dome Fire continued to spread at a moderate rate of growth. Last night, the Dome Fire spread further into the 2017 Empire Fire footprint and the spot fire to the east grew. As the fire moves north into the footprint, heavy dead and down fuels will be receptive to spotting. Fire behavior will remain moderate, with spotting behavior being a big challenge in the full suppression efforts of this fire.
Dome Fire Update, September 20, 2026 (morning)
The Dome Fire was active overnight, spreading 283 acres to the northern edges of the fire and continues to grow into the 2017 Empire Fire footprint. There are three areas of concern that firefighters will prioritize today: a spot fire east of Turner Meadow, a spot fire in Empire Meadows, and isolated hot spots identified last night near the Chilnualna Falls area.
Dome Fire Update, September 19, 2026 (morning)
The Dome Fire grew 149 acres overnight, and containment remains at 15%. The Dome Fire continues to move towards the old and existing fire perimeters of the 2017 Empire and South Fork Fires.
Dome Fire Update, September 18, 2026 (morning
The Dome Fire remained active overnight with moderate activity to the north and northwest.
Granite dome with trace amounts of snow.
Photo by NPS / Cindy Jacoby
Upper Yosemite Fall and Merced River in spring
Photo by NPS Photo
A mountain reflecting in a lake.
Photo by NPS / Cindy Jacoby
A rainbow over a mountain in the distance.
Photo by NPS / Bob Roney
Cluster of tall trees with cloudy sky.
Photo by NPS / Cindy Jacoby
Two tall waterfalls flowing down snow covered granite walls.
Photo by NPS / Cindy Jacoby
A waterfall flowing down a granite cliff.
Photo by NPS Photo / Cindy Jacoby
El Capitan on left, Cathedral Rocks on the right, all covered in snow, low clouds and sun
Photo by NPS Photo
Glaciated valley with vertical cliffs.
Photo by NPS / Cindy Jacoby
Mountains reflecting in water
Photo by NPS
Mountains surrounding a lake.
Photo by NPS
El Capitan and reflection in Merced River with some low clouds
Photo by NPS Photo/ Christine Fey