Before you head out, check Yosemite’s Glacier Point Road reopening and the fire restrictions still affecting Sierra trips. A newly published San Francisco kayak rescue report also offers a timely reminder to prepare for cold water and changing conditions.

Illustrative Yosemite Valley landscape from Tunnel View: NPS / C. Jacoby, National Park Service. This is not a photograph of the current Dome Fire. No claim to original U.S. Government works.

Wildfire and Fire Restrictions

• Tahoe Stage 1 restrictions continue through November 30: The Forest Service’s October 9 order restricts fires, campfires and stove fires to provided charcoal grills or fire rings at recreation sites specifically listed in Exhibit A. A California Campfire Permit alone does not exempt a wood fire. Permit holders may use qualifying gas, kerosene, jellied-petroleum or pressurized-liquid-fuel equipment with a shutoff valve at least three feet from flammable materials. Check your exact campsite and the order’s smoking and engine restrictions before your trip. (U.S. Forest Service).
• Yosemite Dome Fire holds at 6,829 acres: The National Park Service’s October 10 morning update reports 61% containment and 935 personnel, with no additional growth during the previous day’s activity. Fire restrictions remain in effect below 8,000 feet in Yosemite. Check the current park rules before planning a campfire, even where roads have reopened. (National Park Service).

Review your equipment checklist in our Camping collection, then confirm that your cooking method is permitted at your destination.

Trail and Access Closures

• Glacier Point Road reopens, but fire-area trails remain closed: Yosemite’s October 10 update says Glacier Point Road reopened at 7 a.m. that day, and asks you to watch for firefighters working along the road. Buena Vista Trail remains closed, as do trails within the active fire footprint, including all south- and eastbound trails accessed from Glacier Point Road. Alder Creek Trail is open north to Deer Camp Trailhead, and Chilnualna Falls Trail is open east from the trailhead to Chilnualna Fall and Crescent Lake. Confirm your full route against the park’s closure map; the road reopening does not reopen every trail. (National Park Service).

Water Safety

• Kayaker rescued near San Francisco’s Bay Bridge: An October 10 report describes a Thursday rescue after a kayak capsized near the San Francisco Ferry Building. One kayaker wearing a life jacket reached shore, while another remained in the water and was rescued by SFPD Marine Unit officers working with the San Francisco Fire Department. Police urged paddlers to wear life jackets, protect phones from water, check weather, tides and currents, and tell someone their plans. Apply those checks before your next launch rather than relying on calm conditions at shore. (New York Post).

Check your life jacket fit and condition before launching. Browse our Paddlesports Life Vests collection and review each product for your activity and sizing needs.

Featured Gear: Consider the Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Sports Life Vest, XS/SM as you review your paddling kit. Check the listed chest and weight requirements before choosing this size.

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