Before your next outing, check Yosemite’s latest fire and access update and new flood closures in Death Valley. A fatal kayaking incident in Maine also reinforces the importance of wearing your life jacket on the water.

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

• Yosemite Dome Fire reaches 69% containment: The National Park Service’s October 11 morning release reports 6,805 acres, 69% containment and 926 personnel. All control lines held through the previous day’s wind event, with increased burning confined to interior areas rather than threatening containment. Crews were preparing for rain and possible mountain snow. Fire restrictions remained in effect below 8,000 feet, so check the park’s current rules before planning a campfire. (National Park Service).

Trail and Access Closures

• Death Valley reports fresh flood closures: The park’s conditions page, updated October 11, lists West Side Road and Cottonwood/Marble Roads as closed due to flooding that day. The backcountry road closure notice applies to all motorized vehicles, including motorcycles. Check the live conditions page before approaching these access routes, and do not treat an older road map as proof that a route is open. (National Park Service).
• Yosemite road access does not reopen every trail: The October 11 fire update confirms Glacier Point Road reopened October 10 at 7 a.m., with firefighters still working along the road. Buena Vista Trail and trails within the active fire footprint remain closed, 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 its trailhead to Chilnualna Fall and Crescent Lake. Confirm the entire route against the park’s current closure map before you hike. (National Park Service).

Once you have confirmed an open route, review your essentials in our Hiking collection before heading out.

Water Safety

• Kayaker dies at Ellis Pond in Maine: WGME’s October 11 report, citing the Maine Warden Service, says Shawn Noyes, 20, of Dixfield fell from his kayak while paddling with family at Ellis Pond in Roxbury on Saturday. Wardens recovered his kayak and life jacket Saturday evening and his body Sunday afternoon. The Warden Service said he was not wearing a life jacket and reminded people going onto the water to wear one. Make checking the fit and fastening of your life jacket part of your routine before launching. (WGME).

Review your equipment before your next paddle. Browse our Paddlesports Life Vests collection and check 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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