Visitors hoping to get into Yosemite National Park amid a powerful winter storm are facing closures, hazardous road conditions and limited lodging options.

Yosemite National Park will open to visitors Saturday after officials initially warned the park would be closed due to heavy snowfall in the area, park officials said.

Smoke was seen rising from the Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite National Park due to a faulty generator unit, but there was no fire and guests were safely returned to the hotel.

Visitors heading to Yosemite in 2026 will be able to enter without advance vehicle reservations, marking a shift in how official plan to manage crowds.