FRESNO (KMJ) — Officials at Yosemite National Park are warning of big crowds and a busy weekend as President Obama and his family take a tour of the picturesque Central Valley location.
Record visitation would have been expected regardless, with Father’s Day encouraging locals to take a trip to see El Capitan et al alongside Dad. But now the Obamas are going to be there too, officials state that visitors should anticipate temporary area closures.
“We are honored to host the President and First Family and we remain committed, as always, to serving every visitor to Yosemite,” says Park Superintendent Don Neubacher.
“We want to give all visitors advance notice that heavy traffic congestion, full parking lots and several short-term area closures are anticipated throughout the weekend, particularly in Yosemite Valley”.
President Obama’s visit, along with the First Family, are coming to Yosemite National Park to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the creation of the National Park System.
Air Force One is due to touch down in Merced County Castle Airport Friday evening, the First Family will be in Yosemite National Park all Saturday. They are expected to leave the Central Valley Sunday afternoon.
Within the site, measures are being put in place to ensure the impact on visitors is minimized. Officials will also be providing visitors with travel advisories before and during the President’s visit, and they will be posted on the parks Twitter and Facebook feeds, as well as the park’s own website. Links to those can be found clicking the words themselves.
Delays of two or more hours are expected too: visitors are being advised to enter the park either before 8am or after 6pm over the coming weekend, or even reschedule their visit entirely.
The last President to visit Yosemite National Park was John F. Kennedy back in 1962.
