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Updated: Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite National Park Reopens Following Temporarily Closure Due to Rockfalls

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By Jim Burnett - August 28th, 2009
dust from rockfall

Dust rises after a rockslide Wednesday at Yosemite National Park.. Photo by Erik Skindrud / National Park Service

The Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite National Park is known to travelers from around the world, but even an iconic park hotel has to defer to the forces of nature. The hotel was evacuated Wednesday afternoon as a precaution after a series of rockfalls in the vicinity of the building.

Following a geologic assessment of the area, the hotel is scheduled to reopen Friday afternoon.

An announcement from the park stated,

After several small rockfalls occurred Wednesday in Yosemite Valley directly above the Ahwahnee Hotel, the hotel was temporarily closed for precautionary measures. The rockfalls released from the Royal Arches, a rock formation directly above the hotel. Several small rocks landed in the parking lot causing minor damage to three vehicles. No injuries or structural damage were reported.

After a geologic assessment of the area, the decision was made to reopen the Ahwahnee at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, August 28. This opening is contingent on no further rockfall activity.

During the rockfall activity, rocks of varying sizes landed in the parking lot adjacent to the Ahwahnee. The largest rock that fell is estimated to be 350 cubic meters.

Rockfalls are natural occurrences in Yosemite Valley that continue to shape and reshape the granite cliffs that surround Yosemite Valley. Though many contributing factors may lead to rockfall, these types of events are unpredictable. Scientific analysis continues to be conducted in order to further understand this natural activity.

If you have reservations at the Ahwahnee and have any questions about your lodging arrangements, you can call DNC Parks and Resorts at Yosemite, Inc. Central Reservations at 801-559-5000.

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