Heaven's Staircase

Is Heaven's Staircase open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Stanislaus National Forest. It doesn't name Heaven's Staircase, so check the source for the area it covers (2 listed).

• Stanislaus National Forest extends seasonal MVUM closure for two high elevation roads

  Agency closure covering Stanislaus National Forest · USFS · Stanislaus National Forest

• Extension of Seasonal Road Closures

  Agency closure covering Stanislaus National Forest · USFS · Stanislaus National Forest

• Temporary Fire Restrictions High Hazard Area Stanislaus National Forest

  Agency alert covering Stanislaus National Forest · USFS · Stanislaus National Forest

• Temporary Moderate Hazard Fire Restrictions Stanislaus National Forest

  Agency alert covering Stanislaus National Forest · USFS · Stanislaus National Forest

As of Oct 23, 9:30 pm PDT · Source: USFS · Stanislaus National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Best time to visit Heaven's Staircase

Best months: March–June and September–November. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

1. Jan

   48° / 32°

   10 wet

2. Feb

   52° / 33°

   10 wet

3. Mar

   57° / 36°

   11 wet

4. Apr

   62° / 39°

   8 wet

5. May

   69° / 46°

   6 wet

6. Jun

   78° / 53°

   3 wet

7. Jul

   86° / 59°

   1 wet

8. Aug

   86° / 59°

   1 wet

9. Sep

   81° / 54°

   2 wet

10. Oct

    70° / 45°

    4 wet

11. Nov

    56° / 37°

    7 wet

12. Dec

    47° / 33°

    10 wet

Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Hetch Hetchy, CA, 14.9 mi away at 3,870 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.