Yosemite winter travel: Driving restrictions in snow and how to check road conditions
One of the world’s most iconic destinations, Yosemite Valley and its famous waterfalls, granite peaks and domes, remains accessible to vehicles all year.
Winter conditions are usually mild, with the weather alternating between snow storms and clear, sunny days. But roads leading to this idyllic place can at times be more treacherous, especially when storms coat higher-elevation roads with snow and ice. This usually happens between November and March.
The Natonal Weather Service reports a storm system will bring scattered showers to the Sierra Nevada and Yosemite starting Tuesday afternoon, with snow at higher elevations. The wet weather should clear up by Thursday.
Here’s a guide with everything to know about winter travel in and around Yosemite.
What roads are open in Yosemite in the winter?
The only park entrance to permanently close in winter is Yosemite’s eastern gate along Tioga Road (Highway 120 East), accessible from the Eastern Sierra Nevada.
The park’s most popular destination, Yosemite Valley, can still be reached through entrances along Highway 41 (Wawona Road in Yosemite), Highway 120 West (Big Oak Flat Road), and Highway 140 (El Portal Road).
Three roads inside the park are closed to vehicles in winter. Glacier Point Road is open only to Badger Pass Ski Area. Tioga Road (the only road in Yosemite that crosses over the Sierra Nevada) and Mariposa Grove Road (a short road near the park’s southern entrance that leads to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias) are also closed.
How do I check road conditions in and around Yosemite?
Check Yosemite road conditions on the park’s website, nps.gov/yose, or by calling 209-372-0200, then pressing 1 and 1 again.
Information about highway conditions and restrictions outside Yosemite are available on the Caltrans website or by calling 1-800-427-7623.
You can check conditions live via several park webcams.
Are snow chains or cables needed?
When storms hit the area, coating roads with snow and ice, snow tire chains or cables are often required on vehicles without all-wheel and four-wheel drive.
When these requirements are in place, chains must also at least be carried inside all vehicles. Officials will be posted at checkpoints along roads to make sure drivers comply with these requirements.
Motorists are more at risk of losing control of their vehicles and sliding off roads without chains.
Chains can be put on tires at a chain control sign. These signs are posted at the best places for putting on chains. Pull completely off the road into a turnout before doing so.
A citation of up to $5,000 can be issued to people who don’t comply with chain requirements.
More information about tire chain requirements is listed on the park’s website.
For those who don’t want to put on chains, ride a bus into the park via the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS).
Snowplows are active clearing snow off roads throughout the winter.
What should I do and bring to stay safe?
The U.S. Department of Transportation provided the following winter driving tips to stay safe.
▪ Stock your vehicle with items you might need in an emergency, including: snow tire chains or cables, snow shovel, broom, ice scraper, sand or kitty litter in case your car gets stuck in the snow, jumper cables, flashlight, warning devices such as flares and emergency markers, blankets, chargers for cell phones, water, food and any necessary medicine.
▪ If stopped or stalled in wintry weather, follow these safety rules: Stay with your car and don’t overexert yourself. Put bright markers on the antenna or windows and keep the interior dome light on. Avoid asphyxiation from carbon monoxide poisoning by not running your car for long periods of time with the windows up or in an enclosed space. If you have to run it, clear the exhaust pipe of any snow and run it only sporadically, just enough to stay warm.
▪ Slow down while driving. It’s harder to control a vehicle on a slick surface. Don’t crowd a snowplow or travel beside it.
▪ Plan your route and familiarize yourself with directions before a trip, even if using GPS. Tell someone about your plans.
▪ Get your vehicle serviced before leaving and check if there are recalls on car parts that need to be repaired.
▪ Familiarize yourself with your car’s features and check them, including the lights, battery, windshield wipers, cooling system, and air pressure in tires. Make sure floor mats fit properly.
▪ If driving an electric or hybrid-electric vehicle, plug it in to minimize the drain on the battery.
This story was originally published December 17, 2019 at 5:53 PM.
