Current Road Conditions
For the most current Yosemite road conditions, call the Yosemite Road Conditions Hotline at 209-372-0200 (press 1 and 1 again).
The National Park Service also updates current road conditions on its Current Conditions page, but when weather changes quickly or storms are in the forecast, the hotline provides the most up-to-date information.
To see real-time conditions, check the Yosemite webcams for live views of the park’s weather.
Highway 140, known as the All-Season Highway typically remains snow-free more often than other routes into the park. For highway conditions outside Yosemite, contact Caltrans at dot.ca.gov or call 1-800-427-7623.
Seasonal Yosemite Road Closures
Most roads in and around Yosemite remain clear and accessible throughout the year, with a few seasonal exceptions. Tioga Road, Glacier Point Road, and Mariposa Grove Road typically close for the winter due to snow, usually between late October and mid-November, and reopen between late May and early June, depending on weather and snow conditions.
At higher elevations, routes like Highway 41 and Highway 120 may experience snow and require tire chains during colder months. For the easiest winter access, Highway 140, also known as the All Weather Highway, sits at a lower elevation and is less likely to be affected by snow.
The road to Hetch Hetchy also remains open year-round during daylight hours.
Winter Tioga Road Closure
Tioga Road, the portion of Highway 120 that goes east through the park and over Tioga Pass to the east side of the Sierra, is only open during the summer months. During the winter, deep snow and avalanche hazards make this route impassable. It’s hard to guess exactly when this road will be open each year because it depends on conditions, but very roughly speaking, Tioga Road closes sometime around November and reopens most years in May or June.
You can get a better idea based on the historical opening and closing dates (tracked since 1980), and in the spring, the National Park Service posts occasional plowing updates starting in roughly mid-April if you want to follow the progress in the final stretch.
WINTER GLACIER POINT ROAD CLOSURE
The Glacier Point Road is a spur road off of Highway 41 that leads to scenic overlooks like Glacier Point. During the winter months, this road is only open as far as Badger Pass Ski Area. Beyond the ski area, the road is closed to vehicle traffic and is groomed for cross-country skiing. Snowshoers are also permitted along the outside edges of the groomed track.
NPS has also tracked the opening and closing dates of Glacier Point Road since 1995 and will post plowing updates as they work to get the road open in the spring.
mariposa grove road
Providing access to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, the Mariposa Grove Road and shuttle system are typically open from as early as March 15 and will close for the season around November 30.
Most people normally aren’t allowed to drive on Mariposa Grove Road. The main parking is at the Welcome Center close to the South Entrance Gate, and you can hike the two-mile (3.2 km) Washburn Trail to the Arrival Area or take a shuttle bus when those are running. People in a vehicle with a disability placard or license plate also have the option to drive up to the Arrival Area during the summer.
The Mariposa Grove Road is not plowed in the winter and becomes inaccessible by car, though cross country skiers, snowshoers and hikers often enjoy traveling along the winter road when it is covered in snow.
NPS has been tracking the opening and closing dates of the Mariposa Grove Road since 2010.
winter Yosemite driving conditions
With mild low-elevation winters, getting around Yosemite Mariposa County is usually very straightforward. However, when a winter storm moves in, there is the possibility of snow on the roads and chain control restrictions both in Yosemite as well as outside the park.
Be sure to check the weather forecast before your visit so you are aware of any approaching storm systems.
Road Conditions Outside Yosemite
While low elevation roads like The All-Weather Highway, Highway 140, tend to be easy to navigate in winter, sometimes a particularly cold snowstorm will create chain control conditions outside the park boundary as well. Along higher-elevation routes like Highway 120 or Highway 41, encountering winter road conditions before entering the park is more common.
Check with CalTrans for the current conditions of roads outside Yosemite National Park or call 1-800-427-7623.
Let Someone Else Do the Driving
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the views. Check out public transportation options like the YARTS bus system, which offers comfortable, year round service from nearby towns like Mariposa. YARTS is a stress free and sustainable way to visit the park.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest route to drive to Yosemite?
The easiest route to drive into Yosemite during the winter is Highway 140. Depending on where you are coming from, it may be slightly longer than Highway 120 or Highway 41. However, when winter snow slows traffic on the higher-elevation routes into Yosemite, it can be both faster and less stressful. (It’s also a beautiful drive up the Merced River canyon.)
Do you have to have chains to drive in Yosemite during winter?
You must have chains in your vehicle to enter a chain-controlled area in winter, even if you are not required to have them on the tires. That is true within Yosemite, and on roads outside of the park as well. Learn more about chain controls in Yosemite.
Is it OK to drive any car into Yosemite?
All standard cars are fine on Yosemite’s roads, you don’t need a special vehicle or four-wheel drive. Large RVs and trailers are allowed but may have length restrictions on certain roads and in campgrounds. Tire chains may be required in winter, regardless of your vehicle type. Electric vehicles are welcome too, and charging stations are available in Yosemite Valley and gateway communities.
What kinds of conditions should I be aware of when planning a drive to Yosemite?
Each season in Yosemite Mariposa County carries its own character and set of conditions. You can get some ideas of what to plan for in each of our spectacular seasons in Yosemite Mariposa County.