Frequently Asked Questions About Yosemite

PARK ROADS & DIRECTIONS

Where can I drive my car?
When do I need tire chains?
How long does it take to get from Yosemite Valley to... ?
When do the Tioga and Glacier Point Roads open and close?
How do I exit Yosemite Valley?

Where can I drive my car?
There are many scenic areas that can be reached by car. A number of these areas will have turn-outs and/or informational signs. Popular destinations such as Yosemite Valley, the Mariposa Grove and Tuolumne Meadows suffer from traffic congestion. Encourage visitors to use free shuttle bus transportation provided at these locations.

Areas restricted from vehicle traffic are:
• Happy Isles Loop*
• Mirror Lake Road *
• Various sections of the shuttle bus route in Yosemite Village*
• Merced Grove
• Tuolumne Grove
• Mariposa Grove* (People with permanent disabilities who possess a handicapped placard may follow a scheduled tram in their personal vehicle.)
* Persons with permanent disabilities may access these roads using a special placard in car.

In the winter, the Tioga Road (Hwy 120 East), the Glacier Point Road from Badger Pass Ski Area to Glacier Point, and the Mariposa Grove Road are closed. Other park roads may close temporarily due to heavy snow, rockslides, etc. 24-hour road and weather conditions may be obtained by calling (209) 372-0200.

When do I need tire chains?
It is necessary to carry chains when entering the Sierra from November 1 through March 31. This is a California State law. Between April 1 and October 31, it is necessary to carry chains when entering an activated chain control area. That means that when chain restrictions are in effect, visitors must be carrying chains in their vehicles to enter the park. Chains may be made mandatory on any park road at any time.

How long does it take to get from Yosemite Valley to... ?
On the Wawona Road (Hwy 41):
• Glacier Point: 1 hour (30 minutes from Chinquapin junction)
• Wawona & Pioneer Yosemite History Center - 1 hour
• Mariposa Grove: 1 hour & 15 minutes, but allow more time in summer and on other busy weekends to park at Wawona and then ride the free shuttle bus to the parking area.

On the Big Oak Flat and Tioga Roads (Hwys 120 West and 120 East):
• Crane Flat: 30 minutes
• Tuolumne Grove: 30 minutes to parking area (then walk a steep mile into the grove)
• Tuolumne Meadows: 2 hours
• Tioga Pass: 2 hours & 15 minutes
• Hetch Hetchy: 2 hours (vehicles over 25 feet not permitted).

When do the Tioga and Glacier Point Roads open and close?
Opening: The park aims to open both roads by early June if it is safe to do so. Road opening includes assessing avalanche danger, plowing roads, completing wastewater and water treatment facility maintenance and mobilizing park and concessioner staff. During years of minimal snowfall, the roads may open in early May; in heavy snowfall years, the roads may not open until much later. The latest opening in the history of the Tioga Road was July 1, 1998.

Closing: The park has a policy to keep the Tioga Road and the Glacier Point Road open until the first major snowfall after November 1. During September and October, there may be temporary closures due to snow. After November 1, both roads will close when predicted weather indicates a series of snowfalls that would necessitate continuous plowing. The 20-year average for closing of the Tioga Road is November 15.

How do I exit Yosemite Valley?
Follow signs for "All Park Exits" to Northside Drive, a one-way road heading west. This is the only road leading out of the Valley. It connects with the Wawona Road (Hwy 41), the El Portal Road (Hwy 140), the Big Oak Flat Road (Hwy 120 West), and the Tioga Road (Hwy 120 East).