Yosemite National Park in Winter
Sierra Sun Times file photo
January 6, 2019 - Current information on Yosemite National Park roads as of 6:00 A.M. Sunday morning.
For current Yosemite information call 209/372-0200 (press 1 then 1) for the most up-to-date conditions.
All roads in Yosemite Valley
R-2: chains or 4 wheel drive with snow tires required
Badger Pass Road is Closed
Highway 140 - El Portal Road
R-1: chains or snow tires required
Highway 41 - Wawona Road
R-2: chains or 4 wheel drive with snow tires required
Park rangers are screening incoming vehicles at South Entrance from 9 am to 5 pm, allowing only those with a reservation for lodging or camping inside the park to proceed. All others will be asked to enter Yosemite via Highway 140. Local residents and guests staying in Yosemite Valley, Yosemite West, and Wawona will be allowed to enter via South Entrance.
Highway 120
Closed from entrance station to Foresta
from Foresta down is R-2: chains or 4 wheel drive with snow tires required
Caltrans Highway report
For current information: Caltrans Website
or call 1-800.427.7623 for current highway conditions. Mobile
Highway 140
No reported chain requirements or problems
Highway 41
CHAINS ARE REQUIRED ON ALL VEHICLES EXCEPT 4-WHEEL-DRIVE VEHICLES WITH SNOW TIRES ON ALL 4 WHEELS FROM 2 MI NORTH OF BIG CEDAR SPRINGS (MADERA CO) TO 0.5 MI SOUTH OF YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK (MARIPOSA CO)
Highway 120
CHAINS ARE REQUIRED ON ALL VEHICLES EXCEPT 4-WHEEL-DRIVE VEHICLES WITH SNOW TIRES ON ALL 4 WHEELS FROM 15 MI EAST OF GROVELAND TO THE YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK BOUNDARY (TUOLUMNE CO)
TYPES OF CHAIN CONTROL
During the winter months motorists may encounter traction device controls in the mountain areas of California. When chain controls are established, signs along side the road will be opened indicating the type of requirement. There are three requirements in California.
Requirement One (R1): Chains or snow tread tires required. Snow tires must have a tread depth of 6/32" with a "M & S" imprint on the tire's sidewall.
Requirement Two (R2): Chains required on all vehicles except four-wheel drives or all-wheel drives with snow tread tires on all four wheels. NOTE: four-wheel and all-wheel drive vehicles must carry traction devices in chain control areas)
Requirement Three (R3): Chains are required on all vehicles, no exceptions.
Source: Caltrans