The Tioga Road is a seasonal road that closes each season, based on weather and road conditions. The road is closed from Tuolumne Grove to 5 miles west of Lee Vining and US 395. The Glacier Point Road is also closed for the season, from the Yosemite Ski and Snow Board Area to Glacier Point. This section of road closes each season, based on weather and road conditions.
A series of winter storms are expected to pass through the Yosemite Area, beginning on Wednesday, November 28, 2018 and continuing through the weekend. Snow and rain are expected throughout the park. Motorists should be prepared for winter driving conditions and possible delays.
Yosemite National Park is open year-round with snow removal on all other roads within the park. Highway 120 West, Highway 140, and Highway 41 remain open year-round and provide access to Yosemite Valley. The Hetch Hetchy Road is open for day use throughout the winter months.
All roads within the park are subject to chain control or temporary closures due to hazardous driving conditions. All motorists are required to carry tire chains, even if their car is equipped with four-wheel drive, while driving in the park during the winter months. Chain control may go into effect at any time. The following chain control guidelines exist:
- “R-1” requires vehicles to have mud and snow tires or tire chains
- “R-2” requires vehicles to have 4-Wheel drive or tire chains
- “R-3” requires all vehicles to use tire chains