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Winter Driving Info

Yosemite is beyond compare in its winter season. Fun snow activities in the high country are paired with resplendent scenery. You haven't seen Yosemite until you have seen it decorated in a coat of white. In order to help you fully enjoy the season, we've put together some useful information on getting around.

Snow Chain Information
Road Condition Information
Recommended Winter Car Travel Supplies

Snow Chains Information

When winter conditions exist in Yosemite, the park service requires all visitors to carry chains in their vehicle at all times, even if the vehicle is equipped with 4-wheel drive. Rangers evaluate the road conditions and determine the chain control levels.

Below, you will find definitions for four of the levels within a chain control area.

R-0: No restrictions, however all vehicles are required to carry chains or cables at all times.

R-1:Chains are required on all commercial vehicles (trucks or buses). All other vehicles (cars, pick-ups, vans, etc.) must have either mud and snow tread tires or chains on the drive axle.

R-2: Chains are required on all vehicles except four-wheel drives with mud and snow tread tires on all four wheels and provided that tire traction devices for at least one set of drive wheels are carried in or upon the vehicle.

R-3: Chains required - ALL VEHICLES- no exceptions

CalTrans has more information on chain controls and highway conditions outside Yosmite National Park.

Additional Information:

Mud and Snow tires are typically designated with a "M+S" on the side of the tire, and must have a minimum tread depth of 6/32 of an inch to be legal.
Tire traction devices (chains) can be link chain, cable chains and/or spider straps
Studded snow tires may be used if the tires are also rated as snow tires, if not, the tires must be chained up as Studs do not replace chains.
Any vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds must chain up. (Typically this applies to large vans and up.)
All vehicles, including those with 4-wheel drive with snow tires that are towing trailers must have chains on one drive axle of the vehicle
If the trailer has brakes, it must also have chains on one axle.

Road Condition Information

For the latest road conditions inside Yosemite National Park, call (209)372-0200, select 1, then 1. General information can also be found on the Park Service site.

For road conditions outside the park, contact CalTrans (800) 427-7623 or visit their site for information on specific highways.

From Fresno, LA, Monterey and other points South: Highway 41
From Merced / Mariposa Highway 140
From San Fransicso, Manteca, Sacramento and other points North Highway 120

You are required to carry chains for your vehicle when you enter a chain control area. Additionally, when driving in Winter conditions, it is wise to use caution, carry and know how to use your tire chains and to keep warm, dry clothing and extra water in your vehicle - see our recommended list of winter car travel supplies. Plan ahead to get the most out of your Yosemite winter experience.

Winter Car Travel Supplies

Map and directions
Tire chains
Flashlight with a set of extra batteries
Extra clothes (throw in a few jackets, long underwear, gloves, hats and a pair of boots for each member of your party)
Bottled water and some food (but don't leave food in your car unattended!)
Blankets or sleeping bags
Reading material
First aid kit
Matches in an airtight container
Check spare tire for good condition and air pressure. Also make sure that your jack is in good working order.
Small tool kit, with pair of pliers, Phillips and straight screwdriver, hammer, pocket knife and some other small tools, set of jumper cables
Small bag of sand or cat litter (for weight in a rear wheel drive car and/or to place on road to give more traction)
Something brightly colored that can be used for flagging
Small shovel
Ice scraper and small broom for snow removal
Cell phone
Never let the gas tank in your vehicle fall below 1/2 for winter driving

Yosemite Reservations

Testimonials

“We try to eat at the Mountain Room everytime we visit Yosemite. My son has Celiac Disease and in the past The Mountain Room has always been very accommodating. This time when I asked if a particular item was gluten-free, they presented a gluten-free menu. IN THE MIDDLE OF YOSEMITE!!! I can't tell you how great that is. It can be so difficult for my son to have a nice meal like everyone else, and there were a ton of delicious options on your gluten-free menu. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
~Sidona R., Valley Center, CA
”

– Mary Anne L.

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