is it safe to drive to yosemite

Can you drive into Yosemite right now?

You can drive your car into and around Yosemite, although some roads are closed from around November through May/June and tire chains may be required on open roads from around October through April (depending on conditions). You can use public transportation to get to and around Yosemite all year.Feb 16, 2022

Can you drive through Yosemite 2021?

You can drive your own vehicle into and around Yosemite. Shuttle buses are not mandatory, but are recommended (except in 2021, when they are not available).Feb 16, 2022

Is Yosemite open during Covid?

Yosemite is open with some services limited due to COVID-19 Masks are required for everyone in shuttle buses and other enclosed buses. Reservations are not required to enter Yosemite (until May 20).

Can you enter Yosemite without reservation?

Lodging and Camping Other than the entrance fee, you don't need a reservation or permit to visit Yosemite. However, you should get a lodging or campground reservation if you plan to spend the night.Feb 16, 2022

Highway 120

Highway 120 will be the best way to approach Yosemite if you are coming from the big cities of San Francisco or Sacramento and their major airports. This scenic route skirts around the Northern edge of Mariposa County and passes through the lovely towns of Buck Meadows and Groveland.

Highway 41

This is the south entrance to the park. If you visited the giant sequoias in Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon previously, this is the way that you would be approaching. The journey begins in Fresno and then takes you through the lovely vineyards and tasting rooms of the Madera Wine Trail.

Tioga Pass

There is another entrance to the park at Tioga Pass, which is located on the eastern end of Highway 120. You can get there by using Highway 395. Taking this route is a real treat for the senses, because it will offer you a breathtaking drive over the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range.

How to keep animals away from you?

Keep your distance from animals, even if they approach you. Dispose of trash in animal-proof trash cans or dumpsters. Keep your food and trash from wildlife by storing it properly, day and night. More information about proper food storageis available.

How fast can you go on a bike path?

Speed limit on paved bike paths is 15 mph for all transportation devices. E-bikes with two or three wheels, fully operable pedals, and electric motors less than 750 watts (1 horsepower) are allowed everywhere bicycles are allowed. Hiking and Climbing Safety.

What is the phone number for the park?

If you see activities that could harm people or park resources, jot down any descriptions or a vehicle license plate number and contact the park dispatch office at 209/379-1992; if someone's life is in danger, call 911. See below for more park regulations.

What is an unmanned aircraft?

Unmanned aircraft includes ( but is not limited to) model airplanes, quadcopters, and drones. The park will not issue permits for Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), or drones, use in Yosemite National Park. This restriction is to protect the public from hazards and preserve the park’s natural, aesthetic, and scenic values.

Can you cross a stream without a bridge?

Stream polished rocks along the water's edge may be slippery when wet or dry. If you choose to cross a stream without a bridge, avoid deep and/or swift water. If crossing on a natural bridge of rocks or logs, consider where you will land if you fall. Never cross above rapids or falls.

Can you swim in a waterfall?

Never swim or wade upstream from the brink of a waterfall, even if the water appears shallow and calm. Each year unsuspecting visitors are swept over waterfalls to their deaths when swimming in these areas. River crossings. In summer, rivers and creeks swollen by runoff from snowmelt are dangerous.

What are the roads in Yosemite?

The roads (Hwy 120, Hwy 140 and Hwy 41) into Yosemite from the west side are all 2 lane roads, built to CA state highway standards (for lane width, road striping and marking, and guard rails...) They are to some extent mountain roads as you approach the park (because you are in the mountains) They are used by large tour busses, large RV's and the semi trucks that bring supplies into the valley...

Is Hwy 140 on the Merced River?

Take Hwy 140, not 120. It's a few minutes longer, but driving along the Merced River is lovely. Maybe the redbud trees will be in bloom. This is the "All Weather Route" and has a gentler grade than the other two entrance routes. It's also lower elevation.

How many square miles is Yosemite?

Yosemite extends over an area of 1169 square miles and notably, most of this is wilderness. What are the chances that you will get lost? It can be high if you don’t know what you are doing. Many people have gotten lost over the years.

What animals are in Yosemite National Park?

The most common animals in Yosemite National Park include foxes, bighorn sheep, mule deers, mountain lions, birds, and black bears. Most of them will keep away from humans. Bears, however, are likely to get attracted to you or your car if they can smell food. They can damage property, or cause injuries in the process.

Is Yosemite safe to go alone?

With plenty of cooperation on your part, Yosemite is a safe place to go alone. Without fearing for your safety, all you need now is proper planning, timing, and finally, taking the much-awaited trip.

Is Yosemite National Park dangerous?

The cliffs, rocks, and domes in Yosemite are some of the National Park’s best attractions, especially for rock climbers and hikers. Sad ly, they are also a great danger to visitors. Falling/slipping is the number one cause of injuries and deaths in Yosemite.

How to get into Yosemite National Park?

Get into the park without a day-use vehicle reservation. 1 Take regional transportation. YARTS busses run from all of the major gateway communities into Yosemite National Park. This affordable option even allows you to bring bikes with you in the under-bus cargo area for transportation around Yosemite Valley as needed. (Bikes are also available for rent in Yosemite Valley at Curry Village and Yosemite Valley Lodge.) 2 Take a tour. Local tour guides know Yosemite best and provide a wide range of itineraries. Plus, letting experienced tour guides do the driving frees everyone in your group to relax and enjoy the scenery. 3 Join Yosemite Conservancy for an Outdoor Adventure, Custom Adventure, or art class. These special programs include entry to the park for the duration of the program. 4 Hoof it. The day-use vehicle reservations only apply to vehicle entries. If you have a lot of energy, you can walk, ride a bike, or take a horseback ride with Yosemite Trails into the park without a reservation.

Where is the wildflower display in the High Sierra?

In fact, the area’s most spectacular spring wildflower display is west of the park on the Hite Cove Trail.

Is there a reservation for Hetch Hetchy?

Hetch Hetchy is a water-filled twin of the majestic Yosemite Valley with soaring granite cliffs, waterfalls, and some spectacular hiking above the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. The road to this area is separate from the entrance to the other regions of the park and doesn’t require a reservation.

Do you need a permit to ride a horse in the park?

If you want to hike, bike, or ride a horse into the park, you don’t need a permit either. If you’re just passing through to get to a destination on the other side of the park, and don’t plan to stop. (You’ll get a time-stamped permit with enough time to get from one gate to another.

Special Protection For Special Places

• Visitors to Yosemite National Park are the park's most important guardians. With Yosemite's nearly four million people watching over its special plants, animals, historic, and archeological sites, imagine how well-protected these park resources could be! During your visit to Yosemite, be aware that there are people who either intentionally or unknowingly harm park resources. Pleas…

See more on nps.gov

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