Photo Credit: Blake Kidder (CC)
Just as in the Big Sur area, California’s record setting storms have been hard on portions of the Yosemite Region. While Hwy. 140 (El Portal Road) and Hwy. 41 (Wawona Road) remain open and clear for all vehicular traffic (always look out for rocks and debris on the roadway), there are still issues on Hwy. 120 as of the end of March.
Yosemite National Park continues to repair the Big Oak Flat Road (Highway 120 West) leading to Yosemite Valley. Severe winter storms that have given new life to an underground spring caused saturated, heavy soils under the road to slide downhill. Over 200 feet of roadway has been impacted. As a result of the slide, the Big Oak Flat road from Crane Flat to Foresta Junction has been unsafe for vehicular travel and closed for repairs since late February. There is no estimated date for the road to reopen and access to Yosemite Valley restored.
Visitors are welcome to visit Yosemite National Park via the Big Oak Flat entrance. The park has waived the entrance fee for all vehicles entering via the Big Oak Flat Entrance Station. Visitors entering the park via Highway 120 can enjoy a wide variety of activities, including camping at Hodgdon Meadow Campground and hiking with their dogs. Park entrance fees still apply to all visitors entering the park via the Arch Rock and South Entrance Stations.
For updated 24-hour road and weather conditions for Yosemite National Park, please call 209-372-0200, press 1 and press 1 again.
Photo Credit: Blake Kidder (CC)