How to Get to Yosemite and Avoid the Fire

Although Highway 120 west and Highway 120 east will both be closed today due to the fire you can still get to Yosemite Valley and Wawona without too much delay.

From San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento take 99 south past the Highway 120 east in Manteca and continue on to Highway 140 east in Merced. It’s about an hour and a half farther south. Take 140 east through Merced and into Yosemite.

From Los Angeles, San Diego, Fresno, San Bernadino Highway 41 is still open and the most direct route into the park.

If you SHOULD take 120 east because you have lodging in Groveland or Sonora you can take Highway 49 located at the bottom of Priests Grade to Highway 140 in Mariposa and then turn left and take 140 into the park.

If you’re coming up Highway 395 along the Eastern Sierra and you intend to cross via the Tioga Road (Highway 120) you have until noon when the road closes today. Otherwise, it’s the long drive up to Highway 4 or Highway 88. Highway 108 may be closed in some sections.

Keep in mind that if you’re coming to the park you may encounter smokey conditions in some areas. There is no expected opening date for Highway 120 west at this time as the fire continues to burn along the road. All services are still available in Yosemite Valley and Wawona but the Crane Flat area and Highway 120 east are closed due to smoke and fire.