Recently, we shared the news that Yosemite National Park would close out of an abundance of caution due to rapid snow melt. That closure went shorter than expected and the flooding was minimal, but now Yosemite visitors face another difficulty.
Yosemite Road Closed
Just as the busy season in the park begins, the main access route from the west, Big Oak Flat Road, could be closed well into the summer according to the National Park Service.
The closure stems from a significant crack spanning 200 feet and reaching depths of up to four feet. The crack has caused the road’s surface to shift both vertically and horizontally.
The embankment beneath the road has also shifted approximately 15 feet downslope, allowing water to flow through. Due to the ongoing movement and safety concerns, officials have deemed the road unfit for traffic, fearing additional road failures.
Efforts to address the issue are underway as the park collaborates with the Federal Highway Administration to begin repairs.
What is Accessible Via Highway 120?
Visitors can still access Hodgdon Meadow and Hetch Hetchy through Highway 120 from the west. However with this major Yosemite road closed, other areas of the park, including Yosemite Valley, will be in accessible.
Alternatively, travelers can use El Portal Road, an extension of Highway 140 from Merced, or Wawona Road, an extension of Highway 41 from Fresno.
If you have a trip to Yosemite planned it’s important to understand the extra travel times associated with the closer. You can also expect additional traffic jams.
The Big Oak Flat Entrance is the Yosemite Valley access points for anyone staying off Highway 120 at campgrounds like Yosemite Lakes RV Resort. There are also numerous lodges in the area that will also be impacted.
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