Crowds Expected At Yosemite

Yosemite, CA – Yosemite National Park officials anticipate a busy New Year’s holiday weekend due to the recent snowstorms, providing plenty of outdoor recreation.

However, the winter weather also brings slippery roadways and park officials want to remind motorists to take precautions.  Rangers provide these tips for traveling in the park:

• Carry chains in your vehicle – Snow and ice are currently present on many roads within Yosemite National Park. All vehicles, including four wheel and all-wheel drive vehicles, are required to carry traction devices in chain control areas.
• Arrive before 10:00 a.m. – Most vehicle congestion occurs during the middle of the day and there may be longer lines at the entrance stations. If you can’t arrive early, try after 4 p.m. when traffic has subsided.
• Drive Slowly – Ice may be present even if chain restrictions are not in place.
• Take YARTS! -YARTS is the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System. The YARTS buses pick up passengers at multiple locations, including Sonora with mutiple drop-off locations throughout the park and in Yosemite Valley. Once visitors are in the park there is a free shuttle to all the attractions.
• Wear shoes with good traction – There may be slippery areas along walkways and trails.
• Dress warm – The temperatures have been cold in the park. Layered clothing is a great idea as the temperature drops in the evening and warms around mid-day.

For the most current park road conditions, call 209-372-0200. For road conditions anytime in the Mother Lode click here or go to the myMotherlode.com homepage and click on traffic.