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 | Yosemite National Park Driving / Traffic Reviews | Tips 1 - 10 of 22 |  |
 | |  |  | Driving / Traffic: Chain control taken seriously | Tip Rating:   |  |  | |  |
For many years, we have driven our 4WD all over the Sierras in the worst winter conditions and have never needed or been required to put on chains. However, it is a different story when you get to Yosemite after a snowstorm. As we approached the Park, we noticed a very long backup of traffic. It was all due to the chain control. I have the deepest respect for our Park Rangers, but they were under some weird mandate. The signs approaching the Park said "4 wheel drive ok", but the sign was apparently meaningless, because the Ranger said we could not go into the park without chains. We were told we could purchase chains from the chain installer in the parking lot for $60 and he would install them for another $25. If we didn't do this, we would have to drive back to Mariposa (1 hour) or possibly Merced (1-1/2 hours) to look for chains. Then we would have to wait in the long line again to get into the park. Well, Murphy's law. As soon as it was our turn to buy chains, the guy was all out. At this point, driving to Mariposa or Merced was not attractive. So, instead we slunk out of the parking lot and drove on to our hotel in the Park. Miracle of miracles, the roads were completely plowed and sanded, the weather was sunny, the roads are flat and we never slid once. Next time, however, we will bring chains. We didn't particularly like setting the example of scofflaws in front of our young impressionable teenagers, who no doubt will turn to a life of crime because of this experience. Leave a Comment
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| | | | Driving / Traffic: Hwy 140 Rock Slide | | | | | |
UPDATE: August 25, 2006, Hwy 140 is now partially open in daylight hours, but CLOSED at night. This is a temporary warning, mainly aimed at any traveler entering Yosemite National Park in 2006 (and possibly 2007): HWY 140 BETWEEN MARIPOSA AND EL PORTAL (meaning the Arch Rock Entrance) IS CLOSED. There has been a major rock slide that, as of late June 2006, is still active. This closure will probably last the rest of 2006 and may continue into 2007, since a large part of the road will have to be completely rebuilt. El Portal, however, is still open, as is Mariposa. If you are entering the park, use either Hwy 120 (Big Oak Flat Road) or Hwy 41 (Wawona Road). Leave a Comment Website: www.nps.gov/yose/now/conditions.htm
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Yosemite National Park
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