-
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome Response Continues at Yosemite National Park
The recent diagnosis of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) in several park visitors has prompted Yosemite National Park to scale up public health response and outreach. More »
Vehicle Restrictions
Wawona Road (Highway 41) El Portal Road (Highway 140) Note: Highway 140 outside the park (between El Portal and Mariposa) can accommodate vehicles up to 45 feet long, effective June 27, 2008. The 28-foot total vehicle length limit will no longer be in effect beginning June 27, 2008. Big Oak Flat Road (Highway 120) Tioga Road (Highway 120) Read below for tips on pulling a trailer over Tioga Pass. Glacier Point Road Mariposa Grove Road Hetch Hetchy Road
Tips for Pulling a Trailer over Tioga Pass Highway 120 between Tioga Pass and its junction with US 395 is a steep, winding mountain road. The steepest portion of the road is an eight-mile section that ascends about 2,500 feet (from Lee Vining toward Tioga Pass). Portions of the road have a grade as steep as eight percent. Other considerations: 1. Adhere to the towing capacity of your vehicle (you might be able to tow a trailer that is heavier than what your vehicle is set up to tow on other roads, but it might not work if you're going up or down this grade); adjust your braking system if you can. 2. Know your driving skills and what you are capable of doing. 3. Many vehicles towing trailers make it up to Tioga Pass (slowly and patiently). However, you may not be able to keep up with other traffic--if you try to, your vehicle may overheat. So, don't try to drive the same speed as other cars that aren't towing vehicles; use the pullouts when you can to allow them to pass you. 4. If you do break down (engine overheating, brakes fail, etc.) be aware that you might be waiting several hours for help (especially if you come through later in the day when fewer people can help you). Have a plan if you break down. |
Did You Know?
![Vernal and Nevada Falls Vernal and Nevada Falls](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20120925063802im_/http://www.nps.gov/pwr/yose/parkmgmt/images/giant-staircasedyk_2.jpg)
In Yosemite Valley, dropping over 594-foot Nevada Fall and then 317-foot Vernal Fall, the Merced River creates what is known as the “Giant Staircase.” Such exemplary stair-step river morphology is characterized by a large variability in river movement and flow, from quiet pools to the dramatic drops of the waterfalls themselves.