Road & Weather Conditions
Driving in California and the southern Yosemite area is different than driving anywhere else. In winter California vehicle codes require that all vehicles carry tire chains when venturing into the Sierra Nevada. Other times of the year require that drivers use turn out lanes to allow faster traffic to pass, slow down for sharp curves and slow for wildlife, especially after dark.
Driving in Winter:
The weather changes frequently and often without warning between November and April in California. You may or may not be required to use tire chains depending on weather forecasts, type of vehicle and type of tires you have. Warning signs are scattered throughout California's mountains to alert drivers when chains are required to travel through certain areas. Always obey the signs. The California Highway Patrol is often at these "chain control" areas to enforce the sign postings. Also on site may be certified chain handlers who, for a small fee, will gladly put chains on or take them off for you. Watch for their reflective vests and bibs with their certification number on it. If you are renting a car to visit our area between November and April, be sure to ask the rental company staff if you can use tire chains on their cars. Some companies do not allow it. We have a list of local businesses that sell tire chains at our Visitors Center. Call 559-683-INFO (4636) or stop by and we will provide a copy for you.
Driving in other seasons:
Fog or low clouds are sometimes encountered in our region especially in the Spring. Be sure to slow down if you encounter these conditions and follow speed limit notices on electronic message boards. Some times the CHP uses "pacing" to slow traffic. Watch for their yellow lights, slow down, stay back from the Patrol vehicle and do not pass it. If you encounter foggy conditions at night, slow down and use your low-beam headlights. Most major highways have a white "fog line" in the far right lane. If possible slowly move to the right lane and use the "fog line" to help you stay on the roadway.
We love our "critters" in the region and hope you get to see some of them. Always watch for them when driving. They don't recognize speeding vehicles as a threat so we ask that you be responsible for them. Deer travel in herds in our region. If one comes on a roadway you can bet there are more nearby, so slow down and watch to be certain more don't come on the roadway as you pass. Other critters also cross roadways so watch for them too. You don't want to be hit by a bear. It will damage your vehicle severely and may do harm to the bear as well. Other critters may dart across the roadway so fast you might not be able to identify them. For cards to identify our regional wildlife and to see how you can help keep them safe, stop by the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Center in Oakhurst.
- For road conditions on Southern Yosemite Highway 41
click here or call 1-800-SNOW - For road conditions in Yosemite National Park
click here or call 209-372-0200
...how you can become Bear Aware.
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Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau © 2010
41969 Highway 41, Oakhurst, CA 93644
tel: 559-683-4636 • fax: 559-683-5697
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