The National Park Service has implemented a peak-hours reservation system for entry into Yosemite National Park during the busiest times of summer 2025. A reservation is required to drive into or through the park between 6 am and 2 pm on the following dates:
May 24–26 (Memorial Day Weekend)
June 15 – August 15 (Every day)
August 30 – September 1 (Labor Day Weekend)
Pro tip: If you're visiting Yosemite Valley, arrive early! Parking often fills up between mid-morning and mid-afternoon, especially on weekends and holidays.
The weather in the Sierra can change quickly. Check weather conditions regularly.
Road Conditions:
Yosemite Road Conditions, (209) 372-0200, then press 1 – 1.
CalTrans Road Conditions (outside Yosemite) https://roads.dot.ca.gov/roadscell.php or call 1-800-427-7623 (Highway 41)
Note: When conditions dictate, you are required to carry tire traction devices (chains or cables) in your vehicle and be prepared to install them as necessary. You may be denied entry to the park if you don’t have them. You may also be subject to a substantial fine should road conditions make them mandatory and you don’t have them. Rental vehicles are NOT exempt from this requirement.
(By the way, winter in the Sierra Nevada is dictated by weather conditions, not by calendar dates. Snow in May is a rare, but not an uncommon occurrence.)
Chain requirement codes are as follows:
R0 No chains required.
R1 Chains are required. Autos and pickups with snow tires OK.
R2 Chains are required. 4-wheel-drive with snow tires OK.
R3 Chains are required on all vehicles. No exceptions.
Chains or cables can be purchased or rented at several locations in Oakhurst, Coarsegold, Fish Camp and Mariposa. Call or stop by the Visitor Center in Oakhurst for information - 559-683-4636.
Alternative Park Exits
(1) Exit straight ahead on Hwy 140 through the Merced River Canyon. This is a lower-elevation road, and chain requirements are rare. In Mariposa, take Hwy 49 southbound to Oakhurst. Hwy 140 westbound to Merced for access to Highway 99 either north or south. (2) Take Hwy 120 westbound for the quickest way to San Francisco. Please be very cautious on all regional roads during icy conditions.
Visit Yosemite | Madera County updates:
The Oakhurst Visitor Center is open. Address is 40343 Highway 41, Oakhurst - look for the VISITOR CENTER sign.
Hours: 7 days a week - 8:30 am to 4:30 pm (PST - Pacific Standard Time)
You can reach us at (559) 683-4636 or email info@yosemitethisyear.com Note: the visitor center is very busy, so if you get our voice mail, please leave a message and we promise to call you back!
To keep track of updates please follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/yosemitemadera
US Forest Service/Sierra National Forest including information regarding camping and day-use facility availability can be found on their website (www.fs.usda.gov/detail/sierra).
Additionally, the Bass Lake Ranger District can be contacted directly at (559) 877-2218, Mon-Fri 8:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Madera County law enforcement is provided by the Madera County Sheriff's Department, Madera Police Department and Chowchilla Police Department. The U.S. Forest Service provides supplemental officers for the Bass Lake campgrounds.
For information on the Madera County Search & Rescue organization, click here.
Emergencies 24 Hours: Dial 911
Headquarters | Information 24 Hours: 559-675-7770
Basic fire protection is provided by paid professionals from the Madera County Fire Department, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL Fire), the U.S. Forest Service, and many corps of trained volunteers. There are CDF or volunteer fire stations in Ahwahnee, Bass Lake, Cedar Valley, Coarsegold, Fish Camp, North Fork, Rancheria, Raymond, Oakhurst, and Yosemite Lakes Parks.
For updated information on National Forest wildfires (if any), click here.
For updated information on Yosemite National Park wildfires (if any), click here.
For updated CAL Fire information on wildfires in the State of California (if any), click here.
This guide outlines accessible services, facilities, and activities available in Yosemite. It describes ways people with sight, hearing, and mobility impairments can enjoy Yosemite.
Yosemite National Park Accessibility Guide
On rare occasions, the need arises for emergency medical services during even the most fun of vacations.
Adventist Health Community Care
48677 Victoria Lane
Oakhurst, CA 93644
Phone (559) 683-2711
Hours 8 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Monday through Friday (by appointment only)
Hours 8 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday (by appointment only)
Children's Hospital of Central California
9300 Valley Children's Place
Madera, CA 93636-8762
Phone (559) 353-3000
Open 24 hours, 7 days
Camarena Health Oakhurst
Four Locations to serve the Oakhurst Area near the South Gate at Yosemite National Park:
Urgent Care: 49165 Road 426, Oakhurst CA 93644, Walk in Only.
Hours: Monday-Friday 11 am to 9 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10 am to 8 pm.
Camarena Health takes most insurances.
Medical and Dental Offices:
Oakhurst Medical Office – 49169 Road 426, Oakhurst CA 93644
Coarsegold Medical Office – 35324 Hwy 41, Suite A, Coarsegold, CA 93614
Oakhurst Dental Office – 49127 Road 426, Oakhurst CA 93644 (Emergency services only until June 1, 2020)
Appointments for medical and dental offices are Monday – Friday and are made by calling (559) 664-4000
Visit our website for hours www.camarenahealth.org
For up to date information regarding our services during the COVID-19 pandemic – please visit https://www.camarenahealth.org/staywell/
For telephone doctor or behavioral health appointments, please call (559) 664-4000.
Kaiser Permanente Oakhurst Medical Offices
40595 Westlake Drive
Oakhurst, CA 93644
(559) 658-8388
Appointments only - Monday through Friday (no after hours)
No emergency services
Pharmacy onsite
