Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park: Spring Backpacking

advertisement

TRANSPORTATION
For road and weather information, call 209-372-4745.

To Park: Access by state Highways 120, 41, and 140. Several airlines serve Fresno Yosemite International and United Express serves the Merced Airport. Motor coach transportation is available year-round from Merced Amtrak station and the Transportation Center to Yosemite Valley.

There are four entrances to the park: The south entrance on Highway 41 north from Fresno, the Arch Rock entrance on Highway 140 west from Merced, the Big Oak Flat entrance on Highway 120 west from Modesto and Manteca, and the Tioga Pass entrance on Highway 120 east from Lee Vining and Highway 395. The Tioga Pass entrance is closed from the first major snowstorm in November until approximately early June due to snow. The roads entering the park on its west side are kept open all year, but may require tire chains because of snow any time between November and April.

Visitors can ride YARTS buses from surrounding gateway communities (Merced, Modesto, etc.) on Highway 140, Highway 120 east, and Highway 120 west.

In Park: Personal vehicle, bicycle, tour bus. Free shuttle bus service in the eastern end of Yosemite Valley (year-round), between Wawona and the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias and from Tuolumne Meadows to Tenaya Lake (summer only).

Speed limits in Yosemite do not exceed 45 miles per hour and are lower where posted. Most accidents occur because of excessive speed and careless driving. Drive only on the roads.

WEATHER
Weather can change rapidly during all seasons of the year. Elevation plays a major role in temperature and precipitation. Most of the moisture comes in the months of January, February, and March, and the winter climate is relatively mild. Sierra summers are typically warm and dry. April and November are transitional months, when warm, sunny days can suddenly become stormy. Clouds can build up during the summer to produce spectacular thunderstorm activity.

It is wise to pack for any season with clothing that can be "layered," ready to peel off or add on as the thermometer dictates. Always include some kind of rain gear.