Winter Driving

Winter in the Sierra is breathtakingly beautiful, but poses a particular challenge—winter driving. From the months of November through April, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and the National Park Service (NPS) require drivers to be prepared for winter driving, regardless of current road conditions. This means that all vehicles are supposed to carry chains/cables. You may be denied entrance to the Park unless you have chains/cables, as they can become mandatory on any Park road at any time. If you are renting a car, you should request a 4-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicle. Car rental companies will not provide chains/cables. If you are driving a 2-wheel drive vehicle, the law requires that you have properly fitting chains/cables. There are several vendors in Fish Camp and Oakhurst (13 miles south) that sell chains/cables. Be sure to ask about the vendor’s refund policy on unused chains/cables. Big Creek Inn does not sell or provide chains/cables.

For current California road conditions call 1-800-427-ROAD or go to:
www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/Hourly

For winter driving requirements within Yosemite Park go to:
www.yosemitepark.com/yosemite-winter-driving.aspx