Chains Required—No Exceptions (R-3)There are no exceptions; all vehicles must use chains.
People Also Ask
Tioga Road (Highway 120 through the park, from Crane Flat to Tioga Pass) is usually closed from November through late May or early June. (View a list of opening and closing dates.) When Tioga Road is closed, alternate routes are available to get to various destinations.
One of the most popular routes is Tioga Pass, a 54-mile drive that connects two entrances on opposite sides of the park. If you drive straight through, Tioga Pass takes about an hour and a half, but we highly recommend taking your time and making some stops.
May through September is the most popular time in YosemiteThese months correspond with the best weather and are also when all the roads, trails, lodging, shuttles and attractions in the park are open. That includes its most famous drive, Tioga Rd, a 64-mile-long scenic byway that closes when the snow begins to fall.
The cool season lasts for 3.1 months, from November 21 to February 25, with an average daily high temperature below 61°F. The coldest month of the year in Yosemite Lakes is December, with an average low of 38°F and high of 54°F.
The average trip duration for Yosemite touristsMost Yosemite visitors stay between three to four days. After all, there is so much to do and see! Even if you're coming to Yosemite for a specific purpose like a wedding, it's more than worth it to extend your trip.