Yes, you can drive through Yosemite, but access depends on the season and which road you take

Yosemite National Park has three main driving routes, and all are open to the public year-round — but winter closures, reservation requirements, and vehicle restrictions mean you need to plan ahead. The most famous route is Tioga Pass Road (California State Route 120), which crosses the Sierra Nevada and connects the park's eastern and western sides. Glacier Point Road and Wawona Road are the other two through-routes. In winter, Tioga Pass often closes for weeks or months due to snow, and Glacier Point Road closes entirely from November through mid-May. Wawona Road stays open year-round but can have temporary closures during storms.

You do not need a special permit to drive through the park, but you do need to pay the entrance fee — currently $35 per vehicle for a seven-day pass, or $80 for an annual pass. If you are only passing through without stopping, you still pay the full entrance fee. The park does not offer a "drive-through only" discount or exemption.

Key Takeaways

  • Tioga Pass Road closes seasonally in winter, sometimes for several weeks, so check the National Park Service website before you leave home.
  • You must pay the entrance fee even if you are only driving through without stopping to hike or visit viewpoints.
  • Glacier Point Road is closed from November through mid-May, and Wawona Road can close temporarily during heavy snow.
  • During peak summer months (July and August), parking and traffic can be severe, and the park sometimes closes to new entries by mid-morning.
  • Vehicles over 40 feet long are not permitted on any park road, and vehicles over 35 feet need special routing.

Which roads stay open and which close in winter

Tioga Pass Road (Highway 120 East) is the main east-west crossing and the most likely to close. It typically closes in November and reopens in late May or early June, depending on snowfall. The National Park Service monitors conditions daily during winter and can close the road with little warning. In some years it has reopened and closed multiple times within a single month. There is no alternative east-west route through the park.

Glacier Point Road closes entirely from November through mid-May. This road does not connect the park's east and west sides — it is a spur road that leads to Glacier Point overlook and then dead-ends. If you are passing through the park, you cannot use this road in winter anyway.

Wawona Road (Highway 41) stays open year-round but can have temporary closures during and when ready after heavy snow. These closures usually last a few hours to a day. Wawona Road is the main north-south route and connects Yosemite Valley to the park's south entrance near Fresno.

Valley Loop Road inside Yosemite Valley stays open year-round, though sections may close temporarily during storms. During summer, the park operates a mandatory shuttle system, and private vehicles are not permitted on all sections of the loop.

Entrance fees and payment methods

The entrance fee is $35 per vehicle (up to seven days) or $80 for an annual pass. Motorcycles are $30, and individuals entering on foot or bicycle are $20. You pay the fee at the entrance station when you arrive — there is no way to pay in advance or to bypass the fee if you are only driving through.

The park accepts cash, credit cards, and debit cards at all entrance stations. Some stations have limited hours, particularly at the south entrance (Wawona) and east entrance (Tioga Pass). If you arrive outside staffed hours, you may be able to pay at an automated kiosk, but this varies by location. Check the park's website for current entrance station hours before you visit.

An America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80) covers entrance to all U.S. National Parks for one year and is worth considering if you plan to visit multiple parks. You can purchase it at any entrance station or online through the National Park Service website.

Summer traffic, parking, and entry closures

From July through August, Yosemite Valley fills to capacity by mid-morning on most days. When the park reaches capacity, the National Park Service closes the park to new vehicle entries. This means you cannot enter, even if you have already paid your fee. The closure typically lasts until late afternoon or early evening when visitors leave.

If you are driving through the park during peak season, arrive before 9 a.m. to avoid the risk of being turned away. Alternatively, enter through the less-crowded south entrance (Wawona) or plan your trip for September through June, when traffic is lighter.

Parking in Yosemite Valley is extremely limited. If you stop to visit viewpoints or hike, expect to spend 15 to 45 minutes searching for a space, particularly in summer. The park operates a free shuttle system within the valley, and using it is often faster than driving and parking yourself.

Vehicle size restrictions and oversized vehicle routing

Vehicles longer than 40 feet are not permitted on any park road. Vehicles between 35 and 40 feet must follow a specific route: enter through the south entrance (Wawona), stay on Highway 41 north to Yosemite Valley, and exit the same way. Do not attempt to use Tioga Pass Road or any other route if your vehicle is over 35 feet.

Trailers longer than 24 feet are not permitted on Glacier Point Road or on the narrow sections of Tioga Pass Road. If you are towing a trailer, confirm its length and check the park's website for current restrictions before you enter.

Oversized vehicle permits are not required, but the park does enforce these restrictions. Attempting to drive an oversized vehicle on a restricted road can result in a citation and being ordered to leave the park when ready.

How to check road conditions before you go

The National Park Service updates road conditions daily on the official Yosemite website at nps.gov/yosemite. The site lists which roads are open, which are closed, and any temporary delays due to weather or maintenance. You can also call the park's main information line at (209) 372-0200 for current conditions.

For Tioga Pass Road specifically, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) also posts updates at quickmap.dot.ca.gov. Caltrans updates are often more frequent than the National Park Service updates, particularly during winter storms.

If you are planning to cross Tioga Pass in winter, check conditions the day before you travel and again the morning of your trip. Road conditions can change rapidly, and a road that was open at dawn can close by noon.

What to bring and prepare for before driving through

Carry a full tank of gas. There is one gas station inside the park (at Tuolumne Meadows, near Tioga Pass), and it has limited hours and may be closed in winter. Gas outside the park is significantly more expensive than in nearby towns. Fill up before you enter.

Bring water, snacks, and a phone charger. Cell service is spotty throughout the park, and you may lose signal for long stretches, particularly on Tioga Pass Road. read offline maps on your phone before you enter.

In winter, carry chains or a traction device. California law requires that vehicles crossing mountain passes carry chains or have four-wheel drive with winter tires. Even if you have four-wheel drive, the park may require you to install chains during heavy snow. Chains are available to rent or purchase at park entrance stations, but supplies run out during storms.

Bring sunscreen and a hat. The high elevation (Tioga Pass is at 9,945 feet) means stronger sun exposure and faster dehydration. Even on cool days, sunburn happens quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive through Yosemite without stopping?

Yes, but you still pay the full $35 entrance fee. The park does not offer a reduced rate for drive-through traffic. If you are only passing through and not stopping to hike or visit viewpoints, you can drive straight through without paying extra, but you cannot avoid the entrance fee.

How long does it take to drive through Yosemite?

Tioga Pass Road takes about two to three hours to cross the park from east to west, depending on traffic and weather. Wawona Road takes about one to two hours from the south entrance to Yosemite Valley. In summer, add 30 to 60 minutes for traffic delays and potential entry closures.

What happens if Tioga Pass Road is closed when I arrive?

You cannot cross the park. You must exit the way you entered or take a long detour around the Sierra Nevada. There is no alternative east-west route through the park. If you are traveling from the east side, you can exit through the south entrance and drive around the park via Highway 99 and Highway 41, but this adds four to five hours to your trip.

Do I need a reservation to drive through the park?

No. Reservations are required only if you want to camp in the park or stay in park lodging. Day-use visitors and people driving through do not need a reservation, but you do need to pay the entrance fee and may be turned away if the park reaches capacity during peak summer days.

Can I use my National Parks Pass to enter Yosemite?

Yes. The America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80) covers entrance to Yosemite and all other U.S. National Parks for one year. If you have an annual pass, show it at the entrance station instead of paying the $35 day-use fee.