The Essential Guide to Yosemite's Seasonal Road Closures (Tioga and Glacier Point)

November 03, 2025
Category: Yosemite's Seasonal Road Closures

You've booked your trip outside of the summer rush—smart move. But now the calendar is creeping towards late fall or early spring, and you’re starting to see a scary term pop up in your planning: Yosemite road closures.

Let’s be honest: Nothing throws a wrench in a dream vacation faster than arriving at a park entrance only to find your planned route is gated shut.

The good news? Yosemite National Park itself is open year-round. The key is understanding which roads close and how that impacts your itinerary.

As the closest modern lodge to the West Gate, we’ve seen countless visitors arrive confused. This is your definitive, no-fluff guide to the seasonal closures you absolutely need to know about to ensure a smooth, rewarding trip.

The Big Two: Tioga Road vs. Glacier Point Road

When planning a trip in the shoulder or winter season, you only need to focus on two major closures. The biggest takeaway? These closures are determined by snow, not a set date.

1. Tioga Road (Highway 120)

This is the road that runs right past the Yosemite Westgate Lodge.

  • What It Is: The eastern continuation of Highway 120, running 59 miles across the high country to the Tioga Pass Entrance Station. It provides access to magnificent areas like Tuolumne Meadows and Tenaya Lake.
     
  • Why It Closes: The high elevation (nearly 10,000 feet) makes it impassable after the first significant, permanent snows.
     
  • The Critical Date: The Tioga Road closing date typically falls sometime in November.
    • Historically, the median closing date is around November 3rd.
    • Opening usually occurs in late May or early June. The plowing effort begins around April 15th, and it takes serious work!

The West Gate Myth Buster:

Does the Tioga Road closure affect my access to the Yosemite Westgate Lodge? Absolutely not. Highway 120 remains open up to the Yosemite West Entrance (Big Oak Flat) year-round. The closure begins at Crane Flat inside the park, so you can always drive to us and the main Valley viewpoints.

2. Glacier Point Road

Home to one of the most iconic views of Half Dome and Yosemite Valley.

  • What It Is: A 16-mile spur road off Wawona Road (Highway 41) that leads directly to the stunning Glacier Point viewpoint.
     
  • Why It Closes: Like Tioga, it’s at a high elevation.
     
  • The Critical Date: The Glacier Point Road closing date is generally around the same time as Tioga Road, usually sometime in November, following the first major storm.
    • Partial Access: The first five miles of Glacier Point Road usually remain open for winter recreation, serving the Badger Pass Ski Area.
    • Reopening typically happens earlier than Tioga Road, generally sometime in May.

Essential Yosemite Winter Driving Tips

Even when roads are open, winter travel demands preparation. In the mountains, you must be ready for chain controls.

It is Federal law: You must carry tire chains in your vehicle between November and March (and sometimes as early as September or as late as May) when entering a chain control area, regardless of weather forecasts.

You’ll see signs that use codes to indicate the current Yosemite chain requirements:

Code Meaning Who Must Put Chains On?
R1 Least Restrictive All vehicles, except passenger vehicles with snow tires. (You must still carry them.)
R2 More Restrictive All vehicles, except 4-wheel/All-wheel drive vehicles with snow tires. (You must still carry them.)
R3 Most Restrictive ALL vehicles—no exceptions. (Roads are often closed before R3 is enforced.)


A Pro Tip from Our Lodge:

If you own an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicle with M+S (Mud and Snow) rated tires, you will generally be okay up to R2 conditions. But again, you must carry the chains. It’s better to have them and not need them!

Your Action Plan for Trip Logistics

You're in the decision phase. Here is how to use this information to finalize your Yosemite road closures plan:

1. Book Your Stay: Because we are located on the main year-round access route (Hwy 120/Big Oak Flat), the Yosemite Westgate Lodge is always accessible.

Book Your Stay with us for Peace of Mind!

2. Check Current Status: NEVER rely on historical averages. Always check the official NPS resources 24-48 hours before you depart:

3. Prepare Your Vehicle: If traveling between November and May, buy or rent chains and practice putting them on before you leave home.

Don't let road closures cause stress. Understand the system, prepare your vehicle, and focus on the incredible, tranquil beauty Yosemite's shoulder seasons offer.

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