The Highway 120 corridor is the most direct route to iconic Yosemite National Park from the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California. Not only does it provide convenient passage to the park, it also offers something for everyone in your party, from the history buff to the outdoor adventurer, to do along the way.

In the town of Groveland, the Groveland Yosemite Gateway Museum provides a vast look at the natural and cultural history of the area. Whitewater rafting with one of several renowned outfitters on the Wild and Scenic Tuolumne River is an adventure like no other. Horseback riding, golf, off-roading, and hiking and more fill up days easily. Plentiful lodging options and campgrounds and RV parks provide for a restful night’s sleep near Yosemite.

It is important to travel responsibly anytime you're in the outdoors, but especially so during a government shutdown. Know the status and conditions before you go, and please help keep our public lands pristine.

YOSEMITE:

Yosemite National Park is OPEN during the government shutdown! However, park staff will be limited, so services like visitor centers, ranger stations, restrooms, and trash collection may not be available. Essential staff, including law enforcement and first responders are still working in the park. 

Within Yosemite National Park, the park’s concessionaire, Yosemite Hospitality, continues to operate in-park lodging, shuttles, dining, shops, and booked activities.

STANISLAUS NATIONAL FOREST:

Most sites, trails, and roads on the Stanislaus National Forest are OPEN. Restrooms may be locked and ranger stations/information front desks are not available. (Note that some facilities have already closed for the season.)

WE KINDLY ASK YOU TO PLEASE ADVENTURE RESPONSIBLY:

1.  First and foremost, be on your best behavior and set an example. All rules and regulation still apply on public lands during a government shutdown, and violators will be cited. 

2. Tuolumne County is Too Cool to Trash, so bring your own trash bags to collect your trash, recycling, other items you  may have brought with you and bring it back home to dispose of properly. Trash may not be collected during the government shutdown, leaving garbage and recycling receptacles to overflow, which is dangerous for wildlife and is also just not appropriate in our beautiful landscapes. Please help and not dispose of trash in overflowing trash bins.

3. Have a bathroom plan. Most restrooms will most likely be locked, so go before you get to the federal public space that you're traveling to. If you must go while you're in the outdoors use "catholes" and bury your human waste. Pack out your TP in a  trash bag.

4. Respect wildlife. With less people around, wildlife feel more comfortable to roam. Please observe wildlife you may encounter from a distance and never feed them.

5. Be safe! Although first responders are still working, there may not be as many available to assist and it may take longer to reach you if needed.

6. Take some time to explore the gateway communities. The small business owners and their employees depend on public lands being open, so supporting these businesses will help them through this difficult time. Plus, as they are state parks, Railtown 1897 and Columbia State Historic Parks are open as usual!

Take a few minutes to learn more about the seven Leave No Trace Principles.

Over half of Yosemite National Park is in Tuolumne County--it’s the  least crowded half too. Walk in the splendor of ancient giant sequoias  in the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias, which is located just off of Highway 120 East (also known as the Tioga Road) and accessible year-round. Or, travel a bit further during the  summer months and catch your breath in the astounding scenery of Tuolumne Meadows. At Hetch Hetchy Reservoir,  visitors find the expansive deep blue lake, that is the water source  for many San Francisco-area residents, surrounded by granite peaks. Also, an uncrowded trail follows the edge of the reservoir to waterfalls that are comparable in beauty to more famous falls in Yosemite Valley.

Other highlights of the park include Yosemite Valley with its iconic cliffs like Half Dome and El Capitan and towering waterfalls,  Wawona’s Pioneer Yosemite History Center and Glacier Point with spectacular view of Yosemite Valley and the high country in the spring through fall.