Major Rockslide Closes Highway 140 to Yosemite: What Visitors Need to Know
A major rockslide has indefinitely closed a portion of Highway 140 (SR-140), one of the main year-round access routes to Yosemite National Park. The slide occurred between Midpines and El Portal, blocking the highway in both directions and cutting off access to the park’s Arch Rock Entrance. If you were planning a trip to Yosemite using this route in the near future, you’ll need to adjust your travel plans. Here’s everything you need to know, including alternative routes, where to stay, and how to navigate this closure.
Massive rockslide closes Highway 140 west of Yosemite (photo courtesy of Caltrans District 10)
What Happened?
A large rockslide, triggered by wet weather on the night of March 17, 2025, has rendered a section of SR-140 impassable. This stretch of road is well known for past slides, and cleanup efforts can take time, as crews must assess the hillside for more potential mudslides, remove the debris and stabilize the hillside before reopening the highway. At this time, there is no estimated reopening date.
Crews assess the rockslide along Highway 140 west of Yosemite (photo courtesy of Caltrans District 10)
How to Get to Yosemite Now
With SR-140 closed, visitors will need to use alternative entrances to reach Yosemite National Park:
Highway 41 (South Entrance via Oakhurst & Fish Camp): This is the best option if you’re coming from Fresno or Southern California. It brings you into the park near Wawona and the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. Although tire chains can be needed on Highway 41 in the winter months, this is the most reliable entrance in terms of remaining open…closures due to rockslides along this road are quite rare.
Highway 120 (Big Oak Flat Entrance via Groveland): Ideal for travelers from the Bay Area or Sacramento, this route takes you into the park near Crane Flat and provides direct access to Yosemite Valley. Big Oak Flat Road, however, is prone to rockfalls in the rainy months, and it often requires tire chains and/or snow tires in the winter.
Highway 120 (Tioga Pass Entrance – Seasonal): This entrance, which connects to Yosemite via Lee Vining on the east side of the Sierra, remains closed for winter and typically reopens in late May or June.
If you were planning to stay in El Portal or along SR-140 (such as Yosemite View Lodge or Cedar Lodge), you’ll either need to adjust your lodging arrangements or access your hotel by traveling through the park from a different entrance. Below are some alternative lodging recommendations in Groveland and Oakhurst/Fish Camp.
Firefall Ranch private cottage in Groveland, CA
Where to Stay in Groveland
If you’re entering Yosemite via Highway 120, Groveland is a great base with historic hotels, cozy lodges, and cabin rentals. Here are some top picks:
The Groveland Hotel: A charming boutique hotel with a rich Gold Rush history and modern comforts.
Firefall Ranch: A luxury resort with private cottages and villas, as well as on-site dining and activities.
Rush Creek Lodge: A fantastic resort-style lodge just outside the park entrance, featuring a spa, dining, and family-friendly amenities.
Evergreen Lodge: A full-service resort offering cozy cabins, guided tours, and a relaxing atmosphere near Hetch Hetchy.
Tenaya at Yosemite entrance in Fish Camp, CA near Yosemite’s South Entrance
Where to Stay in Oakhurst & Fish Camp
If you’re taking Highway 41 into Yosemite, consider staying in Oakhurst or Fish Camp. Here are some excellent options:
Tenaya at Yosemite: A luxury lodge in Fish Camp, just minutes from the park’s South Entrance, offering cabins and hotel-style rooms.
The Inelle: A stylish boutique hotel in Oakhurst that blends modern comfort with rustic charm.
Best Western Yosemite Gateway Inn: A reliable and comfortable choice with a scenic setting, indoor and outdoor pools, and an on-site restaurant.
Chateau du Sureau: A five-star luxury resort offering an elegant European-inspired experience with fine dining and a world-class spa.
Valley View in Yosemite National Park
How Yosemite Wins Can Help You Plan
This unexpected closure has disrupted many travel plans, but that doesn’t mean you have to cancel your Yosemite adventure. Yosemite Wins offers customized itineraries to help you navigate these changes seamlessly. Our itinerary options include:
Pre-Made Itineraries: We provide downloadable multi-day itineraries (perfect for printing out or referencing on your mobile device) that cover everything you need to know for a self-guided adventure, including:
Recommended trails, viewpoints, and must-see stops.
Hour-by-hour schedule with Google and Apple Map pin locations of each location.
Detailed hiking descriptions, including distance and elevation change, with tips on navigating the terrain.
Suggested timing for optimal lighting, fewer crowds, and best photo opportunities.
Links to photos so you know what to expect before you arrive.
Customized Itineraries: Yosemite Wins specializes in providing customized itineraries and expert advice to help travelers explore Yosemite National Park. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time visitor, our itineraries are packed with insider tips, route details, and recommendations tailored to your interests. We understand the park inside and out, with over a decade of experience exploring Yosemite. Think of us as your virtual guide—without the need to join a group tour or follow someone else’s schedule.
With road closures and changing conditions, expert guidance is more valuable than ever. Let Yosemite Wins help you make the most of your trip, no matter the obstacles.
Road crews along Big Oak Flat Road in Yosemite National Park
Stay Updated
Since there is no estimated reopening date for SR-140, be sure to check current road conditions before heading to Yosemite. Use these resources for real-time updates:
Caltrans Road Conditions: For road conditions outside the park, visit the official Caltrans website.
Yosemite National Park Updates: Always check the official Yosemite NPS website for the most up-to-date road conditions, and call (209) 372-0200 (press 1, then 1) for the latest tire chain requirements.
We’ll continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as new information becomes available. In the meantime, plan ahead, take an alternate route, and enjoy your Yosemite adventure!
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