Posted by Reno DiTullio on October 1, 2013 at 4:34 PM
Does anyone know if Hwy 120 through Yosemite is open; the Yosemite Nat'l Pk wedsite is down due to lack of budget.
I checked the Cal Trans site and they say the road is open now since the fire closure. I don't think the Nat'l Park can keep people off Hwy 120 going through the park to Hwy 395, but ya never know.
I talked to a guy in Lee Vining canyon that went through this morning without issue (Tuesday).
Posted by Debbie Yarra on October 2, 2013 at 12:45 AM
Any major hwy through a national park will remain open, but if you stop to take a hike in the park you may get a ticket. Tioga pass/120 is open, until it closes for the season.
Posted by Lon Overacker on October 2, 2013 at 12:55 AM
It's my understanding that "commercial" traffic through National Parks will continue - in other words, if it's a "thru" road it will remain open, just likeprivate drilling and other operations will continue on NP lands. But as Debbie mentions, other than "thru" traffic will likely be cited.
I don't care who's side you're on, these bozos need to work it out.
But to answer your question Reno, I believe 120 should be open because there is commercial and private interest served by keeping that route open.
Lon
Posted by Reno DiTullio on October 2, 2013 at 1:06 AM
Thank you all for the input, I figured the road had to stay open, but...
From our local news in Tuolumne county dated, 10/1. I hope this allays your concern, Reno.
"Facilities in Yosemite National Park are closed due to the government shutdown, but the Highways remain open.
"Things like restrooms and visitors centers are closed, but all of the major roads like Highway 120, Highway 41, and Highway 140 will remain open as through roads," says Yosemite Spokesperson Scott Gediman. "People will be able to drive from point A to point B, but we are asking that people don't stop, no hiking, and that type of thing."
Yosemite Rangers will stop vehicles that try to go to places like Yosemite Village and other popular areas. Many Yosemite workers are going on furlough effective this afternoon. Gediman says law enforcement, emergency services and firefighting efforts will continue in the park."
I went through Yosemite National Park on my way to Bishop last Friday (10/4) night. Didn't encounter a single person or vehicle for the entire section, starting from the portion where 120 leaves 108 all the way to the Mobil gas station near 395. However, the animals seemed to be out and about. I was lucky to spot a young fox, some deer and even a bear.
Discussion
6 repliesI checked the Cal Trans site and they say the road is open now since the fire closure. I don't think the Nat'l Park can keep people off Hwy 120 going through the park to Hwy 395, but ya never know.
I don't care who's side you're on, these bozos need to work it out.
But to answer your question Reno, I believe 120 should be open because there is commercial and private interest served by keeping that route open.
Lon
"Facilities in Yosemite National Park are closed due to the government shutdown, but the Highways remain open.
"Things like restrooms and visitors centers are closed, but all of the major roads like Highway 120, Highway 41, and Highway 140 will remain open as through roads," says Yosemite Spokesperson Scott Gediman. "People will be able to drive from point A to point B, but we are asking that people don't stop, no hiking, and that type of thing."
Yosemite Rangers will stop vehicles that try to go to places like Yosemite Village and other popular areas. Many Yosemite workers are going on furlough effective this afternoon. Gediman says law enforcement, emergency services and firefighting efforts will continue in the park."
--P