A massive rock slide has closed a critical access point into Yosemite National Park and forced many of its travelers to scramble for alternative routes to the park. This rock slide that occurred on March 19, 2025, blocked a section of Highway 140, which is one of the principal entryways into the park. Authorities are currently assessing the damage, and the timeline of when the road could be safely opened to the public is being established.
Extent of the Rockslide
According to the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the National Park Service (NPS), high boulders and debris fell down on Highway 140 naughty El Portal, a popular access for Yosemite visitors. Luckily no injuries and damage to any vehicle.
The initial estimates say that cleanup would take several days, even as no timeline has been given by officials for the reopening of the road. Geologists and engineers are on-site checking if other rockfalls are dangerous for travelers.
Alternate Routes for Yosemite Visitors
Highway 140 is closed temporarily, so visitors will have to take alternate routes to reach Yosemite National Park.
- Highway 41 (Wawona Road) is open at present for entry into the park. It can be accessed by traveling from Fresno further picturesque drive into Yosemite.
- Highway 120 (Big Oak Flat Road) is recommended for all travelers from the Bay Area or Central California, as it connects to Highway 120 through Groveland.
- Tioga Pass (Highway 120 East) will not be open during the winter and early spring due to snow, so travelers should check on the conditions before trying this access point.
Park officials are advising visitors to plan ahead and allow sufficient extra travel time to account for possible detours and increased traffic on other routes.
Damage to Tourism in Yosemite and Businesses Located Inside the Park
Highway 140 literally transformed itself from the All-Season Highway to one of the major woes for residents and visitors, who rely on local businesses that are dependent on Yosemite tourism. It is a route often favored by many because it is a lower-elevation, more winter- and early-spring-accessible route than those located at other entrances to the park.
Mariposa and El Portal, along with other base camps that offer accommodations and dining services to visitors within the park, will experience a slow season until the reopening of the highway. Still, they have entry points made and keep Yosemite generally open to visitors.
Safety Concerns and Adverse Weather Conditions
Authorities, therefore, make warnings about earlier storms and varying temperatures that may have caused rocks to shift in terms of stability regarding the possibility of more slides. Travelers are advised to:
- Check for road updates before heading to the park via the Caltrans QuickMap website or the National Park Service’s Yosemite Road Conditions page.
- Expect some delays when using alternative routes, especially during peak times.
- Follow detour signs and official guidance to ensure the safest travels.
As rockslides are common in this area, the officials are doing their best to clear up the debris and restore Highway 140 as quickly as possible. Travelers having plans to travel through Ontmoeten—a road close to the northwestern parks in Michigan-can now enjoy a great ecosystem site.
