Major Entrance to Yosemite National Park Closed Indefinitely Due to Rockslide

A major rockslide has forced a long-term closure of Highway 140, one of the primary routes into Yosemite National Park, Caltrans officials announced this week. The slide occurred late Monday night near Briceburg in Mariposa County, completely blocking both directions of the roadway.

Caltrans has issued a closure of Highway 140 from Savage Trading Post in Briceburg to Yosemite Cedar Lodge in Incline. Crews have used drones to survey the damage, and further evaluations will continue throughout the week. Contractors cannot begin clearing debris until these surveys are complete, leaving officials unable to estimate when the road might reopen.

Visitors planning trips to Yosemite should use alternative routes: either Highway 41 or Highway 120. Both roads remain open and accessible.

The closure comes as Yosemite prepares for increased spring visitation, complicating travel plans for many tourists and locals. Visitors are advised to check road conditions frequently and allow extra travel time to reach the park.