Can I get to Yosemite with the Fire?
A reader writes in: “Is it possible for tourists to reach Yosemite View Lodge? We are looking for more infos about the fire situation…It’s not advisable for tourists to reach Yosemite?”
You can still get to Yosemite View Lodge. You’ll need to take 41 (from Fresno or Mariposa via Oakhurst) or 120 (from San Francisco via Big Oak Flat) into the park instead of 140 then turn right at the stop sign where the Big Oak Flat Road meets 140 and drive to the lodge. You will have to go back out through the park using either 120 or 41. Highway 140 is closed but it’s a long way from the park boundary. There’s smoke in Yosemite Valley but the high country and Tuolumne Meadows is still beautifully clear. Go ahead and come on up.
For over 30 years now I've enjoyed hiking, backpacking, fishing, photographing and exploring Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. 
July 29th, 2008 05:58
I hope the park fares well during the fires. I’ll be there in September.
July 29th, 2008 08:21
It is very serious situation…
Halfdome trail is still open??
We plan to go this weekend..
July 30th, 2008 01:38
noi4 we are demoralized very demoralized. our arrival in the united states it is anticipated for August 5.
on August 8 we will reach el portal in the cedar lodge.
are there improvements?
mauro
from turin
italy
July 30th, 2008 14:11
Hi Lloyd
your posting re tuolumne is encouraging because we’re planning to backpack this sat-tues from tenaya to clouds rest, down forsyth to sunrise creek then up to sunrise lakes and back. do you think we’ll still get decent views from clouds rest? no guarantees I know!
and will air quality be OK for 50 year olds exerting themselves?!
is this a good choice of route/trail?
Thks David
July 30th, 2008 15:30
URGENT! HELPFUL INFO!
For those who find themselves in a smoke-filled environment such as this, DO make use of a NIOSH-certified N95 face mask, available inexpensively at most drug stores.
The standard dust masks that most of us use for weed-whacking or woodworking are not made to filter out the microscopic particulate matter found in smoke that can be VERY harmful - especially if you already have lung or respiratory problems.
I always carry a number of these masks for my wife and me when travelling in fire-prone areas of California.