Yosemite Valley route to reopen

The roads leading from Yosemite National Park’s Big Oak Flat gateway to Yosemite Valley will reopen today, park officials said.

Big Oak Flat Road, from Crane Flat to the El Portal Road, will reopen at 5 p.m.
 

 Big Oak Flat Road has been closed since Aug. 26, due to the Big Meadow Fire.

“Working under difficult conditions, the fire crews demonstrated ingenuity, determination, and painstaking attention to safety in finishing the task of making the Big Oak Flat Road through Yosemite National Park safe again for travelers,” stated Interim Park Superintendent Dave Uberuaga.

Smoke and smoldering vegetation mean drivers should still be cautious while driving through the area, park officials said. Burns areas along the road remain off-limits to visitors.

Tamarack and Crane campgrounds are closed. The Old Big Oak Flat, Rockslides and Tamarack Creek trails to El Capitan also remain closed.    

On Sunday morning park officials reopened Highway 120, leading to Tioga Pass, through the park.