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Community Information

Highway 41 to Yosemite One of the most scenic routes to the grandeurs of Yosemite from much of the Golden State, it also offers the most spectacular view of Yosemite Valley. Highway 41 climbs gently through oak studded foothills and cattle grazing lands since the arrival of the first settlers over a century and a half ago. Oakhurst is the southern terminus of California’s Historic Golden Chain Highway 49, whose numeric designation recalls the days of the 49er Gold Rush. Scenic vistas are enjoyed during a leisurely climb to the 6,000 foot high Chinquapin where the road to Badger Pass and Glacier Point takes off. As you reach the end of the tunnel, drive slowly so you can pull into the parking area and enjoy the magnificent, world famous view of Yosemite Valley. Sierra Vista Scenic Byway The Sierra Vista Scenic Byway located in the Sierra National Forest is a designated member of the National Scenic Byway System. The entire route, meandering through National Forest from North Fork to the exit point on Highway 41 past Nelder Grove, takes approximately 5 hours without stops. The Byway is a seasonal route; forest roads are blocked by snow during the winter. The US Forest Service does not plow or maintain roads during winter months. The Byway is generally open from June through October. Please call 559-877-2218 ext. 0 or visit fs.usda.gov/sierra to check road conditions, regardless of the time of year. There are a number of features outlined along the route. Descriptions start at the North Fork Ranger Station and proceed up the Minarets Road, then south to Cold Springs Summit where the traveler has a choice of continuing the Scenic Byway on through to Fresno Dome and Nelder Grove, ending on Highway 41, or proceeding on down Beasore Road to Bass Lake. Visit our website: sierravistascenicbyway.com .

Pack It In - Pack It Out This is the motto of the US Forest Service in reminding National Forest campers and backpackers that any waste materials that cannot be disposed of by burning in campfire rings must be packed out of the high country and taken home.

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