Crane Flat Snow Play

Yosemite National Park

Crane Flat snow play area, Yosemite National Park, California
Crane Flat snow play area, Yosemite National Park, California

Crane Flat Snow Play

Yosemite National Park






Modesto -
  100 miles
Fresno -
  103 miles
Stockton -
  105 miles

Crane Flat Snow Play

Crane Flat Snow Play area in Yosemite National Park is off Highway 120 at the Crane Flat Campground turnoff. While the campground is closed, many of the roads are plowed to allow visitors access to the area for snow play.

children snow sledding

Sledding hills are sought out among the trees, while at the lower end of the snow play area are open meadows perfect for building snowmen and enjoying a playful snowball fight. Access may depend on snow levels.

Portable restrooms are brought in and stationed along the access road. Other restrooms are available nearby at the year-round gas station at the junction of Tioga Road. More restrooms are found just up Tioga Road at the Tuolumne Grove Trailhead. Beyond the trailhead, Tioga Road is closed in winter.


Elevation

6,200 feet

Directions

From Yosemite Valley drive north on the Big Oak Flat Road (which becomes Highway 120) and watch for the turnoff to Crane Flat just beyond the Tioga Road junction.


Things to Know

  1. Please avoid walking on cross-country ski trails in the area.
  2. Crane Flat is not a developed snow play area.
  3. Bringing along a snow shovel to craft your own sledding runs might be a good idea.
  4. Yosemite National Park requires that all vehicles (including 4-wheel drive) carry chains whenever chain control may be in effect.

Nearby Services

  • Gas is available nearby at the station at the junction of Tioga Road. There are no gas stations in Yosemite Valley.
  • Food, lodging and other services are available in Yosemite Valley, 16 miles down the Big Oak Flat Road.



Other Snow Play Choices

Crane Flat is the only designated Snow Play area within Yosemite National Park. To the south along Highway 41, just outside the park gate, is Goat Meadow Snow Play Area. No sledding (saucers, etc.) is allowed at the former Badger Pass Ski Area, now called Yosemite Ski and Snowboard Area.


Crane Flat Contact Information


Current Conditions and Weather Forecast

Snow Phone: 209.372.1000




Snow Apparel Shops Along the Road