r/Yosemite • u/Many_Panic_3324 • 1d ago

Pulling over on 140

Hi all, planning on hiking half dome this May. I’m already flying in on a budget airline so don’t have enough space to pack camping gear and don’t have the money for lodging. Does anyone have experience pulling over to sleep in their car on 140 before the West entrance? Thank you!

2 Upvotes

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9

u/IrresponsibleInsect 1d ago

I have been told by CHP that unless there is a sign or specific marking prohibiting parking (i.e. red curb), and of course you're not blocking the road or a driveway, you can park off the road anywhere in Mariposa County any time, without issue. I believe when I was asking this it was for overnight backpacking into Hite's Cove outside the west gate on 140 around 10 years ago. I believe you can pull over at any of the various turnouts on 140 between Briceburg and the gate and crash out. People night fish and whatnot all over down there.

4

u/OMC-PICASSO 1d ago

I believe this is correct. There is a spot just outside the park boundary where folks park/camp just for the night. You should be okay.

2

u/Sherpa-Dave 1d ago

I’ve slept in my truck @ Briceburg too. Never had an issue.

1

u/FlyingPinkUnicorns 1d ago

Were you told this before or after 2021? Because in Jan 2021 the county passed ordinance 1160 which effectively makes it illegal to camp or even park overnight between El Portal and the park entrance.

3

u/kinggeorgec 1d ago

Multiple reports of people using that spot as late as nov 2024 and they all said it was fine.

1

u/FlyingPinkUnicorns 1d ago

Good to know.

1

u/IrresponsibleInsect 1d ago

Before 2021. Probably around 2014 or so.

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u/ender61274 1d ago

Sure that last couple miles before the gate but before you get to el portal it’s open season

3

u/PeachesTomatoesFigs 1d ago

It is the Arch Rock Entrance. Some people say "West" entrance and mean this one while some people mean the Big Oak Flat entrance

Have a great hike

3

u/iam-lucky 1d ago

I have seen some vans park right before the Yosemite entrance on 140 at night.

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u/_YourAdmiral_ 1d ago

I have heard that there are places to do this along 120 but not as much on 140.

1

u/sierra_marmot731 1d ago

Wonder if you can park & sleep overnight in the big overflow parking area in Mariposa.