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Highway 120: Groveland to Crane Flat, Yosemite, California
Photo: King of Hearts · CC BY-SA 4.0 · cropped

Drives California The High Sierra

Highway 120: Groveland to Crane Flat

CA 120, Big Oak Flat Road · Groveland → Crane Flat

Sweeping29 mi40 min6,100 ft climbHigh point ≈ 6,000 ftOne way
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The drive

This is Highway 120 as it climbs from the Gold Country foothills into Yosemite. It starts in Groveland and heads east through oak and pine forest on the Big Oak Flat Road, gaining about 6,100 feet of climb over 28.7 miles, with a high point just over 6,000 feet.

The road is two lanes with steady bends. Partway along you pass through the Big Oak Flat entrance, where the park entrance fee is collected. Inside the park the road keeps climbing to Crane Flat, where this drive ends a little short of the junction so it doesn't repeat the Tioga Road.

The whole drive takes about 41 minutes. From Crane Flat, Yosemite Valley is about 30 minutes further on.

Along the way

  1. Groveland
  2. Crane Flat
Elevation
6,100 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 6,000 ft
GrovelandCrane Flat
Curves
Mostly moderate, with three twisty stretches
GrovelandCrane Flat
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • A park entrance fee applies at the Big Oak Flat entrance, and cash is not accepted.
  • Tire chains may be required on open park roads from around October through April, depending on conditions.
  • Gas is available at Crane Flat. It is not available in Yosemite Valley.
  • Fire-safety work has caused short weekday delays on the road between Foresta and Big Oak Flat, so allow some slack.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Yosemite National Park: road conditions.

Questions about this drive

How long does Highway 120 from Groveland to Crane Flat take?

Highway 120 from Groveland to Crane Flat is 28.7 miles and takes about 41 minutes. Stops and delays add to that.

Is there an entrance fee on Highway 120 into Yosemite?

Yes. The Big Oak Flat entrance collects the park fee, and a standard pass is valid for seven consecutive days.

Do you need chains on Highway 120 near Yosemite?

Chains may be required on open park roads from around October through April, depending on conditions. Check the park's conditions page before a winter trip.

Is Highway 120 twisty?

It has steady bends the whole way as it climbs from the foothills, with about 6,100 feet of climb. It's a two-lane mountain highway rather than a switchback road.

What you get in the app

Turn by turn, on this roadSpoken directions along the exact route. Carve never reroutes you onto a faster one.
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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Highway 120: Groveland to Crane Flat, from Groveland to Crane Flat