A breakdown on the mountain highways east of Fresno typically means a longer wait, a more expensive tow, and a real possibility that chain controls or a closure will slow the truck down. Cell coverage drops out in canyons, shoulders are narrow, and the nearest tow operator may be an hour or more away. Planning before you leave the valley floor does more good than anything you can do once you are stuck on a grade.
These routes lead to Yosemite, Kings Canyon, Sequoia, Shaver Lake and Huntington Lake, so they carry day-trippers who rarely drive in the mountains. The advice below is general; always check current conditions and official sources before you go.
The three main routes
| Highway | Where it goes | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| 41 | North through Oakhurst and Fish Camp toward Yosemite's south entrance | Winding foothill and mountain grades; popular with tourists; chain controls possible in winter storms |
| 168 | Northeast through Clovis and Prather to Shaver Lake and Huntington Lake | Steeper curves in the upper stretches; chain controls possible in winter storms |
| 180 | East from Fresno through the foothills toward Grant Grove and Kings Canyon National Park | Long climbs; the upper stretch into Kings Canyon is seasonally closed in winter, so check before you go |
The freeway portions near Fresno and Clovis are the same ones covered by the Freeway Service Patrol on weekdays, as described in the highway breakdown guide. Beyond them you are on conventional two-lane mountain highway, where help comes from roadside plans, commercial tow operators and, in parks, rangers.
Why mountain breakdowns are different
- Distance to help. There are fewer tow operators in the foothills, and a truck may need to drive a long way just to reach you. Some operators bill from the point their truck starts, not from where you are, so ask where the charges begin.
- Grades and heat. Long climbs strain cooling systems, especially in summer. Long descents overheat brakes. Using a lower gear on the way down, rather than riding the brakes, helps.
- Weather. Snow and ice can arrive quickly at higher elevations, and heavy rain can bring rocks onto the road.
- Narrow shoulders and blind curves. It's harder to pull off safely, and it is harder for a tow truck to load a car at the edge of a curve.
- Weak or no phone signal. Download maps beforehand, and tell someone your route and expected return time.
- Fire season. Wildfire smoke and temporary closures can change routes with little notice.
How chain controls work
When snow arrives, Caltrans and the California Highway Patrol post chain control signs. The signs spell out what is required at that moment, and they override any general summary. As a rough guide, the common levels work like this:
| Level | General idea |
|---|---|
| R-1 | Chains, traction devices or snow tires required on the drive axle; four-wheel and all-wheel-drive vehicles exempt |
| R-2 | Chains or traction devices required, with an exception for four-wheel or all-wheel-drive vehicles that have snow-tread tires on all four wheels and carry traction devices |
| R-3 | Chains or traction devices required on all vehicles, no exceptions; roads are often closed before this level |
Check the Caltrans QuickMap for current chain controls, closures and incidents before you go and while you drive. If you do not own chains that fit your tires, buy them in advance and practice putting them on in a dry driveway. The first time should not be in a blizzard.
Chain controls also affect tow trucks. A driver may need to chain up before reaching you, and a closure can leave a truck waiting on the wrong side of a gate. Build in extra time, and start the trip with enough fuel to run the heater for a long wait.
What to carry on a mountain trip
- Chains sized to your tires, gloves, and a small tarp or mat.
- A full tank of gas before you leave the valley floor, and a charged phone and a car charger.
- Water, snacks, blankets, a flashlight, and any needed medication.
- A basic first-aid kit, jumper pack, tire inflator and a physical map or offline maps.
- Your roadside plan's phone number and your policy information, saved offline.
If you break down in the mountains
- Pull as far off the road as you safely can, in a turnout if one is near, and turn on hazards.
- If you have signal, call 911 for emergencies and your plan or a tow company otherwise. If you have no signal, stay with the vehicle unless you know exactly where help is; a vehicle is easier to find than a person on foot.
- Give a precise location: highway number, nearest town and landmarks, or the mile marker.
- Inside a national park, rangers handle emergencies, and towing may be limited to approved operators, so ask park staff before calling around.
- Run the engine only briefly for heat, and keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow.
Cost and coverage
Mountain tows tend to be expensive because of the distance, the terrain, and the possibility of winching a vehicle that has slid off the road (see how recoveries work). Many roadside plans cap towing mileage, so a 60-mile haul from the foothills back to town may exceed a basic plan's limit. Read your plan's mileage allowance before you go, using the plan comparison as a guide. If the tow will end up long, the long-distance towing guide explains how those charges add up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need chains on the mountain highways in winter?
Only when the posted chain control requires them, but you should carry chains on winter trips because the requirement can appear during a storm. Check Caltrans QuickMap and obey the signs.
Why is a mountain tow so much more expensive?
Distance, terrain and limited operators all add to the cost. Some companies calculate charges from the point the truck starts, and winching a car off a slope is billed by the hour.
What should I do if I have no cell service?
Stay with the vehicle unless you know where help is, keep hazards on, and wait for a passing patrol or driver who can relay a message. Telling someone your route in advance gives them a basis to raise the alarm if you are late.
Will a tow truck come out during chain controls or a closure?
Tow operators do work during chain controls, but the driver may have to chain up first, so expect a longer wait. A full closure can keep a truck on the other side of the gate until the road reopens, so give your exact location and ask for a realistic arrival time.
Is Highway 180 open all year to Kings Canyon?
The upper stretch into Kings Canyon is closed seasonally in winter. Check Caltrans and the National Park Service for current status before you drive.