Before you drive to China Peak: live Caltrans chain controls on SR-168, weather alerts, and the preferred parking and RV rules.
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China Peak parking rules (full text)
- Reservations
- No day-parking reservations. Preferred permits sold online (season) or $30/day cash, limited, first come first served.
- Fee
- Preferred Parking: $300 season permit; $30/car/day cash. Valid weekends & holidays in the two lower front lots; permits required until 11am; must be displayed. Starts when Chair 1 opens or Dec 19, 2026, whichever first.
- Holidays
- 12/19/26–12/31/26, 1/1/27–1/3/27, 1/15/27–1/18/27, 2/12/27–2/15/27 (subject to change).
- Lots
- Two lower front lots (preferred); East Lot #1 and East Lot #2. Lots fill during peak morning and afternoon skier hours.
- RVs
- 5 winter RV spaces (East Lot #2), reservation required: $77/night ($86 holiday) + 2% resort fee; 2-night weekend min, 3-night holiday min; 20-amp hookup; no dump or showers. No RV entry 7:30am–5:30pm weekends/holidays; midweek arrive 8am–5pm; check in at the Inn. Reserve: smarthotelsoftware.com/WebRes/ChinaPeak or 559-233-1200.
- Overnight
- Only via reserved RV spaces (lots must be cleared after major snowfall). General overnight policy not stated.
Source: Preferred Parking | China Peak. Always follow the resort’s posted rules.
Getting there
Typical drive: 1 hr 30 from Fresno, 4 hr from the Bay Area, 4 hr 30 from Los Angeles. Check the Road and Chains lights before you leave.
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