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Rim Fire Causing Detours To Yosemite National Park, Not Deterring Visitors

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK (CBS13) - Those planning a trip to Yosemite National Park will have to deal with a major detour with Highway 120 being closed due to the raging Rim Fire; but that doesn't seem to be stopping some local visitors.

"It won't stop us from enjoying our trip," said Salvador Alejandre, who is headed to the park.

There have been few changes to the park, except the closure of Highway 120 a few days ago. It's the easiest way to get to Yosemite from the Sacramento area, but Alejandre says he has a plan.

"There's many other avenues to get there. Highway 120 is just one way," he said.

Park Ranger Kari Cobb says the other route just means a little longer on the road.

"You need to come down Highway 140; it adds about 20 to 30 minutes to the drive," she said.

The only road closed inside Yosemite is Hedge Hetchy Road.

"Several days ago we closed it, asked people to vacate -- including park personnel -- as a precaution," said Cobb.

Campfires are still allowed and so far only one campsite is closed as a precaution. Cobb says people with reservations in that site have been notified and says they still have 12 campsites open to accommodate them.

"We are still serving full campsites," she said. "No cancellations, so people are still coming."

University of the Pacific had to cancel some of its freshman orientation because of the Rim Fire. The freshmen were supposed to go camping Friday.

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