Your thoughts CA-120 from Bishop to Mateca-CA

From the chart, looks like the last time the snow pack was as low as it is now, the road opened on April 29th. So we could be only a few weeks away from it opening.

Based on what I'm reading on the Tioga pass site, would not surprise me to see it opening the first week in May, maybe even later this month.

Depends on the road damage found. Certainly won't be the snow.

See the falls soon this year, they won't run long.

Bigdog wrote:
Remember the long,long trailer? I think about whenever I think about a trip we took over Tioga pass when I was in HS in the late '50's. We stayed at the meadows and I did the peaks on both side of the pass and we did a ranger led family o'nite into Bloody Canyon.

That mountain pass from the Long Long Trailer is not far from Tioga. It wasn't actually a mountain pass though. It was the Whitney Portal road that goes up to the parking area for Mt. Whitney climbers.

Remember the long,long trailer? I think about whenever I think about a trip we took over Tioga pass when I was in HS in the late '50's. We stayed at the meadows and I did the peaks on both side of the pass and we did a ranger led family o'nite into Bloody Canyon.

Driving and towing in the mountains it's a good idea to turn off dash air, crank up the generator and run house air, especially if power is a problem or overheating. Sometimes you might have to unhook the toad and let co-pilot follow driving the toad.

For a mile by mile guideline you might want to pick up unline the "Mountain Directory for Truckers and RVers". I believe there's now a phone app for the book. This is a very valuable resource if you're traveling the western mountains. It's a beautiful drive with lots of curves and steepness. Just take your time and pull over to regroup when you have a chance and especially to let faster drivers pass. It's best to avoid on the weekends as it's very popular. Have a good trip!

BTPO1 wrote:
Beautiful drive. You do have to pay entrance fee to drive through the park. Coming down the west side of CA-120 is a slow drive as well with some switchbacks as I recall. I don't recall turnouts on the west side, but no one got mad at me for going so slow. Did use turnouts when I was able to. JMO

There are plenty of turnouts on the West side.

If at all possible, do not rush through the Tuolumne Meadows area along Tioga Pass Road -- spend at least several hours in the high country. World-class scenery -- this is taken atop Lembert Dome, a fairly easy hike just off the highway -- the light green area in the background is the Tuolumne Meadows area:

Beautiful drive. You do have to pay entrance fee to drive through the park. Coming down the west side of CA-120 is a slow drive as well with some switchbacks as I recall. I don't recall turnouts on the west side, but no one got mad at me for going so slow. Did use turnouts when I was able to. JMO

Yes, you didn't mention when you want to go. 120 closes for the winter through Yosemite. It's possible it will open early this year as there is not a lot of snow up there. They try and get it open as soon as possible because it attracts visitors and money to the park when it's open. And as others sais, it's a doable road in your motorhome, but it is narrow and steep in places and yes there are some cliffs, especially on the east side of the pass. I have taken my 35' DP with a toad over it several times with no problems. Just use the turnouts and let the cars pass.