Tioga Pass: July 1! See update

[profdant139]

For those of us hoping to get into the high country of Yosemite, there is a glimmer of hope -- the crews are at Tenaya Lake on the west side and at Tioga Pass on the east side:

Plowing Update

So that means about 25 more miles to go, with most of the really bad avalanche chutes already cleared. Now, if it would only stop snowing . . . .

On the basis of no solid information whatsoever, I am predicting that the road will open on June 15.

[time2roll]

Thank you for the narrative of the progress.
Will be in the valley next month. Probably not over Tioga this time.

[profdant139]

A few more days, they say:

Tioga Road will open on Monday, July 1, at 8 am without restrictions (conditions permitting). Limited visitor services will be available.

Tioga Road is open to through traffic only 10 am–11 am and 3 pm–4 pm daily until July 1, when the road will open without restriction (conditions permitting). Until July 1, stopping and day-use recreation are not allowed. No visitor services are available.

Motorists can start driving from five miles east of Crane Flat (eastbound) and from Tioga Pass (westbound) from 10 to 11 am and 3 to 4 pm. Motorists do not need complete the drive at closing times (but parking is not allowed).

Bicycles are allowed during daylight hours; cyclists must be off the road by dark. No camping is available along the road. Parking for cyclists is available in any turnouts downhill from (outside of) the closure areas.

[profdant139]

The latest:

Tioga Road is open to through traffic only 10 am–11 am and 3 pm–4 pm daily until further notice. Stopping and day-use recreation are allowed. No visitor services are available.

Motorists can start driving from five miles east of Crane Flat (eastbound) and from Tioga Pass (westbound) from 10 to 11 am and 3 to 4 pm. Motorists do not need complete the drive at closing times (but parking is not allowed).

Bicycles are allowed during daylight hours; cyclists must be off the road by dark. No camping is available along the road. Parking for cyclists is available in any turnouts downhill from (outside of) the closure areas.

Snow clearing operations this year have made the road passable through the park but the water delivery and wastewater infrastructure in the Tuolumne Meadows area is still not ready to be used. In order to protect this fragile alpine environment from the impacts which come from human waste associated with the large numbers of visitors that utilize this area of the park when it is opened to the public, but still allowing for the motoring public to transit this important road corridor, the superintendent is allowing this limited access.

[profdant139]

Things are moving along, according to the website:

Beginning Friday, June 21, Tioga Road will be open only 10 am–11 am and 3 pm–4 pm daily until further notice. Parking and day-use recreation will not be allowed. No visitor services will be available.

Bicycles are allowed during these times, but must complete travel on the road by sunset. No camping is available along the road.

[profdant139]

I'm assuming the road is "closed to all entry" because of the dangerous snow-removal equipment -- back in March, all was quiet, and there were no signs forbidding us to hike up Tioga Road toward the pass:


Click For Full-Size Image.

(Lest anyone think we are Arctic adventurers, the snow had been well-packed by snowmobiles, we only went a couple of miles toward Tioga Pass from the east side, and the weather was in the 30s, very comfortable for snow-shoeing and walking. Not much of an adventure, but fun to have the whole canyon to ourselves.)

[profdant139]

The latest info:

"Tioga Road will remain closed at least through this weekend (June 15–16); this does not imply it will open just after the weekend—there is no estimated date for opening. Opening work continues, especially near Olmsted Point. The road is closed to all entry, including vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians. This closure is being enforced."

[profdant139]

Today's posting:

"With some assistance from Mono County, the length of the road is plowed (at least one lane wide), although there is a high-risk avalanche zone at Olmsted Point. Crews are working on side roads and utility areas. Much additional work remains prior to opening."

[rexlion]

"Now if it would only stop snowing." There's the rub. 😉

[Campfire_Time]

The waterfalls will be wonderful this year! Shame I can't get out there.

[time2roll]

Some day I want to drive this route on opening day.... will not be this year.

[Fresno_Tundra_D]

My guess is your June 15 prediction is a bit too optimistic but I hope you are correct. With these unusual May storms, even if they get it cleared, the runoff "rivers" flowing across the highway might delay the opening until late June or early July... SORRY FOR THE DOUBLE POST

[Fresno_Tundra_D]

My guess is your June 15 prediction is a bit too optimistic but I hope you are correct. With these unusual May storms, even if they get it cleared, the runoff "rivers" flowing across the highway might delay the opening until late June or early July...

[Lwiddis]

Snowing? It’s MAY 22!