Sunrise light on a grove of tufa towers emerging from the water of Mono Lake with soft green and dusty-red wild grasses in the foreground, Canada geese in the shallow water with reflections of the rocky towers, and desert hills in the distance.

Tioga Pass to open Monday, May 7

From the May 2, 2012 Yosemite News Release:

Yosemite National Park Superintendent Don Neubacher announced today that the Tioga Road will open for the season on Monday, May 7, 2012 at 12:00pm for all vehicle traffic. The Tioga Road, bounded on both sides by State Highway 120, is the popular east-west crossing of the Sierra Nevada. Vault toilets are available in several locations along the road. However, due to damage sustained to two transmission lines, the Tuolumne Meadows area will be without electrical power and visitor services until repairs can be made.

Due to a light snowpack this past winter (approximately 50% of normal), the Tioga Road was able to be cleared of snow early into the summer season. Snow and icy conditions may still exist on hiking trails at the higher elevations. Visitors are urged to be prepared for snowy conditions and possible treacherous stream crossings while hiking the backcountry.

All campgrounds along the Tioga Road are closed. All commercial services, including the gas station, store, and village grill, are also closed. There are no anticipated opening dates for any of these facilities at this time.

One comment

  1. Great news about the early opening this year. This will be a big boost for local business. Last year was around June 30th I think.