This post was written by Angie Glaser, 2013 Project Specialist.
According to today’s most recent update from the National Park Service, Tioga Pass will indeed open tomorrow, May 11. While the road opening will cut hours off travel time from the Eastern Sierra to Yosemite, visitors should be prepared for very few amenities and services on the road to Yosemite Valley. Read the full update below:
“Visitors urged to take safety precautions while traveling on road.
The Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park will open for the season tomorrow, Saturday, May 11, 2013 at 12:00 p.m. for all vehicular 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. Limited visitor services will be available over the next several weeks.
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 in the early season.
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.”