Reply #22: Major warning about Tioga Pass! Read!

[Xithras]

Tioga Pass is the only major pass through the Sierra's that CLOSES during the winter (Yosemite gets snowdrifts up to 30 feet deep at the crest). During normal snow years, the pass reopens between mid-May and the first week of June, but in heavy snowfall years it can get MUCH later. Last year, when the Sierra snowpack was about 150% of normal, Tioga didn't open until the very end of June. And this year? Our snowfall ended the season somewhere aroung 175% of normal...the NPS isn't even bothering with a projected opening date yet. On top of the incredibly deep snow, there's apparently a bit of avalanche and landslide damage that will need to be repaired before it will open this year. Their goal, according to a very good friend of mine who lives just outside of the park, is to have the road open by the July 4 holiday.

Be prepared to take an alternate path out of the park, and be aware that those alternate paths are going to take you via the Central Valley and add 4-5 hours to your drive.

Keep an eye on this page for road updates and a projected opening date: http://www.nps.gov/yose/now/tioga.htm