"Yosemite Valley, CA-- Tioga Pass Road at Yosemite National Park will open for the season this weekend.
The Highway 120 road will open this Saturday at 8:00 am., allowing visitors to enter through the park's east gate.
Park officials say that due to heavy winter snow and a cool spring, there is still several feet of snow in the Tuolumne Meadows area. Hiking opportunities are extremely limited and visitors are urged to use extreme caution in the area. Ice is also prevalent throughout the area and stream crossings are treacherous.
All campgrounds along the Tioga Road are closed. All commercial services, including the gas station, store, and village grill, are also closed. There are currently no anticipated opening dates for any of these facilities."
--P
Posted by Cory Freeman on June 15, 2011 at 7:31 PM
may have to run up there this weekend and take a peek! I better bring the snow shoes and sun tan lotion!
Just came over Sonora pass yesterday. Snow line is at about 8,000+. Impressive amount of snow above 9,000. Its a great opportunity for some "winter" photography. Found some nice wild Iris in the huge meadow at Bridgport this morning, so maybe spring is finally here. Best Regards
Just drove across Tioga pass to the east side. It's definitely still winter above 9,000 feet. Tenaya Lake has ice on it, there are three foot snow drifts alongside the highway in some spots, and Tuolemne meadows is a lake. The road was clear, but there were wet spots from the amazing runoff. I'm off to attend a photo workshop at Golden Trout Camp (10,000 feet, three mile hike in from Cottonwood trailhead off Whitney Portal road, but then tent cabins, shelter, and food!!). I'll post a report when I return.
I have hiked past Golden Trout Camp many times on my way to Cottonwood Lakes. Let us know about conditions up there. Must be snowy and wet. Have fun at the workshop!
Posted by Rodney Ninow on June 20, 2011 at 11:19 AM
Robert, I plan on trying for Waterwheel in mid July. Are you doing it as a day hike? I've only been as far as Glen Aulin, pretty sure I can do WW in one day, but not sure about my partner. I told her she can stay in the campground that day!
Posted by Robert Dayton on June 20, 2011 at 12:16 PM
Rodney, I've never been there. Since it's approximately 7 miles to Waterwheel Falls,
I suspect that to get optimal light in the morning and evening, I'm planning on staying
overnight. Have a good trip, and I'm looking forward to your postings from the area.
Discussion
8 replies"Yosemite Valley, CA-- Tioga Pass Road at Yosemite National Park will open for the season this weekend.
The Highway 120 road will open this Saturday at 8:00 am., allowing visitors to enter through the park's east gate.
Park officials say that due to heavy winter snow and a cool spring, there is still several feet of snow in the Tuolumne Meadows area. Hiking opportunities are extremely limited and visitors are urged to use extreme caution in the area. Ice is also prevalent throughout the area and stream crossings are treacherous.
All campgrounds along the Tioga Road are closed. All commercial services, including the gas station, store, and village grill, are also closed. There are currently no anticipated opening dates for any of these facilities."
--P
right for a hike back to Glen Aulin and Waterwheel Falls? Thank you.
I suspect that to get optimal light in the morning and evening, I'm planning on staying
overnight. Have a good trip, and I'm looking forward to your postings from the area.