Tioga Road Opens this Saturday

Tioga Road Opens this Saturday

Great news! Yosemite National Park announced that Tioga Road, the continuation of Highway 120 through the park, is set to open to vehicles on Saturday, July 22, at 8 am. However, there are some things to keep in mind for your trip.

While the road will be accessible, certain facilities are still undergoing repairs. There won’t be any water, food services, stores, or fuel available along the route. Make sure to bring all the necessary supplies, including food and water. The visitor center and wilderness center in Tuolumne Meadows will be open, providing valuable information for visitors.

Please be cautious while driving, as there are some areas with damage, resulting in one-lane sections. Expect delays of up to 15 minutes, particularly east of Olmsted Point.

Yosemite National Park officials announced that Tioga Road will reopen to the public on Saturday, July 22, 2023. (Screenshot from National Park Service video // see below to watch video.)

For camping enthusiasts, it’s important to note that Tamarack Flat and Porcupine Flat Campgrounds will remain closed, and other campgrounds on Tioga Road won’t open this year.

The road conditions are still influenced by snow, with meadows and some trails experiencing flooding. Snow persists in shaded areas as low as 8,000 feet, with significant coverage above 9,000 feet. To protect the local flora, stick to marked trails. Keep in mind that marked trails may be challenging to follow, so having a GPS, map, and compass is recommended.

There is still snow at the higher elevations and the campgrounds at Tamarack Flat and Porcupine Flat remain closed, with no estimate for their reopening.(Screenshot from National Park Service video // see below to watch video.)

Cyclists will have access to Tioga Road starting Friday, July 21, but they must obey the traffic light east of Olmsted Point for safety.

Typically, Tioga Road opens to vehicles from late May or June until November, depending on weather conditions. Plowing operations usually begin around April 15 to clear the route for summer and autumn visitors.