![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Based on the historical data and the winter we are currently experiencing, it is safe to say that Tioga Rd. The Tioga Road is also the gateway to the Eastern Sierra, and many local economies depend on its opening. Tioga Road is the highest roadway across the Sierra Nevada that, on a typical snowpack season, opens by Memorial Day Weekend. Tioga Road and Tuolumne Meadows – 8600-9943 feet in elevation One of our favorite backpacking trips is the Glacier Point to Half Dome trip, which is safer to consider after the first week(s) of June due to the unknown opening of the cables to Half Dome. Backpacking from trailheads along the Glacier Point Road allows you to access areas most accessible in late May/early June, in which snow can still be expected at 7500′ and above. Our favorite day hikes from this area include Glacier Point down the Panorama and Mist Trail and Sentinel Dome and Taft Point from Glacier Point. If Glacier Point Road opens by Memorial Day weekend, that will open up access to more trails for day hikes and overnight backpacking. However, the one variable in 2023 other than the weather that may play a significant issue on the opening date would be the Glacier Point Road Project, the road rehabilitation project which closed the road entirely in 2022 and which is supposed to be ongoing with delays throughout 2023. Such was the case in 20 when we had 178% snowpack, and Glacier Point opened on May 27th and May 11th, respectively. Glacier Point Road typically opens well before Tioga Rd around Memorial Day weekend. Glacier Point is one of the most visited tourist locations within Yosemite National Park due to its panoramic high sierra viewpoint that doesn’t require hiking. Pending nothing significant, expect daily swelling around the rivers/streams regularly every afternoon/evening in late May-early July, especially on those hot days with increased snowmelt. Note: The way this winter plays out, there will be many opportunities for Yosemite Valley to flood. One of our favorites includes Yosemite’s North Rim on our Yosemite Icons trip and the Southern Rim of the Valley via the Pohono Trail by Tunnel View. Some backpacking trails also originate in the Valley, allowing you to reach some outstanding overnight locations between 6000-7500′ where snow should be present but lessened by later May and throughout June. We expect the famous Half Dome in a Day hike to open with cables in place during/after the first or second week of June. The latter is usually available year-round due to its southern exposure. There are many day hikes around the Valley, some that originate from the Valley floor and rise rapidly, such as the very popular Mist Trail/Nevada Fall Loop or the Yosemite Falls hike. This season’s waterfalls will be insane, and visitation will be very high to witness them firsthand between April-June. The Valley is the most popular and visited area of Yosemite. The iconic and scenic Yosemite Valley is open year-round unless forced to close by weather or other naturally occurring events. Please check the National Park Service (Yosemite) webpage for more info and updates.Yosemite Valley – 4,000 feet in elevation Deep snow coverage persists above 9,000 feet. Snow is also present in some shady areas as low as 8,000 feet. There is still a lot of snow up there! Meadows and some trails are flooded. Other campgrounds on Tigoa Road will remain closed in 2023. Tamarack Flat and Porcupine Flat campgrounds may open this year but no estimate is available. A general information desk near the visitor center will also be open 9 am to 5 pm. The Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Center will open (8 am to 5 pm). The store will remain closed (food and fuel not available). Vault and portable toilets will be available but there will be no water. Expect 15 minute delays just east of Olmsted Point. There is still some damage on Tioga Road and traffic will use one-lane sections. Tioga Road (continuation of Highway 12 through Yosemite National Park) will open to vehicles on Saturday, July 22 at 8 am. ![]()
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