Tioga Pass entrance station, March 11, 2019
April 23 update
Tioga Road
Snowpack in the Tuolumne River basin was at 176% of average this year as of April 1. View a list of previous opening dates. There is no estimated date for opening.
While plows have reached Glacier Point, there is no estimated date for opening the road
Glacier Point Road
April 23, 2019Plows have reached Glacier Point, so most of the road crew is now working on Tioga Road. The remaining road crew is plowing parking lots, turnouts, paved trails, etc., and repairing the road. There is no estimated date for opening.The road is open to bicycles only from Chinquapin to Badger Pass. Bicycles are not allowed beyond the ski area. Vehicles are not allowed on any part of the road.Answers to Frequently Asked Questions:
- How can I drive to Yosemite from Las Vegas or Death Valley when the Tioga Road is closed?
- What are the historical opening dates for the Tioga and Glacier Point Roads?
- What are the historical opening dates for Sonora Pass (Highway 108) and Ebbetts Pass (Highway 4)?
- Why does it take so long to open the roads?
Even after plowing has been completed, trash collection, functioning restrooms, and adequate staffing must be in place to prevent harm to park resources.
Additionally, these are common causes for slow progress on the Tioga Road:
- Road repairs, ditching, and brushing operations must occur once snow has melted back enough. The roads may also remain very icy even after they're plowed.
- Avalanche zones (26 potential areas). The Olmsted Point avalanche zone requires careful work, including application of charcoal over the snow to help with melting and blasting the snow slab to make it safer for personnel.
- Heavy snow pack slows the whole operation.
- Trees that have fallen across the road and been buried in the snow can cause substantial damage to equipment and result in a stop to all operations until they're cleared.
- Rockfalls buried by the snow can cause substantial damage to the equipment and result in a stop to all operations.
- Snow storms during the opening require a stop to Tioga Road operations in order to plow and sand park roads that are open.
- Will I be able to ride a bicycle on the Tioga or Glacier Point Roads before they open to cars?
In some years, these roads may be open during limited periods to bicycles prior to opening to cars. Any updates regarding pre-opening access on these roads will appear on this webpage. Unless otherwise posted here, both roads are closed to cyclists.
Source: NPS
