Tioga and Glacier Point Roads Plowing Update

A blower working near Olmsted Point.

 

Tioga Road

May 9, 2024

Roads crew is working in the area of the Olmsted Point avalanche zone, about 30 miles from the Crane Flat gate. Progress was slower this week due to up to two feet of new snow along Tioga Road and diversion of plows to keep other roads open.

After consultation with the avalanche team, the roads crew made an initial plow through Olmsted Point avalanche zone yesterday. Olmsted Point remains an active avalanche zone, which the avalanche crew continues to closely monitor to ensure safety. Dozers and two blowers have now started working beyond Olmsted Point.

The Olmsted Point avalanche zone is not open for administrative access yet, so crews have not been able to assess utilities and other facilities in Tuolumne Meadows.

Tioga Road is typically open to vehicles from late May or June until sometime in November. Plowing typically begins around April 15.

In some years, Tioga Road opens to cycling one or more days before opening to vehicles. If this occurs in 2024, we'll provide that information here.

Glacier Point Road

May 10, 2024

Glacier Point Road opens to vehicles on Tuesday, May 14, at 8 am. The road will open to bicycles only starting Friday, May 10. Cyclists should watch for park vehicles working on the road.

Trails leaving from Glacier Point Road are still snowy. Hikers should be prepared with appropriate gear and for route finding including cross-country navigation using GPS with map and compass for backup.

Glacier Point Road is typically open to vehicles from sometime in May until sometime in November. Plowing typically begins around April 15.

In some years, Glacier Point Road opens to cycling one or more days before opening to vehicles. If this occurs in 2024, we'll provide that information here.

 

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)?

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 if they are closed to vehicles.

 

What does it take to reopen Tioga Road?

Plowing is just the beginning! Plowing crews must safely navigate through multiple avalanche zones. In addition to several feet of snow, downed trees and rockfall often need to be cleared from the road. Park facilities and infrastructure may require repairs after a heavy winter. For the safety of staff and visitors, and for the protection of Yosemite's high country, services such as radio, water, restrooms, and trash must be in place before the road opens. We're not just opening a road—we're essentially opening a park!

Before Plowing Begins

Tioga Road is closed to vehicles for the winter but open to skiers and snowshoers. The road is treated as wilderness during this time.

Tasks:

• During winter and early spring, crews complete essential training and prepare equipment.

 

Plowing 45.5 miles from Crane Flat to Tioga Pass

Plowing begins on or around April 15.

Tasks:

• Ahead of the plows, the avalanche team surveys, monitors, and mitigates safety concerns along the route.
• Plowing crew clears 1−2 lanes of road to Tioga Pass Entrance.
• Caltrans plows Highway 120 from Lee Vining to Tioga Pass Entrance.
• Forestry and maintenance crews follow plows to begin clearing trees that pose a safety hazard and replacing road signs.

After snowplows “punch through,” even more work must be completed before the road opens!

Completing this checklist before opening the road to the public ensures the safety of staff and visitors and the protection of high-country resources.

Ongoing tasks throughout phases 1−3:

• Continue clearing Tioga Road and plow turnouts, secondary roads, campgrounds, and parking areas.
• Clear trees that pose a safety hazard along roads and in administrative and visitor areas.
• Repair and set up the potable water system, sewer system, and wastewater treatment plant.
• Clear culverts and ditches, repair potholes and other damage to road.
• Fabricate and replace signs, as needed.

Phase 1: Access Critical Facilities

• Avalanche team continues to support employee safety.
• EMS arrives in Tuolumne Meadows to support employee safety.
• Set up temporary camp for work crews.
• Extensive snow shoveling to access critical facilities and infrastructure.
• Assessment of damage to facilities and infrastructure.

Phase 2: Set Up Essential Services

• Dig out and set up tent cabins for employees.
• De-winterize restrooms and cabins.
• Employees begin moving in.
• Trash & vault toilets emptied.
• Park radio repeaters operational.
• Cell & internet service operational.

Phase 3: Final Preparation

• Remaining employees arrive and move into housing.
• Entrance station, visitor center, and wilderness center de-winterized and set up for opening.
• Road opening date announced.

 

Duration:

3 minutes, 35 seconds

Every spring, both visitors and locals look forward to the opening of the Tioga Road, a high-elevation pass that crosses Yosemite National Park. Get a glimpse of what it takes to clear snow and ice from a section of the highway known for dangerous avalanches.