Date: May 9, 2007

Yosemite National Park Superintendent Mike Tollefson announced today that the Tioga Road (Highway 120 East through Yosemite National Park) will open for the season on May 11, 2007 at noon.

Services along the Tioga Road and in Tuolumne Meadows will be limited. The Tuolumne Meadows gas station will be open 24-hours a day for credit card use. The Tuolumne Meadows Store, Grill, and the Tuolumne Lodge are not currently open. All campgrounds along the Tioga Road corridor (including White Wolf, Tamarack Flat, Yosemite Creek, and Porcupine Flat) and the Tuolumne Meadows Campground will remain closed until further notice.

Hikers and backcountry users should be aware that many area trails are still covered in snow which may make route finding difficult. Additionally, hikers should be prepared for high water, which may make stream crossings difficult or impossible.

Although most of the snow has melted on the meadows, visitors are urged to avoid walking over meadows as increased water content has made them extremely fragile and subject to damage.

Current road and weather conditions are available 24 hours a day by calling 209/372-0200 or on the website at www.nps.gov/yose. Information about backcountry camping and trail conditions can be found on the website or by calling the Wilderness Office at 209/372-0745.