Yosemite Gateway Tioga Pass Reopens Months Later Than Usual
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK (CBS13) - It's just a few days before July, but Caltrans crews have only just reopened the back door to Yosemite known as Tioga Pass.
Thursday morning, the roadway was finally reopened.
SR120W Tioga Pass is NOW REOPENED through the Yosemite National Park. Motorists are advised to watch for rocks. pic.twitter.com/O47Al9l1h7
— Caltrans District 9 (@Caltrans9) June 29, 2017
With the Fourth of July being Yosemite National Park's busiest summer weekend, the opening comes just in time.
Tioga Pass (Highway 120) reopens, finally linking Yosemite to Mono County. July 29th: the latest opening since 1998. @CBSSF pic.twitter.com/p61AsnyNIf
— Wilson Walker (@WilsonKPIX) June 29, 2017
Record snowfall kept the pass closed much longer than usual. However, this isn't the latest into the season the road has been closed; that distinction goes to 1998, when Tioga Pass was closed until July 1.
Even with the roadway reopened, Caltrans is warning motorists to be extra cautious on the stretch. Along with rock hazards, Caltrans warns that minimal services are available along the stretch. Mobile phone services are also spotty.
Usually, Tioga Pass is opened by May.