Tioga Road to close this evening

Media Contacts:

Scott Gediman 209-372-0248

Kari Cobb 209-372-0529

        Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park to Close this Evening

       Glacier Point Road Remains Open – Pending Weather Conditions

The Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park will close at 7:00 p.m. this evening, Tuesday, January 17, 2012.  A series of wet weather systems, with the possibility of heavy snow at the higher elevations, are predicated over the next several days.  This possible precipitation, coupled with cold temperatures, will result in hazardous driving conditions on the road.

The Glacier Point Road will remain open through at least this evening.  The park will assess the road and weather conditions tomorrow, and there is a possibility the road may close due to hazardous driving conditions.

If conditions change that precipitate the reopening of the Tioga Road, the park will issue a subsequent news release.

For updated 24-hour road and weather information, please call 209-372-0200.

                                   -NPS-

No snow? No problem! Plenty to see in Yosemite

Jarrod Lyman
Director of Media
Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau
(559) 683-4636

No snow? No problem

Oakhurst, CA. – A surprising lack of snow in Yosemite National Park has opened up some unique travel opportunities for people looking for a quick winter getaway.

Perhaps the most exciting opportunity for travelers is the fact that the Tioga Road in Yosemite is still open, something quite rare this time of year.

“Tioga Road, while offering some beautiful views of Yosemite’s country, is a seasonal road. This is the first time that a lot of people can remember it still being open in December. The result is people getting a rare chance to take in the high country beauty during the winter,” said Jarrod Lyman, Director of PR with the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau.

Travelers can still visit iconic spots in the park like Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoia, Glacier Point and even Tenaya Lake.

“We’ve heard of people ice skating on the lake there, so it’s really something quite special,” Lyman said.

Tourism officials also report that just because there isn’t any snow doesn’t mean there are no winter activities.

“Ice skating at places like Tenaya Lodge in Fish Camp or Curry Village in Yosemite Valley are popular activities right now, and people are having a blast with it,” Lyman said.

Add in the fact that motorists don’t have to worry about chain controls going in to effect as sometimes happens during the winter, and people are finding the lack of precipitation a good excuse to make a special trip to the Yosemite region. 

Vacation Planning

There are many options for lodging, dining and other activities in and around Yosemite. To start planning  your vacation and to book your room, go to www.YosemiteThisYear.com.

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Tioga Road repons

Yosemite National Park Reopens Roads  Tioga, Glacier Point, and Mariposa Grove Roads Reopen After Early Season

                                 Snowfall

After a temporary closure, the Tioga Road in Yosemite National park reopened to the public at noon today, Wednesday, November 16, 2011.  The Tioga Road, the popular east-west crossing of the Sierra Nevada in the northern portion of the park, has been temporarily closed since November 3,

2011 due to an early season snowstorm that dropped almost a foot of snow in the higher elevations.

The Glacier Point Road also reopened to the public.  However, due to continued icy conditions on the roadway, approximately the last two miles of the road, from the Sentinel Dome parking area to Glacier Point, will remain closed.  If conditions improve, all of the Glacier Point Road will be reopened.

Additionally, the Mariposa Grove Road leading to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is open and clear.

All roads within the Yosemite National Park are subject to chain control or temporary closures due to hazardous driving conditions.  Tire chains may be required at any time during the fall and winter season.  It is strongly recommended that all motorists carry tire chains while driving in the park during the fall and winter months.

For updated 24-hour road and weather conditions for Yosemite National Park, please call 209-372-0200.

                                   -NPS-