marlene_

We are planning on driving from Vegas, through Death Valley and hoped to drive down through Yosemite while staying at June Lake the second week of June. I am concerned with Tioga Rd being open due to all the snow this year. When zooming in on my Google Map, it shows Tioga Rd is closed from May-Oct. Is this true?? If so, we will need to make alternate plan

After leaving Vegas, we have four nights before we need to be in Sonoma. Would Lake Tahoe be a good alternative? ...or should we scrap staying in June Lake and head south toward Barstow?

Thanks for any information/suggestions!

tomfuller

If Tioga is still closed, continue north on US 395 to Carson City and then go west on US 50 (always open).
The top of Tioga Pass is 9945' above sea level. There was much more than the average snowfall this winter.
There is a sign along US 395 that shows which passes are open.
Do NOT go to Barstow (or Baker).
Turn south off US 50 in Placerville onto 49 to see some of the gold country on the way to Yosemite.

PaulRabe

> Google Map, it shows Tioga Rd is closed from May-Oct
Actually, the OPPOSITE is true. Tioga Pass Road is usually closed from October to May. Sometimes it closes earlier, sometimes it opens later.
This table should help:
www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/tiogaopen.htm

When snowfall in the area is 129% (or more) above average -- like this season -- the opening dates for Tioga Pass have been June 18, June 17, June 24, July 1, June 30, and June 3.

I'd plan for opening in late June.

marlene_

Thanks for the input.

I'm not feeling confident that Tioga will be open. I think we will cut our time in June Lake down from 3 nights to 1 or 2 nights. Maybe go to Mono Lake and Bodie State Park and then head to Carson City.

We are renting a car. Do you think we will need tire chains for Rt 395 or Rt 50?

Any other suggested stops on our way to Sonoma?

This is such a great forum! Thanks to all for sharing their knowledge!

sf7307

Just curious why Carson City? I haven't found anything of interest there.

janisj

>>Do you think we will need tire chains for Rt 395 or Rt 50?

MichelleY

I would go to Lake Tahoe, north shore, Truckee. Then take I-80 west.

janisj

I agree -- I would have suggested that as well . . . If they have the time to enjoy Tahoe at least for a few hours.

If they really need to get moving and on to Sonoma then Reno > I-80.

(Thinking about it, my guess is they will have the extra time since they were considering driving through Yosemite)

marlene_

sf7307--Yes, janisj is right--Carson City only because that is where we'd pick up Hwy 50.

MichelleY--So you'd suggest taking Hwy 89 up to I-80 near Truckee?

Janisj--So glad to hear no tire chains needed!
We prefer driving a scenic route and will check out construction along Hwy 50 before opting the I-80 route.

We will keep our fingers crossed that Tioga opens in time, if not, we will head north on 395. Thanks so much for your input!

janisj

>>MichelleY--So you'd suggest taking Hwy 89 up to I-80 near Truckee?

Patty

I believe Bodie is still closed from earthquake damage http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=509

mlgb

You could check the route via Lake Isabella around to Kernville via State Mountain Road 99 and then across to Porterville on Hwy 190.
Trail of 100 Giants is nice, be sure to contact the right people to make sure it is open.. I think they are Western Divide station.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/sequo...telprdb5394941

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sequ...a/?recid=79825

There is lodging along Lake Isabella (we like Lakeview Motel in Mountain Mesa) and also up in Kernville.

Then you'd be entering via Oakhurst and Wawona. (Hwy41 currently open).

MichelleY

Like Janis suggests, 50,28 up the east side of Lake Tahoe.

They are hoping to get Bodie open by mid-May.

marlene_

We will have two days to get to Sonoma from June Lake. We've decided to take 395 north to Lake Tahoe if Tioga is closed. Any suggestions on lodging or sights to see in Tahoe or along the way to Sonoma? We are two active seniors who enjoy photography, hiking & museums.

Janisj--I had read that Emerald Bay has a lovely vista but that is on the west side of Tahoe. Would it be worth driving there just for the view and photographs and then back track to hit Sand Harbor?

Patty on--I was unaware of Bodie being close due to earthquake damage. I hope Michelle Y is correct that it may reopen in May.

You can't imagine how appreciative I am for all your input! What a great bunch!

janisj

>>Would it be worth driving there just for the view and photographs and then back track to hit Sand Harbor?

marlene_

Janisj--Not to worry. We have one full day at June Lake and if Bodie is open, we will visit it then.

I'm not one to 'wing-it' when it comes finding accommodations on short notice, but since there are so many variables that are up in the air, I'm going to have to learn to go with the flow!

Thanks again!

janisj

Sometimes I can wing it, sometimes that would make me crazy

You can't really wing it at Yosemite but you can at Tahoe. Especially if it is a Sunday through Thursday.