Does anyone who lives closer to the area than I do have any inside knowledge about when the road will open this year? The Yosemite web site still says there is no opening date projection because of avalanche risk, etc. They've ploughed it, but have to make it safe. We are planning to drive it on June 29, but maybe I ought to make backup plans. Thanks for any help.

ttt

Barbara---I don't live there so I can't speak from inside knowledge. But if they aren't even predicting an opening date, it would be best to have back-up plans. This is one of those unusually deep snow years---we hit a similar one in the mid-1990's, when it didn't open until July 4.

I found this article, dated yesterday. Sounds like you should go with a "Plan B", or at least have one at the ready.

http://www.mymotherlode.com/News/art...vml/1150195814

Thanks, enzian. There was a lot of snow. I started making a backup plan to come back to San Diego via Fresno and a quick trip to Sequoia NP. I may have to add a day or two if we do that!

bluestar, thanks. I think we were posting at the same time! Well, looks like we'll go see General Sherman!

If you go to Trip Advisor lots of us discuss this issue. Some people who live in Yosemite are saying the 21st or 23rd. Last year it was the 24th. I'd have a plan B but you will probably be able to use Tioga Pass. Don't know where you are coming from so I can't help you with your plan B. Do you need help?

Oh I'm sorry, I think you are talking about going east on Tioga Pass and then south on 395. No you don't need my help!

That's right, Suzie. If the pass is open, I'm trying to decide whether or not to go into Death Valley. I know it's not the ideal time of year to go there, but it's the only time I've got. However, now that I've been looking at Sequoia, it wouldn't be such a bad plan B.

linked for Barbara:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34821163

Hey they just put on the site that it's opening on June 17th!

http://www.nps.gov/yose/now/conditions.htm

Wonderful!!!

Great! Now, what do I do? I come up with this great "Plan B" and then they go and open it! LOL!

To be (almost) serious for a moment, in between gulps of champagne, which route do you think would be more enjoyable for my mom, who is 83, and has not seen any of the places we're going? (Every time she came to visit..for years and years.. we've been unable to tour around further than LA because of kids' school or sports, but now we can. My baby is graduating from high school next week. So, Tioga Pass, and stay the night in Bishop (already booked), or Sequoia (which I have never seen either, and how hairy IS the road?) I await your pearls of wisdom!

As someone who drives Tioga Pass every summer, I love it. Driving east to west is not so hairy because you are on the mountain side of the road on the way up. The views from Olmstead Point are so amazing you should really see Yosemite from that vantage point. I also love the eastern sierra. It is sooo different from the west side. Best of luck making your decision!

I'd go over the pass. Everyone should see Mono Lake at least once. It's so surreal, almost otherworldly. 395 is a scenic route and the Owens Valley is pretty. Stop and see Calico ghost town outside of Barstow on the way home.

Thanks very much. I've actually driven up and down 395 a few times many years ago to get to Mammoth, and I remember being sure to slow down at Lone Pine! But it will be new to my mom and my daughter. I'll stick with Plan A, however we'll be going west to east. Thanks again.

Barbara - I just have to ask: MC or WHS? We're MC, and my daughter is graduating next week too. Small world!

Btw, we've done both routes, and either one is beautiful, although I have a special fondness for the eastern side of the sierras. The route into Sequoia is twisty, but not scary. If anyone is prone to carsickness, that drive ought to bring it on. Unfortunately I am speaking from experience.

TTT

kmporagee, MC!! Sorry to take so long to reply. We've been gone all weekend at the So. Cal. Special Olympic Games at Long Beach State. Senior Breakfast this morning? We should have lunch sometime, or drinks or something.

Barbara - I'll be up at graduation practice selling grad nite tickets on Wed. morning. Come up and say hi! Otherwise we could meet for coffee after graduation.