Does anyone know what type of weather to expect in mid-October in Yosemite? More importantly, is it likely that some trails will be closed due to snow? I'm particularly interested in the Toloumne Meadows/Tioga Pass (Mt. Dana) area. Will this area be too inclimate to visit at this time of year? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

The number for Yosemite Park & Camp Curry Co. is (209) 372-0200. They can give you the latest info on road closures, etc. We love to go up in Fall. The park has less tourists and an autumnal feel to it. Depending on Indian Summer or not, Tolumne Meadows gets chilly and can get early snowfall and road closures, so its best to check that phone number. -Cher

Yosemite is peaceful and lovely in early October for sure. Late October can begin the snow, but usually not. It's usually not until November that it starts and they don't close the roads immediately. They are very careful to keep you safe, so will reroute you if there's a snowfall. Tioga Pass gets the most snow of the routes into the park. I second the suggestion to call ahead, but would go ahead with plans for my trip if I were you.

Info on Yosemite roads is found at

www.nps.gov/yose/roads.htm

where you will find this about Tioga Pass:

The Tioga Road between Crane Flat and Tioga Pass will remain open through the end of September regardless of weather or road conditions; however, it will be closed after that time whenever one of the following occur:

1. Any single snowfall which occurs after the first of October which results in the extended need for continued plowing or road maintenance, including sanding operations.
2. Any time after the end of October, when predicted weather indicated a series of snowfalls that will necessitate continuous plowing or sanding operations. At such time, the road will close 24 hours before the first storm arrival.

Some year it's wonderfully warm, some years it is cold. It is usually dry. My recollection from the last five years is chilly, but clear. If the road is open, the trails should be open.
Don't rule snow out, but be more prepared for cold dry weather.
Also re: Mt. Dana -- This peak is popular with telemark/backcountry skiers, so I know that there is some type of year round access. If you are comfortable with crampons and other snow gear and know the required self-arrest techniques for alpine snow climbing, I wouldn't rule it out.

Another good phone # is 800-427-ROAD, it's the CalTrans highway conditions number, updated hourly.

This message is not about the question being asked however it is about Yosemite. There was an article in our local paper in San Jose about how attendance at Yosemite has dropped drastically. There have been plenty of accomodations available this summer both in the park and outside which is usually unheard of.

Apparently they lay the blame on a couple of reasons. First are the couple of very high profile crimes that happened earlier this year. Landslides and road closures, and last but not least the economy. Yes they think that because the economy is so hot in California, many Californians are venturing to places further away.

Just a P.S. to the above post. Yesterday on the news it was announced that they had a suspect in custody who has confessed to ALL FOUR of the murders in Yosemite which occured lately. So, the crime issue should be solved. Unfortunately, maybe some of it could be attributed to the terrible rise in gasoline prices in Northern California in particular. The companies have supposedly had "refinery problems" but I'm not too sure I buy that as gas prices are so much higher in the north than in the south. Too bad, Yosemite is one of the most remarkable places on earth and it would be a shame to see folks miss out on it.