Road Closures At Yosemite

Above, The Beast on Tioga Road last year. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It is starting to look more an more like winter at Yosemite National Park, but we're still in autumn.

The Sierra Star reported:

Yosemite National Park will close the Glacier Point Road and Tioga Road to all vehicular traffic at 5:00 pm on Thursday, November 2, 2017 due to incoming winter storms. This closure will remain in effect through the weekend and road conditions will be assessed on Monday, November 6, 2017. 

No overnight parking is permitted on either roadway. 

Tioga Road typically closes each fall and remains closed throughout the winter months. The road reopens when weather and road conditions permit in the spring. Yosemite National Park is open year-round with snow removal on all other roads within the park.

To read more, go here. 

National Parks Senior Pass Jumps To $80 August 28

Now we know.

Above, Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For months, we've known that the lifetime Senior Pass to the national parks will jump from its current price of $10 to $80, but we didn't know when it would take effect.

The Sierra Star has reported that the date the price increase (still a bargain) will take effect on August 28.

They wrote:

In order to meet requirements set by legislation passed by Congress in December 2016, the price of the America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Senior Pass will increase from $10 to $80. The change will take effect Aug. 28. 

Pass holders are given lifetime access to more than 2,000 sites and parks. The fee increase will support critical investments in maintenance projects at national parks and federal recreational lands nationwide. 

The Senior Pass has cost $10 since 1994. Until Aug. 28, U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are 62 years or older can purchase the lifetime Senior Pass for $10. Previously purchased lifetime Golden Age or Senior Passes will be honored for the lifetime of the pass holder.

If you are age 62 and old between now and August 27, now is the time to get one at $10 (or $20 if you get it online).

So get out of your rocking chairs and get yours now!

To read more, go here.

Places where you can buy your pass:

https://store.usgs.gov/sites/default/files/PassIssuanceList.pdf

Tioga Pass To Open Thursday

Above, a lake along Tioga Road in Yosemite. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Tioga Pass road will reopen this coming Thursday, according to officials..

The Sierra Star reported:

Officials in Yosemite National Park have changed their mind about keeping Tioga Road (Highway 120 through the park) closed for the season. 

In a release issued Tuesday afternoon, officials said the road will completely reopen for the season at 8 a.m. Thursday, June 29. There will be limited visitor services available from the Tioga Pass Entrance Station to Crane Flat. 

Tioga Road will open for bicycle and pedestrian users at 8 a.m. tomorrow. 

To read more, go here. 

Yosemite To Be "Extremely Busy" Memorial Day Weekend

Above, The Beast at North Pines Campground last year. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If one is planning to visit Yosemite National Park this coming Memorial Day weekend, expect the park to be "extremely busy" with people.

According to the Sierra Star:

Yosemite National Park officials announced Tuesday that the park will likely have an extremely busy Memorial Day weekend. The park expects high visitation, especially from Friday, May 26 until Monday, May 29. Visitors are encouraged to arrive at Yosemite before 9 a.m. or after 4 p.m.. Once in the park, visitors are urged to park their vehicles at the Yosemite Village, Yosemite Falls, or Half Dome Village parking areas and enjoy Yosemite Valley by using the free shuttle bus service, bike paths, and hiking trails. Parking in Yosemite Valley is limited and parking is expected to fill early. 

All campgrounds on the reservation system are completely sold out for the weekend. The park’s first-come, first-served campgrounds are anticipated to fill early. There are a large number of campground and lodging options in the gateway communities surrounding the park.

To read more, go here.