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Tioga Pass is Open and the High Country is Breathtaking!!

My dog Sally and I took a drive across Tioga Road to see what the snow conditions were and knew that you would like see what we saw.

A very small lake called Siesta Lake (7,987′ elevation) is along the south side of Tioga Road and I like to stop to see beautiful morning reflections. The lake delivered!

Olmsted Point (8,360′ elevation) gives views of Half Dome and Cloud’s Rest.

When I arrived at the west end of Tenaya Lake (8,312′ elevation), the gray clouds dominated the sky.

I drove to the east end of Tenaya Lake and saw beautiful blue water in the lake as I looked to the west.

Just before I reached the east entrance to Yosemite National Park at Tioga Pass (9,943′ elevation), I stopped in the area known as Dana Meadows (8,600′ elevation). This picture is looking back where the Mono Pass Trail runs up toward Spillway and Helen Lakes, a place I hope to be soon.

When I stopped at the west side of Tioga Lake (9,647′ elevation), I was thrilled to see that it still had ice on it.

Tioga Lake from the east side was breathtaking!

My plan was to park at the bottom of Saddlebag Lake Road and walk up but I was pleasantly surprised to find the road was open so I drove on up, stopping at the viewpoint just below I reached Saddlebag Lake to check out the high country at Mt. Conness and surrounding mountains.

We arrived at the parking lot of Saddlebag Lake Resort. The lake is at 10,066′ elevation. Sally posed for the camera with a backdrop of Saddlebag Lake Resort and a frozen Saddlebag Lake.

We worked our way around the south side of the lake through 2 to 3 feet of snow.

It was about 38 degrees when we arrived and the snow was soft. We sank in the soft snow in spots and it was easy walking in other areas.

But it was so worth it for those views.

I thought I would share a picture of the cafe building at Saddlebag Lake Resort to give you a better idea of how much snow is still left up there.

As I headed back down Saddlebag Lake Road, there was a wonderful view of snow covered Mt. Dana.

If you plan on taking the drive up this beautiful scenic road, you will want to check out the Road Conditions page that Yosemite National Parks maintains or contact them because conditions can change pretty quick. No food, lodging, or gas will be available along the road. While the road will be open, hikers should expect snowy and/or flooded conditions on trails. Please stop by the Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Center (open 8:30 am to 4:30 pm) to get trail conditions before hiking in the area.

Sources:

Tioga Road In Yosemite To Open For The Season Sierra News Online

Tioga Road Opening and Closing Dates

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Sierra News Online

Sierra News Online