Tioga Pass Closes for the Season as Winter Takes Hold in the Sierra Nevada

Winter has officially arrived in the Sierra Nevada, as the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has announced the seasonal closure of Tioga Pass, also known as State Route 120 West. The closure, effective November 25, impacts the stretch from U.S. Highway 395 to Yosemite National Park’s eastern gate and Tioga Road through the park.

Travelers heading to Yosemite or the eastern Sierra should plan alternate routes, as Tioga Pass will remain closed until spring. State Routes 140 (via Mariposa) and 41 (via Oakhurst) remain open year-round, providing access to Yosemite Valley. For real-time updates, motorists can visit Caltrans QuickMap or download the QuickMap app.

At an elevation of 9,945 feet, Tioga Pass is California’s highest highway pass and serves as a vital route to Yosemite’s breathtaking high country during the warmer months. However, heavy snow and icy conditions make it impassable each winter. This year’s closure comes about a week later than the 20-year historical average of mid-November.

While the closure limits access to Yosemite’s high-altitude vistas, it ushers in a new season of winter activities. Visitors can look forward to snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and other snowy adventures in the park’s serene meadows and forests. The Badger Pass Ski Area is also expected to open soon, offering opportunities for skiing and snowboarding.