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Sierra Passes?

Any guesses when the Sierra passes are going to open this year? Looking to plan another eastern Sierra trip and it looks like May works best for our schedules. I've done 120 a few times, 108 last year. Would like to do 108 again or any other interesting pass that's open.
 
GetOuttaMyWay said:
Any guesses when the Sierra passes are going to open this year? Looking to plan another eastern Sierra trip and it looks like May works best for our schedules. I've done 120 a few times, 108 last year. Would like to do 108 again or any other interesting pass that's open.
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Last few years here.
 
Thanks. I was looking at that, I'm thinking 2nd half of May should be a good bet. Anyone know if they have default dates to open 108? Like, do they just close it in the winter for a certain date range regardless of the conditions?
 
GetOuttaMyWay said:
Like, do they just close it in the winter for a certain date range regardless of the conditions?
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Since those aren't plowed, Caltrans rely on mother nature to melt what's there. If they feel bored, they may run a sweeper through ... or not. Sometimes, they wake their survey crew up from hibernation to go out and inspect for slides, sometimes not. Most years, they merely set opening dates based on senior road maintenance employees' vacation schedules.
 
GetOuttaMyWay said:
Anyone know if they have default dates to open 108? Like, do they just close it in the winter for a certain date range regardless of the conditions?
Click to expand...

ichabodnt650 said:
Since those aren't plowed, Caltrans rely on mother nature to melt what's there. If they feel bored, they may run a sweeper through ... or not. Sometimes, they wake their survey crew up from hibernation to go out and inspect for slides, sometimes not. Most years, they merely set opening dates based on senior road maintenance employees' vacation schedules.
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I can't quite tell if if Ich was being sarcastic, or is just grossly misinformed, but what he said is not true at all

In the fall, the mountain highways close when the first snowfall makes them impassable.

In the spring, once the snowfall has stopped, CALTRANS puts forth a massive effort to reopen the roads. They spend weeks using the plows, graders, and rotary blowers to clear the road of snow. They also have to clear downed trees and rock slide debris that occurred over the winter. The date that the road opens depends on how long it takes them to complete these tasks. Obviously a heavier snow year equals more snow to remove.
If they simply relied on mother nature to melt the snow, Tioga pass probably wouldn't open until the end of summer. Not to mention how all the obstructions and other repairs would get done.

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thedub said:
I can't quite tell if if Ich was being sarcastic, or is just grossly misinformed, but what he said is not true at all
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Thanks for clarifying what gets done. I was tempted to respond, but couldn't have done nearly as good of job of explaining what actually happens as you did. :thumbup
 
I've wondered how far up I'd have to go in order to get some pictures of the bike in the snow.
 
Junkie said:
I've wondered how far up I'd have to go in order to get some pictures of the bike in the snow.
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Usually there is a gate at some point, which may or may not be near the snow. But all of the roads in those areas are interesting to ride, so even if you don't get to the snow, you'll have a good ride trying to get there anyway.
 
Not sure if I've posted this before, but...120 through Yosemite is controlled by the park.... 108 is controlled by Caltrans. As soon I find out, I'll post.
 
88 (Carson Pass) is usually always open.
And Highway 26 is a really fun way to get to 88.
 
So, for 4 and 108 is it usually May before they're open?

4 is my most favoritest. Haven't done 120 yet due to fear of park traffic.
 
zixaq said:
4 is my most favoritest. Haven't done 120 yet due to fear of park traffic.
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If you aren't entering the park early or late or on a weekday, maybe ride it from the east.

While I've seen a line of cars waiting to enter several miles long at the north entrance, I've never seen much line on the east side.

The riding over Tioga Pass isn't as cool as Sonora Pass, but there's a lot to see and do in Yosemite when you're up there.
 
Last edited:
A post from Caltrans; working on Sonora https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1577848018935038&id=119234288129759

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Not lately, but a few times since the OP put this up! They are still there..
 
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