YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK — Tioga Pass — the highest section of paved highway in California at 9,943 feet — is reopening Saturday, July 22, at 8 a.m.

It is the latest the pass has ever opened. The three latest times prior to this year were July 14, 1917, and July 15 in both 1916 and 1921.

Highway 120 that runs between Lathrop/Manteca to Benton becomes Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park where it is under the control of the National Park Service.

The heavy snowfall this past winter made plowing more challenging as well as road repairs.

 Caltrans had opened Highway 120 on Thursday, July 13, from Highway 395 in Lee Vinning to the  eastern entrance to Yosemite Park at the pass’s summit, offering access to campgrounds, trails, and backcountry skiing. 

However, the park entrance remains closed at this time, and vehicles will not be able to drive into the park from the Mono County side until Saturday.

 When the road opens to the public, expect short delays due to traffic lights at damaged locations, and longer delays when contractors are making repairs.

Utility crews discovered a torn line at the sewage ponds at Tuolumne Meadows. The wastewater treatment plant cannot operate until the liner is repaired and groundwater level lowers. The park is contracting for portable toilets and pumping of vault toilets that will be in place when the road opens..