Yosemite Snow Persistence: High-Elevation Holdouts (Seasonal Guide)

Note: Snow conditions vary yearly. The following reflects typical spring–early summer patterns; always check current NPS conditions.

Areas Retaining Snow Latest

• Tioga Road (CA-120) / Tioga Pass (9,945 ft): Usually opens late June–July. High-elevation meadows (Tuolumne) hold snow into July.
• Glacier Point Road (7,200–8,000 ft): Typically opens late May–June. Glacier Point itself may have patches into July.
• High Sierra Camps (Merced Lake, Vogelsang, etc., 7,000–10,000 ft): Accessible early–mid July in average years.
• Summit zones (Mt. Lyell 13,114 ft, Mt. Dana 13,061 ft): Permanent snowfields/glaciers (Lyell, Maclure) year-round.

Factors Influencing Melt-Out

• Winter snowpack (April 1 SWE) – Primary driver.
• Spring temperatures – Warm spells accelerate; cool storms delay.
• Aspect & elevation – North-facing, >9,000 ft hold longest.
• Dust on snow – Accelerates absorption/melt.

Planning Tips

• Check California Cooperative Snow Surveys and Yosemite Daily Report.
• Carry traction devices (microspikes) for early-season high-country hiking.
• Tioga Road opening date is the best single indicator of high-country access.