High Sierra Topix

Greetings, anyone have anymore info on the Park’s summer closure? I had reservations at both lodges at white wolf and Tuolumne which timing that was in itself a feat. I planned and was looking forward to Pate Valley for 5 days. The email from Aramark said “... for the health and safety of park staff and lodge guests.” I get it, but figured COVID would be on the way out or at least moving to herd immunity and people getting their shots. Just curious if others had anything to share.

I've also seen/heard that most of the campground outside the valley will also be closed, except for the one at Tuolumne Meadows--and that one will be by reservation only.

@balzaccom , thanks for the reply. Bummer because I was really looking forward to Pate Valley.

You could still get there, either by hiking in from the Tioga Road, or down from Glen Aulin

I have used the Lukens Lake TH to get to White Wolf when the road was still gated due to snow. It is really quite pretty and really does not take that long. You can also go down from Tuolumne. I have also hitched a ride on Tioga Road back to my car and it is not that difficult if you hitch from a parking pull out or trailhead. I would not hitch right on the road.

It looks to me that your backpack is still OK, just cannot stay at lodges at either end. Well, I never could afford to anyway and never found it even necessary.

@Wandering Daisy, some good ideas I’ve not considered. I’ll look into It further.

Yeah I just came out Luken Lakes and hitched back (maybe have a sign that’s say you’ve been vaccinated heh) when doing a loop from Tuolumne. It’s... 3mi longer but mellow and through pretty terrain. Lots of shooting stars there usually.

Since you have a permit you can just stay at backpackers camp in Tuolumne the nights before and after your trip. Not as comfy as a lodge, but works just fine and is a bit cheaper.