Monitor Pass is a high mountain pass in California in the Sierra Nevada southeast of Lake Tahoe to the community of Topaz

Following Final Spring Storm, All Eastern Sierra Mountain Passes Open for Access to Yosemite and Mono County

MONO COUNTY, Calif. (JUNE 4, 2021) – Effective today, ALL roads leading to Mono County are open to road warriors seeking escape in the beautiful Eastern Sierra! All the major passes are now open, proving that all roads lead to Mono County.

Following a late spring storm that brought snow to the mountains, the three high elevation gateway passes that close each winter season have reopened, providing access to the pure natural wonder of California’s Eastern Sierra. Whether you’re coming from Southern California or the Bay Area, the scenic passes that lead to Mono County, activity, and adventure await!

The pass connects the communities of Sonora to the west and Bridgeport to the east

The annual “rite of passage” features the official opening of the three-gateway mountain passes to the Eastern Sierra – Tioga Pass (SR 120), Sonora Pass (SR 108), and Monitor Pass (SR 89). The much-anticipated openings come after a spring storm brought snow and ice to the Eastern Sierra mountains just before Memorial Day.

Jennifer Kreitz, Chair of the Mono County Board of Supervisors

“As the state reopens and travel resumes, we’re delighted to welcome tourists and responsible recreation enthusiasts back to Mono County,” stated Jennifer Kreitz, Chair of the Mono County Board of Supervisors. “We ask that everyone living in and visiting our great region be extra mindful of the fire dangers that exist today and will be with us until the snow flies. A special
thanks go out to the hard-working roads crews from Caltrans, Yosemite National Park, and of course our very own Mono County for their coordinated effort to clear the roads of snow and debris, making travel to the Eastern Sierra safe.”

East Tioga Pass Gate Near Lee Vining

Tioga Pass crosses Yosemite National Park offering stunning views of the Park’s east side.

Reaching 9,943’ in elevation, the dramatic Tioga Pass connects Mono County to Yosemite National Park’s only east entrance. Typically closed during the winter months, from roughly November through May each year, Mono County locals and visitors alike celebrate the reopening which provides access to the stunning and lesser-known attractions of Yosemite’s east side, including Tuolumne Meadows, Tenaya Lake, and Olmsted Point