Hike into Tuolumne Meadows this May

[treks]

I have already hiked Hetch Hetchy this spring and am thinking it would be a lot of fun to hike into Tuolumne before the roads open. I have hiked in late Spring weather with spikes going over 1-1.5ft pack and am equipped for snow weather. I can do up to class 3 and am experienced in cross country.

Need some advice from folks on these 2 options: come from Hetch Hetchy or from Lee Vining.

The simplest route without considering the slog is the HH route.

* 45.3mi @ +13035 climb
* Southern rim of reservoir is too overgrown, will need to go north.
* Little to no snow.

Now the Lee Vining route takes some more consideration with respect to weather. Gaylor lakes and then SW into the meadow seems like it would be fun and challenging. I could just continue down 120 but am not sure how much snow is packed up on the road, and don't want to bother the road crews either.

* 19.92m @ +4201 climb
* 120 Closed 3.5 mi west of the North Jct of US 395

Kelley Lake
Latest snow depth date: 2025-05-17 06 UTC
Latest snow depth: 9.9 cm / 4 in
Elev: 2899 m

Dana Meadows
Latest snow depth date: 2025-05-17 06 UTC
Latest snow depth: 30 cm / 11.8 in
Type: GOES
Elev: 2993 m

[c9h13no3]

No love for snow creek? That’s the standard winter route from the valley.

I’d expect 120 to be opened to Tioga Pass from the East shortly, the portion managed by Caltrans. If you just want the quickest route in, that’d be it. People have been biking up to Saddlebag Lake for a while.

[treks]

I got love. You're a life saver. Thanks!

[treks]

One more thing. Do you know the TH name on the permit system?