High Sierra Topix

I just got a notification email that indicated the Yosemite HSCs will not be open this season due to the amount of snow that the high country has experienced over the past winter. Friends of mine and I have enjoyed a backpacking 'lite' trip with the meals-only option they provide over the past 5 years, and this season was going to be three days based at Vogelsang to really explore the area after having been there just a couple of nights two years ago.

Needless to say this is very disappointing, but not altogether surprising given the conditions this year.

The full text of the email is as follows:

As you may have heard, Yosemite National Park is seeing a record amount of snowpack in the high country, which includes the High Sierra Camps. The National Park Service has noted that this year’s snowpack is bigger than the previous four years combined.

We are sending you this email to inform you that unfortunately the High Sierra Camps will not open this year due to the record snowpack, lack of access to water for bathrooms and kitchens and other infrastructure challenges. As a result, we will need to cancel your meals-only reservation for the High Sierra Camps. Please note that your wilderness permit issued by the National Park Service is not affected.

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and we hope you are able to dine with us next year at the High Sierra Camps. The health and safety of Yosemite National Park visitors is the park’s top priority.

You will automatically receive a cancellation email and a refund for your payment. If you have any questions, please contact us via email at highsierracamp@aramark.com. If you need to speak to a reservations specialist, please call 888.413.8869 and select option 4.

Please note that your wilderness permit issued by the National Park Service is not affected, which means you can still enjoy your overnight backpacking trip in the Yosemite Wilderness.

Regards,

Yosemite Hospitality

Go anyway. Make it September. You sound familiar with the area and 3 days of food doesn't weigh that much.

Hi RLOWN-

We are still going, as we have the wilderness permit already. It's could potentially even be far less 'crowded ' in the area without all of the HSC loopers around this summer. I'm just amazed at how crazy this year is turning out!

We needed the snow.. It's not a bad thing, just the way it is sometimes.

I got the same email. They did tell us that at this point Tuolumne lodge (technically a HSC) is still "planning" on being open in July.

They were also closed in 2006 due to too much snow. We camped at Fletcher Lake (near Vogelsang HSC) that year in early August. So much quieter and more peaceful without the HSC crowds!
-Phil

YARTS also not sure when it will run:

Good Morning Yosemite Travelers,

You are being contacted because you reserved tickets on YARTS. Due to the heavy snowfall experienced this past winter, we anticipate that Tioga Road will remain closed through early July. At this time there is not estimated date for the road being open. Also, there are no services (restroom facilities, wilderness permits, lodging, camping, store services are all closed) in Tuolumne Meadows and it is anticipated that this will remain in effect for a few weeks. Our service to Tuolumne Meadows and Yosemite Valley is suspended through July 8th, so we will not operate until either that date or as directed by park staff. Please contact me at your earliest convenience for refund information.

Please make alternate plans if you are traveling to Yosemite National Park or Tuolumne Meadows.. We apologize for any inconvenience to your travel plans.

Continue to check our website at www.yarts.com, as information will be updated as soon as it becomes available. If we are able to operate earlier than anticipated, we will post the information to our website and on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/rideyarts

Also, please visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/yose regarding road closures.

Best Regards,

Cindy Kelly
Staff Analyst

Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System
369 W. 18TH Street
Merced, CA 95340
Office (209) 723-3153 ext 800
Email: Cynthia.kelly@yarts.com
Web: www.yarts.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rideyarts/

Sounds like a great year to be ready to jump on a YARTS and do the High Sierra Loop. If one of the three long trips falls through for some reason I might just do that.