The Eastern Sierra changes fast. A pass that was open Tuesday can be gated Wednesday; a clear week can turn to smoke overnight. These are the official sources we rely on when planning trips — checked, current, and linked straight to the pages that matter.
Roads & passes
Check the day before and the morning of. Passes close with the first real storm.
Snow & avalanche
Non-negotiable reading for any winter travel above the valley floor.
Weather
Valley forecasts lie about the crest. Always pull a point forecast for your actual elevation.
Fire, smoke & air
Late summer reality. Smoke can close a trip when the trail itself is fine.
Land managers & closures
Where official closures, fire restrictions, and area orders are posted first.
Permits & reservations
The Eastern Sierra runs on quotas. Plan months ahead for the popular ones.
What usually closes, and when
Tioga Pass (SR-120 east) — closes with the first significant storm, often early-to-mid November; typically reopens late May to early July depending on snow year.
Sonora and Ebbetts Passes — seasonal winter closures, similar timing.
Whitney Portal Road — plowed to a point in winter; upper road and campgrounds close seasonally.
Bristlecone Pine Forest road (White Mtn Rd) — closed by snow, generally late fall through late spring.
Highway 395 itself — stays open year-round, but chain controls and short storm closures happen. It is the artery; plan around it, not on it.
Fire season — roughly July through October, with closures and smoke possible at any time.