Rico, thanks for the update and staying on top of this.
Back in 2014, the road up to Horseshoe Meadows opened up around April 28, I drove up on May 3 and got a walkin permit for Trail Pass. It definitely was deserted, but much enjoyable.
In most years, the road is open by Memorial Weekend, and sometime open to the last gate which is about a quarter mile from the Trailhead. I believe 2011 the road wasn't open until July, but then again, a very heavy snow year.
This year is turning into a disaster as for snow, so unless something drastic happens, the road should be open by mid-May. But, things can change.
paul
