This article explores the Tioga Road and Tuolumne Meadows area of Yosemite National Park!
I have already given you a tour of the Yosemite Valley and taken you on a waterfall hiking adventure.
And, let’s not forget that we also took a good look at the best features of the park from Glacier Point.
Today, I want to take you through one of the less-visited gems of the park: the Tioga Road.
If you are not fond of crowds (and, let me tell, Yosemite is known for crowds), this is the place for you.
About the Tioga Road
The Tioga Road (Highway 120) offers a 47-mile scenic drive between Crane Flat and Tuolumne Meadows. The road meanders through forests, meadows, lakes, and granite domes. What can be seen there is a feast of the eyes (and soul)!
The area is easy to access and offers top-notch services (in terms of facilities, signaling, and ranger coverage). Now, for some reason, it only gets a small fraction of the overall park visitors. I have visited during holiday weekends. While it is impossible to find a parking spot in the Yosemite Valley, the Tioga area is basically desolated.
Therefore, it is the perfect place to spend some leisure time far from the crowds. I assure you are going to end mesmerized by the views you are going to find here.
Here are some things to take into consideration before venturing to this part of the National Park:
- This is considered Yosemite’s High Country. To place things in perspective, the Yosemite Valley is located at 4,000 feet above sea level. At the Tioga Road, you are going to reach altitudes of over 9,000 feet.
- Because of the altitude, some people experience mild altitude sickness or shortness of breath.
- Also, keep in mind this area is way cooler than the lower elevations in the park. Dress accordingly (in layers and carry a jacket).
- The drive time from the Yosemite Valley to the Tuolumne Meadows is 1.5 hours.
It is now time to explore the Tioga Road.
How to Access the Tioga Road
Access to this part of Yosemite Park depends on your starting point.
If you are staying in the Yosemite Valley, you have to drive west and take the Big Oak Flat Road. That road will connect you to Highway 120.
If you are coming from outside the park, the most direct way to access the Tioga Road is from the Big Oak Flat Entrance.
However, a lot of people enter the park through El Portal Entrance. Visitors tend to spend the night within close proximity to that entrance. If that is your case, you will have to enter the park, drive towards the Yosemite Valley, and connect with the Big Oak Flat Road.
If you are staying in the Eastern Sierra area (Mammoth Lakes, June Lake, Lee Vining), you can access the Tuolumne Meadows by climbing the Tioga Pass. This is not an option during winter and spring (the road is closed).
A free shuttle connects the Yosemite Valley with several points along the Tioga Road
There is another shuttle that takes people from Mammoth Lakes and June Lake to this part of the park.
The Tioga Road: What to See and Do
The recommendations in this article are for those who want to take it easy and/or are traveling with family. I am presenting you with an auto tour with plenty of stops and some easy walks/hikes. Most of my suggestions can be tackled in a day.
At the end of the article, I will present more ideas for those who want to spend more than a day in the area, are repeating visitors, or are hiking enthusiasts.
Tuolumne Grove
If you have never experience the majesty of giant sequoias, well, this is your lucky day.
The Tuolumne Grove, home to a decent number of old-growth trees, can be accessed through a 2.5 miles loop. The hike is considered easy even though the way out has some elevation gain.
This is a golden opportunity to see these trees unique to the Sierra Nevada. Just keep in mind the stop (and hike) can take up to 2 hours.
Siesta Lake
This lovely alpine lake makes a great photo stop or a lengthier stop for swimming. The water will be cold!
Yosemite Creek Picnic Area
This shaded area equipped with tables, chairs, and restrooms makes a good stop to rest, have a snack or explore the Yosemite Creek.
Olmstead Point
This turnout was named in honor of landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmstead, and his son when the Tioga Road opened to automobile traffic in 1961. Olmstead is considered the father of American landscape architecture and best known for his design of New York’s Central Park. He was the chairman of the first commission to manage the Yosemite Valley and Mariposa Grove and wrote a report recommending policy for the care and protection of the park’s scenery and wildlife.
The point affords views of the back face of Half Dome and the mass of granite surrounding it. You can see this symbol of the National Park from the parking lot area. However, if you walk 0.3 miles, the views get better.
With the correct camera zoom (or with a telescope), you can see people ascending the top of the dome through the cables.
In the other direction, you can see Tenaya Lake. Do you see the water in the next picture?
Maybe you can see it better now.
Also, this is a good area to take a look at glacial erratics. These are pieces of rock that differ from the size and type of rock native to the area in which they rest. They were carried over long distances by glacial ice.
There are a lot of them all around Olmstead Point.
Tenaya Lake
For many, this is the most beautiful lake in Yosemite National Park. It was formed by glacial action and named after a chief who lived in the area.
It is not difficult to see why this lake is a favorite to many visitors. Just take a look at how clear are those waters!
You can walk around the lake, spend some time in one of the two picnic areas or go for a swim. The “beach” area is located on the eastern side of the lake. Non-motorized aquatic activities such as paddle boarding, laying or canoeing are allowed too.
I saw several people camping on the shores. It would be awesome to wake up to those gorgeous views.
We saw a lot of people climbing on the rocks located east of the lake. The area is popular with climbers because of the lake views from above.
Tuolumne Meadows
Tuolumne Meadows is a large, open sub-alpine meadow graced by the winding Tuolumne River and surrounded by majestic peaks and domes.
The area is surrounded by domes with names such as the Pothole, Lembert, and Fairview. Some of these rocks can be climbed (and they are apt for all ages).
The meadows can be explored through a 2-mile loop. Please do not venture off these trails in order to protect this fragile ecosystem.
It is said that meadows are the best areas to see deer. And, guess what? We saw two of them not that far from us. They passed meters away from two ladies who were walking around.
Parsons Memorial Lodge
The Parson Lodge is the place where John Muir and Robert Underwood Johnson developed the idea of protecting what is today’s Yosemite National Park for posterity.
In the vicinity, you will find, Soda Springs, a spot where carbonated, cold water bursts out of the ground. In addition to witnessing the phenomenon, visitors can enjoy several exhibits detailing the history, flora, and fauna of the area.
You need to walk 0.75 miles (1.5 miles round trip) to reach the lodge.
Pothole Dome
Hiking to the top of the famous Half Dome is not an easy feat. But, those of us who are not expert hikers can still brag about climbing a granite dome in the park
The top of Pothole Dome can be reached by a 2.5 miles (roundtrip) trail. Since the elevation gain is 250 feet, this is considered an easy trail So, it is the best option to conquer a dome while having the opportunity to enjoy great views of the surrounding area.
Lembert Dome
.The top of Lembert Dome can be accessed through a 2.8 miles (round-trip) trail. The hike is steep but considered moderate (it can be completed by less athletic types). You can combine this hike with Dog Lake for a total 4-mile (round trip) loop.
Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center
This is the place to visit to learn all about the Tuolumne Meadows. In addition, you can get information about ranger-led programs and other activities.
The nearby Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Center is worth a visit too.
Tioga and Ellery Lakes
These two lakes are located outside the National Park. Once again, these are great spots for photos, picnicking and light walks.
Tioga Pass Road Valley View
The Tioga Pass is the highest highway pass in California and in the Sierra Nevada. It reaches a maximum altitude of 9,943 ft or 3,031 m.
By driving east from the Yosemite Valley to the Tuolumne Meadows, you are gradually gaining altitude until you reach the maximum elevation close to the eastern entrance (or exit) of the park. Once you exit the park, and after you have driven a few miles, you are going to see the sharp eastern Sierra descent.
Have to admit it is a very pretty view but, for people with a fear of heights (like me), this pass is a true nightmare.
There is a parking lot from where you can admire the view.
If you are staying in the western part of the park, it is time to turn and go back. Or, you continue to reach US-395 and Mono Lake.
Have to admit it is a very pretty view but, for people with a fear of heights, this pass is a true nightmare.
The road continues until it reaches US-395 and Mono Lake.
Tioga Pass Hikes
After providing details on how to explore the area by car, here is a list of trails that will allow you to explore on foot. You will notice a pattern here. Yes, most of the hikes take you to lakes (but the scenery is quite different).
Lukens Lake – Easy, 1.5 miles roundtrip hike (1 to 3 hours)
May Lake – Moderate, 2.5 miles roundtrip hike (2 to 4 hours). Consider combining the hike to the lake with Mount Hoffman (a granite dome). The combo has a length of 6 miles roundtrip.
Sunrise Lakes – The trail takes hikers to three lakes. To reach the first one, you have to walk 6.4 miles (roundtrip). Reaching the three lakes will take 8.8 miles of walking.
Cathedral Lakes – Chances are that you have seen pictures of these lakes. The picture of Lower Cathedral Lake with Cathedral Peak in the background is a classic. It is 7 miles to the Lower Lake and 8 miles (roundtrip) to see both lakes. This is a popular trail. Therefore, expect to bump into lots of people.
Elizabeth Lake – Moderate, 3.6 miles roundtrip hike (2 to 3 hours)
Gaylor Lakes – Moderate, 3 miles roundtrip hike (2 to 5 hours)
In addition, there are some awesome trails outside the park (past the Tioga Pass Entrance). You can consider the Gardisky Lake and Saddlebag Lake Loop Trails.
Another funs and unique option is to take a boat across the Saddlebag Lake (from the Saddlebag Lake Resort) and explore the 20 Lakes Basin.
Tioga Road Camping
I am a big fan of camping! That is why I need to include the camping options in this area of the park. I believe spending a night or two around is a bucket list experience. I mean, Yosemite is magical!
Some campsites allow advance reservations while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Tuolumne Meadows – Over 300, half of the sites are on the reservation system, check availability here.
Yosemite Creek Campground – 75 sites, first-come, first-served
Porcupine Creek Flat – 52 sites, first-come, first-served
Tamarack Flat Campground – 52 sites, first-come, first-served
Campgrounds outside the park include Tioga Lake, Junction, Sawmill, and Saddlebag Campgrounds.
Details
Stop by the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center to get more information about the area and the park in general.
There is a cafeteria and general store a mile away east of the Visitor’s Center.
It is a good idea to pack snacks and drinks for the day.
Restrooms are located at several points through the road. Bring your own toilet paper (just in case) and hand sanitizer.
Do not attempt any of the dome hikes if see rainy or stormy weather. Granite is an excellent electricity conductor. A lighting strike while over that type of surface can be lethal.
The Tioga Road is generally open to vehicles from late May or early June through sometime in November.
More of the Area
If you want to explore more of Yosemite National Park, check out the following articles:
2 Days in Yosemite National Park
There is more to explore in the Eastern Sierra area.
Would you like to drive Tioga Road?
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What an amazingly beautiful place. It is on my list of places I would love to travel to.
Mollyxxx
Thanks for stopping by. Hope you can visit one day.
What glorious scenery!
Thanks so much for linking up at http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2015/09/steam-powered-whatchamacallits.html
Wow, what a beautiful spot. The photos with the people really put the size into perspective.
Yes, it is a great place to visit. The canyon walls are very tall. When I ascended to Glacier Point, the cars looked like ants down in the valley.
I love lakes, so this route looks very nice to me! I had to check the map too and see where it is! Loved your Yosemite posts…hope to visit in the future!
Anna, if you love lakes, this is the place for you. We kept seeing lake after lake after lake. It is a bit crazy since California is in drought right now (but there are tons of water up there).
We drove through at the end of July last year, and the traffic was as terrible as the views were stunning. Your photos are awesome, though, and we would love to give it another go, maybe in the fall.
Really? Like I have mentioned, we went in the middle of high season and there were a lot of stretches where we didn’t see cars in miles. That is why I liked it because there were hardly people around.
Oh Yosemite, be still my heart!
The first time I saw and drove through Tioga Pass, the mountain range was blanketed with snow. It was so majestic. It was nothing like any image of California that was on my brain at that time.
You hit all the right spots and took wonderful photos.
I wanted to do more spots and do at least two hikes. But, the park is so big that we had to cut some stuff (which is sad). Hopefully, I can explore more during another visit.
Love Olmstead Point!!! We used to live in Mammoth and made many trips into Yosemite over Tioga Pass…Once, in January…the first time Tioga Pass was open in January in over 40 years!!! Tenaya Lake was solid ice! With lot’s of people ice skating…and picnicking on the ice!!! Mostly friends from Mammoth!!!
Uhh! That sounds like so much fun. I can imagine people ice skating surrounded by all those granite formations. I have never been to Mammoth. Have to go soon.
Wow! I am constantly blown away by the landscapes of Yosemite and it is definitely on my list for the next time I travel to the US.
Great pictures!
Thanks Zita. Hope you can make it back to the States soon. It was great to follow your trip thru Instagram.
What stunning landscapes in this area Ruth. How exciting to see some deer as well! 🙂
I know! I was so excited to see the deer. They are more active early in the morning and during sunset. I was not expecting to see them during the middle of the day. But, they looked so calm. I guess they are used to walk around.
Great shots! Our family went several years ago….this makes me want to go back!
This is a great place to visit with family. A lot of friends have been commenting about the photos and we are inviting them to California to visit us and to visit the park. I think that would be a lot of fun.
Oh my! such a stunning horizon! Wish I will be there one day:).
Hope you can visit someday too! Thanks for stopping by!
it looks very pretty, your pictures are amazing!
Thanks Diana! Glad to see you liked the photos.
Beautiful series of a beautiful park.
Beth, thanks for stopping by and thanks for your kind words.
Wow, these views look so unreal! Absolutely beautiful! I really wish I get to visit Yosemite one day!!!
I had see tons of photos of Yosemite before visiting but it still felt crazy to be there. It is such a wonderful place! I remember the excitement of all the people around me when we were viewing certain features.
Cool, I did that drive back in ’99! I loved how quiet that part of the park was and could definitely go back and spend some real quality time exploring the area more!
I love the quietness too. We drove thru some stretches where it was only us. We stopped several times to walk among the trees and see some wildlife from up close.
When I’m done living abroad, one of the first things I wanna do when I go back to the US is visit National Parks! This place looks absolutely beautiful!
Tenaya Lake looks spectacular! I agree it would be great camping in the area and waking up to such a beautiful view.
I was a bit envious of the people I saw camping in front of the lake. Now, I know It may be kind of simple to find a camping spot in the high country (as opposed to the valley).
Thanks so much for posting these awesome photos! This is one of the few places I really wanted to see but never got to! The scenery is so gorgeous and it looks like a lot of fun.
Your welcome Betty. It is a pleasure to share such a beautiful to place with others. I am still impressed by the beauty of these locations.
Lovely…
Thanks!
Must have been so inspiring to be surrounded by such breathtaking landscape.
You are right! When in there, I felt like I never wanted to leave. I just wanted to keep exploring the park and other area of the Sierra. The visit inspired me to make plans to visit other park (and to follow like a 100 nature related accounts on Instagram).
Hi Ruth, I did see the sliver of lake in the photo, but it was difficult to locate! That water is beautifully clear. Do you think the pine trees surrounding the lake filter the rainwater to keep the lake clear? Loved the reflections in the lily pad photo.
At these elevations, I think most of the water comes from snow melt. Since this is a glacial lake, the colors are due to the sediments at the bottom of the lake. Thanks for stopping by!
Wonderful! What a great destination is Yosemite National Park. Wonder why this road is less crowded… it looks as stunning as the rest of the park.
I guess people are more interested in the wonder of the Yosemite Valley. Plus, a lot of people visit the park for only one day and by default, they go to the valley. Same thing with excursion. They take people to the valley.
I just don’t know what words to use – these scenes are stunning! You do such a great job of capturing the natural beauty of the area.
Thanks Ruth! I do not consider myself a good photographer but with places so stunning, I do not need a lot of skill to get great photos.
As always – such beautiful photos of such a beautiful place! You make me miss that area of the country! Thank you for joining us for Photo Friday again this week!
Thanks Jen. Always look forward to join your link party.
Wow, Ruth, great pictures! They make me want to go back to Yosemite right now, and spend a few weeks just exploring! Gorgeous!! #WednesdayWanderlust
Oh cool! Maybe you should plan a trip back. It is a place that can be visited over and over again.
I remember this great place when i have travel there, wonderfull fotos, greeting from Belgium.
Hello, thanks for stopping by. Glad to know the post brings back good memories.
Tioga Road is a fantastic scenic highway. Of course, that whole area in around Yosemite is amazing. I like how you’ve described all the points of interest along the way. You’ve got me thinking about making another trip that way before the snow comes (hopefully).
It would be nice for you to plan a trip. I think you do not live that far from the park, right?
Picture Postcard views! Incredible. What a gorgeous place to visit.
Thanks Kathy. I think sometimes while you are taking photos you are not sure how they are going to end up looking. I was very pleased with the ones I took on this road.
What a cool post!! Been years since I’ve been to Yosemite, and your photos make me want to go again! Thanks for the tour.
Peter, I find it so nice to remember a trip thru somebody else’s pictures. I think it is very exciting to take a second look at places you have already been.
I’ve been in Tioga Pass many years ago but I don’t have any memories about it. I wonder if it’s the same with the scenic Tioga Road that you describe… You have very beautiful photos of this place!
Hmm, interesting. Maybe you and your companions drove without stopping at any of the viewpoints. There is not a lot to see at the Tioga Pass itself since it is a road to descend to lower elevations (or ascend, depends on the direction).
This does sound like a gem – and the lake is especially beautiful. Would love to go and do some climbing there myself!
#TheWeeklyPostcard
This is a climbing paradise. I saw a lot of people carrying their equipment around or on their cars. Driving thru some areas, I saw people preparing their gear.
I haven’t been to Yosemite in years but this post brings back memories! Thanks so much for sharing the gorgeous views.
Your welcome Jennifer! Hope you can get back one day and enjoy everything the park has to offer.
Beautiful place!!! Definitely my kind of hiking spot. Thanks for sharing!
There are so many hiking options in here! I want to go back and try to do some backcountry hiking.
To answer your question, oh YES I’d love to drive the Tioga road! What a stunningly beautiful place and so different to what I think of classic Yosemite images.
You have some amazing experiences, and Tioga Road is no exception.
Oh, thanks a lot Paula. I appreciate your comments (and taking a look at your amazing blog).
Looks like yet another amazing hike, your photos are beautiful. I bet it would be great to camp by the lake and wake up with nothing but the sound of nature. 🙂
Finding a camping in the valley is almost an impossible task. Next time, I am going to check in this area. I wouldn’t mind driving a bit if I am going to have solitude and beauty.
Yosemite is such a breathtaking place. I also loved driving Tioga; the views are just stunning.
Thanks for linking up with #wkendtravelinspiration!
I knew I couldn’t miss this drive. That is why I decided to stat around the park three days.
Though I have only visited there once, Yosemite is my favorite national park. Thanks for posting such beautiful photos to let me visit there for a day!
Hey, I totally understand why it is your favorite park. Believe me, it is not easy to get this park out of your head once you have seen it.
this park is amazing!
It is amazing indeed! Thanks for stopping by!
Wow these photos are incredible! What an incredible place. Thanks for linking up to #CheckOutThatView I do hope you will return and link up every week! x
Hello Emma, I am going to make a note and try to go back to your link party.
I feel like a bad American because I haven’t ever been to Yosemite. Those views are stunning!
It took me forever to visit for the first time! So, you have to make plans to visit one day.
It’s beautiful! I’m trying to imagine how beautiful it would be like during fall with all the fall colors. 🙂
You are right, it should be very beautiful. The park is stunning under every season.
I love getting off the beaten path, strange that it isn’t more popular, it is beautiful. Thanks for joining in #wednesdaywanderlust, I’m a bit late commenting but I was travelling so I figured that was a good excuse 🙂
I love getting out of the beaten path too. Hope you had a great time during your trip.
What a great place – I spent a few days there almost 20 years ago and I dearly won’t to go back.
So many classic views and images .
Cheers – Stewart M – Melbourne
It will be great to discuss how things have changed since your visit. Thanks for stopping by.
Beautiful collection of photos, Ruth! We love this area of Yosemite and especially hiking along Tuolumne Meadows. I always like that there are less people here than the valley floor even on a holiday weekend.
That’s such a beautiful area, especially that clear lake. I think I’d be too distracted by the surrounding landscape to successfully climb. I’m also afraid of heights. So, I guess I’d have to let my husband drive on that road while I keep my eyes shut on the scary parts.
I am afraid of height too. That is why that sharp road was felt so scary. But, it was all worth it because of all the great views.
For years I lived only a few miles from the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We really enjoyed exploring its paths and byways but it doesn’t have nearly as grand a road system as Yosemite enjoys.
Those lakes are fabulous! No wonder they are such popular campsites. Dan and I are tied to the computer all week and your photos make me wonder if perhaps we should take a few days and do likewise. Views like that are golden.
It should be great to live really close to a National Park. I will always have an excuse to explore. At least, we have the beach nearby. There are great locations around here.
It looks amazing!! I love your photos.
Would love to visit it someday!
Thank you for joining #Monday Escapes
Thanks! Hope you can visit one day.
I was one of those people who got uncomfortable on Tioga Pass:) Don’t regret travelling Tioga Road though- Yosemite visit is not complete without it. Such beautiful (and diverse!) scenery. Great pictures, Ruth!
I feel the same. A bit scary but totally worth it.
What a stunning area. I would have no problem spending a few days here wandering around. Sorry I am so slow in commenting. Work is hectic, and my computer is still giving me a bit of grief. #TPThursday
Thank you for the great insights! I’ve been gathering info on what I want to see when I go to Yosemite. Your photos are beautiful! Thanks for sharing!
Wow, Yosemite is HUGE huh. You never seem to run out of things to write about this national park! Those people climbing the mountain look so tiny… >_<
Hey Ruth,
now I’m even sadder that I couldn’t drive over the Tioga Pass – your pictures are beautiful. Unfortunately, we had a spontaneous weather change with snow and ice during our visit at that time. The pass was therefore unfortunately closed. But next time I’ll take the tour for sure!
Greetings from Germany
Magda
Wow this looks like an incredible place to go hiking! I love all of the landscape!
Yosemite is amazing, but I haven’t had a chance to explore the Tioga area. Thanks for the tips!
I love Yosemite! Great post!
This is actually a really really great guide Ruth! Can’t wait to visit Yosemite for the first time and go camping there as well. Seems like the perfect place!
Yosemite is definitely a destination that’s high on my list—I don’t think it could be any more of a photographer’s dream! I’d never heard of those errant rocks carried by glaciers. That is such an interesting fact! And I’d love also to see the giant redwoods. After reading your post, I think I may have bumped a visit to Yosemite nearer to the top of my bucket list…
Beautiful pictures! I need to go back and explore this park even more, thanks for the tips!
Absolutely amazing! The same time that it is very adventurous, it looks very peaceful too. Great guide and I hoping to visit it soon, cannot wait to go hiking at Yosemite.
Visiting Yosemite NP is on my bucketlist since I’ve moved to the US last summer. Hope to make it there soon. Will definitely save your tips and go through them in more details the sooner my trip to CA gets.