Tioga Pass is Open for 2024 - Yosemite National Park
Hi friends, and welcome to another adventure-filled post from Yosemite National Park! Last week marked the highly anticipated reopening of Yosemite’s Tioga Pass Entrance, and I couldn't wait to explore this stunning alpine route. Tioga Road, a true gem of the Sierra Nevada, offers breathtaking landscapes, serene lakes, and vibrant meadows. Join me below and I take you through the captivating sights and experiences I encountered during the first week of its reopening.
Yosemite National Park’s high country seen from Tioga Road
Location
Tioga Road stretches for about 60 miles along Highway 120 across the Sierra Nevada through the northern regions of Yosemite National Park, linking US-395 at Mono Lake and Lee Vining with Big Oak Flat Road on the west side of the park. The Tioga Pass Entrance on the east side of Yosemite marks the highest point along the drive at 9,945 feet above sea level. In fact, Tioga Pass is the highest elevation mountain highway in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and in all of California. It traverses some of the most picturesque and diverse landscapes in Yosemite, providing access to high-altitude wonders that are often inaccessible for much of the year due to snow.
Mono Lake near Lee Vining at the junction of Highway 120 and US-395
Lee Vining Canyon Scenic Byway along Tioga Road / Highway 120
Lee Vining Creek cascades down into the Lee Vining Canyon along Tioga Road
Lee Vining Canyon
Ascending through Lee Vining Canyon Scenic Byway, the striking beauty of the rugged terrain is quite breathtaking. The canyon walls, adorned with patches of lingering snow, create a dramatic backdrop for the journey ahead. The steep winding road offers stunning vistas of cascading waterfalls and pristine alpine scenery, setting the stage for the spectacular sights that await.
Ellery Lake at the base of of Mount Dana along Tioga Road
Tioga Lake just outside Yosemite’s Tioga Pass Entrance
Ellery & Tioga Lakes
Ellery and Tioga Lakes are a must-stop for me anytime I head into Yosemite from the east. Located just outside of the park boundaries, these twin-sized lakes were shimmering under the clear blue sky, their surfaces reflecting the surrounding snow-capped peaks. These alpine lakes, often frozen well into Spring, were completely thaw, revealing their deep blue waters. The air was crisp and invigorating, a perfect prelude to the adventures further along Tioga Road.
Hiking: For those eager to explore on foot, the hike to the Saddlebag Lake Loop is a must. This moderate 4.5-mile loop trail offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and the chance to see more high-altitude lakes. Another excellent option is the short but steep trail to the top of Mount Dana, which, although challenging, rewards hikers with unparalleled vistas from its 13,000-foot summit.
Lembert Dome in Yosemite National Park
Pothole Dome and Tuolumne Meadows along Tioga Road
Tuolumne Meadows
Shortly after passing through the Yosemite entrance gate we’ll find Tuolumne Meadows, a high-altitude paradise bursting with life. The meadows are currently lush and green, dotted with wildflowers. Lembert Dome and Pothole Dome stand majestically on either side, inviting hikers to explore their granite slopes. The Tuolumne River, swollen from snowmelt, is flowing powerfully through the meadows, creating a dynamic and ever-changing landscape.
Hiking: For a rewarding hike, the Lembert Dome Trail is a fantastic choice. This 2.8-mile round trip offers stunning views from the dome's summit, with a moderately strenuous climb. For a more leisurely adventure, the Pothole Dome Trail is perfect, providing an easy 1.5-mile round trip hike with panoramic views of the meadow and surrounding peaks. The gentle family-friendly hike to Soda Springs & Parsons Memorial Lodge is also a favorite of mine in Tuolumne Meadows.
Tenaya Lake along Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park
Half Dome & Clouds Rest seen from Olmsted Point
Half Dome seen from Olmsted Point along Tioga Road
Tenaya Lake & Olmsted Point
Continuing along Tioga Road, we reach the pristine Tenaya Lake, its glassy surface mirroring the surrounding granite domes and forested slopes. This iconic lake, often referred to as the "Jewel of the High Country," is a perfect spot for a tranquil break. A short drive further brings us to Olmsted Point, where panoramic views of Half Dome, Clouds Rest, and the rolling granite peaks unfold before us. The vastness and grandeur of the landscape from this vantage point are simply awe-inspiring.
Hiking: The Tenaya Lake Loop Trail is a delightful 2.5-mile hike that circles the lake, offering stunning views and plenty of opportunities for peaceful contemplation by the water. For those seeking a more challenging adventure, the Clouds Rest Trail is an excellent option. Starting near Tenaya Lake at the Sunrise Lakes Trailhead, this strenuous 14.5-mile round trip hike leads to one of the best viewpoints in Yosemite, with breathtaking 360-degree views of the park.
Quaking Aspen Falls along Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park
Spreading phlox wildflowers in Tuolumne Meadows
Waterfalls, Wildflowers & Wildlife
The waterfalls along Tioga Road were in full force, fueled by the abundant snowmelt. Quaking Aspen Falls, one of my favorite spots on this drive, cascades dramatically down the cliffs right next to the road. South Fork Tuolumne Falls is also currently roaring further up the highway as its waters cascade under a bridge along the drive.
Wildflowers are making their presence known along Tioga Road. Spreading phlox blooms can be found scattered throughout the meadows currently, and vibrant patches of pink mountain pride beautifully line the highway along the slabs of Yosemite granite.
With Tioga Road just opening, wildlife sightings are abundant in Yosemite’s high country. I spotted multiple mule deer grazing peacefully in meadows all long the journey last week. Visitors should be extra careful and attentive while driving, as they may also encounter black bear, marmots, coyotes, and all kinds of little critters scurrying across the roadways.
Tioga Road & Tenaya Lake seen from Olmsted Point in Yosemite
Know Before You Go
• For more information on this incredible region of Yosemite National Park, check out my First-Timer’s Guide to Tioga Pass.
• Check the official NPS website prior to heading out towards the high country for the most up-to-date weather and road conditions, as well as information on park reservation requirements.
• Wilderness, by definition, is an unpredictable and even hazardous place, so stay on the designated trails. Traveling off trail is a leading cause of hiking accidents in Yosemite.
• Remember the Leave No Trace Principles and pack out what you pack in.
• This is black bear country. Bears and other wildlife can be present on trails at any time of the day or night. Feeding and approaching wildlife is dangerous and illegal. Make sure to properly store your food. Bear canisters are required for wilderness food storage for overnight hikers.
• Be prepared for sudden and sometimes hazardous changes in weather and trail conditions.
• Be cautious when crossing swollen streams and turn back if conditions warrant. Good planning and judgment may protect you from unsafe situations and prevent the need for rescue.
Top 10 Things to Do Along Tioga Pass
Tuolumne Meadows
Lembert Dome
Siesta Lake
Tioga Lake & Ellery Lake
Quaking Aspen Falls
Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias
Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park
In Summary
Thanks so much for joining me this week along Tioga Road. For a virtual visit of my road trip along this mountain pass highway through Yosemite’s high country, make sure to watch my Behind the Blog video located at the top of this post, or watch it on YouTube here. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
Dana Fork Tuolumne River along Tioga Pass in Yosemite
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About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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What are the best places to stay in Yosemite National Park? Today I'm sharing one of the best Yosemite hotels for your next national park vacation. Centrally located near iconic landmarks, hiking trails, and viewpoints, Yosemite Valley Lodge is one of the top spots to stay in the park. Hike to the base of Lower Yosemite Falls, see Half Dome from Cooks Meadow, and grab food at on-site restaurants.