Looking for one of the most scenic drives you’ll ever take? Try a day trip through Yosemite from Tioga Road.
Yosemite National Park is arguably the most famous National Park in the United States, attracting more than 4,000,000 people per year! The natural beauty of Yosemite spans over 1,100 square miles and includes granite cliffs, waterfalls, meadows, giant sequoia trees, and more.
Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, the history of the park dates back to the Gold Rush era of the 1860s
Summer in Yosemite National Park provides the opportunity to tour the park from the awe-inspiring Tioga Road. This scenic drive is consistently rated as the most famous drive in the park. Spots along this road include Tuolumne Meadows, Olmstead Point, Tenaya Lake, and more.
For those who get the chance to enter Yosemite National Park from the east, this guide provides an itinerary for the best spots to visit during a day trip to Yosemite from Tioga Road.
This guide starts from the east side of the park on Tioga Road and covers spots heading west toward Yosemite Village. Make sure to bookmark and share this guide for your next day trip to Yosemite from Tioga Road to ensure you see the best spots along the road!
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History of Tioga Road
Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park traverses the Sierra Nevada Mountain range and connects the park from the east side starting at the town of Lee Vining.
In the 1860s, the road served wagons traveling into the mountains and connected mining areas within the eastern Sierras.
On our day trip through Yosemite along Tioga Road, we saw massive pinecones!
Over the years, Tioga Road received upgrades in the 1930s and 1950s to accommodate larger vehicle traffic and now provides access to Yosemite’s most stunning views, just as it did in the nineteenth century.
Fun Fact: Tioga Road crosses the Sierra Nevada at Tioga Pass, which, at 9,945 feet, is the highest highway pass in California.
Seasonal Road Closures
The unfortunate part of Tioga Road is that it can only be driven at certain times of the year. Snowfall in the Sierra Nevada Mountains makes this road too dangerous to drive in the off-season. Usually, the road opens in late May or June and closes around November.
During the Fall, Winter, and Spring, tire chains may be required on certain roads throughout Yosemite National Park.
If you plan correctly, you’ll have the chance to take a road trip on this magical road.
For current conditions on Tioga Road, visit the NPS Official Website.
Scroll to the bottom of this article to find more information on weather, park access, entrance fees, and more.
Find the map to Yosemite National Park here.
Read More: Want more guides to National Parks? See my National Park Guides and Itineraries including Bryce Canyon, Zion, and Yosemite!
Morning
Tuolumne Meadows
Time to spend here: 30 min.
Hours: Accessible only when Tioga Road is open.
Rules + Regulations: Stay on trails to protect the ecosystem. Dogs, bikes, and strollers are only allowed on vehicle roads.
A glimpse of Tuolumne Meadows in the early morning seen off Tioga Road.
Start the day trip to Yosemite from Tioga Road by traversing up the mountain from Lee Vining to Tuolumne Meadows. It is one of the highest-elevation meadows within the Sierra Nevada Mountain range.
There are a host of activities to enjoy in this area such as hiking, backpacking, fishing, and rock climbing.
To enjoy the scenery, spend around 30 minutes in Tuolumne Meadows. You can also hike a plethora of trails to get a closer look at this magical environment. Try these trails:
- Soda Springs and Parsons Lodge: 1.4 mi, 30 min, 52 ft elevation gain.
- Elizabeth Lake: 7 mi, 3 hr, 1,000 ft elevation gain.
- Lyell Canyon via John Muir Trail: 11.7 mi, 4 hr, 500 ft elevation gain.
- Cathedral Lakes – 9.5 mi, 4 hr 30 min, 1,600 ft elevation gain.
- Glen Aulin: 10.7 mi, 4 hr 30 min, 1,100 ft elevation gain.
There is also a visitor center, Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center, where you can find maps and other information for your day trip in Yosemite along Tioga Road. During open hours, park rangers are available and provide valuable information about everything you need to know for Yosemite.
Tenaya Lake
Time to spend here: 30 min
Hours: Accessible only by Tioga Road.
Rules + Regulations: Overnight parking for Tenaya Lake ends October 15. Tioga Road closes on the first significant snowfall.
Admiring Tenaya Lake during our day trip in Yosemite National Park
After admiring the beauty of the meadows, head west on Tioga Road until you reach Tenaya Lake. If you haven’t eaten yet, it is a perfect spot to sit and enjoy breakfast or a picnic.
Located just off Tioga Road, you’ll be able to see the pristine water right from the window of the car.
The lake is the largest in Yosemite’s front country and is one of the most popular spots for summer tourists in the park.
Fun Fact: The name of the lake comes from Chief Tenaya, the last chief of the Yosemite Indians!
Olmstead Point
Time to spend here: 15 min
Hours: Accessible only when Tioga Road is open.
Rules + Regulations: Overnight parking for Tenaya Lake ends October 15. Tioga Road closes on the first significant snowfall.
Views from the Olmstead Point Overlook in Yosemite National Park
Located just past Tenaya Lake, Olmstead Point provides a unique view of Yosemite from high above, allowing you to see the famous Half Dome. The pull-off sits at 8,400 ft and can sometimes be covered in the clouds!
Olmstead Point is named after Fredrick Law Olmstead. The renowned landscape architect was an early advocate for the preservation of Yosemite.
This spot is also the last prominent spot to see along Tioga Road. The rest of this guide features destinations within Yosemite near Yosemite Village and the Badger Pass area.
Bridalveil Fall
Time to spend here: 30 min
Hours: Open year-round.
Rules + Regulations: Leashed pets are allowed on the Bridalveil Fall trail. Do not feed wildlife. Carry out all trash and food waste.
A view of Bridalveil Fall from the foot trail.
Renowned as one of Yosemite’s most popular waterfalls, Bridalveil Fall plunges 620 ft from a hanging valley beneath the waterfall.
To get to the trailhead, follow the intersection of Southside Drive and Wawona Road on Highway 41 and look for the sign pointing to Bridalveil Fall.
The trail to the Fall is 0.5 mi and is gentle and paved, making it easy for everyone to see this beautiful sight.
Bridalveil Fall has a flow that changes year-round. It is most powerful in the spring when the snow melts into Yosemite’s waterways but is also impressive to see during summer and fall.
The name of the waterfall comes from the mist that drifts off the water, which is said to resemble a bride’s veil.
Read More: Want more guides to National Parks? See my National Park Guides and Itineraries including Bryce Canyon, Zion, and Yosemite!
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Mid-Day
Yosemite Valley Visitor Center
Time to spend here: 1 hour
Hours: Typically open from 9 am – 5 pm every day.
Rules + Regulations: N/A
After spending the morning along Tioga Road admiring some of Yosimite’s natural wonders, continue along Southside Drive until you reach the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center.
This is the new destination for visitor information within Yosemite Valley and is a great place to stop and grab lunch and a souvenir before seeing the next destinations.
For food, the Welcome Center offers restaurants like Degnan’s Kitchen and the Village Store for groceries, clothing, gifts, and more.
Here are some other ideas to consider in Yosemite Valley:
- Yosemite Museum – Delve into the cultural history of Yosemite’s native Miwok and Paiute people through artifacts, exhibits, and demonstrations. The museum offers insights into the indigenous heritage of the region.
- Location: Near the Welcome Center.
- Operating Hours: Typically open daily; check for current hours.
- Ansel Adams Gallery – Showcasing the works of renowned photographer Ansel Adams, this gallery features stunning black-and-white images of Yosemite and the American West. Visitors can purchase prints, books, and other art pieces.
- Location: Close to the museum.
- Operating Hours: Open daily; hours may vary.
- Post Office – Send postcards or handle mailing needs during your visit.
- Location: Within Yosemite Village.
- Operating Hours: Typically open weekdays; check for current hours.
- Ranger-Led Programs – Engage in educational walks, talks, and evening programs that cover topics like geology, ecology, and park history.
- Schedule: Varies seasonally; check the Yosemite Guide for current offerings.
Pro Tip: For first-time visitors to Yosemite Valley, navigating the roads can be quite challenging, especially during times of heavy traffic. Make sure to carefully plan out your route and study the map before heading to your next destination to avoid going off-course. Find the Official Yosemite Valley map here.
Lower Yosemite Falls
Time to spend here: 1-2 hours.
Hours: Open year-round.
Rules + Regulations: Share the trial. Leashed pets are allowed. Bikes are prohibited. Don’t feed wildlife and pack out all trash and food waste.
Posing in front of Lower Yosemite Fall on our day trip to Yosemite along Tioga Road
Lower Yosemite Falls is another great waterfall to see within Yosemite National Park. During the spring and early summer, the deafening sound of the water can be heard around the valley.
The waterfall is part of Yosemite Falls which includes Upper Yosemite Fall which can be seen high above the lower waterfall.
During the summer, this destination gets extremely crowded. For parking, I recommend the Yosemite Falls parking located adjacent to Camp 4. The total hike from this lot is 1 mile with a 50 ft elevation gain.
Once you reach the falls, make sure to stay on the paved trail. People are often seen scrambling up the rocks to get closer to the waterfall which could lead to serious injury.
For those who want the challenge of climbing to the Upper Falls, head toward the Upper Fall trail along the path toward the Lower Fall. This trail is 7.2 mi and features 2,700 ft of elevation gain.
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Afternoon
El Capitan
Time to spend here: 30 min
Hours: Open year-round.
Rules + Regulations: Stay on designated trails.The Famous El Captian rises over 3,000 feet and can be seen from Northside Drive in El Capitan Meadow.
Seeing the famous El Capitan Peak on our Yosemite Day Trip from Tioga Road
If you’ve seen Alex Honold’s “Free Solo”, you’ll be able to spot this peak within seconds of approaching it!
The meadow provides a great view of not only El Captian but also Lower and Middle Cathedral Rock and the Cathedral Spires.
This spot is famous for rock climbers who frequent the area to take on the challenge of climbing this difficult rock face. Oftentimes, if you look closely, you can spot climbers anchored into the granite face high above the meadow.
At night, watch for headlamps that illuminate parts of El Capitan!
Notable Highlights
Lembert Dome:
- Located along Tioga Road near the Tuolumne Visitor Center: 3.4 mi RT, 3 hours, 850ft elevation gain.
May Lake:
- Located on Tioga Road just past Tenaya Lake: 2.5 miles RT, 400 ft elevation gain.
Tuolumne Grove:
- Located near the west end of Tioga Road near Crane Flat: 2.5 miles RT, 400 ft elevation change
Clouds Rest:
- The trailhead starts in Yosemite Valley: 12.5 miles RT, 2700 ft elevation change.
Bonus – Mono Lake
Time to spend here: 2-3 hours
Hours: Open year-round.
Rules + Regulations: Stay on designated trails.
The shore along Mono Lake contains lots of Tufas!
If you are visiting Yosemite National Park from the East Entrance of the park, make sure to leave time for visiting Mono Lake the day before your trip!
Located outside of Lee Vining, this ancient saline soda lake formed almost 800,000 years ago and is one of the oldest lakes in North America.
Make sure to check out the Tufa Towers which are jagged limestone towers formed from the freshwater calcium mixing with the lake’s carbonate-rich water.
Fun Fact: Mono Lake is about 2.5 times as salty as the ocean and has a high pH, making it a challenging environment for most life forms.
FAQ
Getting to Yosemite National Park
Yosemite is located in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains. The primary routes include:
- From San Francisco: Approximately a 4 to 4.5-hour drive via Highway 120 (Big Oak Flat Road).
- From Los Angeles: Around a 6-hour drive using Highway 41 (Wawona Road).
Ensure your vehicle is prepared for mountain driving, and always check road conditions, especially during winter months when some roads may be closed due to snow.
What are Other Entrances to Yosemite National Park
- Big Oak Flat Entrance (Highway 120): Ideal for travelers from San Francisco.
- Arch Rock Entrance (Highway 140): Convenient for those coming from Merced or the Bay Area.
- South Entrance (Highway 41): Best for visitors from Los Angeles or Fresno.
Navigating Yosemite National Park
Once inside, Yosemite Valley is the main hub, featuring a one-way loop road that provides access to major attractions.
A free shuttle bus system operates in the valley, helping reduce traffic congestion and providing convenient transportation to key sites.
Admiring the massive trees seen throughout the drive in Yosemite National Park
Given the park’s popularity, especially during peak seasons, using the shuttle can save time and alleviate parking challenges. Learn more about Yosemite’s Shuttle System.
Where to Stay?
Lee Vining, California, serves as a convenient gateway to Yosemite National Park’s eastern entrance and the scenic Mono Lake. The town offers a selection of accommodations catering to various preferences and budgets. Here are some notable options:
- Mono Vista RV Park: best for camping and budget stays.
- Lake View Lodge: best for convenience, ease of access, and more amenities.
Booking Tips
- Seasonal Demand – During peak seasons, such as summer and early fall, accommodations can fill up quickly. It’s advisable to book well in advance.
- Amenities – Consider the amenities important to you, such as Wi-Fi, kitchen facilities, or pet-friendly options, to ensure a comfortable stay.
- Proximity to Attractions – Staying in Lee Vining provides easy access to Mono Lake and a relatively short drive to Yosemite’s Tioga Pass entrance, making it a strategic location for exploring the area.
How much is the Entry Fee?
The entrance fee for Yosemite is $35 per vehicle, valid for seven consecutive days. Alternatively, the America the Beautiful National Park Pass is available for $80, granting access to all national park sites for 12 months.
Where to Park your car?
Along Tioga Road, there are many pull-offs that allow you to park and enjoy the scenery without worrying about a ticket. Make sure not to park on the side of the road and only use designated parking spots. Parking is also available at various locations within Yosemite Valley, including near visitor centers and trailheads. However, lots can fill up quickly, especially during weekends and holidays. Arriving early is recommended to secure a spot. Utilizing the park’s shuttle system can also mitigate parking challenges.
Where to eat?
Yosemite offers several dining facilities:
- Degnan’s Kitchen: A cafeteria-style restaurant located in Yosemite Valley offering sandwiches, pizzas, and soups.
- The Ahwahnee Dining Room: A more upscale dining experience with a dress code located in Yosemite Valley.
- Yosemite Valley Lodge Food Court: Provides quick-service meals suitable for families.
Bringing your own food for a picnic is also a popular option, with numerous scenic spots available such as Tenaya Lake.
Do I need A Reservation to enter Yosemite National Park?
Yosemite National Park often has reservations for specific times of the year.
Horsetail Fall can glow orange when it’s backlit by sunset, which can make it appear to be on fire. Reservations are usually required for visiting in February because of the event, and specific dates can be checked here.
During the summer of 2024, reservations are required to enter the park from 5 am to 6 pm, but this system may be changing in 2025. Make sure to visit the NPS official website for detailed information about making reservations to enter Yosemite National Park.
Summary
A day trip along Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park is a journey through breathtaking alpine landscapes, serene meadows, and iconic granite peaks. The journey starts with views at Tuolumne Meadows and includes other spots such as Olmsted Point and Tenaya Lake.
This high-country route showcases Yosemite’s grandeur uniquely and unforgettably.
Whether you’re pausing for photos, hiking a short trail, or simply soaking in the stunning vistas, Tioga Road offers endless opportunities to connect with nature and enjoy some destinations not usually accessible within Yosemite National Park.
Remember to plan your trip thoughtfully by checking road conditions, packing essentials, and embracing the spirit of exploration. A day trip in Yosemite on Tioga Road is more than just a drive—it’s a gateway to some of Yosemite’s most cherished treasures and a memory you’ll carry long after your journey ends. Make sure to save this guide for enjoying the best sights along Tioga Road on your day trip through Yosemite.
Safe travels and happy exploring!