Tioga Road, Yosemite National Park

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Tioga Road

Tioga Road, in Yosemite National Park, leads the traveler over the Tioga Pass and past some of the most inspiring scenery around, with plenty of opportunities for great outdoor recreation.

  • Enjoy the inspiring scenery as you travel the Tioga Road in Yosemite
  • This 59-mile drive takes you right through the park and over Tioga Pass
  • Take an invigorating hike around Tenaya Lake
  • Stop to view the wildflowers at Tuolumne Meadows
  • See rock formations rise directly from Mono Lake

Overview

Tioga Pass can be reached by traveling the Tioga Road, a beautiful trip through Yosemite, with many things to see and do along the way. When visiting Yosemite National Park, it’s almost imperative to take this scenic drive and enjoy reaching its pinnacle at the 9,945-foot Tioga Pass.

Driving Directions

Tioga Highway, a continuation of California Highway 120, begins its journey at the park’s Big Oak Flat entrance and moves through Yosemite National Park to end at the eastern side of the park.

Distance

Your Tioga Pass California journey will be a 59-mile wondrous drive.

Highlights

Besides a number of trailheads accessed via Tioga Road California, there are a number of spots to stop to enjoy some of Yosemite’s best attractions.

  • Tuolumne Grove
    To view these Giant Sequoias near Crane Flat is very much worth the short hike into the grove. The size of these trees is truly something to behold.
  • Tenaya Lake
    From this beautiful lake, you can hike into the backcountry, or just take a loop around the lake. There is also a great beach where you can relax and enjoy the views. You can even swim if you don’t mind the cold water.
  • Tuolumne Meadows
    This sub-alpine meadow comes alive in the spring and early summer with an incredible array of wildflowers. You can also stop in the visitor center to get more information about the area. Hiking trails are plentiful, so you can get out in the wilderness too.
  • Tioga Pass
    Breathtaking scenery awaits you here. A few trailheads begin at the pass as well, one taking you to the summit of Mount Dana for those that are ready for the challenge.
  • Mono Lake
    This ancient lake covers more than 70 square miles, and is the home to trillions of brine shrimp and millions of migratory birds. You’ll see incredible rock formations rising directly from the lake.