17 Must-See Stops on Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park

Nestled high in the Sierra Nevada, Tioga Road is Yosemite National Park ‘s Breathtaking gateway to adventure . Winding through granite peaks, alpine meadows, and pristine lakes, this scenic byway offers a journey like no other.

Join us as we uncover the must-see stops on Tioga Road in Yosemite, where each stop offers a unique glimpse into the park’s incredible beauty and wonder.

• Tioga Road Overview

Distance: Tioga Road (Highway 120) is a high-elevation scenic byway that stretches approximately 47 miles from Crane Flat to the Tioga Pass Entrance, crossing through some of Yosemite National Park’s most stunning landscapes.

In this post, you will find information about starting your journey on Tioga Road from the Big Oak Flat Entrance Station and ending it in Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve . The distance between these two points is 68.6 miles.

Direction: Tioga Road can be driven either from east to west or west to east. However, many visitors prefer driving from west to east, starting from Crane Flat or Yosemite Valley, as this direction offers a gradual ascent and allows for better views of the surrounding landscapes.

Driving Time: The driving time along Tioga Road can vary depending on traffic and how long you will stay at each stop. Generally, the drive can take around 1.5 to 2 hours without stops.

PRO TIP: To fully enjoy the journey and explore the various stops along the way, you will need to locate at least half a day or more.

Elevation: As the highest road in the Sierra Nevada, it reaches an elevation of 9,943 feet at Tioga Pass.

Opening Times: Typically open from late May to October, depending on snow conditions, Tioga Road offers access to remote areas of Yosemite that showcase the park’s diverse geology and ecosystems.

• Driving Tips for Tioga Road

Check Road Conditions: Before you embark on your journey, check the current road conditions and weather forecasts. Tioga Road can close unexpectedly due to snow and adverse weather, even in late spring or early fall. Check it HERE

Fuel Up: There are no gas stations along Tioga Road, so make sure your tank is full before you start. The closest gas stations are in Crane Flat and Lee Vining, just outside the park’s eastern entrance.

Drive Carefully: The road features sharp curves, steep grades, and narrow sections. Drive cautiously, especially if you’re not accustomed to mountain driving. Watch for wildlife, cyclists, and other vehicles.

Elevation Awareness: The high elevation can affect both vehicles and passengers. Ensure your vehicle is in good condition, and be mindful of symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headaches, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Drink plenty of water and take breaks as needed.

Bring Essentials: Pack water, snacks, sunscreen, and layered clothing. Weather can change rapidly, and temperatures can vary significantly from lower to higher elevations.

Merced Grove is the first stop on Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park. Located at an elevation of about 5,600 feet, it is one of the park’s three giant sequoia groves.

Giant Sequoias in Merced Grove 

This grove features around 20 mature giant sequoias, some of which are over 1,000 years old. These trees can reach heights of more than 200 feet and have trunk diameters exceeding 10 feet.

The trailhead for Merced Grove is near Crane Flat, and the hike to the grove is approximately 3 miles round trip on a moderate trail. The trail descends gradually through a forest of mixed conifers before reaching the grove.

An old ranger patrol cabin, the former summer retreat of park superintendents, is part of the grove’s history. Look for dogwoods blooming here in the spring.

An old ranger patrol cabin in Merced Grove.

GOOD TO KNOW: Merced Grove offers a quieter experience compared to the more popular Mariposa Grove. It’s a great spot to see these magnificent trees without the crowds.

The next stop is Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias. It sits at an elevation of approximately 6,200 feet. The trailhead is near Crane Flat, and the hike to Tuolumne Grove is about 2.5 miles round trip on a moderate trail.

Tuolumne Grove features around 25 mature giant sequoias. Notable trees within the grove include the Dead Giant Tunnel tree, which is famous for its historic tunnel carved through its base in the 1870s, allowing horse-drawn carriages and later automobiles to pass through. 

Dead Giant Tree Tunnel in Tuolumne Grove offers a walk through history in Yosemite.

Lukens Lake is the next must-see stop along Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park. This picturesque alpine lake sits at an elevation of about 8,200 feet and offers a great spot to take a break.

The trailhead for Lukens Lake is located directly off Tioga Road, roughly 4 miles west of the Tioga Pass Entrance.

The trail is approximately 1.6 miles round trip and winds through a beautiful forest of lodgepole pines and meadows that are absolutely stunning during the summer months when wildflowers are in full bloom.

The hike is relatively easy, with gentle inclines and you will be at the water’s edge in no time. 

Lukens Lake offers serenity in Yosemite’s high country.

Olmsted Point is a breathtaking viewpoint along Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park! This stop is named in honor of Frederick Law Olmsted, a key figure in the history of American landscape architecture.

Experience the stunning vista of Olmsted Point in Yosemite.

Located at an elevation of approximately 8,400 feet, Olmsted Point offers a stunning panorama of Yosemite’s high country. You will be able to enjoy sweeping views of Tenaya Lake, Clouds Rest, and the northern face of Half Dome.

Yosemite’s iconic landmarks on display at Olmsted Point.

GOOD TO KNOW: There is a short, paved trail that leads from the parking area to the viewpoint. Along the trail, you will find interpretive signs providing information about the geology and natural history of the area. 

Tenaya Lake is a stunning alpine lake located along Tioga Road. Nestled at an elevation of 8,150 feet, it is often referred to as the “Jewel of the High Country.”

Tenaya Lake is named after Chief Tenaya , the leader of the Ahwahneechee people who once inhabited the area.

Tenaya Lake: Serene waters framed by granite peaks in Yosemite.

The lake spans approximately 1 mile in length and half a mile in width, offering clear, blue waters surrounded by granite peaks and forests.

PRO TIP: Make sure to take a break at this spot. There are several small sandy beaches that are perfect picnic spots. 

Tranquil Tenaya Lake: Perfect for swimming and relaxation in Yosemite’s high country.

GOOD TO KNOW: Several hiking trails start from Tenaya Lake, including the trail to the famous Clouds Rest. Check out the easy Tenaya Lake Trail, which offers a gentle walk along the shoreline.

Tuolumne Meadows is a vast, scenic expanse along Tioga Road, situated at an elevation of 8,600 feet.

As one of the largest high-elevation meadows in the Sierra Nevada, it offers breathtaking views of rolling meadows, winding rivers, and surrounding granite domes and peaks.

Expansive views of Tuolumne Meadows, a high-altitude paradise in Yosemite.

GOOD TO KNOW: The area is a starting point for numerous trails, including the famous John Muir Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail, offering access to Yosemite’s backcountry.

Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center is located nearby and is worth checking out. It provides valuable information about the area’s natural and cultural history.

You will find exhibits on the geology, flora, and fauna of Tuolumne Meadows, as well as the history of the Sierra Nevada.

Rangers are available to answer questions, provide maps, and offer recommendations for hikes and activities in the area. 

Tuolumne Meadows, a perfect spot for hiking and wildlife watching in Yosemite.

A short, easy hike of about one-mile round trip from the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center will take you to both Soda Springs and Parsons Memorial Lodge .

Soda Springs features naturally carbonated, cold water bubbling up from the ground, a geological curiosity that has intrigued visitors for years.

The carbonation is caused by carbon dioxide gas dissolving into the groundwater as it passes through layers of limestone.

Naturally carbonated water bubbles up at Soda Springs in Yosemite’s Tuolumne Meadows.

Soda Springs: A unique geological feature in the heart of Tuolumne Meadows.

Parsons Memorial Lodge is located nearby and serves as a historical and cultural landmark within the park.

Built in 1915 by the Sierra Club, the stone and log structure honors Edward Taylor Parsons, a key figure in the club and a dedicated conservationist.

The lodge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and hosts summer educational programs, lectures, and exhibits focused on the natural and cultural history of the Sierra Nevada.

Parsons Memorial Lodge, a historic landmark in Yosemite’s Tuolumne Meadows.

Lembert Dome is a prominent granite formation located near Tuolumne Meadows along Tioga Road. Rising to an elevation of approximately 9,450 feet, Lembert Dome offers striking views of the surrounding meadows and high country.

The dome is named after Jean Baptiste Lembert , a 19th-century settler and shepherd in the area.

Lembert Dome rises majestically above Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite.

PRO TIP: If you are up for a hike, then consider hiking to the summit of Lembert Dome. The hike is about 2.8 miles round trip and is considered moderately strenuous.

The trail starts from the Lembert Dome parking area, just east of Tuolumne Meadows, and ascends through a forest of lodgepole pines before reaching the granite slopes of the dome.

The final climb involves some scrambling over bare rock, but the effort is rewarded with panoramic views of Tuolumne Meadows, Cathedral Range, and Mount Dana.

Climbing Lembert Dome offers breathtaking views of Yosemite’s high country.

GOOD TO KNOW: Lembert Dome is also popular with rock climbers, offering several climbing routes that range in difficulty. The dom’s smooth granite surface and varied terrain make it an exciting challenge for climbers.

Our next stop on Tioga Road is Dana Meadows . 

Dana Meadows is a picturesque alpine meadow located at the base of Mount Dana , the second-highest peak in Yosemite.

Named after James Dwight Dana, a prominent American geologist, Dana Meadows is known for its vibrant wildflower displays in the summer months.

The meadows are accessible via a short hike from the Dana Meadows Trailhead, located off Tioga Road. The trail will take you through a forest of lodgepole pines before opening up to the expansive meadows. 

Dana Meadows with Mount Dana towering in the background, showcasing Yosemite’s stunning high country.

PRO TIP: If you are up for a hike then consider the trail to Mount Dana’s summit. It is a strenuous hike however it offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. 

Next, you will be approaching the Tioga Pass Entrance. Here, you will be greeted by stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountains and the lush forests that blanket the landscape.

Tioga Lake and surrounding mountains as seen from Tioga Pass. 

Half Dome as seen from Tioga Pass. 

The next stop is Tioga Lake, a picturesque alpine lake situated along Tioga Road.

Located at an elevation of approximately 9,641 feet, the lake is fed by snowmelt from the surrounding Sierra Nevada peaks. Its clear, cold waters and scenic backdrop make it a popular stop.

If you are into fishing, then this is an absolutely perfect spot!

Tioga Lake’s crystal-clear waters and stunning alpine backdrop make it a must-visit spot in Yosemite’s high country.

GOOD TO KNOW: Tioga Lake provides stunning photographic opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset when the light casts a warm glow on the surrounding peaks. The nearby peaks, including Mount Dana and Mount Gibbs, reflect beautifully on the surface of the lake.

Next on Tioga Road, you will find the Nunatak Nature Trail . It is a 1-mile interpretive loop located near the Tuolumne Meadows Campground.

This trail offers an opportunity to learn about the park’s geology, flora, and fauna through a series of informative signs placed along the route.

The trail meanders through open meadows, alongside babbling brooks, and beneath the shadow of granite peaks, showcasing the diverse alpine terrain of Yosemite’s high country.

Nunatak Nature Trail offers an educational journey through Yosemite’s diverse alpine landscape.

The next stop is Ellery Lake Lookout , located along Tioga Road at an elevation of approximately 9,500 feet.

The lookout provides panoramic views of Ellery Lake and the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains.

The lake is fed by snow melt, making its waters clear and cold.

Ellery Lake Lookout offers stunning panoramic views of the clear, snow-fed lake and surrounding Sierra Nevada peaks.

The next stop is Lee Vining , a small town located near the eastern entrance of Yosemite National Park, just off Highway 395. It serves as a gateway for visitors traveling to Yosemite via Tioga Road (Highway 120). It is a great stop to grab some lunch or dinner!

GOOD TO KNOW: Lee Vining is also a convenient base for exploring the Eastern Sierra region, including nearby attractions such as Bodie State Historic Park , a well-preserved ghost town. Image below.

Exploring the preserved ghost town of Bodie State Historic Park offers a glimpse into California’s Gold Rush past.

Our last stop on Tioga Road is the Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve. It is located right near Lee Vining and encompasses approximately 65 square miles (168 square kilometers) of shoreline along Mono Lake.

Established in 1981, the reserve is managed by the California State Park system and is renowned for its striking tufa formations.

Serene beauty: Mono Lake’s tranquil waters and unique tufa towers create an enchanting vista.

Tufa towers are calcium carbonate structures formed by the interaction of freshwater springs and alkaline lake water rich in carbonates.

Over thousands of years, these formations have grown underwater, gradually emerging as the lake’s water level declined due to diversions for Los Angeles water supply.

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