Tioga Pass Road Trip Guide: Yosemite's Most Underrated Region
Where Is Tioga Pass, and Why Is It a Big Deal?
Tioga Pass isn’t just a scenic mountain road—it’s California’s highest highway and Yosemite’s gateway to the alpine “high country.” This stunning stretch of Highway 120 connects the eastern Sierra (just outside Mono Lake and Lee Vining) with Yosemite’s Big Oak Flat Road to the west. The highest point along the route? A sky-scraping 9,945 feet at the Tioga Pass Entrance Station.
Tioga Road slices right through some of the park’s most dramatic terrain: glacier-polished granite, crystal alpine lakes, golden meadows, and trails that lead into true wilderness. If you’ve only seen Yosemite Valley, prepare to have your expectations blown wide open.
Half Dome seen from Olmsted Point along Tioga Road in Yosemite
Best Time to Drive Tioga Pass
Here’s the catch: Tioga Road is only open seasonally. Most of the year, it’s buried under snow.
Opening: Usually sometime between late May and early July, depending on snowpack. In 2022 it opened May 27; in 2023, the epic snowfall pushed the opening all the way to July 22. This year (2025), it opens May 26th!
Closing: Often late October, sometimes as early as mid-October if early storms roll through.
Two ideal times to visit:
Late Spring/Early Summer – Waterfalls like Quaking Aspen Falls and South Fork Tuolumne Falls are flowing strong right off the roadside.
Early October – Fall color explodes along the eastern approach to the pass with golden aspens and crisp alpine air.
Yosemite high country along Tioga Road
A Quick Look Back: Tioga’s Historic Roots
Long before paved roads, wagons, and tourists, Indigenous tribes crisscrossed this rugged region to trade everything from obsidian to pine nuts. Tribes like the Miwok and Eastern Mono were the original navigators of these high routes. Fast forward to 1883: The Great Sierra Wagon Road was blasted through the granite by the Great Sierra Consolidated Silver Company to reach their mining operations. Built in just 130 days, it eventually evolved into the scenic highway we know today. Paved in 1937 and open to modern adventurers ever since.
Lembert Dome above Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park
Tioga Road Highlights
There are endless opportunities to adventure along Tioga Road, but here’s a breakdown of some of the top spots as you cruise Tioga Road west to east:
🌄 Olmsted Point
What It Offers: Iconic views of Half Dome and Clouds Rest.
Why It’s Worth It: A roadside pullout with glacier-carved boulders and short trails to scramble on. Great photo op, especially with morning light.
🏞️ Tenaya Lake
Elevation: 8,150 ft
Claim to Fame: Yosemite’s largest natural lake and a glacial gem surrounded by granite.
Fun Fact: The modern name honors the legendary Chief Tenaya. However, it was originally named “Pie-we-ack” by the Ahwahneechee, meaning “Lake of the Shining Rocks.”
🌄 Pothole Dome
Hike: ~1.5 miles RT | Minimal elevation gain
Best At: Sunrise. Gorgeous views, and a lot less effort than Lembert Dome.
🌾 Tuolumne Meadows
Vibe: Wide-open alpine meadows framed by domes and crisscrossed by the Tuolumne River.
Great For: Picnics, wildlife sightings, and easy access to trails. You’ll find plenty of pullouts and interconnected paths.
💧 Soda Springs & Parsons Lodge
Trail: 1.5 miles RT | Flat
Why Go: Bubbling mineral springs + a peek at the Parsons Memorial Lodge, built in 1915 by the Sierra Club. Ideal for families or those wanting a mellow walk with alpine vibes.
🧗♂️ Lembert Dome
Hike: ~3 miles RT | 900 ft gain
What You Get: Sweeping views of Tuolumne Meadows. It’s a steep but rewarding scramble to the top.
Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park
Bonus: High Country Day Hikes
Ready to get out of the car? These hikes along Tioga Road offer big rewards without Valley-size crowds:
| Trail | Distance (RT) | Elevation Gain |
|---|---|---|
| Tuolumne Grove | 2.5 miles | 400 ft |
| May Lake | 2.5 miles | 500 ft |
| Elizabeth Lake | 5 miles | 1,000 ft |
| Cathedral Lakes | 7 miles | 1,000 ft |
| North Dome & Indian Rock | 9.5 miles | 900 ft |
| Clouds Rest | 12.5 miles | 2,700 ft |
Quaking Aspen Falls along Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park
Yosemite Summer Itinerary
Planning a trip to Yosemite in the Summer months? Download our Yosemite Wins Summer Itinerary, which provides comprehensive hour by hour recommendations for 2-4 days in the park, taking you to a wide range of hiking trails, dining options, and viewpoints to see Yosemite’s iconic landmarks (includes a full day along Tioga Road!).
Parsons Memorial Lodge near Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite
Know Before You Go
✔️ Entrance Reservations: Peak-hour reservations will be required for the 2025 Summer season. For all the key dates and details, check out our full Yosemite 2025 Summer Reservation System blog post.
✔️ Check Conditions First: Tioga Road closures can happen anytime due to snow, rockfall, or wildfire. Always check NPS official website for current conditions before heading out.
✔️ Altitude Matters: You’ll be between 8,000–10,000 feet. Stay hydrated, move slower, and be aware of signs of altitude sickness.
✔️ Stay on Trail: The high country may feel like a granite playground, but going off trail is dangerous and damaging.
✔️ Leave No Trace: Pack it in, pack it out, honoring the Leave No Trace principles.
✔️ Bear Country: Never feed or approach wildlife. Store food properly, using bear boxes at trailheads and campsites. Never leave food or scented items in your vehicle.
✔️ Weather Can Flip Fast: Clear skies can turn into thunderstorms in minutes. Bring layers, sun protection, and always be prepared for cold nights—even in July.
✔️ Stream Crossings: Use caution during snowmelt season. Turn back if a stream looks unsafe to cross.
✔️ GPS Device: Cell service is unreliable in most parts of Yosemite, especially along Tioga Road, so bring a reliable GPS device with pre-downloaded maps. We recommend using Gaia GPS for iPhone and Android devices.
Tenaya Lake along Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park
Final Thoughts
Tioga Pass isn’t just a way to get from A to B—it’s a destination in its own right. If you want to experience the wilder, quieter side of Yosemite, where granite domes rise out of wildflower-strewn meadows and traffic jams are more likely to involve marmots than minivans, this is your road.
Shop Yosemite Merch!
Just So You Know
Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps in offsetting the cost of running this site so we can continue to provide you with helpful content to help you plan your next Yosemite adventure.