The Tioga Pass in Yosemite National Park offers numerous must-see highlights. Tioga Pass (Highway 120) climbs above Yosemite Valley, past beautiful views and crystal-clear lakes, through Tuolumne Meadows down a steep mountain range. The drive from Yosemite Valley through the Tioga Pass includes about 4,500 feet in elevation gain. The significant change in altitude brings you above the tree line giving expansive views of Yosemite.
Best time of year to see the Tioga Pass highlights
The best time of year to drive the Tioga Pass is the summer when the impassible winter snow has melted away. Tioga Pass generally opens in June and closes in November, but there is no firm opening or closing date. The amount of snow fall determines how long the Pass can stay open and how quickly Tioga Pass can be cleared for visitors.
- Pro Tip
If you are planning to travel to Yosemite National Park in the winter or spring, make sure you check the up to date road closure information before you leave. If the road conditions are too dangerous, Tioga Pass will be closed.
Must-See Tioga Pass Highlights
Olmsted Point
Yosemite in the summer is filled with beautiful days and unparalleled views!
If you are traveling from Yosemite Valley towards Lee Vining and Mono Lake, it will take you about an hour without traffic to reach Olmstead Point, your first destination. Turn into the parking lot and check out the scenic vistas from Olmstead Point where you can see Tenaya Lake, Clouds Rest, and Half Dome.
- Pro Tip
The GyPSy Guide to Yosemite app is a great addition to the drive. The GPS enabled app is like having a tour guide in your car who provides suggestions for places to stop, a history of the park, and interesting stories along the way. The GyPSy Guide to Yosemite elevated our experience and I think you might like it too.
Tenaya Lake
The most famous stopping point along the Tioga Pass is Tenaya Lake. Tenaya Lake is a pristine lake, literally just a few steps off Tioga Road. We stopped and had a quick snack on our journey. If you have a kayak or a stand-up paddleboard, Tenaya Lake would be a great place to use it. The water is a bit cold, so unless you’re in the mood for an ice-cold swim, I would stick to enjoying the lake from above water.
Tuolumne Meadows
In the summer, the meadows are a peaceful place to relax. You can see the beautiful view of the meadows without getting out of your car. However, it wouldn’t be a trip to Yosemite without taking time to step outside and enjoy the view for yourself. The meadows are massive. If you are into backpacking or camping, Tuolumne Meadows would be a great spot to stay for a night or two.
Hiking Highlights on the Tioga Pass
There is an unlimited amount of hiking on the Tioga Pass. However, most of us only have a day to two spend on the Tioga Pass. Here are some of the Tioga Pass hiking highlights.
Elizabeth Lake and Unicorn Point
The Elizabeth Lake hike is a Tioga Pass highlight because you feel like you are in the forest. There are tall trees that line the trail giving you some shade from the afternoon sun. As you get close to Elizabeth Lake you will come across an open meadow with a stream running through it. The open meadow is as picturesque as it gets.
If you keep walking a few more minutes, you will come to Elizabeth Lake with its Unicorn Peak jetting out above the surrounding mountains. Elizabeth Lake is a great place to enjoy a picnic lunch before heading back down the hill.
The first mile or so of this hike is uphill. I would rate the hike in total about a 3-3.5 out of 10 because of the initial climb. Thereafter, the trail mellows out. The trail is 4.6 miles roundtrip.
Alternative hiking and additional Tioga Pass Highlights
Our trip through the Tioga Pass was on our way out of Yosemite National Park to Mammoth Lakes. We gave ourselves half a day to drive the Pass and make the stops I talked about above. If I had a full day, here are a few other Tioga Pass highlights I would like to visit.
North Dome
The North Dome hike gives you an up-close view of Half Dome. The hike is 8.8 miles roundtrip and is a medium difficulty hike. Don’t miss the Rock Arch, a natural granite arch that is about 15 feet high. It’s a 0.6-mile detour to the Indian Rock Arch. The trailhead and parking are at Porcupine Creek.
Cathedral Lakes
The Cathedral Lakes hike is a 7-mile round trip hike that is on the medium range of difficulty. The view from lower Cathedral Lake is a crowd-pleaser. The trailhead is on the west end of Tuolumne Meadows, 9 miles west of the Tioga Pass entrance.
May Lake
The hike to May Lake is 2.5 miles round trip but rates about a 5 out of 10 in difficulty. The hike offers scenic views of May Lake, with mountains in the background and a view of Tioga Pass.
Soda Springs
Soda Springs is a place in the Tuolumne Meadows region where the water bubbles up from the ground. There is a wood box around the spring to keep people from drinking the water. Many people stop along the Tioga Pass route because it’s an easy 1.5 mile round trip walk through a meadow to reach the spring. This Tioga Pass highlight might be best if you are with kids.
Lembert Dome
This 2.8-mile hike, although short, requires a climb. It’s difficulty rating is a 4 out of 10. As you reach the top, make sure your gear is secured. It can get quite windy at the top and you don’t want your favorite hat to blow away. Your effort will be rewarded with an incredible view of Tuolumne Meadows.
Near the Tioga Pass Gate
You can enter and exit Yosemite National Park through the Tioga Pass gate which is at 9,945 feet. If you have the time, drive past (or stop at) several beautiful lakes along the way. If you keep driving, you will exit the Park toward Lee Vining and Mono Lake. The drive from the Tioga Pass Gate down the hill takes about 15 minutes and you will descent about 3,000 feet. I suggest stopping at a look at point to see the direct view into the valley below.
- Pro Tip - Gas Options
It is a good idea to make sure you have plenty of gas. The only gas station near the Tioga Pass in Yosemite is on Big Oak Flat Road as you exit Yosemite Valley. Make sure you either have enough gas to continue through the Tioga Pass to the town of Lee Vining or return to Yosemite Valley.
- Pro Tip
Many people stop in Lee Vining for gas and the lobster taquitos at the adjacent Whoa Nellie Deli. The chef that made this dish famous moved on. Sadly, this dish was not on the menu during our visit. However, the gas station and restaurant offer fantastic views of Mono Lake.
For additional hiking information
For more information about hiking in Yosemite National Park, check out Yosemite Hikes where you can find information about the length and difficulty of the trails, scenery, location information, anticipated crowd size, the best time of year to visit, and bathroom availability.
- Pro Tip
Gear Up – It’s important to have the right gear before heading out on a hiking trail.
Clothing
The right clothing can make your trip to Yosemite so much better. Here are a few things to help keep you comfortable while hiking the trails.
Gear and Accessories
Hitting the trail with good gear can make all the difference. Here are some essential items for hiking in Yosemite.
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Drop a comment below and tell us your favorite Tioga Pass Highlight!
Don’t forget to check out my 2-day Yosemite itinerary for the best things to do in Yosemite Valley and 30 additional tips for visiting Yosemite. You may also enjoy my guide to hiking Half Dome and my gear guide.
Wonderful site you have here but I was curious if you knew of any user discussion forums that
cover the same topics talked about in this article?
I’d really like to be a part of community where I
can get suggestions from other experienced people that share the same interest.
If you have any recommendations, please let me know.
Thanks for visiting. There are lots of Facebook groups where people post about their travels and ask questions about travel. You might be interested in Best Destinations to Travel or Globetrotters Travel Vibe.
This looks like an incredible place to go hiking for a few days. I love all of the different landscapes here.
Yosemite is such a gorgeous park! I’ve yet to check out any of the hikes you mentioned, so I’ll definitely have to go back sometime to do em’–that’s a great tip about the GyPSy app too!
So glad to hear you found the tips helpful!
I didn’t know about this pass in Yosemite. I’ll have to give it a try when I visit.
I didn’t know about the Tioga Pass either until I started doing research for our trip to Yosemite. During our visit, I was amazed by the number of things to do and the gorgeous scenery!
Last week I was at Mammoth Lakes, and we considered driving up to the Tioga Pass. Someday I hope to make it! Your photos are lovely!
Thank you! I hope you get to drive the Tioga Pass next time you visit Mammoth.
Never Been to Yosemite so this will be super helpful when the time comes.
Thanks for visiting Franny and glad to hear my list of highlights is helpful!