tioga road

After a long straight journey along the 395 our journey along the Tioga Road was to say the least a bit more demanding and as such requiring lots of attention. It was interesting to see the sign markers showing the height gained along the route. There are some great stopping points with wonderful views. It was a lot longer journey than we expected and that was mainly due to the reduced safe journey speed. A nice route to use to visit Yosemite and the surrounding areas. We were there in late October so many of the road side accommodations and services were closed. That said the positive was that there was little in the way of traffic and no queues when we arrived at Yosemite. Whenever you do get to drive this route allow more time than you would tend to expect when looking at the maps.

Gas up before heading up into Tioga Pass country.Be ready for snow and ice.Some fantastic scenery. Keep eyes open for deer, coyotes and porcupines.

I drive this road once or twice a year. It is never as stunning as in fall! Just look at the photos. Tioga Pass is situated at almost 10,000 feet and not always open due to snow. Check ahead for Highway 120, Caltrans, or check the Yosemite National Park website for road conditions. If approaching from Highway 395 you can drive up to the gate of Yosemite without having to pay a fee. However, if you want to continue into Yosemite, park fees apply. If approaching from Yosemite NP you will have already paid your fee at another entrance gate. Show your receipt as you are driving past the Tioga gate. Photos enclosed.

We were driving out of Yosemite and on to Lee Vining and beyond. I knew the road went up to 10,000 feet, but I was unprepared for the incredible view that presents itself from the top of the pass. You can see the road as it descends along the side of the mountain, with a beautiful valley on the other side. It is a good road, and very safe, but it does feel a little breath-taking as you go down!

The Tioga Road from Lee Vining to Yosemite is a twisty turning road through beautiful country. There are many lakes with lovely reflections just along the road. You can also make side trips to a section of redwoods or other lakes which require limited hiking. The Tolumne Meadows is also a lovely section but was quite dry when we went through with no wildflowers of any consideration.

Tioga Road is amazing~ so very beautiful everywhere you look. I wish that my husband and I had more time to stop at all of the places along the way. If you are ever in Yosemite this is a MUST DO! If I recall it takes about 11/2 to 2 hours to drive the full length of Tioga Road from the Valley to Lee Vining.

This is one of the most spectacular roads in America. It ascends almost 3000 feet for Lee Vining to the Yosemite Park entrance station. A bit scary with no guard rails, but they would be wiped out every Winter by the falling rocks and snow. CalTrans does a great job maintaining this road.

Numerous view point to see the valley and mountains. The road while twisty and windy is not a difficult drive at this time of year. Very large elevation changes.

Looking to get a great view of the Sierras?Tioga Pass Road (Highway 120) is one of the better ways to get an up close and personal look at the stunning granite peaks and panoramic vistas offered by the Sierra Nevada mountains. Take your time, your camera and a picnic lunch and take a leisurely drive through some of the most majestic views of the Sierras. As you drive, you'll be treated to breathtaking vistas of mountains that, in places, tower to over 12,000 feet (Tioga wanders up and down between, 8,000 and 9,000 feet). Make sure to stop along the way at the various trail heads and vista points and above all - don't rush!!! Too many people go flying along this road without taking the time to check out the beauty of nature.Make sure to stop at Olmsted Point for a photo opportunity. Also, Tioga and Ellery Lakes at the top of the eastern side of Tioga Road are beautiful areas to stop and take photos and enjoy the beauty of the Sierra. There are many other places to stop as well, such as Yosemite Creek, May Lake, Ten Lakes (trail head) and the list goes on.If you're heading eastbound, you will be treated to the road as it descends the Pass towards Mono Lake. It is an absolutely AWESOME view.East-bound or west-bound, you can't go wrong!

There are many opportunities to pull off and take pictures. This drive is best done in a convertible.

A very special road with beautiful views of forests, the mountains and lakes in the quieter part of Yosemite.

The area is so beautiful and serene! Much cooler and less crowded than in Yosemite Valley and Mariposa Grove. Definitely the best place at the park!

This route across SIerra's is a one of a kind. The canyon views are awe inspiring. You must drive it and stop at all of the pullout.

What a variety of scenery along this road! From the Tuolumne Grove of Sequoias, Olmstead Point, Tenaya Lake, Tuolumne Meadows, Tioga Pass, and the quick drop down to Mono Lake. Cruising this road and taking in all the scenery was marvelous. The only downside was all the speedsters riding your car's butt because they are in such a hurry to go enjoy themselves.

We have driven over Tioga Pass so many times - usually we love the drive from west to east the most as it means we are going on vacation in the Eastern Sierras. The Eastern Sierras is a great place to go. The drive back over Tioga Pass usually means our vacation is done - although I know for most, its their favorite time as they are going to Yosemite! (we like Yosemite too...).The road is very scenic. Valley views on way down, more mountain views on way up. The road is very good and except for the altitude gain easy to drive.And alas in the winter, we do not drive over Tioga Pass - but highway 88, 50 or 80 are open so we use those instead. The reason Tioga Pass is closed is due to both snow and ice on the road.