Are you visiting Yosemite National Park soon and are you on a through trip? Then you definitely need to take the Tioga Pass Road. This mountain pass is stunning and a must-see if you plan to visit this world-famous park. In this blog post, I tell you everything you need to know about the Tioga Pass Road, why it is such a special place, and of course when it is open. You use the Tioga Pass when you travel from Yosemite to Death Valley or Las Vegas. Naturally, you can also drive this route in the opposite direction.
Contents
What is the Tioga Pass Road?
The Tioga Pass Road, also known as Highway 120, is a scenic road that runs right through Yosemite National Park. This road is about 95 kilometers long and connects the western and eastern entrances of the park with each other. The Tioga Pass Road is not only the highest road in California, but also one of the most beautiful roads in the country. From this road, you have a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains, forests, lakes, and meadows. In short, a road trip here is an experience you won’t forget anytime soon!
Why is the Tioga Pass Road so special?
There are several reasons why the Tioga Pass Road is so special. First of all, it is one of the few roads that provides access to Yosemite National Park, which means that without this road, you wouldn’t be able to visit a large part of the park. Secondly, the road is the highest road in California, at an altitude of more than 3,000 meters above sea level. This provides a unique driving experience and stunning views.
In addition, there are plenty of sights and activities to find along the Tioga Pass Road. For example, you can visit the Tuolumne Meadows, an expansive alpine meadow where you can enjoy a picnic and hiking. Olmsted Point is also a popular stop along the Tioga Pass Road. From this viewpoint, you have a spectacular view of the iconic Half Dome and the surrounding mountains. Furthermore, you can take beautiful hikes from the Tioga Pass Road, for example to the Cathedral Lakes or the Gaylor Lakes. Do keep in mind that most hikes that start here are long hikes.
The main viewpoints along the Tioga Road
Along the Tioga Pass Road, there are plenty of sights and activities to find. And it is typically American to make a stop here for your car. Ideal, because you can always park easily. These are the highlights of the Tioga Road:
- Visit the Tuolumne Meadows, an expansive alpine meadow with beautiful views.
- Take a hike to Olmsted Point, a viewpoint with a spectacular view of the Half Dome.
- Make a stop at Tenaya Lake, a beautiful lake that you drive past and where you can make multiple stops.
- View the Mono Lake Basin, a unique saltwater lake with limestone tufa towers.
Hiking along the Tioga Pass
There are various hiking trails that start along the Tioga Road. The most famous are Sunrise Lakes Trailhead and the Murphy Creek Trailhead. If your time is limited around Yosemite, I would enjoy the route itself and not go for the hikes.
When is the Tioga Pass Road open?
The Tioga Pass Road is accessible from the west side via the Glacier Point Road and from the east side via Highway 120. The road is open from late May to early November, depending on weather conditions.
The Tioga Pass Road is not open all year round, because there is often a lot of snow in Yosemite National Park in winter. Generally, the road is open from late May to early November, but this can vary depending on weather conditions. Keep in mind that the road can be closed at any time due to bad weather, even during the summer months.
How do you know if the Tioga Pass is open
If you plan to visit the Tioga Pass Road, it is wise to check the current road conditions in advance on the Yosemite National Park website. Also keep in mind that facilities along the Tioga Pass Road, such as campgrounds and visitor centers, have limited opening hours and may sometimes be closed.
It is absolutely not a certainty that you can take this road. For example, the road was still closed in early July 2023 due to snow.
How do you continue your journey if the Tioga Pass Road is closed? (example from Yosemite to Death Valley)
For the example, I assume that you are traveling from Yosemite to Death Valley or Las Vegas, or coming from there. This is what most travelers do. If the Tioga Pass Road is open, you can drive via this route. The estimated driving time from Yosemite Valley to Death Valley via the Tioga Pass Road is about 5 to 6 hours. This route offers beautiful views of the Yosemite landscape and the surrounding mountains.
If the Tioga Pass Road is closed, you have to take a detour via Bakersfield. The estimated driving time from Yosemite Valley to Death Valley via Bakersfield is about 6 to 7 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. This route involves following the highways south, such as Highway 41 south to Fresno and then Highway 99 south to Bakersfield. From Bakersfield, you can take Highway 58 east and eventually connect to Highway 395, which takes you to Death Valley.
You cover a lot more miles on this route and you have much less beautiful views. But if the road is closed, you have little choice.
Hotels & campgrounds on the Tioga Pass
Can you also stay overnight on the Tioga Pass? Absolutely! There are very few hotels and camping spots in Yosemite (for how big it is). The chance is quite high that you have to sleep outside Yosemite National Park if you are late with booking. Still, there are a number of places to sleep.
Hotels Tioga Pass
Where this may be even more true for campgrounds, it also applies to hotels. Book in time! Yosemite is hugely popular, also among Americans.
- In the middle of Yosemite: The Ahwahnee: The Ahwahnee is located in Yosemite Village, 3.9 km from El Capitan, and offers accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a shared lounge, and a restaurant. You hardly find a better location!
- On the west side: Yosemite View Lodge is a bit more affordable, but still only 14km outside the park. You won’t find a hotel much closer to the west entrance.
- On the east side: Murphey’s Motel LLC is located at the east entrance of the Tioga Pass and is affordably priced.
Or search for your hotel via the map below:
Campgrounds Tioga Pass
| Campground | Open (±) | Cost | Distance to Tioga Pass | # Sites | Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tioga Lake | Jun – Oct | $21 | 1.3 mi (2 min) | 13 | Yes |
| Ellery Lake | Jun – Oct | $21 | 2.5 mi (5 min) | 21 | Yes |
| Junction | Jun – Oct | $16 | 2.5 mi (5 min) | 13 | No |
| Sawmill | Jun – Oct | $16 | 4 mi (8 min) | 12 | No |
| Saddlebag Lake | Jun – Oct | $21 | 5 mi (10 min) | 19 + group | Yes |
| Aspen Grove | May – Oct | $14 | 10 mi (20 min) | 56 (camper ≤12 m) | Yes |
| Big Bend | May – Oct | $14 | 11 mi (25 min) | 17 | Yes |
| Lower Lee Vining | May – Oct | $14 | 10 mi (20 min) | 53 | Yes |
| Moraine | May – Oct | $14 | 10 mi (20 min) | 20 | Yes |
| Cattleguard | May – Oct | $14 | 10 mi (20 min) | 16 | Yes |
Optimally Enjoying the Tioga Pass
- The Tioga Pass Road can sometimes be busy, especially during the summer months. Try to avoid the busiest times if possible, so you can optimally enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
- Give yourself plenty of time to explore the Tioga Pass Road. There is so much to see and do along this scenic road that you best allocate at least a full day for your road trip.
- Make sure you have some food with you for the road. There are plenty of spots where you can get out of the car to enjoy a picnic. You won’t find any stores along this road.
- Do you need to use the toilet? There are multiple compost toilets along the road. A bit more pleasant for men than for women.
- The temperature can vary quite a bit on your travel day. So dress in layers that day. We went from 5 degrees early in the morning to 36 degrees in Death Valley in 1 day!
Mono Lake: a fun stop after driving the Tioga Pass
A fun stop after driving through Yosemite is Mono Lake, a fascinating saltwater lake in California. For convenience, I assume you are driving from west to east through America and thus on your way to Death Valley. Otherwise, you can visit Mono Lake before driving the Tioga Pass.
Mono Lake is known for its unique geological features. The landscape changes remarkably when you leave Yosemite and drive to Mono Lake. As you leave Yosemite, you see the distinctive granite peaks give way to a more desert-like terrain. The green valleys and lush forests gradually make way for a drier and more open landscape. At Mono Lake, you are greeted by impressive limestone tufa towers rising from the water, creating a surreal atmosphere.
What to do in Yosemite National Park?
I have already written 3 blogs about what you can do in Yosemite National Park. My favorite hike is the Vernal Fall. It is also absolutely recommended to visit the Giant Sequoia trees. And are you going in September or October by chance? Then I also have some tips for Yosemite for you.
I hope this blog post has made you excited to drive the Tioga Pass Road in Yosemite National Park. It is really one of the most beautiful routes I have ever driven and I am sure you will enjoy it just as much as I did. Have fun and safe travels!
