Tioga Road

Tioga Road, State Route 120 East, lies in the northern portion of Yosemite National Park. It begins in Crane Flat and leads 45 miles eastward gaining 4,000 feet in elevation to exit the park at Tioga Pass. The road is the main thoroughfare through Tuolumne Meadows and provides access to a variety of recreation opportunities including backpacking, camping, picnicking, swimming, fishing and hiking. Tioga Road is open to vehicles from late May or June (weather permitting) until the first major snow storm
after November 1. In winter and early spring, the snow covered Tioga Road serves as an ungroomed cross-country ski route and entrance into the northern Yosemite backcountry.

Directions from Arch Rock Entrance: Drive north on Highway 140 to Big Oak Flat Road. Turn left and travel 9.5 miles to Tioga Road. Turn right on to Tioga Road.

Seasonal Information:
Normally Open: Year-round (NOTE: This road is open for Winter recreation (not maintained) from November 1 through June 15.) .

Clouds Rest Trail - This trail leads seven miles one way to the summit of Clouds Rest. The peak is higher than Half Dome with amazing views and less exposure.

Dog Lake Trail - This short, easy trail leads one and a half miles to a large, shallow, alpine lake. By late summer Dog Lake is warm enough for swimming.

Gaylor Lakes Trail - The trail from Tuolumne Lodge leads four miles to Lower Gaylor Lake. From this lake four other alpine lakes are accessible.

Lembert Dome Trail - This is one of the most popular climbs in the Tuolumne Meadows area. It leads one and a half miles up Lembert Dome to a spectacular view.

Lukens Lake Trail - The Lukens Lake Trail leads from Tioga Road to White Wolf Campground. Lukens Lake lies in the middle of this easy four mile walk.

May Lake Trail - This short trail can be a precursor to an ascent of Mt. Hoffmann or an easy trek with the kids. Expect to see crowds due to easy access.

Mono Pass Trail - This trail leads four miles southeastward from Dana Meadows to Mono Pass. Beyond the pass you'll view the desert-like eastern slope of the Sierras.

Pate Valley Trail - This trail leads six miles northeastward into the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River. At the end of the trail are many good campsites.

Porcupine Flat Campground - This campground lies north of the Yosemite Valley along Tioga Road. It is open on a first come, first served basis from July through early September.

Smith Peak (via White Wolf Campground) Trail - This trail begins at the White Wolf Campground and leads northwestward, passed Harden Lake to the Smith Peak Trail.

Snow Creek Canyon Trail - This trail leads ten and a half miles southward from May Lake to Mirror Lake. Have a shuttle car waiting for you at Mirror Lake.

Sunrise Lakes Trail - This trail leads three and a half miles from Tenaya Trailhead to Sunrise Lakes. It's an easy trek through some amazing alpine terrain.

Tamarack Flat Campground - This campground is open to tent camping on a first come, first served basis.

Tuolumne Falls Trail - This trail leads five miles from Tuolumne Meadows to Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp. It is relatively easy with a 400-foot elevation gain.

Tuolumne River Trail - This trail leads approximately 20 miles from Tuolumne Meadows to the Pate Valley Trail along the Tuolumne River.

Young Lakes Loop Trail - A long loop trail leads to Young Lakes from the Tuolumne Meadow area of the park. Avoid the crowds by following this trail to three alpine lakes.