Driving Tioga Pass to Oakhurst across Yosemite National Park, California, USA
The Vagabond Couple Travel Blog: https://thevagabondcouple.blogspot.com/
Dashcam video of driving across Yosemite National Park along the route of Tioga Pass – Tioga Road – Big Oak Flat Rd – Wawona Rd — Oakhurst, California. Tioga Pass is the East Gate and Wawona Road is the South Gate of Yosemite National Park. It took us 2 hours and 45 minutes. The dashcam video is speeded up 10x.
Embarking on a drive across Yosemite National Park from Tioga Pass to Oakhurst, California, is a breathtaking journey through some of the most iconic and scenic landscapes in the United States. This route, encompassing Tioga Pass, Tioga Road, Big Oak Flat Road, and Wawona Road, offers a plethora of stunning viewpoints and diverse natural beauty.
Starting at Tioga Pass
Your journey begins at Tioga Pass, the eastern gateway to Yosemite National Park. At an elevation of 9,943 feet, Tioga Pass is the highest highway pass in California, offering dramatic alpine scenery right from the start. As you descend from the pass, Tioga Road (Highway 120) winds through a pristine wilderness of granite domes, subalpine meadows, and crystal-clear lakes.
Olmsted Point
A must-stop viewpoint along Tioga Road is Olmsted Point. From here, you can take in sweeping views of Tenaya Lake and the iconic granite formations of Cloud’s Rest and Half Dome. The unique perspective on Half Dome from this vantage point is one of the highlights of the drive.
Tenaya Lake
Continuing along Tioga Road, you’ll come across Tenaya Lake, a stunning high-country lake with turquoise waters surrounded by granite peaks. It’s an ideal spot for a picnic or a short hike along the shoreline, offering peaceful and picturesque views.
Tuolumne Meadows
Further west, you’ll reach Tuolumne Meadows, one of the largest high-elevation meadows in the Sierra Nevada. This serene area is dotted with wildflowers in the summer and offers hiking trails that lead to spectacular vistas, including the famous Soda Springs and Parsons Lodge.
Big Oak Flat Road
As Tioga Road merges into Big Oak Flat Road, the landscape begins to change. Descending in elevation, you’ll enter the lush, forested areas of Yosemite’s western section. This road takes you past the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias, where you can take a short hike to see some of the park’s ancient and towering sequoias.
Yosemite Valley
Driving towards Yosemite Valley, you’ll be greeted by some of the park’s most iconic views. Tunnel View, at the eastern end of the Wawona Tunnel, offers a postcard-perfect view of Yosemite Valley, with El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall all prominently displayed. This is one of the most photographed spots in the park and a definite highlight of the route.
Bridalveil Fall
A short detour along Big Oak Flat Road leads to Bridalveil Fall. A brief hike takes you to the base of this 620-foot waterfall, where you can feel the mist and marvel at the roaring cascade.
Wawona Road
As you continue on Wawona Road (Highway 41), the route takes you through the southern parts of the park. You’ll pass by the historic Wawona Hotel and the Pioneer Yosemite History Center, where you can explore the park’s history and heritage.
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
A must-visit detour is the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, located near the park’s southern entrance. This grove is home to over 500 mature giant sequoias, including the famous Grizzly Giant and the California Tunnel Tree.
Ending in Oakhurst
Exiting the park, Wawona Road leads you to Oakhurst, a charming town that serves as a gateway to Yosemite’s southern entrance. Here, you can find various amenities, accommodations, and dining options to relax after your scenic drive.
Driving across Yosemite National Park from Tioga Pass to Oakhurst is a journey through a tapestry of diverse landscapes, each more stunning than the last. From the high alpine beauty of Tioga Pass to the majestic sequoias of Mariposa Grove and the iconic vistas of Yosemite Valley, this route offers an unforgettable adventure through one of America’s most treasured national parks.