2023/08 Yosemite National Park: Tioga Road (part 2)
Tioga Road from Lee Vining, CA to Tenaya Lake is a stunning drive that offers some of the best high-mountain scenery in California. As you ascend from Lee Vining, you’ll pass Ellery Lake, a beautiful glacial lake surrounded by rugged peaks, providing an ideal spot for a quick photo stop. Continuing up, you’ll cross Tioga Pass, which, at nearly 10,000 feet, marks the eastern entrance to Yosemite National Park.
On the drive, Mammoth Peak comes into view, standing prominently in the Sierra Nevada. Further along, you’ll pass through Tuolumne Meadows, a vast subalpine meadow known for its wildflowers, tranquil streams, and scenic mountain backdrop—it’s one of Yosemite’s most picturesque areas. As you head further west, you’ll finally arrive at Tenaya Lake, a sparkling alpine lake with crystal-clear water, perfect for a break or a picnic, surrounded by granite peaks that create a serene atmosphere. The entire route is filled with breathtaking views and opportunities to experience the natural beauty of Yosemite’s high country.
0:00 Highlights
0:35 Depart from Tenaya Lake
2:50 Olmsted Point
23:10 Rest Stop