YOSEMITE

Yosemite National Park embraces a spectacular tract of mountain-and-valley scenery in the Sierra Nevada, which was set aside as a national park in 1890. The park harbors a grand collection of waterfalls, meadows, and forests that include groves of giant sequoias, the world's largest living things. There are numerous Yosemite Hikes, so many you may wish to stay a spell, or book a campsite online or stay in Yosemite in a hotel.

Tioga Road and Tuolumne Meadows is a favorite day trip for Mammoth vacationers. Its eastern entrance at Tioga Pass is just 45-minutes from Mammoth. Tioga Pass is typically closed due to snow from mid-November through May. Check the conditions with a ranger station or visitor center before heading out. The inspiring scenery in Yosemite is overwhelming with tremendous mountain peaks, a series of gigantic granite domes, lakes and glistening waterfalls. It offers a 39 mile scenic drive between Crane Flat and Tuolumne Meadows through forests and past meadows, lakes, and granite domes. Many turnouts offer broad and beautiful vistas. Tuolumne Meadows is a large, open sub-alpine meadow graced by the winding Tuolumne River. From sometime in November through late May or early June, this area is only accessible by cross-country skis or snowshoes.

Yosemite Valley is approximately 70 miles, one way from Tioga Pass. Take U.S. 395 North from Mammoth Lakes about 30 miles to Hwy. 120 West. Turn left and wind your way up Lee Vining Canyon to Tioga Pass (10,000 ft.), the eastern entrance to Yosemite National Park. Watch for bighorn sheep on the rocky cliffs above Tioga Pass as you drive.

Receive a free Park map with your entrance fee and follow Hwy. 120 through the magnificent Yosemite high country, past the immense granite domes of Tuolumne Meadows and scenic Tenaya Lake. Be sure to take advantage of the breathtaking views of Olmstead Point Overlook as you descend the western slope of the Sierra Nevada.

Your route will intersect with Hwy. 41 at Crane Flat. Turn left and continue to Yosemite Valley, home of Half Dome, El Capitan, Yosemite Falls and The Ahwahnee Hotel. Enjoy a picnic or dine in one of the Valley's several restaurants and cafeterias. Stretch your legs on a forested trail and keep an eye out for deer, squirrels and coyote. In summer, you might also opt for a cool dip in the Merced River. Bring binoculars along as well, so that you can watch climbers scale the sheer rock face of El Capitan. Please remember to pull well off the main highway into turnouts or scenic viewpoints, and bring lots of film. In addition, be prepared for the warm summer temperatures of Yosemite Valley.

Printable Travel Guide - Yosemite

OTHER AREAS TO VISIT

Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias The Mariposa Grove is located 36 miles (one hour) south of Yosemite Valley, near the park's South Entrance. The Mariposa Grove is the largest stand of giant sequoias (also known as Sierra redwoods or big trees) in Yosemite. The road to the Mariposa Grove is not plowed in winter and is often closed from sometime in November through March.

Wawona is the home to the historic Wawona Hotel, dating from the late nineteenth century. The Pioneer Yosemite History Center, a collection of historic buildings, is located just over the covered bridge from the hotel. Wawona is accessible by car year-round.

Glacier Point & Badger Pass an overlook with a commanding view of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and the High Sierra is located 30 miles (one hour) from Yosemite Valley. The road ends at Glacier Point and it is a short walk to the viewpoint. The road is closed from sometime in November through early May or late June. From mid-December through early April the road is plowed only as far as the Badger Pass ski area and Glacier Point can be reached via skis or snowshoes only. Both downhill and cross-country skiing are available at Badger Pass from mid-December through early April.

Crane Flat is a pleasant forest and meadow area located 16 miles (30 minutes) from Yosemite Valley. Nearby are the Tuolumne and Merced Groves of Giant Sequoias, which are only accessible by foot. Crane Flat is accessible by car all year. Tioga Road and Tuolumne Meadows The Tioga Road (Highway 120 East), is generally open to vehicles from late May or early June through sometime in November

Hetch Hetchy Valley, a lesser-known twin to Yosemite Valley (perhaps because its river has been dammed), is home to spectacular scenery and is the starting point for many less-used wilderness trails. Although the road to Hetch Hetchy is open year-round, it may close periodically due to snow in winter and spring.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Yosemite National Park
PO Box 577, Yosemite, CA 95389
209-372-0200
209-372-0308

Yosemite Area Traveler Information
209-726-5090