We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.
All 2 Lee Vining Attractions »

Tioga Road

Lee Vining, CA
Got a photo?
Add it.
Ranked #1 of 2 attractions in Lee Vining
5.0 of 5 stars 15 Reviews
Type: Scenic Drives
Activities: Driving
Description: This road, leading to Yosemite's high country, winds through one of the highest mountain passes in the state.
Update attraction details
Write a Review

15 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    13
    2
    0
    0
    0
Date Rating
Albany, California, United States
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 14, 2012

This was the first week that Tioga Pass was open for the season so it was a great opportunity to get access to high elevation trails without a lot of people or hot weather. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by Jack K for Lee Vining
San Francisco, California
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 12, 2012

This is a good road to explore the area. There is a dirt road that runs up the mountain that includes early settler info. Birds and flowers identified. Any road in this area leads to adventure More

Was this review helpful? Yes
San Jose, California
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 17, 2012

Usually open late May to late October. Forested for the first half, it opens up onto majestic granite vistas, including a view back towards Yosemite Valley and a large alpine lake. We had the rare pleasure of driving it in January of this year also due to extreme lack of snow. Saw dozens of people skating on frozen alpine lakes.... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by qtip61 for Lee Vining
Los Angeles, California
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 11, 2012

The pass is always closed in the winter time due to heavy snowfall, but this season, for the first time in the last eighty years, the Tioga Pass is open for travel from Eastern Sierra. Seeing frozen waterfalls and people playing ice hockey on a high alpine lake, walking on thick ice, watching out for bears is something else. This... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Groveland, CA
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 3, 2012

The drive over Tioga Pass is the most scenic, awe-inspiring drive one can take. Generally closed in October due to snow, this year the pass is still open and thoroughly spectacular to see. Dark evergreens are punctuated against the granite and winter grasses, and all the lakes and streams are frozen. Spectacular! More

Was this review helpful? Yes
SF Bay Area
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 3, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Tioga Pass is stunning. Go. Be prepared for a delay entering the park on busy days. Use your gears going down the long grade into Lee Vining. Stop and take in the amazing views. If you have time, drive up to Saddlebag Lake (easy dirt road), take the water taxi (fee - or walk the 1+ mile one way) across... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Long Beach, California
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
31 helpful votes 31 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed December 12, 2011

This is a gorgeous drive with a lot to see and a lot of great trails! More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by Sandyk0209 for Lee Vining
Palo Cedro, California
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed November 28, 2011

My husband and I drove Tioga Pass near the end of October 2011. The road is usually closed by the beginning of November every year because of snow but the day we were there the weather was gorgeous. It took 2 or 3 hours to get through Yosemite on Tioga Pass. We stopped along the way to enjoy the beautiful... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Danbury, Connecticut
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed November 23, 2011

beautiful, esp, when the leaves of aspens are turning yellow More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Papendrecht, The Netherlands
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed October 24, 2011

Very impressive views, lakes hilltops, snow..we were very glad the pass was over. Wouldn't have missed this for the world. One of the (many) highlights of Yosemite! More

Was this review helpful? Yes

Travelers who viewed Tioga Road also viewed

Mono Lake
4.5 of 5 stars 102 Reviews
Mammoth Lakes, CA
Tioga Pass
5 of 5 stars 61 Reviews
Yosemite National Park, CA
 
No photo provided
4 of 5 stars 1 Review
Lee Vining, CA

Been to Tioga Road? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Tioga Road, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing
See all sites
Cruise Critic

The ultimate cruise resource: cruise reviews, deals, news and advice.

SeatGuru

The world's most comprehensive source for airline seats, airline info, & in-flight amenities.

Family Vacation Critic

The best family vacations start here.

Get the #1 travel app FREE>>
Take TripAdvisor with you

Find 50 million reviews & opinions of hotels, things to do, restaurants and more

GET IT
Named "#1 Travel App" by Frommer's