Tuolumne Meadows
Tuolumne Meadows
4.5
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A good place for hiking to get away from the crowds.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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4.5
564 reviews
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PacificNWFamily
Washington State103,408 contributions
Sep 2022
We enjoyed a hike in the meadows area after the seasonal closure of the visitor center. As expected, nothing was open. But we enjoyed the views & the beginnings of fall color.
The road crew has accomplished great things this summer. We visited in early June 2022 and again in late September 2022. I think the new curb is a good protection for the meadow.
The road crew has accomplished great things this summer. We visited in early June 2022 and again in late September 2022. I think the new curb is a good protection for the meadow.
Written October 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul Smith Palliser
Peru364 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
We were lucky enough to practically have the place all to ourselves. When we arrived a small group of people were just leaving and for the couple of hours that we stayed walking around the meadow, there was nobody else in sight. Very peaceful and serene. The views are postcard amazing. It started raining a little bit but just lasted for around 10 minutes. You can imagine our senses of sight, hearing and smell were to the max. Unforgettable experience.
Written October 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ron c
Finksburg, MD944 contributions
Sep 2022
We had a great visit going up to the Meadows and hiking LAmbert Dome. What a beautiful set of views. Caught crazy flash flood rain and hail on the night of Sept 12th on our way back at about 5 pm! beautiful and a bit scary too.
Written October 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
doublemdoublet
Clifton, VA1,392 contributions
Jun 2021
Folks, Another Redeeming Feature of this stop is the Crossover of the Pacific Crest Trail! For casual visitors this is an accessible hike to say you been on this 2,653 mile gem. Even though 70 miles of the PCT are within Yosemite, few day trippers and East Coasters have the ability to hike it. Here is your chance!! Stop the car and hike a small section up to Soda Springs or beyond. Its flat, scenic and alpine quality are magical. BONUS TIP: The PCT and the famous John Muir Trail overlap right here in the Meadow! 2 famous trails for price of one.
Written August 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yip Yip
41 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
Beautiful area and easy place for a nice walk. Lots of people unfortunately but we had a nice lunch spot to ourselves by a stream. We only walked to soda springs (was nice and easy after clouds rest) but found it worth it!
Written August 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vacationer32143
antelope, california1 contribution
it's a great place to get away from crowds and just have fun! the campsites are awesome nad it has a really fun river to swim in that everyone can enjoy!
Written June 9, 2005
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EssexRon
London, UK231 contributions
Aug 2014 • Family
We had gone to the valley a couple of years previously and thoroughly enjoyed it. But this time, we had to go through the Tioga Pass en route from East to West on our tour. The pass itself was stunning but when we reached the Meadows, we asked for advice at the ranger station about where to go to eat our lunch. He suggested Pothole Dome which is reached by a short walk from the road and which not only offers 360 degree views around the immediate area but right over the park as far as Half Dome. Absolutely stunning.
Written January 15, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cali4niahiker
Arlington, WA2,475 contributions
Jun 2012 • Friends
There is an entrance fee as you enter Yosemite National Park, but no additional fee for any hikes.
The Pothole Dome Trail in Tuolumne Meadows is a lesser known and under-appreciated trail, yet its very easy! The only real challenge might be its setting at an elevation of around 8,000 feet. You will find the trail head at the very entrance of Tuolumne Meadows going East, on your left side.
After you cross the meadow (be sure to obey sign indicating rehab) most of your trail will be shaded going through forest and rocks.
As we walked along we met few people. We asked them if the trail winds around the dome, or is just an in and out. None of them knew for sure, but they all said, "do not stop when you get to the river. Keep going another 1/4 mile or so and you'll arrive at some truly spectacular scenery". Truer words were never spoken! A little waterfall/cascade that rushed thru a narrowing of the river bed had us looking back up and down the river. It was truly divine. We sat there -or laid on the rocks- for quite a while before heading back the way we came. Of course we alerted all people we met along the trail. Would be a shame to think the river is as good as it gets (and yes, it IS really good), but then miss the big vavooooom! :) Its kind of like hiking to Vernal Footbridge and miss the true spectacle 1/3 mile up!
The hike is not much over a mile one way, and almost completely level. Only at the cascade do you need to really watch your footing, and it goes up a bit. You can also keep going for a ways, but it looks more difficult, and I don't think it's an organized trail after that point. I looked it up online, you CAN make a loop of it by going over the top of the dome, but again, you'll have to find your own way, there's no marked trail over the top. Its only about 250 or so feet high, and not that large, so trail finding is probably not that much of a challenge on a clear day. I had gone to the top of the dome previously, and you get really nice views of Tuolumne Meadows and surrounding Mountains.
So in short, you can make it easy or moderate. :)
The Pothole Dome Trail in Tuolumne Meadows is a lesser known and under-appreciated trail, yet its very easy! The only real challenge might be its setting at an elevation of around 8,000 feet. You will find the trail head at the very entrance of Tuolumne Meadows going East, on your left side.
After you cross the meadow (be sure to obey sign indicating rehab) most of your trail will be shaded going through forest and rocks.
As we walked along we met few people. We asked them if the trail winds around the dome, or is just an in and out. None of them knew for sure, but they all said, "do not stop when you get to the river. Keep going another 1/4 mile or so and you'll arrive at some truly spectacular scenery". Truer words were never spoken! A little waterfall/cascade that rushed thru a narrowing of the river bed had us looking back up and down the river. It was truly divine. We sat there -or laid on the rocks- for quite a while before heading back the way we came. Of course we alerted all people we met along the trail. Would be a shame to think the river is as good as it gets (and yes, it IS really good), but then miss the big vavooooom! :) Its kind of like hiking to Vernal Footbridge and miss the true spectacle 1/3 mile up!
The hike is not much over a mile one way, and almost completely level. Only at the cascade do you need to really watch your footing, and it goes up a bit. You can also keep going for a ways, but it looks more difficult, and I don't think it's an organized trail after that point. I looked it up online, you CAN make a loop of it by going over the top of the dome, but again, you'll have to find your own way, there's no marked trail over the top. Its only about 250 or so feet high, and not that large, so trail finding is probably not that much of a challenge on a clear day. I had gone to the top of the dome previously, and you get really nice views of Tuolumne Meadows and surrounding Mountains.
So in short, you can make it easy or moderate. :)
Written June 21, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KO_PZB
california3 contributions
Many people, even in California, do not know about this area of Yosemite National Park. It is High Country, on the Eastern side of the park. The Altitude is about 8600 ft., nearer to 9000 ft. at the Tioga Pass entrance (reached from the 395). The Tuolumne river meanders through the broad meadow. Granite domes are sprinkled around. You can scramble up one, like Pothole dome, and get spectacular views, and no crowds. The air has a wonderful clarity. You can stay here only in summer, but you can visit it until snow closes the road (120/Tioga Rd.) and I really like it in fall. There are many wonderful hikes of varying difficulty. In fact, if you aren't used to altitude, it's best to do easier hikes the first day or two. Moseying down the Lyell fork is gorgeous and easy. Wandering the meadow and visiting Soda Springs are easy and spectacular activities. (The springs sort of look like water on Mars, since the soil is so red.) We also exited the park and went down to Mono Lake and to the ghost town of Bodie. Both are very well worth it. Mono Lake looks like it's on another planet, at sunset it is a real spectacle. This area is volcanic and the geology is fascinating. In summer, there is often a program of live music at the Mobil station in Lee Vining -- and the Mobil's Whoa Nelly Deli also offers very good food. So check bulletin boards for the evening the music will be there. And if you like beer, try the 395 IPA--especially the juniper/sage brew.
Written October 9, 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joseph Robba
Charlotte, NC2,280 contributions
Sep 2020
We tried coming here to avoid the smoke from the Creek Fire, but unfortunately it found us here anyway. We tried making the best of it, and the kids enjoyed getting to skip stones and play in the river just off the road. There are lots of hiking trails and opportunities to see wildlife in this area, and with the high elevation off of Tioga Rd, it's generally cooler in the area as well.
Written September 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Does anyone know the phone number for the pay phone by the Tuolumne Meadows Lodge?
Written June 23, 2020
I am traveling to Yosemite in early October for a backpacking trip from Tuolumne Meadows to Curry Village. From my understanding, the Yosemite shuttles and the YARTS buses are not running while I am there. Any suggestions on how to get back to my car after my hike? (Or I can leave the car in the Valley and get a ride to Tuolumne Meadows to start.)
Written April 21, 2020
I did not backpack and had a rental. Maybe another person can best answer you or call the Yosemite Visitors Center and they can direct you to the best possible options for you. I know while in Yosemite Valley the people ahead of us were doing some backpacking (in Oct) and they were very informative with them. Good Luck and Have Fun.
Written April 21, 2020
Hi I will come in Yosemite park on 15 October and hoping that Tioga pass is open I would like to stop at Tuolumne meadows... Is tuolumne Visitor open on this day?
Written October 5, 2019
For future visitors, please use the active Yosemite NP forum page. This Q&A feature has few readers.
In general, all amenities along Tioga Road close on the last Sunday in September. In general. Usually.
Written November 22, 2019
Yes you can as there are viewpoints along the roadside. There are plenty of short walks, not hikes, that you can do for great views as well
Written July 29, 2019
Hi All!
We only have a few days in Yosemite and will be travelling from Mammoth Lakes to Yosemite Valley. Can only afford to make a quick stop in Toulomne Meadows (sad). Any recommendations for some good photos? It's hard to pack everything in....
Written February 16, 2019
From Mammoth you can visit Mono Lake, then up over Tioga Pass, There are plenty of places to stop that offer great photo opportunities, a quick photogenic hike is Twin Bridges. Check that the road is open, as in 2010 it was still closed in June when we visited.
Written February 17, 2019
We are coming to Yosemite October 11-13. Will Tuolumne Meadows still be open or does it close for the winter? Are there other areas that will be closed? Shuttles still running?
Written September 14, 2018
Hi
Tioga Road is likely to be open, but it might close for a day or two if there is an early season snow storm. Check conditions *before* you drive. 209 372 0200
The amenities in Tuolumne Meadows like the tent cabins, campground, grill, store, and Visitor Center close in September. The hikes, walks, and viewpoints along Tioga Road (in Tuolumne Meadows) will be open.
No shuttle service.
I recommend that you use the Yosemite forum page for detailed planning assistance for your fall trip. Start with the Planning a Fall Visit topic in the Top Questions on the right side of the Yosemite forum page, full TripAdvisor website (not the app.)
Written September 14, 2018
Are people allowed to swim in the lake? If so, is it worthwhile?
Written June 26, 2018
Hi This is the listing for Tuolumne Meadows. Do you mean Tenaya Lake on Tioga Road? Then, yes. You can swim in this chilly alpine lake. There are other lakes where you can swim, but none with such easy access. And there are places you cannot swim. Posting on the TripAdvisor forum will be easier to have a conversation and to answer your questions.
"Worthwhile" and "worth it" are personal decisions.
Written July 2, 2018
How is the drive up from Yosemite Valley, winding as I get car sick. How about the camp sites, in the area, thoughts?
Thank you
Written May 29, 2017
I don't remember it being all that winding, but remember, you will on the Tioga Pass Road. That goes into the mountains. The speed limit is quite slow, so that might help a bit. As for the cabins, I cannot help you on that. Sorry.
Written June 9, 2017
jackie k
Chicago, Illinois
Where is the visitor center? We're thinking of stopping there to figure out what to do with our 2-3 days is yosemite. Are there wildflowers in toulumme meadows in April?
Written April 12, 2017
Tuolumne Meadows is covered in snow in April. No wildflowers.
The Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center will probably open in July this year.
Figuring out what to do in a destination can be discussed on the travel forum for that destination. Waiting until you arrive is less likely to work, especially in a popular destination like Yosemite. For example, with the one way roads in Yosemite Valley it's usually best to visit Tunnel View and then Bridalveil Fall, and then to drive down to the Valley to park. If you wait to ask rangers after you've parked, you're adding 30-90 minutes of drive time to loop around in traffic to Tunnel View & Bridalveil Fall.
Written May 13, 2017
Aloha does anyone know If there is cell reception? I have Verizon
Written July 4, 2016
Hi
I recommend that you ask on the TripAdvisor forum for Yosemite.
Written July 5, 2016
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