Tioga Pass, Yosemite National Park

4.8

#2 of 25 in Outdoors in Yosemite National Park

Scenic Drive · Tourist Spot

Create an itinerary including Tioga Pass

At an elevation of 3,031 m (9,943 ft ), Tioga Pass represents the highest highway pass in the Sierra Nevada. Serving as an entry point for Yosemite National Park, the 95 km (59 mi) stretch of road is considered to be one of the most scenic drives in the Sierras, according to National Geographic magazine. The road winds through forests and meadows and hugs the edge of Tenaya Lake. Along the way, you'll pass by the granite outcroppings and cliffs that Yosemite is known for--you can often spot rock climbers on the cliff faces. The pass features lots of off-the-beaten-path hiking opportunities and numerous picnic spots. Take a look at our Yosemite National Park travel route planner to schedule your visit to Tioga Pass and learn about what else to see and do during your holiday.

Improve this listing »

Create a full itinerary - for free!

Tours to Tioga Pass

FROM $180 BOOK WITH VIATOR Yosemite Valley & Glacier Point Adaptive Tour Yosemite Valley & Glacier Point Adaptive Tour

5.0

Duration: 8 hours

Tours from $180 ›

FROM $180 BOOK WITH VIATOR Yosemite’s High Country Adaptive Tour Yosemite’s High Country Adaptive Tour

5.0

Duration: 6 hours

Tours from $180 ›

FROM $10 BOOK WITH VIATOR Yosemite: Audio Driving Tour Yosemite: Audio Driving Tour

3.0

Duration: 8 to 16 hours

Tours from $10 ›

Tioga Pass reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating

1,177 reviews

Google

4.8

By radbot

I have traveled Tioga Pass several times as I live in Nevada and we frequently take guests to Yosemite. I am writing this review as a response to an irresponsible article about Tioga Pass om MSN...

I have traveled Tioga Pass several times as I live in Nevada and we frequently take guests to Yosemite. I am writing this review as a response to an irresponsible article about Tioga Pass om MSN... more »
By TennisStar602

If you enjoy hairpin turns, scenery that you would expect in the movies, and tons of adventures, drive this road. It was arduous to drive once the sun went down. Olmsted Point and Tuolumne Meadows...

If you enjoy hairpin turns, scenery that you would expect in the movies, and tons of adventures, drive this road. It was arduous to drive once the sun went down. Olmsted Point and Tuolumne Meadows... more »
By Balasubramanian R

Tioga Pass is the mountain pass in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Tioga Pass (state route 120) is the entry point from the eastern side to Yosemite National Park. During spring tourists look...

Tioga Pass is the mountain pass in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Tioga Pass (state route 120) is the entry point from the eastern side to Yosemite National Park. During spring tourists look... more »

See more on TripAdvisor ›

Google

By Denise Leland

You must get there before the snow (late Oct/early Nov), because they close the pass. But it's a beautiful drive; hope you catch a sunny day. Allow lots of extra time for stopping and walking around, taking pictures.

more less
By Suzanne Miladin

Very beautiful as always! Both Lake Ellery and Tioga Lake were iced over.. The road is closed before Yosemite.

more less
By David Win

A stunning drive over the mountain which at a height of nearly 10,000 feet, was quite literally, breathtaking! (Seriously, don’t underestimate the effects of increased altitudes if like us you’re from a relatively low-lying country. Drinking extra water does help though.) The drive up just demands a number of stops to take photos, and the drive down into Yosemite is no different. We managed to get through before the first serious snows of the winter, but it’s always best to check if the pass is actually open as they don’t plough the road! Just gorgeous!

more less
By Steven Aldridge

Great way to enter Yosemite. Breathtaking views. Beware that it is only open certain times of the year. When we went it was open & clear but there was only an hour in the morning and another in the afternoon where you were allowed through. Check the park website for details

more less
By Caribou John

Beautiful, amazing part of Yosemite...

more less