Driving Over Tioga Pass: Best Stops on Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park

[@neverhomepnw]

My dad wouldd take me here all the time when I was kid. The beauty is unmatched and the feeling I get coming here as a adult is something Ive never felt anywhere else. Rest In Paradise Dad.

[@theathjr]

This post hit me emotionally. In a good Way. Thank You Chris.

[@LASMONN]

Probably the most beautiful National Park i’ve ever seen

[@yankeebiscuitfan]

The drive down the pass to Bishop is epic.

[@adamszew]

Very well illustrated. My personal favorite stop along Tioga Road is Tenaya Lake.

[@jelo8143]

Drove here in the summer from yosemite to tahoe and i do not regret that 4 hour drive

[@jefferyblack3838]

I have taken some of the best pictures ive ever taken on my trip over tioga pass. Absolutely stunning area and just plain beautiful

[@californiathroughmylens]

Couldn't agree more!

[@churchilly2038]

Outside the Tioga Pass of Yosemite NP on its north, there is a Saddlebag Lake to Twenty Lakes Basin Loop. In 7 miles loop, you will see over 20 alpine lakes above elevation 10,000 ft. The colors and reflections are so stunning and breathtaking. Lake Helen at this loop is a perfect heart shape looking from south. It’s a quiet and peaceful, low traffic loop, like a heaven.

[@californiathroughmylens]

Wow, that sounds so incredible! Thanks for sharing that, I will have to check it out!

[@DanielMartinez316]

I love this KZbin channel. I just want to get to know California Through Your Lens.

[@californiathroughmylens]

Appreciate you watching and leaving a comment!

[@Yikesforsure]

Lee Vinung, Mono Lake and then Tioga Pass😉/Tuolumne Meadows is an absolute treasure!

[@californiathroughmylens]

Agree 100%!

[@IanEnkema]

This video covered a lot of great places but some of my favorite hidden spots have been saddlebag lake, the many falls of the tuolumne river hike, and there is this cool spot right before you get to ellery lake coming from the east where you can take a left off the highway towards the waterfall that comes off the lake. Very peaceful spot.

[@californiathroughmylens]

So awesome, you know a lot more hidden spots than me. All of these sound epic!

[@nevadahiker6661]

Saddlebag Lake is incredible! One of my favorite places!

[@erictrapp8977]

I love camping in Big Bend Campground. It's along Lee Vining Creek off HWY-120, before you make the climb up Tioga Pass. This place is magical for me.

[@davidbladen5667]

I have really enjoyed this drive many times. I once had the privilege of hiking with Carl Sharsmith who was the oldest park ranger ,89, at the time. He was so knowledgable of all of the flora and fauna and was quite a character to boot. Although Carl, John Muir, and my grandfather are no longer with us, they are always with me when I am out hiking a trail in a beautiful place.

[@californiathroughmylens]

Sounds like a great memory! Thanks for sharing it!

[@donniereiter3646]

That video is rad, Yosemite National Park is so big that every time I come back to visit I always see something new that I have never seen before. Unbelievable

[@lorena617]

We always do this pass everytime we go its magical.

[@malakangel9322]

Used this road onto yosemite valley and could not agree more - it is indeed one of a kind

[@markplstk]

We took Tioga Pass last fall right before it closed for the winter. Stopped by Tenaya Lake for a quick lunch and to dip our feet in the water. It's one of my favorite drives in all of California.

[@californiathroughmylens]

Agree 100% it is one of the best drives in the state for sure! Thanks for the comment

[@murrayx254]

Drove through the tioga pass just yesterday, the beauty is unmatched when the ice is melting and lake is full! Just be aware the NP does need a reservation on entering, plan early if you want to visit.

[@robbmanchester5747]

Can’t believe you don’t have a Ka-billion subscribers - I’m retired & I’m a fifth generation Northern Californian - I’ll do week long trips going to places you present that I’ve been to many times & see stuff I never imagined - And I can’t thank you enough for the short format - ‘cause I’ve got places to go & see stuff through my lens - Thanks Man

[@californiathroughmylens]

haha that is very kind of you! I am so glad the videos are helpful and are encouraging you to go see these places yourself!

[@junkyarddog2228]

I was there on july 7th thru 8th of 2020 just absolutely beautiful.

[@AdventuringwithTrevor]

My brakes almost failed going down tioga pass a few months ago lol. But the drive is beautiful! We camped at the second closest campground to the park entrance and hiked around saw the old ghost town Bennettville hidden in the foresty hills right outside the park

[@californiathroughmylens]

My brakes almost failed once in an old car I had too haha. I have never heard of Bennetville, I will have to check it out!

[@LukeGeeTravels]

I have driven this at night while leaving Yosemite, saw a bunch of forest fires which was beautiful but also sad. Definitely a great drive!

[@TravelVerse]

Well drove from Lake tahoe last month through Tioga pass, and it was beautiful at EVERY turn!

[@californiathroughmylens]

I am so glad you got to experience it!

[@YouTubeofnaveenvyas]

I’m going Yosemite on October 10th, I’m flying from Nashville to San Jose then driving to Yosemite. This video is very helpful due to recent wild fires. I’m so happy everything cleared up. I was worried about creek fire smoke showing up on Tioga pass road as it was just 40% contained until day before yesterday. Btw best part of video was Lembert Dome

[@RomisHikingJourney]

The best informative video on Tioga Pass! You highlighted amazing hiking spots with amazing filming. Thank you for sharing!

[@erickmoney2691]

tioga pass, absolutely beautiful.

[@manybikes]

One of my favorite passes! So much to see... and the Mexican food at the bottom of the pass at the Chevron is to die for!

[@californiathroughmylens]

Agree 100%, beautiful pass and great food!

[@Ariana-hx9oc]

I’ll be referring to ur videos as I plan road trips through California from now on. Thanks! 👍🏻

[@californiathroughmylens]

So awesome! Glad you like the videos!

[@MrMarkiemark67]

I was supposed to go this route [coming from Las Vegas] when I went to Yosemite in early June 1996 but it was snowed in. We had to go all the way around to the west entrance. It is nice to see here what I missed. I need to go back someday, especially since there are many other things I want to see along route 395.

[@californiathroughmylens]

Yea its crazy that the road is only open a few months out of the year. It is such an amazing spot to see if you get the chance to do it!

[@Michael_Tran]

Tuolumne meadow area is one of my favorite to explore, fish, and hike.

[@californiathroughmylens]

Agreed 100%!

[@carlaromanos3583]

Absolutely stunning views, Josh. You have an eye for capturing landscapes in such a way that I feel like I'm right there. Plus, you've inspired my family to take an epic road trip next summer. Thank you for sharing your gifts and the beauty of your home state with all of us.

[@californiathroughmylens]

That is very kind of you to say, I really appreciate it! I hope you can take an epic road tip and let me know if you have any questions!

[@davesmale7507]

Fantastic video. Very well done! I laughed out loud when you said the drive down can be stressful if you haven't checked your brakes in a while. Yea, let me tell you! lol. In 1988 my mom and I drove the Tioga Pass from Tuolumne Meadows (where a black bear visited our campground one night - yikes!) down to the floor of the Valley. On the way down, her brakes failed in the first of the two tunnels. Somehow the brakes miraculously started working again and we were able to pull over (even though there was no shoulder) and call for help. We spent the next week in Camp Curry while they repaired the brake master cylinder... yea, we shouldn't have lived. Great memories though.

[@AdventureMuse]

Beautiful tour of another amazing slice of California. We spent two night at Saddlebag lake at the beginning of the month. It’s a somewhat hidden Gem outside the park.

[@californiathroughmylens]

Multiple people have talked about how amazing that lake is. I will have to check it out!

[@IvyDhen]

We always love to watch your video. Very informative.

[@californiathroughmylens]

Glad to hear that, thanks for leaving the comment as well!

[@nurse28707]

Two years missed to waiting on snow melt and family health problems forcing me to return back east. This year had to give up camp reservation due to fires/smoke out and breathing issues. Your videos are so lovely and helpful. I will rewatch late next spring to wait out the snow and get in finally driving Tioga and up to Glacier Point.

[@californiathroughmylens]

Bummer you haven't been able to experience it yet but I hope you can next year!

[@VeganHiker]

This reminds me of Trail Ridge Road at the top of the mountains in Rocky Mountain National Park.

[@russellhickman2453]

One of my favorites

[@tats4ever]

Great video! I lived in Mammoth lakes for 10 years. This was one of my favorite day trips. I have a national parks pass so I could go as often as the weather and Tioga pass let me!

[@californiathroughmylens]

That sounds awesome. I bet living in Mammoth was pretty cool as well!

[@reneeh2050]

I loved this vid. Almost exactly 2 years ago. I had a day between arriving in Reno & needing to be in Lake Tahoe. I drove down 395, crossing my fingers that the pass would be open. It was peak color & just stunning. I went just a little further than Omstead before turning around & doing a hike to Soda springs. It also felt I was stopping so often to take photos of the beautiful lakes. I really hope I can come back & explore more of it one day. 💛🧡🍁🍂

[@californiathroughmylens]

Oh wow, I bet that would have been amazing with the fall colors!

[@bambam0099]

Thank you so much for the video. I certainly will include this route when I ride my motorcycle out West this summer.

[@Tnapvrvideo]

Your detailed capture of each trip are outstanding. The map inclusions, photos, videos, and your narration are superb. Thank you! Safe Travels!

[@californiathroughmylens]

Thank you very much!

[@leonardo8ahl8ah67]

As always, very beautiful videos. Easy to follow and understand. The best channel to see California.

[@californiathroughmylens]

Wow, thank you! Really appreciate that!

[@cebedojames]

Ive had many great memories there

[@alekseifilanovskii718]

thanks for all videos you are doing. Seems ideal for my way of traveling!

[@zackde8795]

One of my favorite roads

[@californiathroughmylens]

Me too

[@MrBecina1]

You've STUNNED ME WITH AMAZING VISTA'S, and back country road trips..!! I can't wait to take some of the beautiful road trips, you've introduced me too. I LOVE road trips, and I appreciate your photography as well. Thank you ..!!!

[@californiathroughmylens]

So glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for leaving the comment!

[@aznsrey1324]

I went to Teneya Lake by shuttle once and it was pretty late... thought we were stranded there so We were hitchhiking but luckily the last shuttle of the day came in time 😭 I even have a pic of me literally hitchhiking lol good memory tho😅 Thank God we were safe🙏✝️🥺😁

[@parkspursuit7515]

The only time I've visited Yosemite I was able to enter the park by driving up the Tioga Road. I remember it being quite steep!

[@skr2824]

Especially when you're sitting in the passenger side coming down, hoping the one driving is focused on the road ahead and not taking in the scenery. It is breathtaking but too risky for me. Just thinking about it makes me cringe.

[@blackholeentry3489]

I first visited this park in 1956, while riding an old '46' Harley. I was then 16 and had my 15 year old brother on the back along with me. My folks were quite permissive. Now, I am fast approaching 82....and still ride a motorcycle.

[@parkspursuit7515]

Lol, yeah. My poor CRV was trying was hard as it could.

[@arnoldziffle8779]

The Eastern Sierra is amazing as well, take 395 either north or south from Lee Veining

[@californiathroughmylens]

Agreed! Easily one of my favorite areas in the state!

[@TravelSmallLiveBig]

Wow. Just wow. We have only done one inch of this road. Excellent job Josh!

[@californiathroughmylens]

Thanks for watching, it is an incredible place to spend some time for sure

[@antn8387]

America is so beautiful

[@dsmom6898]

Absolute beauty! Thank you again for sharing your trips with us! Giving me some good ideas for future trips. 🥰

[@californiathroughmylens]

You are so welcome!

[@steveduffy5784]

13,061' Mt. Dana Trail head is just a short ways in, after entering the East Gate. It's a strenous 7 mile round trip hike with some of the best views of the high country. I also like Saddlebag Lake. The turn off to the lake is along Tioga Rd, just before you enter the park. You can walk around the lake, or take the boat taxi ride across the lake to the 20 Lakes Basin Trailhead, which is a pretty spectacular hike around high country alpine lakes.

[@billbeyatte]

My favorite hike is a loop from Tioga Lake to and beyond Bennettville mine into the Wilderness to Saddleback Lake then down to Hwy 120 and back to the Lake

[@franksalsa9342]

Oh YESSSS...came from wa and through Yellowstone and down this way into Yosemite WAY back in 1971...Beautiful. and way less crowded . Great video btw..👍👊😊

[@californiathroughmylens]

That is an epic road trip!

[@franksalsa9342]

@@californiathroughmylens yes it sure was...moved many times and now retired and live near ocean in palos verdes..life goes by WAY TOO FAST but it's been good..Enjoy👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@eileenallemm1835]

I drove this past in a vw fastback back in 1980 wow love the video

[@brianvirgin2995]

My daughter was just in Yosemite. (Tioga rd was still closed) My wife is Norwegian, and I've lived in Norway for soon 40 years. Stryn, my wife's hometown, is a beautiful place. But I still think the back side of the Sierras is the most beautiful place on earth

[@randallstewart175]

Did this trip in late Fall many years ago. They got a snow fall as we in transit. It turned out that they closed the road behind us, and it was closed for the rest of the winter. We hit about 10 inches of scow at Teynea (?) Lake, so got some great photos of the lake with snow on the hills and in the foreground.

[@californiathroughmylens]

Wow that sounds like quite the adventure!

[@hustleboy562]

Those are some amazing views wish I could of gone down this road back in late August but needed a pass. I just planned my next trip mid October hope to go down tioga pass this time around can’t wait appreciate the videos you upload

[@pauldutily5718]

Did this road from Yosemite to 395 in late June on my motorcycle got caught in a freak snow storm . They had closed the road we found out after we reached booth the ranger told us. What a beautiful road absolutely amazing.

[@californiathroughmylens]

Oh wow, that would be a crazy ride on a motorcycle in a storm!

[@menochivo9507]

There is one amazing trail you did not mention, strenuous hike but the views are just spectacular. Dana Peak, right to the south of the entrance from the Lee Vining. A short but challenging 3 miles.

[@bobross9623]

That was a nice summation of Tioga Rd. Last September I was fortunate to check out Yosemite NP & did the Tioga Rd from west to east at the end of my trip. Heading towards Lee Vining, I ran I to very high winds which knocked out power to the entire area. As luck would have it, I had tuna tacos at the same restaurant! (They had a generator!) I was amazed to see the winds topple trees & toss outside picnic benches like they were toys - quite an experience. As an aside, one of my favorite hikes in the area was just south of the park between Fish Camp & Oakhurst in the Sierra Nat'l Forest: Nelder Grove. The short walk through the forest was memorable for its uncrowded nature & for 2 Sequoia giants: Chimney Tree & Bullbuck. It's a great destination if you want to avoid the crowds at Mariposa Grove. Enjoy! Bob from Pennsylvania.

[@californiathroughmylens]

Thanks for sharing that memory, sounds pretty crazy to see the wind damage like that! Also, thanks for the tip on Nelder Grove. I have never been there but will add it to the list!

[@tinateews9494]

I've never been to Yosemite so thank you for taking us along for a drive😉

[@californiathroughmylens]

My pleasure 😊

[@cfjess]

Like your stuff. From Calfornia but live in AZ now. Have seen a lot of state. Thanx for your efforts.

[@OutdoorsWithJohnUSA]

I visited in June of 2018 we hiked to Soda Springs and ate our lunch beneath Lembert Dome. A cool fact here is that you actually hike a piece of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) from Lembert Dome to Soda Springs. I love your videos!

[@californiathroughmylens]

Really? I didn't know that was along the PCT, super cool!

[@ryszardkruszona9570]

Beautiful.Yosemite NP

[@julieh3327]

Thank you for bring back some good memories from days gone by! We love this area and Yosemite. We have a picture of me sitting on the edge of Tenaya Lake. It was taken over 40 year ago. . . How time flies when you are having a good time. Love your videos!

[@californiathroughmylens]

That is so awesome! I am glad you have gotten a chance to experience this beautiful area and that the videos brought back good memories!

[@yardboy3955]

Tioga lake my favorite, great video, thanks!

[@whisperm21]

Hi Nice video. i did this trip two months ago and it was really spectacular

[@kellyjohnson3617]

Thanks for this cuz I haven’t spent much time hiking or even driving up there past olmstead point. There is so much in Yosemite to see.

[@californiathroughmylens]

I agree, you could spend years exploring Yosemite!

[@huskynoob7881]

Did this on labor day and it was orange because of all the smoke, need to go back on a clear day. Was cool starting from Tioga and heading into Yosemite valley. Scenic all the way incuding 395.

[@californiathroughmylens]

Wow that must have been pretty crazy to see!

[@peanutismint]

We just did this last week at the end of an epic road trip (videos upcoming!) and it was totally smoked out. Couldn't see a thing! 😔 Such a disappointing end to our trip but glad you captured what we couldn't see. We'll definitely have to redo some day!

[@californiathroughmylens]

Oh wow, I will have to check out your video to see how the smoke was!

[@VentureAHighway]

Gorgeous scenic drive. Thanks for sharing this!

[@californiathroughmylens]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@bge1234]

I was supposed to be in Yosemite at the end of September as part of a two-week road trip around the national parks of the western US, but it ended up being closed due to poor air quality (from the fires) before I arrived. I'll have to put this on my list of things to do when I'm finally able to visit someday!

[@dgronzega8073]

Nice vid. Great information, showed me a few places I'd like to try. I've done something on Tioga pass that will never happen again in my lifetime. Most likely. Drive over on NewYears Day. Because of the CA drought there wasn't enough snow to close. There were people walking, ice skating and even a mini hockey game on Tenaya lake.

[@MR-in4yi]

Wonderful drive then up to one of the coolest spots,Lassen.

[@californiathroughmylens]

I agree that going to Lassen is always a good choice!

[@shivprakash4996]

Wonderful description, love your video.

[@YvonneReynolds]

Shh!! I know many people head to Yosemite Valley, but I love exploring up off Tioga Road. Recently did the Lembert Dome hike and we probably saw no more than 25 people on the whole trail!

[@californiathroughmylens]

Wow that is awesome to see so few people. On a normal year this area is still pretty busy but it is still an amazing place to explore!

[@EternalWithin]

You should travel up highway 4 onto ebbetts pass. It goes past big trees state park with the first ever discovered giant sequoia trees. Ebbetts pass is a beautiful pass as it is a national scenic byway. Plenty of historic places to visit in the foothills such as angels camp, Murphy’s, and Sonora. I live in the small town of Arnold just before big trees state park

[@hikethisplanet1017]

That was a great video. You focused on the beauty of the area. Not like so many KZbin videos now a days that are all about selfies.

[@michellebeckstrom6110]

Love your video footage. It looks like you were able to visit when there weren't fires or at least not as many as the fall of 2017 when I visited there.

[@rva1945]

Tenaya Lake is my favourite!

[@PereaPhotography]

Wow such a beautiful area! Next time we make it up to the Sierras we’ll definitely be doing this!

[@californiathroughmylens]

You would love it! Plan to spend a few days though haha

[@rubyreyes3850]

Great job! Love hiking Lembert Dome, kayaking on Tenaya Lake and walking on the meadow. Love your videos👍🏼🌲🐿🌿!!

[@californiathroughmylens]

All of those things are amazing for sure!

[@markyuen2312]

Great Video, Josh. Didn't know this place existed. Definitely have to put this on my Bucket List of things to do. Keep up the great work and videos. I enjoy them all.

[@californiathroughmylens]

Thanks so much for watching the video and leaving a comment!

[@willfrix1455]

Try the hike to Dog Lake, if you haven’t before. You can tie it in with Lambert Dome, too.

[@erikanunez4621]

I loved that you put a map.

[@californiathroughmylens]

Glad it was helpful!

[@maryduhon222]

That's looks beautiful

[@galinkabondar4535]

This is one of my 3 favorite KZbin channels!

[@californiathroughmylens]

So kind of you to say! Let me know what the two channels are so I can check them out as well!

[@galinkabondar4535]

@@californiathroughmylens they are also travel channels.

[@galinkabondar4535]

but you are the best travel guide!

[@johnnysmith6138]

It’s beautiful

[@Wasamatau]

Great video for people thinking of going. We always stay in Lee Vining, too, but we eat at Nicely's Restaurant. YOU MISSPELLED........... Tanaya. Don't come in 2022! The road to Glacier Point will be closed. Then again.... last time we were there, with visiting family a couple years ago, there was 2.5 hour parking lot waiting queue to drive up to Glacier Point, so plan well before you go!

[@USARoadtrip364]

this is a real good Tioga Road video.. thanks for sharing your video.

[@californiathroughmylens]

Glad you liked it!

[@opwave79]

Been watching your videos to get ideas for a day trip. I would love to camp at Tioga Lake!

[@scotchgod8478]

Epic scenery! Thanks for sharing mate!👍

[@californiathroughmylens]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@TheAdventureBuddies]

Your videos are just perfect! Well done 👏

[@californiathroughmylens]

Glad you like them!

[@jerrymestas1231]

Just awesome!!!

[@ishraqali211]

Great video! also loved doing the relatively quick but uphill hike to Gaylor Lakes!

[@californiathroughmylens]

Will have to check that one out, thanks for the tip!

[@ballislife9989]

You have an amazing channel sir. Long time viewer, first time poster.

[@californiathroughmylens]

Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment!

[@thespilledmilk]

I needed this video. I was planning to go to Yosemite next month but Yosemite closed due to the fires and just recently reopened...the air quality and wildfire situation is still uncertain...

[@californiathroughmylens]

Sorry to hear that your reservations got cancelled. It has been a crazy year for all of California for sure. Hopefully you are able to get to Yosemite soon!

[@kennypalermo9071]

@@californiathroughmylens Want to try Fresno and Bakersfield?

[@ATF_CA]

@@kennypalermo9071 I live in Fresno. There's not much here to explore

[@jumsted]

Your superior video has sent a bunch of viewers my way, so thanks for that! You glossed over Tioga pass resort, which was and still is closed. It’s one of my favorite places. Worked there in college. Saddlebag Lake is also well worth the short detour. And, if it’s important to you, it’s Ellery, not Ellerly. :)

[@kathleenllewellyn925]

Beautiful video