Tuolumne Meadows and Tioga Road
Numerous trails begin from Tuolumne Meadows, leading dayhikers and overnight backpackers to lakes, meadows, and beautiful river canyons. Strenuous overnight trips provide access to the northern reaches of the Park, between Tuolumne Meadows and Yosemite Valley, and both the John Muir and Pacific Crest Trails traverse the Meadows area.

Due to the high 8600' elevation here, temperatures average 15 - 20 degrees cooler than in the Yosemite Valley far below to the west. Snow is not uncommon in late June and early September, and the high peaks retain snow throughout the summer. Once the Tioga Road closes for the season (in early November) this area is accessible to experienced snowshoe and ski trekkers only.

The scenic 45 mile (1.5 hour) Tioga Road covers 4000 feet of elevation change, is open from late May or June until the first major snow after November 1, and passes through a beautiful terrain of meadows and forests, icy lakes, and rounded granite domes.

Permit Information
Backcountry permits are available at the Valley Visitor Center, The Wilderness Center (next to the Ansel Adams Gallery), and at wilderness permit stations (7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.). Phone: (209)372-0200.

Directions
The Tuolumne Meadows region of the park is located along Hwy 120, about an hour's drive east of the Crane Flat junction and a shorter distance west of the Tioga Pass.

Information Center
The Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center is located near the heart of the open expanses of the Tuolumne Meadows themselves, along Hwy 120 near the Tuolumne River.

Activities