A beautiful alpine drive to Tioga Pass in California
Usa, north-america
108 km
3,036 m
easy
Year-round
Nestled between Tuolumne and Mono counties in California, lies the stunning Tioga Pass, soaring to a breathtaking 9,960ft. It's one of the highest roads you'll find in the Golden State!
This epic stretch of road, also known as Tioga Road (part of CA-120), winds for 67.3 miles from Lee Vining to Big Oak Flat. Prepare for a truly unforgettable experience.
The entire road is paved, so no need for a monster truck! Built initially for mining back in the 1880s, it got a serious upgrade in 1961, making it the scenic marvel it is today.
Trust me, this drive is legendary! You'll be spoiled for choice with endless hiking trails and access to Yosemite's incredible backcountry. Every turn offers a new, postcard-worthy vista. Think forests, meadows, shimmering lakes, and those iconic granite domes. Plus, keep an eye out for Mount Dana standing tall to the east!
Now, for the fun part: it’s twisty and curvy—in the best way! It’s a wide two-lane road, so you can soak up the views. But be warned: there aren't many guardrails, so stay focused!
The climb is real, especially starting from Lee Vining. You'll ascend almost 3,140 feet over 12 miles with an average gradient of 4.7%.
Keep in mind that Tioga Pass is typically open from late spring/early summer to mid-fall, but Mother Nature calls the shots. Snowfall dictates opening and closing dates. In heavy snow years, it closes early, maybe October. Lighter snow? You might catch it open as late as December or as early as April. Planning ahead is key!
Where is it?
A beautiful alpine drive to Tioga Pass in California is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 38.1007, -97.7165
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 108 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,036 m
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- 38.1007, -97.7165
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