Yosemite’s Tioga Pass – 2025 Essential Guide
Tioga Pass is one of Yosemite National Park’s most breathtaking and adventurous experiences. Crossing the high Sierra Nevada at nearly 10,000 feet above sea level, it offers summer access to some of California’s best mountain scenery and serves as Yosemite’s only eastern entrance.
🚗 2025 Tioga Pass Opening & Road Status
- Tioga Pass (Highway 120 East) is OPEN for the 2025 summer season.
- Opening Date: Monday, May 26, at 8 a.m. (just in time for Memorial Day weekend)—about two weeks earlier than last year.
- Typical Season: Tioga Road is closed each year from November to late May or early June due to heavy snow. The pass can only be driven in summer months—plan accordingly.
What Makes Tioga Pass Special
- Highest Highway in California: Tioga Pass sits at 9,945 ft.
- Connects: Yosemite’s western parks (via Crane Flat) with Lee Vining and Mono Lake on the east side.
- Scenic Route: About 60 miles of jaw-dropping granite domes, alpine lakes, meadows, and expansive views.
- Highlights along the Road:
- Tuolumne Meadows (wildflowers, easy hikes)
- Olmsted Point (Half Dome vistas)
- Tenaya Lake (swimming, picnics)
- Gaylor Lakes Trail (short, steep hike with huge payoff)
- Tioga Lake and Mono Lake (great stops east of the pass)
2025 Access & Travel Tips
- Reservation Requirement:
If you travel the Tioga Road between June 15 and August 15 or over Labor Day Weekend (Aug 30–Sept 1), you need a park entry reservation between 6 am and 2 pm. - No cyclist-only days this year: Early access for bicycles is not available in 2025; road opened for all vehicles at the same time.
- Facilities and Services:
- Limited services this summer—no drinking water, very limited food or fuel, and only vault/portable toilets.
- Bring all food, water, maps, and gas you’ll need for the full crossing (at least 2–3 hours of drive time, longer if you explore).
- High Elevation:
Weather even in summer can turn cold quickly. Carry layers. - Parking:
Small turnouts and lots can fill up by midday at popular stops—arrive early for best experience. - Wildlife on Roads:
Deer and marmots are often seen crossing—drive cautiously, especially near dawn or dusk.
Frequently Asked Questions – Tioga Pass (2025)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Tioga Pass open now? | Yes, open as of May 26, 2025 for all vehicles. |
| Do I need a reservation to drive the Pass? | Yes, if entering June 15–Aug 15 or on Labor Day wkd, 6am–2pm. |
| Can I access from the east (Mono Lake/Lee Vining)? | Yes, full crossing is possible all summer. |
| Is there gas or food along Tioga Road? | No. Closest services are Lee Vining, Crane Flat, or the valley. |
| Are there shuttles along Tioga Road? | Not in 2025. Private vehicle, bike, or hiking access only. |
| Can I camp along the Pass? | Several campgrounds (reservation only), but all fill early. |
| Are pets allowed? | Kept on leash; not allowed on most trails. |
| When does it close? | Typically mid-November—date depends on snowfall and conditions. |
Pro Tips for Your Tioga Adventure
- Arrive early: Best light, parking, and peaceful moments at lakes and overlooks.
- Plan for high country:
Bring sunscreen, layered clothing, and altitude-appropriate snacks. - Fuel up before you start—no gas along the pass.
- Official park entry stations at both western and eastern ends always have updates on road and weather conditions—check with a ranger as you enter.
- Always check road & weather updates before departure—conditions can change quickly even in summer.
Yosemite’s Tioga Pass is a true California adventure—spectacular, remote, and only open a few months each year. Make it a centerpiece of your trip for one-of-a-kind views and high-country escapes!
