There is something inexplicably alluring about Yosemite National Park.  The serene beauty of the pines sitting among sheer faces of granite will cast a spell on you, a spell you won’t want to wake up from… And Tioga Pass is where you’ll experience it all.

With that being said, most people who visit Yosemite each year never fully experience the park’s full natural beauty.  The majority of the crowds stay in the valley.  While still beautiful, with many exciting hikes, it is not the crown jewel of Yosemite.  To stray away from the crowds head to Tioga Pass, the highest highway in California, and the Sierra Mountains.  Although the road is only open April – October (depending on snowfall).   But views from the road alone are worth the wait.  There are numerous trails to choose from, and when you see Yosemite’s back c0untry photos they are usually off of Tioga Pass.  You can drive the pass in a day, but take my advice and plan for 3-4 days to really experience this outdoor playground!

You can read about the Yosemite hikes  off Tioga Pass here.  And if you want to read more about Yosemite’s rich history you can do that here.