Tuolumne Meadows General Forest Area

Description:

• The Tuolumne Meadows lie in the northern portion of Yosemite National Park along Tioga Road. The developed portion of the meadows is located at 8,600 feet in elevation. Facilities in the area include a campground, lodge, high sierra camps, a gas station/store, wilderness office and visitor center.

  Several trails begin from Tuolumne Meadows and lead hikers to lakes, meadows and beautiful river canyons north and south of Tioga Road. This area is also an access point to the northern Yosemite National Park backcountry. Many multiple-day backpacking or stock packing adventures begin from Tuolumne Meadows—the John Muir Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail, two long-distance hiking trails that cover hundreds of miles in California, pass through this area. Because of its high elevation, temperatures in Tuolumne Meadows average 15 to 20 degrees cooler than in Yosemite Valley. Snow is not uncommon as late as June or as early as September. Peaks, such as Mt. Dana and Mt. Lyell retain snow throughout the summer and provide breathtaking views from their bases and summits. Once the Tioga Road closes for the season (generally in early November), this area is accessible to well-experienced winter enthusiasts via snow shoes or skis only.