Visit one of the largest high-elevation meadows in the Sierra Nevada, Tuolumne Meadows, and see the Tuolumne River meandering quietly through its meadow channel against a backdrop of rugged mountain peaks and glacially carved domes.

Tuolumne Meadows embodies the high-country of the Sierra Nevada, with its broad sub-alpine meadows and granite domes and peaks. The Tuolumne River, Lyell Fork, and Dana Fork flow through the vast, colorful meadows bursting with seasonal wildflowers. The meadows are surrounded by stands of western white pine, mountain hemlock, and lodgepole pine.

Popular activities in the area include hiking, rock climbing, backpacking and fishing. A few trails in Tuolumne Meadows include Soda Springs and Parsons Lodge, Elizabeth Lake, Lyell Canyon via the John Muir Trail, Cathedral Lakes, Mono Pass, and Glen Aulin. Nearby Tenaya Lake is a magnificent spot for picnicking, swimming and canoeing.

Hours

Accessible only while Tioga Road is open to vehicles, from late May or early June to sometime in October or November.

Getting Here

Located along Tioga Road, approximately 8 miles west of the Tioga Pass Entrance and 55 miles from Yosemite Valley.

Rules & Regulations

• Stay on official trails to protect fragile meadow ecosystems.
• Dogs, bicycles, and strollers are only allowed on roads that are open to public vehicle traffic.
• Day-hikers and backpackers must go to the bathroom at least 100 feet away from water, trail and camp areas; bury human waste six inches deep and pack out toilet paper and all other trash.

Hazards & Warnings

• Stay off domes during thunderstorms!
• Carry (and drink) plenty of water: a leading cause of injuries on the trail is dehydration. Be sure to treat river, stream, lake, or spring water.

Accessibility

Visit the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center to request an accessibility guide.