Tuolumne Meadows
A vast, high-elevation meadow in Yosemite, offering serene alpine beauty with granite peaks, a winding river, and abundant wildlife.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Roads open, meadows are vibrant
Tuolumne Meadows
Best Time
Roads open, meadows are vibrant
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast, high-elevation meadow in Yosemite, offering serene alpine beauty with granite peaks, a winding river, and abundant wildlife.
"One of the most beautiful areas in Yosemite, offering a different kind of beauty with its size and location."
🚗 Check Road Status
Tioga Road (Hwy 120) closes seasonally due to snow. Always check conditions before your trip!
🥾 Easy Hikes Abound
Enjoy gentle walks to Soda Springs or Parsons Memorial Lodge for stunning scenery without strenuous effort.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lush Alpine Meadows
Tuolumne Meadows
Vast, high-elevation meadows carpeted in green, framed by granite domes and alpine peaks. Pure postcard perfection.
Soda Springs
Short walk from Parsons Memorial Lodge
Naturally carbonated water bubbles up from the earth in this easy, accessible spring. A unique geological wonder.
Glen Aulin Trail
Glen Aulin Trailhead
Hike to stunning waterfalls and the historic Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp. The first few miles are relatively flat.
Parsons Memorial Lodge
End of a flat path across Tuolumne Meadows
A historic structure offering a peaceful destination after a gentle stroll through the meadows.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
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Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Check Road Status
Tioga Road (Hwy 120) closes seasonally due to snow. Always check conditions before your trip!
🥾 Easy Hikes Abound
Enjoy gentle walks to Soda Springs or Parsons Memorial Lodge for stunning scenery without strenuous effort.
📸 Postcard Views
The meadows, granite domes, and winding river create breathtaking vistas perfect for photography.
🤫 Seek Solitude
Head here for a quieter Yosemite experience compared to the Valley. September/October are ideal.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Check Road Status
Tioga Road (Hwy 120) closes seasonally due to snow. Always check conditions before your trip!
🥾 Easy Hikes Abound
Enjoy gentle walks to Soda Springs or Parsons Memorial Lodge for stunning scenery without strenuous effort.
📸 Postcard Views
The meadows, granite domes, and winding river create breathtaking vistas perfect for photography.
🤫 Seek Solitude
Head here for a quieter Yosemite experience compared to the Valley. September/October are ideal.
🐴 Horseback Adventures
Experience the High Sierra on horseback, with trails leading into Tuolumne Meadows.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Tuolumne Meadows' stunning natural beauty, describing it as a postcard-perfect alpine wonderland. The expansive meadows, granite peaks, and serene atmosphere offer a refreshing contrast to the busier Yosemite Valley. While dining is limited, the abundance of wildlife and accessible hiking trails make it a highly recommended destination for nature lovers.
"Definitely a must visit point in the summer. The lush green meadows with the shinny mountains in the backdrop is absolutely stunning. You can always hike to soda spring which is less than a mile if you want something easy. The place looks straight out of some postcard picture. This place is mostly closed in winter due to the snow so make sure to check the forecast before going."
Deepayan Bardhan
"Amazing place to visit in the summer. You can see all sorts of wildlife and engage in hiking and other fun outdoor activities. If you visit after 5:00 p.m. You don't have to pay the toll at the national park entrance and you could just do a day trip from Mammoth mountain, which is great"
Emil Babadjov
"I’ve been here two times. One of the more beautiful places we’ve been. Lots of wildlife and if you like big rocks, waterfalls and views for days this is the place"
Tyler Beverly
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tuolumne Meadows is accessed via Tioga Road (Highway 120) within Yosemite National Park. This road is seasonal, typically open from late May/June through October. If coming from the west, it's about a 75-minute drive from Yosemite Valley. If coming from the east, it's accessible from Mammoth Lakes. Always check road conditions before your visit as it closes due to snow.
Yes, Yosemite National Park has an entrance fee per vehicle, valid for 7 days. You can also use an America the Beautiful Pass.
During peak season, Yosemite may require a reservation to enter the park, even if you have a pass. Check the official Yosemite National Park website for the most current reservation requirements.
No, Tioga Road, the only road leading to Tuolumne Meadows, is closed to vehicles during the winter months due to heavy snowfall. It typically reopens in late May or June.
The drive along Tioga Road is incredibly scenic, offering stunning views of granite domes, alpine lakes, and forests. It's a journey in itself!
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tuolumne Meadows is within Yosemite National Park, so you'll need to pay the park entrance fee. Reservations may also be required to enter the park during certain times.
Tuolumne Meadows itself is an open area, but access is dependent on Tioga Road being open. The road is typically open from late May/June to October.
Some visitors report not having to pay the entrance toll if entering after 5:00 p.m. for a day trip, but this is not a guaranteed policy and park entry fees are generally required.
Yosemite accepts the America the Beautiful Pass, which covers entrance fees to all national parks for a year.
The official Yosemite National Park website is the best source for current reservation requirements and information.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
For an easy stroll, try the walk to Soda Springs or Parsons Memorial Lodge. For more challenging hikes, consider the Glen Aulin Trail for waterfalls or trails leading to Elizabeth Lake or Young Lakes.
Keep an eye out for deer, marmots, and various bird species. While bears are present in Yosemite, sightings are less common here than in the Valley.
Yes, the Tuolumne River offers opportunities for wading and swimming, especially in designated areas. The water is typically very cold!
Absolutely! The expansive meadows, granite peaks, and winding river provide endless opportunities for stunning landscape photography.
It's one of the largest high-elevation meadows in the Sierra Nevada, offering a different kind of Yosemite beauty with its vast open spaces and alpine scenery, distinct from the Valley's granite cliffs.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Dining options are limited directly within Tuolumne Meadows. The Tuolumne Meadows Lodge and Store may offer some services seasonally, but it's best to pack your own food and snacks.
Yes, Tuolumne Meadows is a fantastic spot for a picnic. There are designated picnic areas, or you can find a scenic spot along the river or in the meadows. Remember to pack out all your trash.
Given limited options, pack plenty of snacks, water, and lunch items. Consider items that are easy to prepare and transport for hikes.
The closest significant grocery stores are in Lee Vining (east) or Groveland (west), which are a considerable drive. It's best to stock up before entering the park.
The Tuolumne Meadows Lodge may offer some limited food services seasonally, but it's not a full-service restaurant. Check their operating status.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire meadow offers stunning panoramic views. Look for shots with the winding river in the foreground and granite domes like Lembert Dome or Cathedral Peak in the background. Sunrise and sunset offer magical light.
Early morning and late afternoon (golden hours) provide the best light for landscape photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a warm glow on the granite.
Yes, but always maintain a safe distance and never feed wildlife. Marmots and deer are common subjects.
Lembert Dome, Cathedral Peak, and the Tuolumne River are iconic backdrops. The historic Parsons Memorial Lodge also makes for a picturesque subject.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive meadows, while a telephoto lens can be useful for distant peaks and wildlife. A tripod is helpful for low-light conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks and water, as dining options are limited. 🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
Hikes like Glen Aulin provide a good challenge and stunning rewards, while shorter walks offer accessible beauty. Remember to always inform someone of your hiking plans and carry a map and navigation tools. 📸 Photographers
The golden hours are magical here, bathing the peaks in warm light. Don't miss unique subjects like Soda Springs or the historic Parsons Memorial Lodge. A wide-angle lens is essential for the grand vistas, and a telephoto can be useful for wildlife. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Hiking Adventures in Tuolumne Meadows
For those seeking more adventure, the Glen Aulin Trail is a popular choice. This trail leads to a series of beautiful waterfalls and the historic Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp. The initial miles are relatively easy, making it a great option for a longer day hike.
Remember that at 8,600 feet, the air is thinner, so take it easy on your first day. Always carry plenty of water, snacks, and wear appropriate footwear. Check trail conditions and weather forecasts before heading out, as conditions can change rapidly in the mountains.
Experiencing Tuolumne Meadows: Beyond the Hikes
It's a place that feels both grand and serene, offering a sense of peace often hard to find in more crowded national park areas. Wildlife viewing is another highlight. Keep your eyes peeled for marmots sunning themselves on rocks, deer grazing in the meadows, and a variety of birds. While bear sightings are less common here than in Yosemite Valley, they are present in the park, so always practice bear safety.
For a truly unique experience, consider horseback riding. Trails lead into the heart of the High Sierra, allowing you to explore the backcountry in a traditional way.
Whether you're seeking adventure, tranquility, or simply breathtaking scenery, Tuolumne Meadows delivers.Photography Tips for Tuolumne Meadows
The Tuolumne River winding through the landscape adds a dynamic element to compositions. For the best light, aim for the golden hours – early morning and late afternoon – when the sun casts a warm glow on the granite and minimizes harsh shadows. When composing your shots, consider using a wide-angle lens to capture the vastness of the meadows and the grandeur of the surrounding mountains. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating distant peaks or capturing wildlife.
Don't forget to look for unique details: the delicate wildflowers in the meadows, the textures of the granite, or the reflections in the river. The Soda Springs area offers a unique geological subject, and the historic Parsons Memorial Lodge provides a charming foreground element. Remember to be patient and observe the changing light and weather. Clouds can add drama to the sky, and a gentle mist rising from the meadows can create an ethereal atmosphere. Always maintain a safe distance from wildlife and be mindful of the fragile meadow ecosystem when exploring.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit