Tioga Pass, California State Route 120Tioga Pass:
- 9,943 feet (3,031 meters) above sea level
- California State Route 120
- Between Groveland, California and US 395 south of Lee Vining
- 37° 54′ 40″ N, 119° 15′ 29″ W
- Tuolumne and Mono counties, California
- Central Sierra
- Closed in winter
What to expect:
- Breathtaking scenery
- Heavy traffic
- Good riding
Tioga Pass on CA 120 is the highest pass in the Sierra, at 9,943 feet (3,031 meters) above sea level. The road passes through Yosemite National Park, one of the most-visited national parks in the US. Because of the park’s popularity, expect thick, slow-moving traffic throughout the summer and into fall. Tioga Pass is closed in winter, usually until well into May or June.
But maybe you don’t absolutely have your heart set on going through Yosemite and over Tioga Pass. If so, Sonora Pass might be a better choice. Read Sonora Pass or Tioga Pass? Which road is right for you? on our blog.
Tioga Pass Map
More Tioga Pass Photos
Click or tap thumbnails to view larger images.
Note that within the park the low speed limits are strictly enforced, and for good reason. Consider: drivers are ogling the beautiful scenery and aren’t paying attention (are YOU paying attention in scenery like this?). Rear-ender accidents are common, crossover head-ons happen, and “off road excursions” are a reality. Combine this with multiple hours to get a seriously injured person to a hospital via helicopter… just how fast do you want the impact speed to be and how much reaction time do you want?
All that said… stop frequently and take in the most beautiful place on Earth. It’s a unique experience.
All true, Lance. We love the park, but Tioga Pass is not our favorite way to cross the Sierra.
Here’s a piece we published specifically for folks who want to avoid Tioga Pass: How to Get Over the Sierra Without Going Through Yosemite