The Tioga Road is a fabulous drive – the scenery is magnificent and there is the opportunity to see the high country above the Valley which has a very different look and feel. There are many opportunities for hiking here and the area is very popular with wilderness hikers.

If you are a day hiker there are plenty of great options before you get to Tuolumne Meadows.

The first stop you come to headed east (away from the valley towards Tuolumne Meadows) is the Tuolumne Grove trailhead. You can park here and walk the two mile round trip to see the giant sequoia trees at Tuolumne Grove. This is a steep walk so make sure you have on suitable footwear but it is a great opportunity to look at giant sequoias without the crowds that gather at Mariposa Grove.

Further along the Tioga Road is Olmstead Point. This is a great place to stop and look at the view of Tenaya Canyon to Half Dome. Just past the point is Tenaya Lake. This is a popular spot on a hot day and lots of people come to spend the day here, picnicking, swimming and canoeing.

The National Park Service website has lots of information about day hikes from the Tioga Road, including several lake hikes and the strenuous hike up North Dome.