Tioga Pass to Yosemite National Park

Entrance to Yosemite National Park

In early May of 2015

Entering Yosemite National Park via Tigoa Pass 120. The road to the main gate is 11 miles up a winding, steep incline. The maximum elevation that I noticed was 9000 feet above sea level.  I drove three days to get to California. I stayed two days at the Mammoth Lakes, California Best Western. A very nice hotel, however I got a room with not a very nice view. The view over looked part of the roof and air conditioning units. However it was a good room, nice hotel and very friendly and helpful staff.

The first day I headed to Bodie, California. A California State park that is a ghost town. Second day, I headed to Yosemite National Park. I was amazed at the natural beauty there. The steep inclines stressed the car I had at the time. It was a Hyundai Genesis Sports Coupe. The car had enough horse power (348 HP). I could tell it was laboring on the steep inclines.

Steep Inclines that lead to the main gate

I think the peak elevation was about 9000 feet above sea level. A very scenic drive outside the park (getting to the gate) also inside the park. I should have planned to say closer to Tigoa Pass if I wanted to see all of the park. Since I stayed at Mammoth Lakes, that was about a 30 minute drive just to get to Tioga Pass 120.

Unfortunately, I was fatigued from the cross country driving from Chicago. Also the 35 minute morning drive from Mammoth Lakes up Route 395 just to get to the main entrance of Yosemite. I did not get to the center, and did not get great photos. However I was there! I turned around at Yosemite Creek.

All downhill  from here

Driving out of the park, was more easy on the car. It was mainly downhill. The entrance I uses was Tioga pass  in the  High Serra’s in Northern California.  Lots of people were speeding to get out of the park. I can see how Tioga Pass could be closed due to snow fall or rock slides. The road was carved directly next to steep cliffs of sheer rock.

If I ever have the opportunity to go again to explore the park more. I would probably book a motel near the parks entrance. Not at Mammoth Lakes.