My dad wouldd take me here all the time when I was kid. The beauty is unmatched and the feeling I get coming here as a adult is something Ive never felt anywhere else. Rest In Paradise Dad.
That was the 1st lake I saw as a kid old enough to understand we were going to different national parks, etc. on our June road trips as school was letting out. My dad pulled us out 2 days early and we headed for my grandmother's home in Idaho. That year we went over the Tioga Pass--my 1st time experiencing snow, too--and we stopped at Tenaya Lake--such pristine blue! The huge granite rocks behind it, so white, and the blue sky...prettiest thing ever. You could feel the chief's presence there. Turns out (not in the literature available to children of the 1950s, our history was censored so much that Ron Desantis would be in ecstasy) that after the Native Americans were forcefully thrown out of Yosemite Valley (so gold miners could have the gold to themselves) they named the lake after Chief Tenaya. But he was not happy at all with this project. The Ahwahneechees (his tribe) had a custom against naming things in the natural environment after people. AND they had a custom against saying anyone's name after they died. Double whammy at damaging relations with the Native Americans. Though violently taking their beautiful land from them forever had to be the worst. And finally, as Chief Tanya tried to tell them, it already had a name! "Py-we-ack."
I once took a photo of Tenaya Lake that turned out so pretty, I framed it and put it on my office wall for years. It's the most striking lake ever. And it's small enough you can get so much of it in a wide-angle lens. The deep sapphire blue water with the white granite boulders and azure blue skies behind it... It's paradise up there.
Outside the Tioga Pass of Yosemite NP on its north, there is a Saddlebag Lake to Twenty Lakes Basin Loop. In 7 miles loop, you will see over 20 alpine lakes above elevation 10,000 ft. The colors and reflections are so stunning and breathtaking. Lake Helen at this loop is a perfect heart shape looking from south. It’s a quiet and peaceful, low traffic loop, like a heaven.
That video is rad, Yosemite National Park is so big that every time I come back to visit I always see something new that I have never seen before. Unbelievable
And now that hiking and backpacking have become accessible to regular people, not just John Muir... 1st, railroads opened the west, then, cars opened areas where trains did not go, and the highway projects of the 1950s and 1960s let everyone drive to national parks and even access areas such as Tuolumne' high country--where snows were too deep to plow from November or December thru May or June (I once encountered 12 foot piles of snow on the July 4th weekend--they plowed the roads and opened the park for the holiday and campers no one could keep away, but lots of camping and hiking was limited).. Finally, millennials and z's are going right into these pristine areas on foot--nothing is off limits to them. Many are physically fit much more than other generations, and they are fearless. I remember camping in the 70s and 80s--some people actually thought we were taking our lives in our hands to sleep in a tent! But now they carry those tents on their backs and walk miles and miles into the forests, up the mountains...I wish I were 40 yrs younger! Was the military responsible for encouraging people to load everything in a backpack and just follow the trails? The equipment has improved so much too. Such great stuff to enable backpackers and campers--single burner stoves, dry food, water filters, sleeping bags for below zero temps, hand and foot warmers, fleece! Hiking shoes...no one could walk those trails in the shoes they made when I was a teen in the 60s.
This video covered a lot of great places but some of my favorite hidden spots have been saddlebag lake, the many falls of the tuolumne river hike, and there is this cool spot right before you get to ellery lake coming from the east where you can take a left off the highway towards the waterfall that comes off the lake. Very peaceful spot.
I have really enjoyed this drive many times. I once had the privilege of hiking with Carl Sharsmith who was the oldest park ranger ,89, at the time. He was so knowledgable of all of the flora and fauna and was quite a character to boot. Although Carl, John Muir, and my grandfather are no longer with us, they are always with me when I am out hiking a trail in a beautiful place.
Can’t believe you don’t have a Ka-billion subscribers - I’m retired & I’m a fifth generation Northern Californian - I’ll do week long trips going to places you present that I’ve been to many times & see stuff I never imagined - And I can’t thank you enough for the short format - ‘cause I’ve got places to go & see stuff through my lens - Thanks Man
We took Tioga Pass last fall right before it closed for the winter. Stopped by Tenaya Lake for a quick lunch and to dip our feet in the water. It's one of my favorite drives in all of California.
My brakes almost failed going down tioga pass a few months ago lol. But the drive is beautiful! We camped at the second closest campground to the park entrance and hiked around saw the old ghost town Bennettville hidden in the foresty hills right outside the park
Fantastic video. Very well done! I laughed out loud when you said the drive down can be stressful if you haven't checked your brakes in a while. Yea, let me tell you! lol. In 1988 my mom and I drove the Tioga Pass from Tuolumne Meadows (where a black bear visited our campground one night - yikes!) down to the floor of the Valley. On the way down, her brakes failed in the first of the two tunnels. Somehow the brakes miraculously started working again and we were able to pull over (even though there was no shoulder) and call for help. We spent the next week in Camp Curry while they repaired the brake master cylinder... yea, we shouldn't have lived. Great memories though.
Two years missed to waiting on snow melt and family health problems forcing me to return back east. This year had to give up camp reservation due to fires/smoke out and breathing issues. Your videos are so lovely and helpful. I will rewatch late next spring to wait out the snow and get in finally driving Tioga and up to Glacier Point.
I’m going Yosemite on October 10th, I’m flying from Nashville to San Jose then driving to Yosemite. This video is very helpful due to recent wild fires. I’m so happy everything cleared up. I was worried about creek fire smoke showing up on Tioga pass road as it was just 40% contained until day before yesterday. Btw best part of video was Lembert Dome
Drove through the tioga pass just yesterday, the beauty is unmatched when the ice is melting and lake is full! Just be aware the NP does need a reservation on entering, plan early if you want to visit.
Absolutely stunning views, Josh. You have an eye for capturing landscapes in such a way that I feel like I'm right there. Plus, you've inspired my family to take an epic road trip next summer. Thank you for sharing your gifts and the beauty of your home state with all of us.
Beautiful tour of another amazing slice of California. We spent two night at Saddlebag lake at the beginning of the month. It’s a somewhat hidden Gem outside the park.
Great video! I lived in Mammoth lakes for 10 years. This was one of my favorite day trips. I have a national parks pass so I could go as often as the weather and Tioga pass let me!
I was supposed to go this route [coming from Las Vegas] when I went to Yosemite in early June 1996 but it was snowed in. We had to go all the way around to the west entrance. It is nice to see here what I missed. I need to go back someday, especially since there are many other things I want to see along route 395.
You've STUNNED ME WITH AMAZING VISTA'S, and back country road trips..!! I can't wait to take some of the beautiful road trips, you've introduced me too. I LOVE road trips, and I appreciate your photography as well. Thank you ..!!!
Nice vid. Great information, showed me a few places I'd like to try. I've done something on Tioga pass that will never happen again in my lifetime. Most likely. Drive over on NewYears Day. Because of the CA drought there wasn't enough snow to close. There were people walking, ice skating and even a mini hockey game on Tenaya lake.
There is one amazing trail you did not mention, strenuous hike but the views are just spectacular. Dana Peak, right to the south of the entrance from the Lee Vining. A short but challenging 3 miles.
I loved this vid. Almost exactly 2 years ago. I had a day between arriving in Reno & needing to be in Lake Tahoe. I drove down 395, crossing my fingers that the pass would be open. It was peak color & just stunning. I went just a little further than Omstead before turning around & doing a hike to Soda springs. It also felt I was stopping so often to take photos of the beautiful lakes. I really hope I can come back & explore more of it one day. 💛🧡🍁🍂
Those are some amazing views wish I could of gone down this road back in late August but needed a pass. I just planned my next trip mid October hope to go down tioga pass this time around can’t wait appreciate the videos you upload
Oh YESSSS...came from wa and through Yellowstone and down this way into Yosemite WAY back in 1971...Beautiful. and way less crowded . Great video btw..👍👊😊
@@californiathroughmylens yes it sure was...moved many times and now retired and live near ocean in palos verdes..life goes by WAY TOO FAST but it's been good..Enjoy👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
13,061' Mt. Dana Trail head is just a short ways in, after entering the East Gate. It's a strenous 7 mile round trip hike with some of the best views of the high country. I also like Saddlebag Lake. The turn off to the lake is along Tioga Rd, just before you enter the park. You can walk around the lake, or take the boat taxi ride across the lake to the 20 Lakes Basin Trailhead, which is a pretty spectacular hike around high country alpine lakes.
Did this trip in late Fall many years ago. They got a snow fall as we in transit. It turned out that they closed the road behind us, and it was closed for the rest of the winter. We hit about 10 inches of scow at Teynea (?) Lake, so got some great photos of the lake with snow on the hills and in the foreground.
That was a nice summation of Tioga Rd. Last September I was fortunate to check out Yosemite NP & did the Tioga Rd from west to east at the end of my trip. Heading towards Lee Vining, I ran I to very high winds which knocked out power to the entire area. As luck would have it, I had tuna tacos at the same restaurant! (They had a generator!) I was amazed to see the winds topple trees & toss outside picnic benches like they were toys - quite an experience. As an aside, one of my favorite hikes in the area was just south of the park between Fish Camp & Oakhurst in the Sierra Nat'l Forest: Nelder Grove. The short walk through the forest was memorable for its uncrowded nature & for 2 Sequoia giants: Chimney Tree & Bullbuck. It's a great destination if you want to avoid the crowds at Mariposa Grove. Enjoy! Bob from Pennsylvania.
Thanks for sharing that memory, sounds pretty crazy to see the wind damage like that! Also, thanks for the tip on Nelder Grove. I have never been there but will add it to the list!
I visited in June of 2018 we hiked to Soda Springs and ate our lunch beneath Lembert Dome. A cool fact here is that you actually hike a piece of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) from Lembert Dome to Soda Springs. I love your videos!
Thank you for bring back some good memories from days gone by! We love this area and Yosemite. We have a picture of me sitting on the edge of Tenaya Lake. It was taken over 40 year ago. . . How time flies when you are having a good time. Love your videos!
Especially when you're sitting in the passenger side coming down, hoping the one driving is focused on the road ahead and not taking in the scenery. It is breathtaking but too risky for me. Just thinking about it makes me cringe.
I first visited this park in 1956, while riding an old '46' Harley. I was then 16 and had my 15 year old brother on the back along with me. My folks were quite permissive. Now, I am fast approaching 82....and still ride a motorcycle.
You should travel up highway 4 onto ebbetts pass. It goes past big trees state park with the first ever discovered giant sequoia trees. Ebbetts pass is a beautiful pass as it is a national scenic byway. Plenty of historic places to visit in the foothills such as angels camp, Murphy’s, and Sonora. I live in the small town of Arnold just before big trees state park
Love your video footage. It looks like you were able to visit when there weren't fires or at least not as many as the fall of 2017 when I visited there.
My favorite hike is a loop from Tioga Lake to and beyond Bennettville mine into the Wilderness to Saddleback Lake then down to Hwy 120 and back to the Lake
We're gong to Yosemite in June, first time, and coming from Tahoe; we wonder if by June 20th this road will even be open due to all the snowfall this year. We'll have to go the long way around to Yosemite (Valley, etc) and miss this road altogether, if so.
Great Video, Josh. Didn't know this place existed. Definitely have to put this on my Bucket List of things to do. Keep up the great work and videos. I enjoy them all.
We just did this last week at the end of an epic road trip (videos upcoming!) and it was totally smoked out. Couldn't see a thing! 😔 Such a disappointing end to our trip but glad you captured what we couldn't see. We'll definitely have to redo some day!
Your superior video has sent a bunch of viewers my way, so thanks for that! You glossed over Tioga pass resort, which was and still is closed. It’s one of my favorite places. Worked there in college. Saddlebag Lake is also well worth the short detour. And, if it’s important to you, it’s Ellery, not Ellerly. :)
Currently waiting anxiously to see if it’ll open soon. I’m meant to be driving this in about 2 weeks. 108 is the backup, but I’d be upset to miss out on this one
Did this on labor day and it was orange because of all the smoke, need to go back on a clear day. Was cool starting from Tioga and heading into Yosemite valley. Scenic all the way incuding 395.
My daughter was just in Yosemite. (Tioga rd was still closed) My wife is Norwegian, and I've lived in Norway for soon 40 years. Stryn, my wife's hometown, is a beautiful place. But I still think the back side of the Sierras is the most beautiful place on earth
Shh!! I know many people head to Yosemite Valley, but I love exploring up off Tioga Road. Recently did the Lembert Dome hike and we probably saw no more than 25 people on the whole trail!
Great video for people thinking of going. We always stay in Lee Vining, too, but we eat at Nicely's Restaurant. YOU MISSPELLED........... Tanaya. Don't come in 2022! The road to Glacier Point will be closed. Then again.... last time we were there, with visiting family a couple years ago, there was 2.5 hour parking lot waiting queue to drive up to Glacier Point, so plan well before you go!
I was supposed to be in Yosemite at the end of September as part of a two-week road trip around the national parks of the western US, but it ended up being closed due to poor air quality (from the fires) before I arrived. I'll have to put this on my list of things to do when I'm finally able to visit someday!
I needed this video. I was planning to go to Yosemite next month but Yosemite closed due to the fires and just recently reopened...the air quality and wildfire situation is still uncertain...
Sorry to hear that your reservations got cancelled. It has been a crazy year for all of California for sure. Hopefully you are able to get to Yosemite soon!
One of the most beautiful roads I've ever seen! Visiting Yosemite again next April. Unfortunately, Tioga Pass will still be closed so what's the best alternative route to Yosemite Valley when coming from Las Vegas?
We take that drive every year for fishing. Don't forget about the bears. We had one eat our stringer of trout as well as the contents of the backpack at Lake Ellery.
I went to Teneya Lake by shuttle once and it was pretty late... thought we were stranded there so We were hitchhiking but luckily the last shuttle of the day came in time 😭 I even have a pic of me literally hitchhiking lol good memory tho😅 Thank God we were safe🙏✝️🥺😁
Thanks. Im from Puerto Rico but I was living before in Newport Beach right now in Orlando,Fl I love California I was on vacation 3 weeks ago and I use your videos to see different places and different scenic roads. Thanks again 👍🏻👍🏻
My dad wouldd take me here all the time when I was kid. The beauty is unmatched and the feeling I get coming here as a adult is something Ive never felt anywhere else. Rest In Paradise Dad.
This post hit me emotionally. In a good Way. Thank You Chris.
Probably the most beautiful National Park i’ve ever seen
The drive down the pass to Bishop is epic.
Drove here in the summer from yosemite to tahoe and i do not regret that 4 hour drive
Very well illustrated. My personal favorite stop along Tioga Road is Tenaya Lake.
That was the 1st lake I saw as a kid old enough to understand we were going to different national parks, etc. on our June road trips as school was letting out. My dad pulled us out 2 days early and we headed for my grandmother's home in Idaho.
That year we went over the Tioga Pass--my 1st time experiencing snow, too--and we stopped at Tenaya Lake--such pristine blue! The huge granite rocks behind it, so white, and the blue sky...prettiest thing ever. You could feel the chief's presence there. Turns out (not in the literature available to children of the 1950s, our history was censored so much that Ron Desantis would be in ecstasy) that after the Native Americans were forcefully thrown out of Yosemite Valley (so gold miners could have the gold to themselves) they named the lake after Chief Tenaya.
But he was not happy at all with this project. The Ahwahneechees (his tribe) had a custom against naming things in the natural environment after people. AND they had a custom against saying anyone's name after they died. Double whammy at damaging relations with the Native Americans. Though violently taking their beautiful land from them forever had to be the worst.
And finally, as Chief Tanya tried to tell them, it already had a name! "Py-we-ack."
I have taken some of the best pictures ive ever taken on my trip over tioga pass. Absolutely stunning area and just plain beautiful
Couldn't agree more!
I once took a photo of Tenaya Lake that turned out so pretty, I framed it and put it on my office wall for years. It's the most striking lake ever. And it's small enough you can get so much of it in a wide-angle lens. The deep sapphire blue water with the white granite boulders and azure blue skies behind it... It's paradise up there.
Outside the Tioga Pass of Yosemite NP on its north, there is a Saddlebag Lake to Twenty Lakes Basin Loop. In 7 miles loop, you will see over 20 alpine lakes above elevation 10,000 ft. The colors and reflections are so stunning and breathtaking. Lake Helen at this loop is a perfect heart shape looking from south. It’s a quiet and peaceful, low traffic loop, like a heaven.
Wow, that sounds so incredible! Thanks for sharing that, I will have to check it out!
That video is rad, Yosemite National Park is so big that every time I come back to visit I always see something new that I have never seen before. Unbelievable
And now that hiking and backpacking have become accessible to regular people, not just John Muir...
1st, railroads opened the west, then, cars opened areas where trains did not go, and the highway projects of the 1950s and 1960s let everyone drive to national parks and even access areas such as Tuolumne' high country--where snows were too deep to plow from November or December thru May or June (I once encountered 12 foot piles of snow on the July 4th weekend--they plowed the roads and opened the park for the holiday and campers no one could keep away, but lots of camping and hiking was limited)..
Finally, millennials and z's are going right into these pristine areas on foot--nothing is off limits to them. Many are physically fit much more than other generations, and they are fearless.
I remember camping in the 70s and 80s--some people actually thought we were taking our lives in our hands to sleep in a tent! But now they carry those tents on their backs and walk miles and miles into the forests, up the mountains...I wish I were 40 yrs younger! Was the military responsible for encouraging people to load everything in a backpack and just follow the trails?
The equipment has improved so much too. Such great stuff to enable backpackers and campers--single burner stoves, dry food, water filters, sleeping bags for below zero temps, hand and foot warmers, fleece! Hiking shoes...no one could walk those trails in the shoes they made when I was a teen in the 60s.
Lee Vinung, Mono Lake and then Tioga Pass😉/Tuolumne Meadows is an absolute treasure!
Agree 100%!
This video covered a lot of great places but some of my favorite hidden spots have been saddlebag lake, the many falls of the tuolumne river hike, and there is this cool spot right before you get to ellery lake coming from the east where you can take a left off the highway towards the waterfall that comes off the lake. Very peaceful spot.
So awesome, you know a lot more hidden spots than me. All of these sound epic!
Saddlebag Lake is incredible! One of my favorite places!
I love this TH-cam channel. I just want to get to know California Through Your Lens.
Appreciate you watching and leaving a comment!
I have really enjoyed this drive many times. I once had the privilege of hiking with Carl Sharsmith who was the oldest park ranger ,89, at the time. He was so knowledgable of all of the flora and fauna and was quite a character to boot. Although Carl, John Muir, and my grandfather are no longer with us, they are always with me when I am out hiking a trail in a beautiful place.
Sounds like a great memory! Thanks for sharing it!
I love camping in Big Bend Campground. It's along Lee Vining Creek off HWY-120, before you make the climb up Tioga Pass. This place is magical for me.
The best informative video on Tioga Pass! You highlighted amazing hiking spots with amazing filming.
Thank you for sharing!
We always do this pass everytime we go its magical.
Used this road onto yosemite valley and could not agree more - it is indeed one of a kind
Can’t believe you don’t have a Ka-billion subscribers - I’m retired & I’m a fifth generation Northern Californian - I’ll do week long trips going to places you present that I’ve been to many times & see stuff I never imagined - And I can’t thank you enough for the short format - ‘cause I’ve got places to go & see stuff through my lens - Thanks Man
haha that is very kind of you! I am so glad the videos are helpful and are encouraging you to go see these places yourself!
We took Tioga Pass last fall right before it closed for the winter. Stopped by Tenaya Lake for a quick lunch and to dip our feet in the water. It's one of my favorite drives in all of California.
Agree 100% it is one of the best drives in the state for sure! Thanks for the comment
My brakes almost failed going down tioga pass a few months ago lol. But the drive is beautiful! We camped at the second closest campground to the park entrance and hiked around saw the old ghost town Bennettville hidden in the foresty hills right outside the park
My brakes almost failed once in an old car I had too haha. I have never heard of Bennetville, I will have to check it out!
Fantastic video. Very well done! I laughed out loud when you said the drive down can be stressful if you haven't checked your brakes in a while. Yea, let me tell you! lol. In 1988 my mom and I drove the Tioga Pass from Tuolumne Meadows (where a black bear visited our campground one night - yikes!) down to the floor of the Valley. On the way down, her brakes failed in the first of the two tunnels. Somehow the brakes miraculously started working again and we were able to pull over (even though there was no shoulder) and call for help. We spent the next week in Camp Curry while they repaired the brake master cylinder... yea, we shouldn't have lived. Great memories though.
Two years missed to waiting on snow melt and family health problems forcing me to return back east. This year had to give up camp reservation due to fires/smoke out and breathing issues. Your videos are so lovely and helpful. I will rewatch late next spring to wait out the snow and get in finally driving Tioga and up to Glacier Point.
Bummer you haven't been able to experience it yet but I hope you can next year!
Well drove from Lake tahoe last month through Tioga pass, and it was beautiful at EVERY turn!
I am so glad you got to experience it!
I’m going Yosemite on October 10th, I’m flying from Nashville to San Jose then driving to Yosemite. This video is very helpful due to recent wild fires. I’m so happy everything cleared up. I was worried about creek fire smoke showing up on Tioga pass road as it was just 40% contained until day before yesterday. Btw best part of video was Lembert Dome
One of my favorite passes! So much to see... and the Mexican food at the bottom of the pass at the Chevron is to die for!
Agree 100%, beautiful pass and great food!
Drove through the tioga pass just yesterday, the beauty is unmatched when the ice is melting and lake is full! Just be aware the NP does need a reservation on entering, plan early if you want to visit.
Absolutely stunning views, Josh. You have an eye for capturing landscapes in such a way that I feel like I'm right there. Plus, you've inspired my family to take an epic road trip next summer. Thank you for sharing your gifts and the beauty of your home state with all of us.
That is very kind of you to say, I really appreciate it! I hope you can take an epic road tip and let me know if you have any questions!
Beautiful tour of another amazing slice of California. We spent two night at Saddlebag lake at the beginning of the month. It’s a somewhat hidden Gem outside the park.
Multiple people have talked about how amazing that lake is. I will have to check it out!
Great video! I lived in Mammoth lakes for 10 years. This was one of my favorite day trips. I have a national parks pass so I could go as often as the weather and Tioga pass let me!
That sounds awesome. I bet living in Mammoth was pretty cool as well!
I was supposed to go this route [coming from Las Vegas] when I went to Yosemite in early June 1996 but it was snowed in. We had to go all the way around to the west entrance. It is nice to see here what I missed. I need to go back someday, especially since there are many other things I want to see along route 395.
Yea its crazy that the road is only open a few months out of the year. It is such an amazing spot to see if you get the chance to do it!
I’ll be referring to ur videos as I plan road trips through California from now on.
Thanks! 👍🏻
So awesome! Glad you like the videos!
We always love to watch your video. Very informative.
Glad to hear that, thanks for leaving the comment as well!
This reminds me of Trail Ridge Road at the top of the mountains in Rocky Mountain National Park.
You've STUNNED ME WITH AMAZING VISTA'S, and back country road trips..!! I can't wait to take some of the beautiful road trips, you've introduced me too. I LOVE road trips, and I appreciate your photography as well.
Thank you ..!!!
So glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for leaving the comment!
Wow. Just wow. We have only done one inch of this road. Excellent job Josh!
Thanks for watching, it is an incredible place to spend some time for sure
Nice vid. Great information, showed me a few places I'd like to try.
I've done something on Tioga pass that will never happen again in my lifetime. Most likely.
Drive over on NewYears Day.
Because of the CA drought there wasn't enough snow to close. There were people walking, ice skating and even a mini hockey game on Tenaya lake.
As always, very beautiful videos. Easy to follow and understand. The best channel to see California.
Wow, thank you! Really appreciate that!
I have driven this at night while leaving Yosemite, saw a bunch of forest fires which was beautiful but also sad. Definitely a great drive!
Your detailed capture of each trip are outstanding. The map inclusions, photos, videos, and your narration are superb. Thank you! Safe Travels!
Thank you very much!
I was there on july 7th thru 8th of 2020 just absolutely beautiful.
There is one amazing trail you did not mention, strenuous hike but the views are just spectacular. Dana Peak, right to the south of the entrance from the Lee Vining. A short but challenging 3 miles.
Like your stuff. From Calfornia but live in AZ now. Have seen a lot of state. Thanx for your efforts.
I loved this vid. Almost exactly 2 years ago. I had a day between arriving in Reno & needing to be in Lake Tahoe. I drove down 395, crossing my fingers that the pass would be open. It was peak color & just stunning. I went just a little further than Omstead before turning around & doing a hike to Soda springs. It also felt I was stopping so often to take photos of the beautiful lakes. I really hope I can come back & explore more of it one day. 💛🧡🍁🍂
Oh wow, I bet that would have been amazing with the fall colors!
Those are some amazing views wish I could of gone down this road back in late August but needed a pass. I just planned my next trip mid October hope to go down tioga pass this time around can’t wait appreciate the videos you upload
Oh YESSSS...came from wa and through Yellowstone and down this way into Yosemite WAY back in 1971...Beautiful. and way less crowded .
Great video btw..👍👊😊
That is an epic road trip!
@@californiathroughmylens yes it sure was...moved many times and now retired and live near ocean in palos verdes..life goes by WAY TOO FAST but it's been good..Enjoy👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Hi
Nice video.
i did this trip two months ago and it was really spectacular
tioga pass, absolutely beautiful.
thanks for all videos you are doing. Seems ideal for my way of traveling!
Tuolumne meadow area is one of my favorite to explore, fish, and hike.
Agreed 100%!
13,061' Mt. Dana Trail head is just a short ways in, after entering the East Gate. It's a strenous 7 mile round trip hike with some of the best views of the high country. I also like Saddlebag Lake. The turn off to the lake is along Tioga Rd, just before you enter the park. You can walk around the lake, or take the boat taxi ride across the lake to the 20 Lakes Basin Trailhead, which is a pretty spectacular hike around high country alpine lakes.
Did this trip in late Fall many years ago. They got a snow fall as we in transit. It turned out that they closed the road behind us, and it was closed for the rest of the winter. We hit about 10 inches of scow at Teynea (?) Lake, so got some great photos of the lake with snow on the hills and in the foreground.
Wow that sounds like quite the adventure!
Thank you so much for the video. I certainly will include this route when I ride my motorcycle out West this summer.
That was a nice summation of Tioga Rd. Last September I was fortunate to check out Yosemite NP & did the Tioga Rd from west to east at the end of my trip. Heading towards Lee Vining, I ran I to very high winds which knocked out power to the entire area. As luck would have it, I had tuna tacos at the same restaurant! (They had a generator!) I was amazed to see the winds topple trees & toss outside picnic benches like they were toys - quite an experience. As an aside, one of my favorite hikes in the area was just south of the park between Fish Camp & Oakhurst in the Sierra Nat'l Forest: Nelder Grove. The short walk through the forest was memorable for its uncrowded nature & for 2 Sequoia giants: Chimney Tree & Bullbuck. It's a great destination if you want to avoid the crowds at Mariposa Grove. Enjoy! Bob from Pennsylvania.
Thanks for sharing that memory, sounds pretty crazy to see the wind damage like that! Also, thanks for the tip on Nelder Grove. I have never been there but will add it to the list!
I visited in June of 2018 we hiked to Soda Springs and ate our lunch beneath Lembert Dome. A cool fact here is that you actually hike a piece of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) from Lembert Dome to Soda Springs. I love your videos!
Really? I didn't know that was along the PCT, super cool!
I drove this past in a vw fastback back in 1980 wow love the video
Thank you for bring back some good memories from days gone by! We love this area and Yosemite. We have a picture of me sitting on the edge of Tenaya Lake. It was taken over 40 year ago. . . How time flies when you are having a good time. Love your videos!
That is so awesome! I am glad you have gotten a chance to experience this beautiful area and that the videos brought back good memories!
Absolute beauty! Thank you again for sharing your trips with us! Giving me some good ideas for future trips. 🥰
You are so welcome!
Wonderful drive then up to one of the coolest spots,Lassen.
I agree that going to Lassen is always a good choice!
Try the hike to Dog Lake, if you haven’t before. You can tie it in with Lambert Dome, too.
The Eastern Sierra is amazing as well, take 395 either north or south from Lee Veining
Agreed! Easily one of my favorite areas in the state!
The only time I've visited Yosemite I was able to enter the park by driving up the Tioga Road. I remember it being quite steep!
Especially when you're sitting in the passenger side coming down, hoping the one driving is focused on the road ahead and not taking in the scenery. It is breathtaking but too risky for me. Just thinking about it makes me cringe.
I first visited this park in 1956, while riding an old '46' Harley. I was then 16 and had my 15 year old brother on the back along with me. My folks were quite permissive. Now, I am fast approaching 82....and still ride a motorcycle.
Lol, yeah. My poor CRV was trying was hard as it could.
Tioga lake my favorite, great video, thanks!
You should travel up highway 4 onto ebbetts pass. It goes past big trees state park with the first ever discovered giant sequoia trees. Ebbetts pass is a beautiful pass as it is a national scenic byway. Plenty of historic places to visit in the foothills such as angels camp, Murphy’s, and Sonora. I live in the small town of Arnold just before big trees state park
Love your video footage. It looks like you were able to visit when there weren't fires or at least not as many as the fall of 2017 when I visited there.
My favorite hike is a loop from Tioga Lake to and beyond Bennettville mine into the Wilderness to Saddleback Lake then down to Hwy 120 and back to the Lake
This is one of my 3 favorite TH-cam channels!
So kind of you to say! Let me know what the two channels are so I can check them out as well!
@@californiathroughmylens they are also travel channels.
but you are the best travel guide!
We're gong to Yosemite in June, first time, and coming from Tahoe; we wonder if by June 20th this road will even be open due to all the snowfall this year. We'll have to go the long way around to Yosemite (Valley, etc) and miss this road altogether, if so.
Great Video, Josh. Didn't know this place existed. Definitely have to put this on my Bucket List of things to do. Keep up the great work and videos. I enjoy them all.
Thanks so much for watching the video and leaving a comment!
Thanks for this cuz I haven’t spent much time hiking or even driving up there past olmstead point. There is so much in Yosemite to see.
I agree, you could spend years exploring Yosemite!
We just did this last week at the end of an epic road trip (videos upcoming!) and it was totally smoked out. Couldn't see a thing! 😔 Such a disappointing end to our trip but glad you captured what we couldn't see. We'll definitely have to redo some day!
Oh wow, I will have to check out your video to see how the smoke was!
Your superior video has sent a bunch of viewers my way, so thanks for that! You glossed over Tioga pass resort, which was and still is closed. It’s one of my favorite places. Worked there in college. Saddlebag Lake is also well worth the short detour. And, if it’s important to you, it’s Ellery, not Ellerly. :)
Currently waiting anxiously to see if it’ll open soon. I’m meant to be driving this in about 2 weeks. 108 is the backup, but I’d be upset to miss out on this one
Did this on labor day and it was orange because of all the smoke, need to go back on a clear day. Was cool starting from Tioga and heading into Yosemite valley. Scenic all the way incuding 395.
Wow that must have been pretty crazy to see!
Great video, Gaylor Lakes is a great shorter hike right past the Tioga Pass Tollgate!
Sweet, thanks for the tip!
My daughter was just in Yosemite. (Tioga rd was still closed) My wife is Norwegian, and I've lived in Norway for soon 40 years. Stryn, my wife's hometown, is a beautiful place. But I still think the back side of the Sierras is the most beautiful place on earth
Wow such a beautiful area! Next time we make it up to the Sierras we’ll definitely be doing this!
You would love it! Plan to spend a few days though haha
I've never been to Yosemite so thank you for taking us along for a drive😉
My pleasure 😊
Shh!! I know many people head to Yosemite Valley, but I love exploring up off Tioga Road. Recently did the Lembert Dome hike and we probably saw no more than 25 people on the whole trail!
Wow that is awesome to see so few people. On a normal year this area is still pretty busy but it is still an amazing place to explore!
You have an amazing channel sir. Long time viewer, first time poster.
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment!
Gorgeous scenic drive. Thanks for sharing this!
Glad you enjoyed it!
That was a great video. You focused on the beauty of the area. Not like so many TH-cam videos now a days that are all about selfies.
One of my favorite roads
Me too
Wonderful description, love your video.
Great video for people thinking of going. We always stay in Lee Vining, too, but we eat at Nicely's Restaurant. YOU MISSPELLED........... Tanaya. Don't come in 2022! The road to Glacier Point will be closed. Then again.... last time we were there, with visiting family a couple years ago, there was 2.5 hour parking lot waiting queue to drive up to Glacier Point, so plan well before you go!
Been watching your videos to get ideas for a day trip. I would love to camp at Tioga Lake!
Great video! also loved doing the relatively quick but uphill hike to Gaylor Lakes!
Will have to check that one out, thanks for the tip!
Ive had many great memories there
One of my favorites
What is that cool spot shown around 6:01 at the very end with the stepping stones in the water?
I was supposed to be in Yosemite at the end of September as part of a two-week road trip around the national parks of the western US, but it ended up being closed due to poor air quality (from the fires) before I arrived. I'll have to put this on my list of things to do when I'm finally able to visit someday!
I needed this video. I was planning to go to Yosemite next month but Yosemite closed due to the fires and just recently reopened...the air quality and wildfire situation is still uncertain...
Sorry to hear that your reservations got cancelled. It has been a crazy year for all of California for sure. Hopefully you are able to get to Yosemite soon!
@@californiathroughmylens Want to try Fresno and Bakersfield?
@@kennypalermo9071 I live in Fresno. There's not much here to explore
Great job! Love hiking Lembert Dome, kayaking on Tenaya Lake and walking on the meadow. Love your videos👍🏼🌲🐿🌿!!
All of those things are amazing for sure!
I loved that you put a map.
Glad it was helpful!
Love your videos, I enjoy and inspired to visit yosemeti all tho my visit I reserved was canceled by the park do to bad air quality 😔
Sorry to hear that, it has been a crazy year to visit the park with the reservation system and the fires. Hopefully you can go again in the future.
Nice video. In my younger years I did a climb up the face of Lembert Dome. There's a noticeable crack that can be seen from the road.
Oh wow! I bet that was a pretty epic adventure!
@@californiathroughmylens yeah, lots of fun. IIRC it's only rated a 5.3 so not very difficult and it's walk off the back side.
One of the most beautiful roads I've ever seen! Visiting Yosemite again next April. Unfortunately, Tioga Pass will still be closed so what's the best alternative route to Yosemite Valley when coming from Las Vegas?
We take that drive every year for fishing. Don't forget about the bears. We had one eat our stringer of trout as well as the contents of the backpack at Lake Ellery.
Wow that is crazy!
I went to Teneya Lake by shuttle once and it was pretty late... thought we were stranded there so We were hitchhiking but luckily the last shuttle of the day came in time 😭 I even have a pic of me literally hitchhiking lol good memory tho😅 Thank God we were safe🙏✝️🥺😁
America is so beautiful
this is a real good Tioga Road video.. thanks for sharing your video.
Glad you liked it!
You channel is inspiration!!!!!
Very kind of you to say!
Thanks. Im from Puerto Rico but I was living before in Newport Beach right now in Orlando,Fl I love California I was on vacation 3 weeks ago and I use your videos to see different places and different scenic roads. Thanks again 👍🏻👍🏻