I had one more day on the day-pass reservation for Yosemite. What to do? I was growing weary of the long drive into the park, the early wake up, the crowds, and the smoke. The gray granite domes were amazing, the waterfalls spectacular, the forest beautiful, and I was having a hard time appreciating it all. I wanted to enjoy my last day, and make my next leg of my trip easier, so I decided to take advantage of the opening of Tioga Road.
Tioga Road stretches horizontally across Yosemite, traveling east to west across its northern edge. It’s opening each year is dependent on snow removal and I was fortunate enough to have it open on my final day in the park! Yes! So I woke up casually, cleaned up the campsite, and headed down into Yosemite Valley to join the pass. It was hot and hazy down below, so after a quick stop to dump my tanks and fill, I headed out.
Tioga Road quickly climbs the mountainside on the far side and temperatures became much more pleasant quickly. I wound up the mountain, only a few cars around, and enjoyed the treed view. A viewpoint called my name and I stopped to take one last look at Half Dome, nestled between two cliff walls. The bright shone shined down on the granite, which glowed a steel blue.
Down the road I continued, climbing higher and higher. Forest lined both sides of the road, making for a serene drive. As the elevation mounted, tiny patches of snow dotted the ground here and there. The rare clearing provided snow spotted peaks and uninhabited land for miles. Perfect. I paused for lunch at such a spot to relish the splendor of this part of Yosemite.
Farther down Tioga Road I was rewarded with another view of Half Dome, a pleasant surprise. This time just a tiny bump in the distance. To the left though lay Tenaya Lake, a sapphire blue gem among the mountains. I could barely make it out from my stop, so I headed down the road to enjoy it from it’s shore.
I parked and climbed down the the water, a log providing a lovely seat. The water was crystal clear, gently lapping at the sandy shore. A few kayakers enjoyed the calm water, but it was largely quiet. Father down the road I stopped again to get a full view of the lake. The sun glistened off the surface, dancing across the little waves. It was relaxing, just what I needed to reset.
As my journey across Tioga Rd continued, I entered alpine meadow. Green grasses spread across the valley, a fragile ecosystem providing much needed resources. Tuolomne Meadows stretched out as far as you could see, only stopping in the distance to accommodate the mountains rising skyward.
Eventually I exited the park, crossing over Tioga Pass at 9,943 feet high. It is the highest highway pass in California and in the Sierra Nevada. No wonder they have to wait until the end of May for the snow to melt! But just like that, I was out of Yosemite, heading down the highway towards Mammoth Lakes.
I was sad to see Yosemite disappear behind me as I drove away, but I know I’ll be back some day! Maybe next time I will be able to stay inside the park and experience it in a new way. Perhaps next time I’ll climb Half Dome! It is possible!
Tonelli's Travels 