Yosemite Vacation Information

Mono County is the east gateway to Yosemite National Park. Many travelers choose this approach to Yosemite because of the impressive views of the Eastern Sierra's escarpment, or because they are coming from or traveling to Death Valley, the Grand Canyon or Nevada. However, please note that Yosemite's east entrance is open dependably only from June through October, due to heavy winter snows. Travelers are advised to call 209-372-0200 (press 1 then 1) for Yosemite road conditions.

Tuolomne Meadows
From Lee Vining on US 395, the Tioga Pass (CA-120E) winds up to Yosemite's east entrance and one the national park's greatest wonders, Tuolumne Meadows. This is the largest sub-alpine meadow in the Sierra, at an elevation of approximately 8,600 feet (2600 m). Glacier-carved sawtooth peaks rise thousands of feet above wildflower-carpeted meadows and meandering streams. Black bear, mule deer, mountain lions, golden trout (the state fish of California) and Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep inhabit the area.

Yosemite Valley
Yosemite Valley is a 1.5 hour drive from Lee Vining, and well worth the trip. Several of the world's tallest waterfalls drop into this deep, glacier-carved, u-shaped valley (best seen in early summer). The massive monoliths Half Dome, El Capitan and Sentinel Rock are among many impressive geologic features of Yosemite Valley. Look up with binoculars to see tiny rock climbers up high on their granite faces. Photographs of these wonders by Ansel Adams popularized Yosemite and helped establish landscape photography as an art form. The Ansel Adams Gallery, in Yosemite Valley, is a must stop for anyone who appreciates nature and fine art. Visitor centers at Tuolumne Meadows and in Yosemite Valley help explain the forces that created Yosemite National Park.

Other Yosemite features worth visiting include:
Tenaya Lake on the Tioga Pass
Olmstead Point on the Tioga Pass
Tuolumne Grove of Big Trees (Giant Sequoia) off the Tioga Road near Crane Flay
Tunnel View on the Wawona Road, and
Glacier Point (a breathtaking overlook reached from the Wawona Road)

Recommended itineraries:
One Day Visit: Tuolumne Meadows and Yosemite Valley
Two-Day Visit: Day 1 - Tuolumne Meadows and Tuolumne Grove of Big Trees, Day 2 - Yosemite Valley and Glacier Point
Of course, we're not suggesting you limit your Yosemite experience to two days. Some people visit this huge national park every year, and have never seen all its wonders.

Helpful Links:
Yosemite National Park (park information, ranger programs)
Yosemite Road Conditions
Yosemite Association (park field trips and programs)
The Yosemite Fund (park restoration projects)

YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System)
Public transportation is available from points throughout Mono County to Yosemite National Park on YARTS. Buses depart from Mammoth Lakes, June Lake and Lee Vining with stops in the national park at Tuolumne Meadows, White Wolf, Crane Flat, and Yosemite Valley. YARTS has partnered with Amtrack to offer easy access from the Bay Area to Yosemite and Eastern Sierra destinations. Operates daily, July and August; weekends, June and September. CLICK HERE for schedule and fares.