Tuolumne Meadows is a broad subalpine meadow at about 8,600 feet along Tioga Road, ringed by granite domes and the peaks of the Cathedral Range. It is reachable only when Tioga Road is open, usually late May or June through about November, and it is about 45 minutes from June Lake.
Why Tuolumne
Yosemite Valley is the postcard. Tuolumne Meadows is where people who know Yosemite go to walk. The meadow runs for miles beside the Tuolumne River at about 8,600 feet, framed by Lembert Dome, Pothole Dome, Cathedral Peak and the Cathedral Range. The air is thin and clear, the granite is close enough to touch, and the trails start from the road.
It is also, for anyone coming from the east, the near side of Yosemite. From June Lake you can be at a Tuolumne trailhead in about 45 minutes, while visitors staying in the Valley drive about an hour and a half the other way.
When to go
Tuolumne is open only while Tioga Road is open, usually from late May or June until about November. Early summer brings snowmelt, full rivers and mosquitoes. July and August bring wildflowers, warm days and afternoon thunderstorms. September and early October are quieter, cooler and often the most beautiful, until the first storm closes the road. See our Tioga Pass guide for how the opening works.
The best day hikes
Distances and times below come from the National Park Service.
| Hike | Round trip | Climb | Time | Trailhead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pothole Dome | 1 mi | 200 ft | Under an hour | Pothole Dome parking |
| Parsons Lodge and Soda Springs | 1.4 mi | Mostly flat | About an hour | Lembert Dome parking or visitor center |
| Twin Bridges | 3 mi | Mostly flat | 1 to 2 hours | Dog Lake parking |
| Gaylor Lakes | 2.6 mi | 500 ft, steep | 2 to 3 hours | Tioga Pass entrance |
| Dog Lake and Lembert Dome | 3.8 mi | 850 ft, steep | 3 to 4 hours | Dog Lake parking |
| Elizabeth Lake | 6.8 mi | 1,000 ft | 6 to 7 hours | Near the visitor center |
| Cathedral Lakes | 7.6 mi | 1,000 ft | 6 to 7 hours | Near the visitor center |
| Mono Pass | 8 mi | 1,000 ft | 5 to 7 hours | Dana Meadows |
| Glen Aulin | 11 mi | 800 ft on return | 6 to 8 hours | Lembert Dome parking |
| Young Lakes | 13.6 mi | 1,300 ft | 8 to 10 hours | Lembert Dome parking |
Cathedral Lakes
The favorite, for good reason. The trail climbs through forest to two lakes beneath the spire of Cathedral Peak. Lower Cathedral Lake, with its granite shore and meadow, is one of the finest places in the park for a long lunch.
Lembert Dome and Dog Lake
Lembert Dome rises right over the meadow. The trail circles to its back side, where a walk up the granite leads to one of the best views in Tuolumne. Combine it with Dog Lake for a half day.
Soda Springs and Parsons Memorial Lodge
An easy walk across the meadow to naturally carbonated springs and Parsons Memorial Lodge, a stone building from 1915 tied to the early Sierra Club. The best first walk for anyone adjusting to the altitude.
Elizabeth Lake
A steady climb to a lake below Unicorn Peak, quieter than Cathedral Lakes and just as lovely.
Glen Aulin
A longer day down the Tuolumne River past Tuolumne Falls to the falls at Glen Aulin. The climb comes on the way back.
Lyell Canyon
From Twin Bridges, the trail continues up the long, gentle floor of Lyell Canyon, part of the route of the John Muir Trail and Pacific Crest Trail. Walk as far as you like and turn around.
Climbing
Tuolumne’s domes and spires are one of America’s great alpine climbing areas, from moderate routes on Lembert Dome to the classic ridges of Cathedral Peak and Matthes Crest. The climbing season is short and the rock is superb.
Matthes Crest is the one climbers dream about: a mile-long knife edge of granite above the Cathedral Range, with air on both sides. From the chalet it is an easy day trip. Drive over Tioga Pass in the morning, hike in from the Cathedral Lakes trailhead, and be back by the fire for dinner. Go with a partner who knows the route, or hire a guide.
Practical notes
- Facilities change. What is open in Tuolumne, including the visitor center, store, grill, campground and lodge, varies by year and by month. Check the National Park Service before you count on any of it.
- Reservations: none were needed to enter Yosemite in 2026; an entrance fee applies.
- Wilderness permits are required for any overnight trip into the backcountry.
- Parking at popular trailheads fills early on summer weekends. Start early, and you will also miss the afternoon storms.
- Altitude: at 8,600 feet, take the first day easy.
Getting there from June Lake
From the Yosemite Gateway Chalet, take Highway 395 north to Lee Vining and Highway 120 west over Tioga Pass. The meadows are about eight miles past the entrance station, about 45 minutes in all. In summer, the YARTS bus between the Eastern Sierra and Yosemite Valley also stops at June Lake and in Tuolumne, which makes one-way hikes possible.
Where to stay
Beds inside Tuolumne are few, seasonal and hard to get. Most visitors base themselves on the east side. Read our guide to lodging near Yosemite’s east entrance.
Common questions
How far is Tuolumne Meadows from June Lake?
About 45 minutes from the Yosemite Gateway Chalet in June Lake, by Highway 395 to Lee Vining and Highway 120 over Tioga Pass. The meadows are about eight miles past the Tioga Pass entrance.
When is Tuolumne Meadows open?
Whenever Tioga Road is open, which is usually from late May or June until the first major snow, around November. July through September is the most reliable window for hiking.
What is the best day hike in Tuolumne Meadows?
Cathedral Lakes is the favorite. It is 7.6 miles round trip with about 1,000 feet of gain from the Cathedral Lakes trailhead near the visitor center, ending at two lakes below Cathedral Peak. For something shorter, Dog Lake and Lembert Dome is 3.8 miles round trip.
Is Tuolumne Meadows less crowded than Yosemite Valley?
Generally yes. Tuolumne is busy on summer weekends, especially at popular trailheads, but it sees far fewer visitors than Yosemite Valley. Arriving early is the best way to find parking.
Can you stay in Tuolumne Meadows?
Lodging and camping inside Tuolumne Meadows are limited and seasonal, and what is open changes from year to year. Most visitors stay on the east side, in Lee Vining, June Lake or Mammoth Lakes.