Yosemite's high country
Lodging near Tuolumne Meadows
The closest beds to Tuolumne Meadows are the park's own seasonal tent cabins, which book up a year ahead. For a real bed, a kitchen and room for a group, June Lake is about 45 minutes away over Tioga Pass.
The short answer
Tuolumne Meadows sits at about 8,600 feet on Tioga Road, in Yosemite’s high country. Inside the park, the only beds nearby are seasonal tent cabins. Outside it, the east-side towns of Lee Vining, June Lake and Mammoth Lakes are 20 minutes to an hour away. June Lake is the sweet spot: close enough for early starts on the trail, with real comfort at the end of the day.
At a glance
| Tuolumne Meadows from the chalet | About 45 minutes by car, when Tioga Road is open |
| Tioga Pass entrance | 27 miles |
| Season | Late May or June to about November, depending on snow |
| In-park lodging | Tuolumne Meadows Lodge (tent cabins) and White Wolf Lodge, seasonal, book 366 days ahead |
| The chalet | Sleeps 8 in three suites, full kitchen, outdoor hot tub open all year |
Staying inside the park
The National Park Service lists two lodges near the high country. Tuolumne Meadows Lodge has canvas-sided tent cabins close to the meadow’s trailheads. White Wolf Lodge, about 30 miles from Yosemite Valley, has cabins and tent cabins off Tioga Road. Both are open seasonally, both are booked through the park’s concessioner, and reservations open 366 days in advance. For current dates, check the National Park Service lodging page.
Staying on the east side
Lee Vining is the closest town, about 12 miles from the entrance, with motels and the famous Whoa Nellie Deli at the junction of Highways 120 and 395. June Lake, 27 miles from the entrance, adds four lakes, a ski mountain and trails from the door. Mammoth Lakes is the largest town, about an hour from the meadows. Our guide to lodging near Yosemite’s east entrance compares all three.
Easily one of the best fishing trips we've had. Robert was very responsive, couldn't ask for a better host. The house is amazing. Definitely going back.
When to go
Early summer, from the day Tioga Road opens into July, brings snowmelt, roaring creeks, full lakes and mosquitoes. July and August bring wildflowers in the meadows, warm days and afternoon thunderstorms, so start hikes early and be off the domes by early afternoon. September and early October are quieter and cooler, and often the most beautiful weeks of the year, until the first storm closes the road.
Getting there from June Lake
From the chalet, drive the June Lake Loop to US 395, head north to Lee Vining, and turn west on Highway 120. The road climbs Lee Vining Canyon to the Tioga Pass entrance at 9,945 feet, the highest highway pass in California, then drops to Tuolumne Meadows. Fill the tank in Lee Vining; there is no fuel on the way. Check Yosemite road conditions before you leave, since an early storm can close the road for a day.
A Tuolumne day from June Lake
Leave the chalet by 7. You are through the Tioga Pass entrance before the line builds and on the trail at Cathedral Lakes, Lembert Dome or Elizabeth Lake by 8. Picnic in the meadow at Soda Springs. Drive back down Tioga Pass in late afternoon light, and soak in the hot tub before dinner. Our Tuolumne Meadows guide has the best day hikes, and the Tioga Pass guide explains how the road opens each year.
Who the chalet suits
The chalet is rented whole to one party of up to eight. It suits families and friends who want to hike Yosemite’s high country by day and gather by one fire at night. See group lodging near Yosemite for how eight people fit.
Questions
Is there lodging in Tuolumne Meadows?
Yes, seasonally. The National Park Service lists Tuolumne Meadows Lodge, with canvas tent cabins, and White Wolf Lodge, with cabins and tent cabins, both open only in summer. Reservations open 366 days ahead and fill quickly.
How far is June Lake from Tuolumne Meadows?
About 45 minutes by car over Tioga Pass, when Tioga Road is open. The Tioga Pass entrance is 27 miles from the chalet.
When can you drive to Tuolumne Meadows?
Only while Tioga Road is open, usually from late May or June until about November. Opening depends on the winter’s snow. Check the National Park Service before you go.
Is Lee Vining closer than June Lake?
Yes. Lee Vining is about 12 miles from the entrance and has motels near the junction of Highways 120 and 395. June Lake is about 15 minutes farther and offers lakes, trails and whole-home lodging.