From the San Francisco Bay Area
Take HWY 120 East heading toward Yosemite Valley. About seven miles after you pass through the entrance gate, you will make a left turn at the Gas Station, where a sign directs you to Tioga Pass. If you are low on gas you can fill up here, at the Crane Flat gas station, otherwise there is another gas station in Tuolumne Meadows. It is about an hour of driving from the turn off to Tuolumne Meadows.
Where to stay along the way
If traveling on HWY 120 we recommend the Evergreen Lodge just outside the Park Entrance off Hwy 120. Find out more about them and make online reservations for cabin or campground space at www.evergreenlodge.com. You can also call them at (209) 379 2606. It is about a 1.5 hour drive from the Evergreen Lodge to Tuolumne Meadows.
From Central/ Southern CA
Take HWY 140 East heading toward Yosemite. Drive through El Portal to the Park Entrance on Hwy 140. Before you drive in to Yosemite Valley turn left onto HWY 120, heading west (there is a sign). Go through three tunnels and continue up the road until you see the Tioga Pass turn off on your right (there is a sign) about eight miles from HWY 140. Turn right onto Tioga Pass. If you are low on gas you can fill up here, at the Crane Flat gas station, otherwise there is another gas station in Tuolumne Meadows. It is about an hour of driving from the turn off to Tuolumne Meadows.
Where to stay along the way
If you are traveling in on HWY 140, we recommend the Yosemite Bug Hostel for accommodations the night before or after your trip. They are reasonably priced and have excellent food and rustic accommodations. Their phone number is (209)966-6666 or look at their website at www.yosemitebug.com. Tuolumne Meadows is about a 2.5 hour drive from the Bug.
Camping in Tuolumne Meadows
There is also a campground in Tuolumne Meadows if you want to arrive the evening before and not worry about driving in the morning. You must call (209) 379-0209 and reserve a campsite well in advance as it can fill up in August.
If you are having trouble finding accommodations the evening before, call us at the Balanced Rock office at (209) 379-9453 and we'll do our best to help out.