Car-free Yosemite: Tioga and Glacier Point
By Zachary Morvant
Disclaimer: With the current administration, we realize that Yosemite’s traditional “car-free” days for Tioga Pass and Glacier Point Road may be delayed (or not happen at all). Nevertheless, in the spirit of persistence and optimism, we hope this guide is useful, soon or in the future.
Fantasy to reality: Car-free Yosemite
Yosemite National Park, crown jewel of the Sierra Nevada, offers breathtaking vistas, unparalleled natural beauty, and a rich mine for lifelong memories. While typically traversed by car, a few precious days each year transform iconic roads into a cyclist’s dream. During these limited “bicycles only” periods, before these roads officially open to vehicular traffic, riders can experience the grandeur of Yosemite in a truly unique and serene way. This guide will help you plan and make the most of an all-time adventure on Tioga and Glacier Point Roads.
Yosemite Falls seen from the Yosemite Valley floor. Photo: Zachary Morvant / @zmorvant.
Tioga Road
Tioga Road (Highway 120 through Yosemite) is a high-altitude mountain pass that connects the western side of the Sierras (if one starts in Crane Flat) to the east (Lee Vining, near Mono Lake and Highway 395). It provides paved access to the park’s high country, including Tuolumne Meadows, Tenaya Lake, and numerous trailheads.
Before the road is fully cleared of snow and opened to vehicles, Yosemite National Park typically designates a period for bicycles only (though you may also see the odd person on foot or ElliptiGO). This allows cyclists to enjoy the road’s challenging terrain and stunning scenery without the usual buzzing, honking throng of cars and recreational vehicles.
Here’s the tricky part: The specific timing of these bicycle-only days varies each year, depending on snowpack and plowing progress. Notice is often only given with a couple of days to plan. But if one can get the stars to swiftly align, the reward is great: a breathtaking (literally and figuratively) ride you’ll never forget.
(Left) Marked services typically aren’t available on car-free days. Photo: Zachary Morvant / @zmorvant. (Right) Miles and Zachary layered up for an early morning start to Tioga Pass.
Tioga Road stretches approximately 47 miles within Yosemite, climbing from 6,400 feet at Crane Flat to nearly 10,000 feet at Tioga Pass. (Note: If you start from the east, at Lee Vining, your ride begins with a nearly 12 mile, 3,000 foot climb to the top of the pass. One hell of a warmup.) Altitude aside, the terrain is challenging, with significant elevation gain and sustained grades.
Be prepared for a demanding ride with next to no options for resupply. Depending on how much you typically drink, carrying multiple liters of water and/or a filtration device is highly recommended, in addition to all the food you think you’ll need. Riding the whole pass is no small adventure. For the extra-motivated rider starting in Crane Flat, you can pedal all the way to Lee Vining (about 58 miles and 5,600 feet), resupply at the famous “5-Star Mobil” Whoa Nellie Deli, and ride back. I did it once and it was a proper day out, but certainly made the drive home challenging.
Fish Camp General Store, south of the park. Photo: Zachary Morvant / @zmorvant.
Glacier Point Road
The proverbial bridesmaid to Tioga, Glacier Point is often overlooked but not to be missed. A climber’s delight, this iconic overlook offers unparalleled panoramic views of Yosemite Valley, including Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and Vernal and Nevada Falls.
Similar to Tioga Road, Glacier Point Road often has a period for bicycles only before it opens to cars. This offers a unique opportunity to experience all of the beauty with none of the traffic. Pull over, pull out your phone, and snap away. It doesn’t get any better than this.
Glacier Point Road is approximately 16 miles long, starting around 6,200 feet and topping out just over 7,800 feet. There’s a brief descent in the middle; otherwise, it’s one gorgeous levitation (until you turn around, naturally — then it’s transformed into a thrilling descent).
Beginning the climb up Glacier Point Road. Photo: Zachary Morvant / @zmorvant.
What to know before you go
Arguably, the hardest part about making either of these dream rides into reality is making the very short (often two days) notice work with your schedule. Stay informed about plowing progress and potential bicycle-only dates by checking the official Yosemite National Park website (nps.gov/yose) and following their social media channels. You can also call the park’s information line for updates. One more option? A cyclist built a site called istiogaopen.com (because of course he did). Sign up for email updates there.
Accessing Tioga Road
- East side access is typically from Lee Vining, and west side access is from Crane Flat.
- Be prepared for potentially cold temperatures at higher elevations, even during the day. Dress in layers and bring appropriate gear.
- Reservations to enter the park may be required depending upon the day and time of year. If so, plan accordingly: Without a reservation, you may need to arrive very early, or plan on riding into the park.
Accessing Glacier Point Road
- Access is typically from the intersection with Highway 41 (Wawona Road), near Fish Camp.
- Parking can be very limited, so arrive early. See the above note under “Accessing Tioga Road” regarding reservations.
- Be prepared for a strenuous climb, and bring plenty of water and snacks.
- The road can be windy and cold, so dress appropriately.
General Tips for Yosemite Cycling
- Be prepared: Yosemite’s weather can change rapidly. Dress in layers, bring rain gear, and be prepared for cold temperatures at higher elevations.
- Bring supplies: Carry plenty of water, snacks, and a repair kit.
- Follow park rules: Respect park regulations, stay on designated roads, and pack out all trash.
- Enjoy the experience: Take your time, savor the breathtaking scenery, and enjoy the unique opportunity to cycle in one of the world’s most beautiful places.
Disclaimer: Road conditions and bicycle-only dates are subject to change. Always check the official Yosemite National Park website for the latest information before planning your trip.
Half Dome seen from the top of Glacier Point. Photo: Zachary Morvant / @zmorvant.
Have you or someone you know been involved in a bicycle crash? Want to know about your rights? Are you a lawyer handling a bicycle crash who wants the best result for your client? Contact Bicycle Law at (866) 835-6529 or info@bicyclelaw.com.
Bicycle Law’s lawyers practice law through Coopers LLP, which has lawyers licensed in California, Oregon, and Washington state, and can affiliate with local counsel on bicycle cases across the country to make sure cyclists benefit from cycling-focused lawyers.