Yosemite National Park's Tuolumne Meadows is starkly contrasted to the Yosemite Valley and the other most commonly traveled attractions in Yosemite. Tuolumne Meadows is a unique alpine meadow and a must see for visitors to Yosemite National Park. From Tioga Pass, Tuolumne Meadows is like the welcome committee to the east side of Yosemite National Park. The pass is almost 10,000 feet high, which makes the descent down into Tuolumne Meadows seem like a drop, but Tuolumne Meadows levels out at 8,600 feet! I don't know where you come from, but I live at 3,300 feet and it seems high. 3,330 feet is just a step-stool compared to Yosemite's heights.

Tuolumne Meadows is the largest of the highest sub-alpine meadows in the Sierra Nevada. The vegetation changes at these elevations leaving the granite domes and spires bare to the elements, which is a beautiful scene. The pristine Tuolumne River meanders through Tuolumne Meadows where it eventually flows west into Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. Each spring and summer, Tuolumne Meadows bloom with delicate alpine blooms including the rare Purple Webber Lupine. The meadow is lush and abundant, although most of the fauna you will see up in Tuolumne Meadows are marmots, pikas and large birds of prey.

The surrounding exposed rocks are also perfect for rock climbing, which is a popular pastime from Tuolumne Meadows. The meadow has 11 major domes and several minor domes wrapped around the meadow where the keen eye might be able to spot climbers. Lembert Dome, Mount Dana, Mount Gibbs and Mount Lyell (highest peak in Yosemite National Park) are all in the periphery of Tuolumne Meadows. Striking views of Cathedral Peak, Unicorn Peak and Clouds Rest are also featured. The John Muir Trail runs west to east through Tuolumne Meadows and intersects with the Pacific Crest Trail running north to south in the meadow as well. Tuolumne Meadows is a great starting and resting point for hikers along these trails.

If you want to check out some rock climbing but lack guidance, there is a mountaineering school and sport shop in Tuolumne Meadows as well as visitor information, a gas station, restaurant, lodging and the Tuolumne Meadows campground. Whether you come from the east to Tuolumne Meadows and drop down into Yosemite valley, or you start from the valley and venture up Tioga Road, your trip to Tuolumne Meadows will be well remembered for years to come. It is a surreal and lush shelf just before the Sierran ridge plunges down 3,500 feet into the Great Basin Desert that stretches from the Sierra Nevadas to Eastern Utah. Contact National Park Reservations to book your lodging near Tuolumne Meadows today!