We took
CA-120W out of Lee Vining and climbed the Tioga
Pass into Yosemite National Park. It was a long, difficult climb. We were in 1st and 2nd
gear much of the time.
On the way to the park entrance ...
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The road is in excellent condition.
It's closed from November to May |
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| We're at 9,945 ft elev. |
A large group
was participating in the 12.4 mile Tioga Pass Run from Lee Vining to the park entrance. This is the longest continuously running event in the eastern sierra (since 1980). It's a favorite with local ultra runners, backcountry skiers, climbers and triathletes.
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| Tuolumne Meadows |
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| Granite cliffs along Tioga Road (CA-120) |
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| Tenaya Lake |
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| Climbers love these cliff faces |
We saw a
wolf.
Tioga Road ends at Crane Flat. The Crane Flat Campground gave us a great opportunity to stop towing. We got a site there for $10/night with no advance reservation. It was rustic, but a welcome sight. We're dry camping (no electricity, water or sewer) and there's no phone or internet service here.
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| Site #215 was beautiful |
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| But, far from level |
We drove to Yosemite Village on Big Oak Flat Road, went to the visitor
center, saw an Ansel Adams art exhibit, had a light dinner at the Mountain View Lounge and returned to the
campground before dark.
The views along the route were magnificent. The free Yosemite Valley Shuttle provides an excellent way to get around the valley, save steps, and limit car, truck and RV traffic.
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| Half Dome in the background |
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| El Capitan |
We played Bananagram by lantern light. We both won a game.
I remember well seeing El Capitan for the first time. The pictures that are taken are accurate, but they don't do justice to the magnificence that you see in front of you! Just amazing!
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