50 Best Short Hikes by Elizabeth Wenk

Author:Elizabeth Wenk
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: eBook ISBN: 9780899976327
Publisher: Wilderness Press
Published: 2012-03-17T04:00:00+00:00

TIOGA ROAD AND TENAYA LAKE

Regional Overview

This region’s trailheads extend across 3,000 feet of elevation and along 36 miles of CA 120, Tioga Road, from the Merced Grove to Tenaya Lake. Much of this distance is through Yosemite’s diverse mid-elevation conifer forests, bisected by many creeks and dotted with meadows. At the western end are two of Yosemite’s groves of giant sequoias, and at the eastern end is Tenaya Lake, marking the beginning of the high country.

The hikes reflect this large geographic extent and accompanying diversity and include visits to the sequoia groves (Merced Grove, Hike 21, and Tuolumne Grove, Hike 23), a visit to a historic fire tower (Hike 22), walks through quiet conifer forests to lakes and along streams (Lukens Lake, Hike 24, and May Lake, Hike 25), two walks that accentuate the granite slabs of the Tenaya Lake area (Olmsted Point, Hike 27, and Tenaya Lake, Hike 28), and a walk to a summit at the geographical center of Yosemite (Mount Hoffmann, Hike 26). During early to mid-July, when the flowers are at their peak, the forest and stream bank walks that define this region are wonderfully beautiful and engaging (and often swarming with mosquitoes). If you have come to Yosemite for big views and lots of rock instead, climb Mount Hoffmann, or continue east to Tuolumne Meadows and Tioga Pass to emerge from forest cover.

Parents walking with children will likely select the walks with instant gratification. The quick jaunts to the Crane Flat fire tower (Hike 22) or Olmsted Point (Hike 27) are recommended quick stops to break up a drive and get everyone out of the car for 30 minutes. Anyone who can walk can complete these and will enjoy the endpoint. A walk around Tenaya Lake (Hike 28) is also a fantastic walk with young children, for it is a flat walk with a beautiful lake and swimming beaches. A child older than age 5 can easily walk to the Tuolumne Grove (Hike 23), but remember that it is a steep climb out. May Lake (Hike 25) is an easy walk to an exquisite lake, but make sure that everyone knows about the no-swimming regulation before you begin to avoid disappointment. An 8-year-old (or older child) would thoroughly enjoy the accolades received while climbing Mount Hoffmann (Hike 26), but this is a long climb. The remaining hikes are less recommended for children unless your child is one who can easily be propelled forward by wildflower or pinecone hunts.

Note that Hikes 24–28 are accessed from Tioga Road, open approximately Memorial Day–late October. Be sure to check the Yosemite National Park website for opening and closing dates, as they are determined by that year’s snowpack. And it is usually mid-June or early July before sufficient snow has melted to actually take these walks.

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