#Troga pass resort near yosemite free

“We have the whole valley to ourselves,” he said. Expert-only runs have names such as Cocaine Chutes, Dana Couloir, Ellery Chutes and Powerhouse, the latter a 4,000-vertical-foot descent.ĭon Lackowski has been coming to Tioga Pass Resort from San Diegosince the early 1990s. Terrain varies from gently rolling open meadows to sheltered, north-facing powder glades to 50-degree, 800-foot icy couloirs for the vertical extremists.

#Troga pass resort near yosemite free

You’re free to create your own way down, after you’ve “earned your turns” by the uphill climb. There are no trail signs, snow fences or marked runs. Or they can use one of the new split-board designs that can work like snowshoes with climbing skins and then be locked together for the downhill ride. Snowboarders have the option of “booting” up the slopes carrying their boards. That can include Mount Dana - at an elevation of more than 13,000 feet, it is the second-highest mountain in Yosemite National Park. Others bring telemark or Randonee skis and climbing skins and set out to explore some of the high places. While you have to arrive under your own power, the resort will meet you and haul your luggage and gear via snowcat to the resort, about a mile from the eastern entrance to Yosemite National Park.įrom the lodge guests can put on cross-country skis and enjoy a gentle tour along Tioga Road. Guests are advised to bring avalanche gear - a radio beacon, shovel and probe. You’ll see incredible rock formations rising directly from the lake.For the adventurous, these hazards describe the perfect backcountry ski experience, along with no lifts, no lift lines and miles of untracked snow to explore. This ancient lake covers more than 70 square miles, and is the home to trillions of brine shrimp and millions of migratory birds.

A few trailheads begin at the pass as well, one taking you to the summit of Mount Dana for those that are ready for the challenge. Hiking trails are plentiful, so you can get out in the wilderness too.īreathtaking scenery awaits you here. You can also stop in the visitor center to get more information about the area. This sub-alpine meadow comes alive in the spring and early summer with an incredible array of wildflowers. You can even swim if you don’t mind the cold water.

There is also a great beach where you can relax and enjoy the views. The size of these trees is truly something to behold.įrom this beautiful lake, you can hike into the backcountry, or just take a loop around the lake. To view these Giant Sequoias near Crane Flat is very much worth the short hike into the grove. Your Tioga Pass California journey will be a 59-mile wondrous drive.īesides a number of trailheads accessed via Tioga Road California, there are a number of spots to stop to enjoy some of Yosemite’s best attractions. Tioga Highway, a continuation of California Highway 120, begins its journey at the park’s Big Oak Flat entrance and moves through Yosemite National Park to end at the eastern side of the park. When visiting Yosemite National Park, it’s almost imperative to take this scenic drive and enjoy reaching its pinnacle at the 9,945-foot Tioga Pass. Tioga Pass can be reached by traveling the Tioga Road, a beautiful trip through Yosemite, with many things to see and do along the way.