Located in east-central California, the byway begins in the community of Big Oak Flat. The byway travels east and ends at the Tioga Pass entrance to Yosemite National Park. Lee Vining Canyon scenic byway picks up where this one ends and continues east. The byway follows CA 120 (Big Oak Flat Road and Tioga Pass Road in the national park), a two-lane paved road suitable for all vehicles. It is approximately 80 miles long; 64 miles are officially designated a National Scenic Byway. Tioga Pass Road in the national park is closed during winter. The rest of the byway usually remains open year-round.
Yosemite National Park is one of the crown jewels of the National Park System. It was established in 1890 to preserve a portion of the Sierra Nevada Mountains that stretch along California’s eastern flank. The byway offers spectacular views of the mountains and meadows and valleys covered with wildflowers. Much of the surrounding land is undisturbed by man. In fact, nearly 95 percent of the park is preserved wilderness and many miles of its rivers are National Wild and Scenic Rivers.
Recreational opportunities are abundant within Yosemite National Park. Birdwatchers will delight in the more than 200 species of birds inhabiting the area. Other wildlife found here include black bear, mule deer, and mountain lion. Numerous campgrounds provide a total of over 800 campsites for RVers and tent campers. Anglers will be tempted by the many rivers teaming with cutthroat, steelhead, and golden trout. Miles of trails invite the hiker to explore the unspoiled wilderness.