Sarah WallockWe took a fall day trip to Yosemite this year right before the Tioga Pass closed.
This past weekend, we drove from Mammoth Lakes to Yosemite National Park for a day trip. Knowing the Tioga Pass would close sometime in October, we saw that the weather was going to be warm and sunny and made a dash for it. It was 100% worth it and I can’t wait for another sneaky trip next fall.
Early Wake-Up Call, Then Hitting Snooze
With an alarm set for 7am, we hit snooze right away. At 9am, a more realistic start, we grabbed coffee from Looney Bean and headed to the Tioga Pass entrance to Yosemite.
The famous Mobil station in Lee Vining is the last place to get gas and snacks, so we stopped for some last minute items.
Before heading out we researched good fall day hikes on the east side of Yosemite, and Elizabeth Lake Trail seemed to take the cake. Upon telling my co-worker, who was born and raised in Yosemite, that that’s where we ended up, she let out a cheer. “Great choice, one of my all-time favorites!”
Trail-bound at 11am
Tuolumne Meadows campground closed a few days before, so we couldn’t park at the base of the trailhead. We parked outside the gated entrance to Tuolumne. Fueled with coffee, armed with snacks, and buzzing with excitement, we ventured up the windy road.
About half a mile up the road, we arrived at the trailhead. All the bathrooms were boarded up. Campsites were empty. All we saw was a lone Search and Rescue employee chopping wood, with a sign that read please respect the peace of our workers.
Our fall day trip to Yosemite was already so tranquil.
The Calm of Elizabeth Lake
After 50-minutes of us stripping off layers and rising in elevation, we reached the stunning Elizabeth Lake. In the background was Unicorn Peak.
After breaking out the leftovers of green chicken curry for lunch and sunbathing, we bumped into one other hiker and sauntered back down.
Flying Down Elizabeth Lake Trail
We headed back to the car and made great time on the trail.
Stopping at Tenaya Lake
Before heading back to Mammoth Lakes, we wanted to stop by Tenaya Lake. Luckily, one of the bathrooms at the trailhead was open because this is a more popular area.
The lake looked absolutely stunning and the sun was shining. Our first summer purchase will be paddleboards, and one of our first stops will definitely be Tenaya Lake.
All in all, I would totally recommend beating the heat and the crowds of summer in Yosemite National Park and trying to visit in the fall.
