Tioga Peak is a 2.9 mile loop trail located near Lee Vining, California that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and birding and is best used from May until October.
kid friendly
birding
hiking
nature trips
walking
views
wild flowers
wildlife
no dogs
Tioga Peak is a nice and easy peak found near Tioga Pass just east of the Yosemite boundary. An easy peak for those looking for a beginner's introduction to cross-country travel in the Sierra. If you follow the northwestern ridge you will find a nice use trail. If you decide to continue on the trail to the lake first and then head up the slope, you'll have to navigate through some brushy overgrowth. Although any approach is easy, the easiest way to attain the summit is to follow the northwestern ridge. This short climb offers spectacular views of the Sierras including Northern Yosemite, Mount Conness, the lakes along Tioga Pass Road (Tioga and Ellery), and across to Mount Dana.
Pretty great bang for your buck on this one. Hard to beat for a quick sunrise/sunset hike. The views down to Tioga Pass and Mount Dana are spectacular. I headed to the lake first and then up towards the NW Ridge. No trail from the lake, and you must pass through some trees where there is still a bit of snow (no traction etc. necessary). 1 hour to the summit and 30 minutes back to the trailhead.
Easy and quick summit. If you're doing the loop suggested here, it is easy to lose the trail if you're going clockwise past the lake. When in doubt, go up. A little slippery, but manageable with hiking poles.
Great view of Tioga and Ellery lakes.