Tioga Pass climbs 12 miles (19.3 km) at an average 4.9% from the junction of Highway 120 and US 395, next to Lee Vining, at 6,841 ft (2,085 m), to the pass at 9,944 ft (3,031 m). That’s 3,123 ft (952 m) of climbing up the east side of California’s Sierra Nevada, the steep side. It’s the highest paved pass in California and ends at the entrance station to Yosemite National Park.
What the climb is like
- The first miles. From Mono Lake the road heads into Lee Vining Canyon on moderate grades.
- The middle (about 5 miles, or 8 km, at 7.6%). The heart of the climb. For almost two-thirds of a mile (1 km), the road hangs above a cliff of loose rock: it’s the most spectacular stretch, and the most intimidating one in a car.
- The finish. The grade eases between high-mountain lakes up to the park entrance station.
If you leave out a few short descents, the average of the climbing parts is around 5.5%. Climbfinder gives 19.3 km and 952 m; PJAMM, 19.4 km and 966 m. The maximum is 11.4% over 100 m according to Climbfinder and 10.4% over a quarter mile (400 m) according to PJAMM.
When to go, fees and altitude
Tioga Road closes every winter. It usually opens in late May and closes in late October, but the dates vary a lot: in big snow years it may not open until late July. The park announces on its website if, in a given year, it opens early to bikes only; otherwise, when it’s closed to cars, it’s closed to you too.
Riding to the pass costs nothing. If you enter Yosemite (for example, to continue to Tuolumne Meadows or the Valley), each cyclist pays $20 for 7 days and, since January 1, 2026, non-US residents pay a $100 surcharge per person, unless they have the non-resident annual pass ($250).
Lee Vining already sits above 6,500 ft (2,000 m). If you’re coming from sea level, spend a couple of nights there or in Mammoth Lakes before you climb. Buy food and water in Lee Vining: there’s nothing on the route until Tuolumne Meadows, about 8 miles (13 km) past the pass. Traffic is usually calm.
What gearing to use
The 7-8% middle section at nearly 10,000 ft (3,000 m) calls for a 34x30. With fresh legs a 34x28 is enough. Check your combinations in the gear calculator. Nearby, on the same side of the Sierra, you have Sonora Pass, Onion Valley and Whitney Portal.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to bike up Tioga Pass?
A 159 lb (72 kg) rider on a 21 lb (9.5 kg) bike takes about 1 h 10 min at 3 W/kg (216 W), 1 h 23 min at 2.5 W/kg and 56 min at 4 W/kg. At nearly 10,000 ft (3,000 m) you'll lose some power, so allow a bit more.
Do you have to pay to bike up Tioga Pass?
Not to reach the pass, because the climb ends at the Yosemite entrance station. If you continue into the park, each cyclist pays $20 (7 days) and, since 2026, non-US residents pay an extra $100.
When is Tioga Pass open?
It usually opens in late May and closes in late October or November, but it depends heavily on snow: in big snow years it doesn't open until July. If it's closed to cars, it's closed to bikes too unless the park says otherwise.