Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
Mariposa Grove RoadA two-mile road to get to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias.
Explore Auto Tour in Yosemite National Park with grouped stops, trails, and related park places collected under the same planning theme.
Use this Auto Tour guide to compare the stops that belong together in Yosemite National Park, then decide which ones deserve map time or a saved trip stop.
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
Mariposa Grove RoadA two-mile road to get to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias.

Yosemite Valley
Fern Spring (V12)Be sure to take a moment to enjoy what is perhaps the most beautiful spring in the Park.
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
Mariposa Grove (S1)A grove of more than 500 giant sequoias, some of them up to 3,000 years old.
Yosemite Valley
Mariposa Battalion Campsite (V13)The Battalion entered Yosemite Valley for the first time in March of 1851 and camped in this meadow.
Wawona Road (Rt 41)
Bridalveil Fall (W1)A 617-foot waterfall that flows year-round and is the first one you'll see when you enter the Park.
Yosemite Valley
Bridalveil Fall (V14)This 617-foot waterfall that flows year-round is the first one you'll see when entering the Park.
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
Mariposa Grove Parking Lot (S2)The parking lot fills up early, so your best bet may be to take the free shuttle.
Wawona Road (Rt 41)
Tunnel View (W2)The most famous vantage point into Yosemite Valley with expansive views of El Capitan, Bridalveil Falls, and Half Dome.

Yosemite Valley
Cathedral Spires (V15)A rugged collection of cliffs, buttresses, and pinnacles on the south side of Yosemite Valley.
Yosemite Valley
Sentinel BeachA Merced River beach that sits under the watchful gaze of 7,000-foot Sentinel Rock on the Yosemite Valley floor.

Wawona Road (Rt 41)
Inspiration PointA great spot for photographing astounding views of the Yosemite Valley.

Yosemite Valley
Three Brothers View (V16)John Muir considered this view from Eagle Peak to be the most beautiful view of Yosemite Valley.

Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
Fallen Monarch (S3)Biologists suspect that this giant sequoia, 26 feet in diameter and 285 feet long, fell centuries ago.

Yosemite Valley
Merced River (V17)This 112-mile river is popular among boaters, anglers, campers, hikers, and photo-snapping tourists alike.

Wawona Road (Rt 41)
Wawona TunnelThe longest tunnel in California that was bored through solid granite bedrock and travels through a granite mountain.

Yosemite Valley
Sentinel Rock (V18)A 3,073-foot granitic peak named for its watchtower-like appearance.

Yosemite Valley
Bachelor and Three GracesFour giant sequoia trees that have grown very close together in the Mariposa Grove of Yosemite.
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
Grizzly Giant (S4)One of the largest trees in the Mariposa Grove and estimated to be 1,800 years old.
Yosemite Valley
Swinging BridgeStop here and take a swim in the Merced River while enjoying the excellent view of Yosemite Falls.
Wawona Road (Rt 41)
Turtleback Dome (W3)At the top, you'll enjoy a stunning view of El Capitan and Half Dome without the crowds of Tunnel View.

Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
California Tunnel TreeA giant sequoia with a tunnel cut through it in 1895 to allow horse-drawn stages to pass through.

Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
Faithful CoupleTwo large trees that have fused together at their bases, but remain clearly separated above.
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
Clothespin Tree (S5)Numerous fires have left the trunk of this tree in the shape of an old-fashioned clothespin.

Wawona Road (Rt 41)
Coulterville Road (W4)This was the first stagecoach road to reach the floor of Yosemite Valley.

Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
Mariposa Grove Museum (S7)A replica of Galen Clark's cabin with giant sequoia displays, books, maps, and a gift store.
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
Galen Clark TreeNamed for the former Guardian of Yosemite National Park who discovered the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoia Trees.

Wawona Road (Rt 41)
Chinquapin (W5)The midway point between Wawona and Yosemite Valley named for the Sierra Chinquapin evergreen shrub which is common in the area.
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
Wawona Point (S9)An ideal place to stop for lunch and enjoy panoramic views to the west and north.

Yosemite Valley
Yosemite ChapelThe oldest building still in use in the Valley and a fine example of the chapels of its time.
Yosemite Valley
Old Village (V20)This section of the Yosemite Valley was once the center of all visitor services.
Wawona Road (Rt 41)
Logging Railroad (W6)This was the longest incline rail system ever built and was once used to haul logs to Merced Falls.
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
Wawona Tunnel Tree (S8)One of the most famous trees in the world, this giant sequoia stood in the Mariposa Grove until 1969.
Wawona Road (Rt 41)
Rail Creek (W7)This creek is officially called Elevenmile after the former stagecoach station that once operated here.
Yosemite Valley
Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center (V21)The original visitor's center for the Park is now a conservation and natural history library, a museum, and a lecture hall.
Wawona Road (Rt 41)
Wawona Campground (W8)This campground was originally called Camp A.E. Wood after Capitan Wood, the first acting military superintendent of Yosemite.
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
Telescope TreeThis magnificent tree is a notable example of the sequoia's resilience in resisting fire, disease, insects, and decay.
Yosemite Valley
Curry Village (V22)The Village provides visitors with a unique and rustic setting in which to enjoy the wonders of Yosemite.


Yosemite Valley
Royal Arches (V23)These striking "arches" of color rise above Yosemite Valley and are visible from numerous sites in the Park.

Yosemite Valley
Washington ColumnThis is a popular destination for rock climbers, but unfortunately, does not provide any hiking or sightseeing opportunities.

Yosemite Valley
Happy Isles Nature Center (V24)Visitors to the Nature Center can view exhibits that teach them about Yosemite's nature, flora, fauna, and eco-system.
Yosemite Valley
Glacial Moraine (V25)As a glacier retreated, this moraine, or accumulation of glacial soil and rock debris, was left behind.
Wawona Road (Rt 41)
Pioneer Yosemite History Center (W10)A History Center consisting of several historic structures, each representing a different era of Yosemite history.

Yosemite Valley
Mirror Lake (V26)This is a small, seasonal lake fed by Tenaya Creek that beautifully reflects the cliffs that surround it.
Wawona Road (Rt 41)
Wawona Visitor CenterThis Visitor Center and the historic Hill's Studio are located on the grounds of the Wawona Hotel.
Yosemite Valley
Clouds RestNamed by the Mariposa Battalion when they observed "the clouds rapidly settling down to rest upon that mountain" before a snowfall.
Wawona Road (Rt 41)
Wawona Meadow (W11)A lovely spot, especially in early summer, when wildflowers such as lupine and clarkia are in full bloom.
Yosemite Valley
Stoneman BridgeAn elegant stone bridge that provides unique views of Yosemite and has an interesting history as well.
Wawona Road (Rt 41)
Wawona HotelA lovely resort reminiscent of the Victorian era, with classic white buildings, expansive verandas, and lush natural surroundings.

Yosemite Valley
Glacier Point View (V27)This viewpoint towers 3,242 feet above Yosemite Valley and provides a spectacular view of Glacier Point.
Yosemite Valley
The Ahwahnee HotelYosemite's distinctive AAA four-diamond hotel, famous for its rustic design, stunning interiors, and fabulous views.
Yosemite Valley
Valley Visitor Center (V1)The largest visitor center in the Park with helpful information to guide you through your Yosemite adventure.
Yosemite Valley
Village of the AhwahneecheeA reconstructed Indian village located on the former site of the largest Indian village in Yosemite Valley.
Yosemite Valley
Yosemite MuseumChanging exhibits provide insight into the cultural history of the native Miwok and Paiute tribes.
Yosemite Valley
Yosemite CemeteryThis historic cemetery is located just across the street from Yosemite Museum and is worth some investigation.
Yosemite Valley
Yosemite VillageThe Village is rich in Yosemite history and a good place to do some shopping and grab a bite.
Yosemite Valley
The Ansel Adams GalleryOnce just a tent in the wilderness, the Gallery today is a cultural center celebrating the arts and the environment.

Glacier Point Road
Badger Pass Ski Area (G2)Perfect for winter enthusiasts of all ages with alpine and cross-country ski trails, a terrain park, and tubing area.
Glacier Point Road
Merced Peak View (G3)Merced Peak is located close to the southern border of Yosemite National Park.

Glacier Point Road
Dewey PointVisitors come here from around the world to enjoy panoramic views of the Yosemite Valley and El Capitan.
Glacier Point Road
Bridalveil Creek Campground (G4)Due to its high elevation and smaller crowds, this is a popular summertime campground.
Yosemite Valley
Meadow Succession (V2)A glimpse of what the large, wide meadows that once filled the Valley would have been like.

Yosemite Valley
Yosemite Falls (V3)The highest waterfall in North America and one of the Park's most famous sights.
Yosemite Valley
Yosemite Lodge (V4)A popular hotel for hikers because it is located in close proximity to Yosemite Falls.

Glacier Point Road
Clark Range View (G6)The perfect vantage point to take in the incredible majesty of this subrange of California's Sierra Nevada mountains.
Yosemite Valley
Upper Yosemite Falls (V5)A trail leading visitors to the top of the famous Yosemite Falls.

Yosemite Valley
Camp 4A rustic campground developed in the mid-20th century that is still popular with rock-climbing enthusiasts today.

Glacier Point Road
Sentinel Dome (G8)A fairly unimpressive granite dome that is actually the second highest viewpoint in Yosemite Valley.

Glacier Point Road
Pothole Meadows (G7)This meadow is named for the unusual round pools of water that form here in spring and summer months.
Yosemite Valley
Rocky Point (V6)Remnants of the largest mass wasting, or slope movement event, in Yosemite history can be found here.
Glacier Point Road
Switchbacks (G9)Snake your way up these switchbacks on Yosemite Falls Trail to be rewarded at the top with incredible views.
Yosemite Valley
Trail to El Capitan (V7)This trail is often the starting point for hikers who are heading to the nose of El Capitan.
Yosemite Valley
El Capitan (V8)This famous monolith is popular with rock climbers who enjoy the challenge of climbing its sheer granite face.
Yosemite Valley
El Capitan Moraine (V9)This moraine, located directly west of El Capitan Meadow, was formed nearly 15,000 years ago.
Glacier Point Road
Washburn Point (G10)The shortest and easiest walk in the Park, with breathtaking views across the valley.

Yosemite Valley
Bridalveil Fall View (V10)From this vantage point, you can see Bridalveil Falls across the Merced River.
Glacier Point Road
Glacier Point (G11)An overlook with a commanding view of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and Yosemite's high country.
Hetch Hetchy
OverviewThe O'Shaughnessy Dam and reservoir are sources for the Hetch Hetchy Aqueduct and provide water to the San Francisco area.

Hetch Hetchy
Hetch Hetchy Entrance (H1)This entrance takes you into Hetch Hetchy Valley, a scenic, tranquil area worth visiting any time of year.
Hetch Hetchy
Hetch Hetchy Railroad (HHRR)A 68-mile standard gauge railroad constructed by the City of San Francisco to support construction of the O'Shaughnessy Dam.
Hetch Hetchy
Poopenaut Valley View (H3)A lookout with scenic views of Poopenaut Valley, once home to sheepherders and cattlemen.
Hetch Hetchy
O'Shaughnessy DamA curved gravity dam on the Tuolumne River in the Hetch Hetchy Valley of Yosemite National Park.
Hetch Hetchy
Hetch Hetchy (H4)This glacial valley once rivaled Yosemite in beauty, but was flooded when the O'Shaughnessy Dam was built.
Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)
OverviewToga Road is 47 miles long and gains about 3,800 feet in elevation from Yosemite Valley to Tioga Pass..
Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)
Tuolumne Grove Road (T0)This road, now closed to vehicles, serves as a trail to the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias.

Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)
Crane Flat (T1)This area is named for the once-numerous sandhill cranes which stopped here.
Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)
Old Big Oak Flat Road (T2)When traveling this historic road, drivers have easy access to some very impressive views of Yosemite's high country.
Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)
Gin Flat (T3)This summit meadow is said to be named after a barrel of gin that fell off a freight wagon.

Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)
Walker Party (T4)The discoverers of both the Yosemite Valley and the giant sequoias.
Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)
South Fork of Tuolumne River (T5)As brook, rainbow, and brown trout are abundant in this river, it is a popular fly fishing area.
Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)
Smoky Jack (T6)There was once a small, primitive campground here, but it has long since been abandoned.
Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)
Red Fir Forest (T7)This stand of California red fir is typical of the upper montane forests of the Sierra Nevada.

Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)
Siesta Lake (T8)This tiny, undeniably beautiful lake is a delightful spot along Tioga Road to rest or picnic.
Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)
White Wolf (T9)A beautiful sub-alpine meadow that is home to a rustic campground and popular high sierra lodge.
Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)
Old Tioga Road (T10)Traveling this road through Yosemite's high country, you'll enjoy the same visual vistas pioneers encountered many years ago.
Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)
Clark Range View (T11)The perfect vantage point to take in the incredible majesty of this subrange of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)
Western Juniper (T12)Thriving best in isolation, these trees develop into grotesque shapes that are among the most picturesque in Yosemite.
Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)
Yosemite Creek View (T13)From this point, you can learn more about granite, which is so much a part of Yosemite.
Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)
Exfoliating Granite (T14)This peaks in this area of Yosemite are excellent examples of the exfoliation process in rocks.
Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)
Yosemite Creek (T15)This 13.2-mile creek flows steadily over the Yosemite Valley rim to create Upper Yosemite Fall.

Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)
Quaking Aspen (T16)Native to cool areas of North America, these trees have tall trunks, smooth pale bark, and glossy green leaves.
Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)
Quaking Aspen FallsThis is a 25-foot, multi-stranded waterfall off Tioga Pass Road.
Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)
Porcupine Flat (T17)This is the turn-off for Porcupine Creek Campground, one of the smallest campgrounds in the Park.
Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)
Cone-bearing Trees (T18)Observe some of the most common types of these trees on a short, interpretive trail with good views of surrounding peaks.
Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)
North Dome Trail (T19)The view of Half Dome from this point is considered to be one of the best.
Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)
Half Dome View (T20)The short pull-off located here offers views of Half Dome and Mt. Starr King.
Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)
May Lake Junction (T21)Take the enjoyable 1.8-mile ride to the May Lake Trailhead and observe beautiful Snow Flat along the way.
Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)
Glacial Moraine (T22)This is the location of a moraine created by a glacier moving down Snow Creek.
Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)
Clouds Rest View (T23)This vantage point offers excellent views of Clouds Rest, Half Dome, and Mt. Starr King.
Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)
Olmsted Point (T24)A viewing area off Tioga Road where in various directions, you'll observe Tenaya Canyon, Half Dome, and Tenaya Lake.
Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)
Tenaya Lake (T25)This alpine lake is made even more beautiful by the light granite rock formations that serve as its backdrop.
Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)
Ghost Forest (T26)The name given to stands of Lodgepole pines that are bleached of color and stripped of bark by invading insects.

Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)
Mount Conness View (T27)A scenic vantage point where you can get a good view of the rocky face of Mount Conness.
Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)
Fairview Dome (T28)This is a classic granite dome typical of those found in the Yosemite landscape.

Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)
Pothole DomeThis granite dome gets its name from the distinctive holes carved out of its surface by glaciers.

Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)
Cathedral and Unicorn PeaksThese neighboring mountains are part of the Cathedral Range and are popular with mountain climbers.
Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)
Tuolumne Meadows (T29)This is the largest subalpine meadow in the Sierra Nevada and is a popular destination for with wilderness hikers.
Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)
Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center (T30)This Ranger-staffed facility includes a bookstore and exhibits detailing the area's geology, plant and animal life, and history.

Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)
Tuolumne River (T31)The river begins at Mount Lyell Glacier and flows nearly 150 miles to the San Joaquin River in the Central Valley.
Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)
High Sierra Camp (T32)Nestled high in the wilderness and surrounded by nothing but nature, this camp is a popular Yosemite destination.

Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)
Soda SpringsThe distinct difference between these springs and others is that the water here is naturally carbonated.
Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)
Parsons Memorial LodgeBuilt by the Sierra Club, this small building is named for Edward Taylor Parsons, the club's director from 1905 to 1914.
Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)
Lembert DomeThis granite dome rock formation is a popular destination for hikers and rock-climbers alike.
Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)
Glacial Moraine (T33)This is Blue Slide, a glacial moraine that was left by the retreating glaciers from Mount Lyell.

Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)
Dana Fork (T34)Running along side Highway 120, this Fork is very accessible to visitors who enjoy fishing for native trout.
Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)
Mono Trail (T35)An interpretive sign located here describes the old Native American trail over Mono Pass.
Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)
Dana-Gibbs View (T36)From this point, you can view both Mount Dana and Mount Gibbs in the distance.

Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)
Lodgepole Pine Forest (T37)This variety of pine (Pinus contorta) is one of the most common trees found in Yosemite National Park.
Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)
Dana Meadows (T38)This meadow's high elevation brings cold temperatures throughout the year and snow is not uncommon here, even in warmer months.
Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)
Tioga Pass (T39)This highest pass in the Sierra Nevada is named for the Iroquois and Mohawk term meaning "where it forks."

Big Oak Flat
Elephant Rock View (B1)From this point, Coulterville Road, Turtleback Dome, Wawona Road, and Elephant Rock are visible.
Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)
Mono LakeA large, shallow saline soda lake that was formed at least 760,000 years ago.
Big Oak Flat
Cascade/Tamarack Creek (B2)This small pullout offers views of Cascade and Tamarack Creek before they combine to form Cascade Falls.
Big Oak Flat
Bridalveil Fall View (B3)From this point, Bridalveil Fall can be seen at the lower Yosemite Valley.
Big Oak Flat
Merced Canyon (B4)There is an interpretive sign located here that describes the glacial process that helped shape the canyon.
Big Oak Flat
Foresta (B5)An unincorporated community located to the immediate west of Yosemite National Park.
Big Oak Flat
Big Meadow View (B6)From this point, the site of the Big Meadow Fire of 2009 can be seen in the valley below.
Big Oak Flat
Crane Flat (B7)This flat is named for the once-numerous sandhill cranes that visited here on their trans-Sierra journeys.
Big Oak Flat
Clark Range View (B8)From this vantage point, Clark Range is visible as you head towards Yosemite Valley.
Big Oak Flat
San Joaquin Valley (B9)When conditions are good, you can see all the way to the Coastal Range of California from this valley.
Big Oak Flat
Merced Grove Trail (B10)This trail follows a section of the Old Coulterville Road and takes you to the Merced Grove of Giant Sequoias.
Big Oak Flat
North Country View (B11)This northerly view includes the Hetch Hetchy Valley and Reservoir and the distant northern section of Yosemite Valley.
Big Oak Flat
Big Oak Flat Entrance (B12)You'll find a wealth of Park information at the Big Oak Flat Information Station located here.

El Portal Road (Rt 140)
Cascade Falls (M1)This waterfall begins as a series of waterfalls tumbling through dense forest before plunging 500 feet into the Merced River.
El Portal Road (Rt 140)
Old Coulterville Road (M2)This road was one of the first pathways into Yosemite and has a lot of interesting history.
El Portal Road (Rt 140)
Arch Rock Entrance (M3)The main entrance for all visitors coming to the Park from the west.