Yosemite Motorcycle Travel Guide: Routes and Attractions

Yosemite is one of the seven Natural Wonders of North America. It is home to the El Capitan, the largest granite monolith in North America, giant sequoia trees, meadows, glaciers, lakes, wildlife, and mountains. Every year, travelers from across the globe flock to this iconic park to indulge in various activities such as hiking, rock climbing, skiing, rafting, and swimming.

Visitors can explore the park by different means, whether by car, foot, bike, or motorbike. This 759,620-acre park has plenty of roads and scenic routes that provide an exhilarating and unique way to experience its unparalleled beauty. In this article, we'll cover the best Yosemite routes and must-see attractions when visiting the park on two wheels.

Best time to visit Yosemite on a motorcycle

Yosemite Park is open all year round. However, some high-elevation areas like Tioga Pass are seasonal. The best time to visit Yosemite on a motorcycle is during the late spring, summer, and early fall months (May through October). The weather is generally mild during this period, and all major roads are open.

However, always check road conditions before your trip, as weather can be unpredictable, especially in higher elevations. The YosemiteThisYear.com travel alert page is a fantastic resource to reference before hitting the road. It always has up-to-date park information and outlines accurate road conditions. The NPS website is also a great resource.

Yosemite Park receives 95% of its rain between October and May. Therefore, if you are looking for a drier trip, the best time would be between June and September. However, keep in mind this is the peak season for the park, so you can expect a lot of crowds, especially from June to August. You should dress accordingly, as it can get really hot, especially in Yosemite Valley.

If you want to avoid many crowds, you can visit in spring between April and May. The weather is perfect for riding, and the wildflowers are blooming. You can also visit between September and October to experience stunning fall foliage. However, some amenities and services might have limited hours towards the later part of the season.

Top motorcycle routes in Yosemite

Here are some of the best motorcycle routes and attractions in Yosemite.

Tioga Road

Tioga Road is one of the most popular routes for motorcyclists. This is because it is the only road traversing the entire park from east to west. The route is ideal for riders who want to experience almost everything Yosemite offers in a short time. The road starts at Crane Flat (western entrance) or Lee Vining (eastern entrance) and extends 47 miles to Tioga Pass, which lies 9,945 feet.

Tioga Road experiences extreme weather variations. Dress in layers and be prepared for anything, from hot sunshine to sudden rain or even snow showers at higher elevations. Unfortunately, the road is closed from late fall to early spring due to snow. The park management says it takes approximately two months to clear all snow on the road after the end of the snow season. For this reason, it's impossible to know when the road will open. For instance, in 2023, the route opened on 7/22, while it opened on 5/27 in 2022.

You can rely on the website mentioned above to find out when the road opens. Please note the road can be challenging, depending on your riding skills. It has sharp curves and steep grades, so ride with caution. Some of the best attractions on this route include;

• Quaking Aspen Falls and South Fork Tuolumne Falls: These are seasonal waterfalls, so the best chance of finding them before they dry up is to visit right after the road opens.
• Tuolumne Meadows
• Tenaya Lake
• Olmsted Point
• Lembert Dome
• Potholes Dome
• Siesta Lake
• Tioga Pass

Yosemite Valley Loop

The Yosemite Valley Loop takes you to the heart of the park. You can access it by entering the park through Highway 140 or 41. It takes you on a scenic journey along paved roads with minimal elevation gain.

As you cruise through the valley, towering granite cliffs and lush meadows will surround you. The most notable attractions along this route include El Capitan, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Falls, Sentinel Dome, and Glacier Point. You can park your bike at any trailhead to go hiking, fishing, climbing, or camping.

Keep in mind that this is one of the busiest routes in the park. Expect prolonged traffic jams, especially in peak season. Nevertheless, the route offers incredible views, so as long as you are not rushing, there will be plenty of opportunities to connect with nature.

El Portal Road

This 12-mile road starts at El Portal, California, and stretches to Yosemite Valley. It runs alongside the Merced River, offering multiple pull-outs where you can stop to take in the serene beauty of the river. These spots are perfect for photo opportunities, picnicking, and even fishing.

Keep an eye out for wildlife along the way. The lush vegetation and proximity to the river create an ideal habitat for various animals, including deer, bears, and numerous bird species. Remember to stop at the Merced River Gorge to view rocky outcroppings and wildflowers in spring, as well as the Arch Rock entrance for photos.

Big Oak Flat Road

This route starts at the Big Oak Flat Entrance, continues to join the El Portal Road, and runs to the Yosemite Valley. It is one of the best routes to enjoy the beauty of the Yosemite high country landscape. The 25-mile stretch will give you access to various attractions, such as Merced Grove of Giant Sequoias, Tuolumne Grove, Hodgdon Meadow, and Crane Flat. To access Merced Grove, you'll take a 2-mile hike because it is not accessible by motorcycle or car.

Hetch Hetchy Road

Hetch Hetchy is one of the best routes to take if you want to escape crowds. You can access the road by entering the park through the Big Oak Flat Entrance. It stretches 16 miles from Evergreen Road to Hetch Hetchy Reservoir.

Although it is open all year round, confirm the road's condition before embarking on the trip during snowy months. Some attractions along the road include O'Shaughnessy Dam, Wapama Falls, Tueeulala Falls, and Hetch Hetchy Reservoir.

Wawona Road

Wawona Drive runs from the South Side entrance of the park to Yosemite Valley. The 24-mile route is a well-maintained paved road with gentle curves and minimal elevation gain. Along the road, you'll come across Glacier Point Road, which you can follow to Glacier Point. The route will bring you to Mariposa Grove and Wawona Tunnel, which offer incredible views of Half Dome, Bridalveil, and El Capitan.

Glacier Point Road

Glacier Point Road is a 16-mile road that leads to Glacier Point, which stands 3,214 feet above Curry Village on the floor of Yosemite Valley. Glacier Point offers a jaw-dropping panorama of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and the surrounding wilderness. On a clear day, the views are simply unforgettable.

The route is very challenging, with numerous switchbacks and steep inclines. Watch for deer, marmots, and other wildlife along the roadside as you climb, especially in the early mornings and evenings. Unfortunately, the road is only open to motorcycles and vehicles from late May until early November.

Summing it up

Yosemite National Park is a paradise for motorcyclists, offering thrilling rides, stunning scenery, and iconic landmarks. While most parts of the park are open all year round, always confirm before hitting the road to avoid disappointments. Keep in mind most roads are narrow and winding, so exercise caution and be prepared for slow-moving traffic and wildlife crossings.

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