June 20, 2026
Yosemite is notorious for the crowds it attracts in summer. Having faced ever-increasing crowds the day before, we decided to go for a drive along Tioga Road, a spectacular mountain road which is still in the Park but farther away from the maddening crowds.
Our first stop was Olmsted Point. The overlook is named for American landscape architects, Frederick Law Olmsted and his son Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., who were influential figures in American conservation and park planning. The exposed granite, polished rock surfaces, and broad views back toward Half Dome make it a very beautiful place to stop.
Next stop was Tenaya Lake, named after Chief Tenaya, a leader of the Ahwahneechee people who lived in the Yosemite valley. Carved by glacial activity during the Ice Age, its crystal clear waters and sandy shores make if a perfect spot for a picnic and swim.
Or final stop was Tuolumne Meadows, a vast subalpine meadow at about 8,600 feet (2,620 meters) above sea level.
Mal and Lauren 