Tioga Road Stops- avoiding mosquitoes!

Question

Hi, we’ll be driving from South Lake Tahoe to El Portal on 5th July. Plan is to go via Tioga Road from Lee Vining direction entering Park around midday (we have a permit) - what’s the best place(s) to stop for a picnic/ short hike along the Tioga Road? Conscious mosquitoes could be nasty that time of year so looking to avoid infested areas if possible? Thanks!

Answer

Driving Tioga Road from Lee Vining into Yosemite on July 5th is a spectacular route, offering high-elevation scenery and access to some of the park’s most iconic spots. Since you’re concerned about mosquitoes, it’s best to focus on areas that are less wet and avoid low-lying meadows or near stagnant water, where mosquitoes tend to congregate, especially in summer.

Recommended Stops for Picnic or Short Hike:

Olmsted Point: A great scenic overlook with views of Tenaya Canyon and Half Dome. Very little vegetation or standing water, so mosquito activity is minimal. Perfect for a quick picnic or photo stop.
Tenaya Lake: Beautiful lake for a short stroll and picnic. Early July can have mosquitoes near the water’s edge, so stick to rocky or sandy shorelines to minimize exposure.
Tuolumne Meadows area: While the meadows themselves can have mosquitoes in summer, you can stay on the paved paths near the visitor center or higher elevation trails like Soda Springs or Parson’s Lodge for shorter hikes with fewer bugs.
Glen Aulin area (optional): If you have time for a longer detour, this waterfall and river area is scenic, but note that proximity to water may attract mosquitoes; early afternoon and breezy conditions usually help reduce them.
High Sierra overlooks along Tioga Road: Many pullouts along the road provide picnic-friendly spots with views and very little standing water, keeping mosquitoes to a minimum.

Additional Tips to Avoid Mosquitoes:

Plan stops at higher elevations or rocky areas where water does not stagnate.
Bring insect repellent and lightweight long sleeves/pants for safety.
Midday is usually less buggy than early morning or evening.
Windy overlooks and exposed ridges tend to have almost no mosquitoes.

With these stops and precautions, you should be able to enjoy a scenic, comfortable drive along Tioga Road while minimizing mosquito encounters. Stick to overlooks and rocky shores for picnic breaks, and plan your hikes on exposed trails for the best experience.

Tioga Road Stops- avoiding mosquitoes!

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