Tuolumne Meadows

Beyond Tioga Rd, about 55 miles from Yosemite Valley, Tuolumne Meadows is the largest subalpine meadow in the Sierra. It provides a dazzling contrast to the valley, with its lush open fields, clear blue lakes, ragged granite peaks and domes, and cooler temperatures. If you come in July or August, you'll find a painter's palette worth of wildflowers decorating the shaggy meadows.

Tuolumne is far less crowded than the valley, though the area around the campground, lodge store and visitors center does gets busy, especially on weekends. Some hiking trails, such as the one to Dog Lake, are also well traveled. Remember that the altitude makes breathing a lot harder than in the valley. Nights can get chilly, so pack warm clothes.

The main meadow is about 2.5-miles long and lies on the north side of Tioga Rd between Lembert Dome and Pothole Dome. The 200ft scramble to the top of the latter - preferably at sunset - gives you great views of the meadow. An interpretive trail leads from the stables to muddy Soda Springs, where carbonated water bubbles up in red-tinted pools. The nearby Parsons Memorial Lodge has a few displays. Another cabin, McCauley Cabin, is closed to the public.

Hikers and climbers will find a paradise of options around Tuolumne Meadows, which is also the gateway to the High Sierra Camps. Visitors center staff can help you identify the perfect trail.

For nondrivers, the Tuolumne Meadows Tour & Hikers' Bus (209-372-1240; ;Jul-early Sep) makes the trip along Tioga Rd once daily in each direction. There's also the free Tuolumne Meadows Shuttle, which travels between the Tuolumne Meadows Lodge and Olmsted Point, including a stop at Tenaya Lake.