Forested Valley on the Tioga Pass Road

Yosemite National Park is a park of environmental contrasts due to significant elevation changes and the rain shadow effect caused by the towering peaks of the Sierra Mountains. When you approach Tioga Pass from the eastern side of the park (starting out in Lee Vining), the environment is essentially dry desert. However, as you get closer to the Sierra Crest and gain elevation, trees start growing and the mountains become noticeably wetter. This photo looks toward Tioga Pass…way off in the distance still.