Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Center — Local services in Mammoth Lakes

Tuolumne Meadows is one of the premier destinations in Yosemite National Park. With fewer visitors than you'll find in Yosemite Valley, it offers more solitude, fantastic photo opps, and wonderful hikes around the meadows and along the Tuolumne River. For a great view of the entire meadows area, take a walk up the granite apron that spreads out in front of Lembert Dome (at the east end of the meadows). You can walk up until it gets too steep - then you need climbing gear - and enjoy one of the best views in the park.

In earlier times, different Native American tribes would all meet in these meadows for a big "swap meet". From the west side came the Ahwahneechee, Mi-wok, Chowchilla, Yokuts, and even the Ohlone from the coast (bringing sea shells!). From the east side came the Paiute, Mono's, and Shoshone.

John Muir's first trip to Yosemite saw him bring up a flock of sheep from the central valley time. Afterwards, Muir vowed never to herd...

My son and I got four day backpacking permit for Yosemite leaving out of Tuolumne Meadows. We had to pick up the wilderness permit at this location. The lady working the desk was very pleasant and helpful. We got the permit and all of the information that was needed to complete our backpacking experience. I would recommend picking up your wilderness permit the day before you go on the hike.I can imagine that first thing in the morning there would be a lot of people trying to get on the trail and would have to wait to go through some extensive information sessions with the Wilderness staff. Plan on 15-20...

Love this Wilderness station, there is a flushing toilet accessible from the outside (even when closed) and an outlet to charge devices. And the rangers are so helpful, informative and kind. 10/10 this may be my favorite place as a base for the meadow since it's close to get to so many amazing trails! (Reminder: never feed the wildlife, even one as hella cute as this...