Warren Fork Trail

Warren Fork Trail is a short, uncrowded path in the Hoover Wilderness just east of Yosemite, climbing alongside Warren Fork creek to a high meadow tucked between Tioga Peak and Lee Vining Peak. It's one of the least-used trailheads along Tioga Pass Road — a solid pick when you want quiet canyon scenery without committing to a full-day hike.

Getting There

The trailhead sits on Highway 120 (Tioga Pass Road), roughly a mile east of the Ellery Lake outlet, at around 9,000 feet elevation. Parking is limited to a roadside pullout, so get there early during peak summer weekends. The trail starts on the north side of the highway and follows the creek about 1.5 miles up-canyon to the meadow.

Permits and Conditions

• Day hikes: no permit needed.
• Overnight trips: a Hoover Wilderness permit is required year-round.
• Bear-proof food storage is required throughout the wilderness.
• Creek water is available along the route but should be treated before drinking.

Because the trail sits above 9,000 feet, snow can linger into early summer and afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August, so check current conditions with the Inyo National Forest before you head out.