Highway 120 traverses Yosemite National Park and provides the only entrance from the east. Beginning at the junction of Hwy 120 and US 395 just south of Lee Vining, the first 12 miles of the two-lane paved road climb nearly a mile and overlook a vast canyon. Crossing Tuolumne Meadows, the highway then descends to Tenaya Lake, continuing west to its junction with Big Oak Flat Road.
Not recommended for the faint-of-heart, the spectacular scenery attracts many tourists despite the demands on their driving skills. The road is usually open from late May to late October, but motorists should always carry chains since conditions can change unexpectedly.