I did not backpack and had a rental. Maybe another person can best answer you or call the Yosemite Visitors Center and they can direct you to the best possible options for you. I know while in Yosemite Valley the people ahead of us were doing some backpacking (in Oct) and they were very informative with them. Good Luck and Have Fun.

For future visitors, please use the active Yosemite NP forum page. This Q&A feature has few readers. In general, all amenities along Tioga Road close on the last Sunday in September. In general. Usually.

Yes you can as there are viewpoints along the roadside. There are plenty of short walks, not hikes, that you can do for great views as well

From Mammoth you can visit Mono Lake, then up over Tioga Pass, There are plenty of places to stop that offer great photo opportunities, a quick photogenic hike is Twin Bridges. Check that the road is open, as in 2010 it was still closed in June when we visited.

Hi Tioga Road is likely to be open, but it might close for a day or two if there is an early season snow storm. Check conditions *before* you drive. 209 372 0200 The amenities in Tuolumne Meadows like the tent cabins, campground, grill, store, and Visitor Center close in September. The hikes, walks, and viewpoints along Tioga Road (in Tuolumne Meadows) will be open. No shuttle service. I recommend that you use the Yosemite forum page for detailed planning assistance for your fall trip. Start with the Planning a Fall Visit topic in the Top Questions on the right side of the Yosemite forum page, full TripAdvisor website (not the app.)

Hi This is the listing for Tuolumne Meadows. Do you mean Tenaya Lake on Tioga Road? Then, yes. You can swim in this chilly alpine lake. There are other lakes where you can swim, but none with such easy access. And there are places you cannot swim. Posting on the TripAdvisor forum will be easier to have a conversation and to answer your questions. "Worthwhile" and "worth it" are personal decisions.

I don't remember it being all that winding, but remember, you will on the Tioga Pass Road. That goes into the mountains. The speed limit is quite slow, so that might help a bit. As for the cabins, I cannot help you on that. Sorry.

Tuolumne Meadows is covered in snow in April. No wildflowers. The Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center will probably open in July this year. Figuring out what to do in a destination can be discussed on the travel forum for that destination. Waiting until you arrive is less likely to work, especially in a popular destination like Yosemite. For example, with the one way roads in Yosemite Valley it's usually best to visit Tunnel View and then Bridalveil Fall, and then to drive down to the Valley to park. If you wait to ask rangers after you've parked, you're adding 30-90 minutes of drive time to loop around in traffic to Tunnel View & Bridalveil Fall.

Hi I recommend that you ask on the TripAdvisor forum for Yosemite.