Uploaded March 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Check out our new Campvue website and see information about Whitney Portal Campground, along with campsite photos and video tours of every single campsite... all for free! No account is even required! Shenanigan-free and camper approved! Visit here:
campvue.com/campgrounds/whitney-portal?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=campground_reviews&utm_content=whitney_portal_review
Journey from Whitney Portal to Yosemite National Park, exploring the Manzanar National Historic Site, the surreal Crowley Columns, and the serene Tuolumne Meadows. This ride blends history, unique geology, and breathtaking Sierra Nevada scenery.
Embark on an unforgettable journey from Whitney Portal to Yosemite National Park, a route that weaves together breathtaking scenery, fascinating history, and unique geological wonders. Nestled at the base of Mount Whitney, Whitney Portal is the perfect starting point, offering dramatic views of the Sierra Nevada and serving as a gateway to adventures in California's high country.
A short drive north brings you to the Manzanar National Historic Site, where you can explore the somber history of one of ten internment camps that housed Japanese Americans during World War II. The visitor center provides exhibits and personal stories, while reconstructed barracks and gardens offer a glimpse into the lives of those who endured this chapter of American history.
Continuing north, a stop at the Crowley Columns is a must. These rare volcanic formations, carved into towering pillars, showcase the power of geological forces over thousands of years. The columns are tucked away near Crowley Lake, and the short hike to view them reveals their intricate patterns, making them a photographer’s dream.
As you approach Yosemite, the serene Tuolumne Meadows welcomes you with its open expanse of alpine beauty. Surrounded by granite peaks and meandering streams, this subalpine meadow is a peaceful contrast to the towering cliffs of Yosemite Valley. Here, you can explore trails, relax by the Tuolumne River, or simply soak in the tranquility of this pristine landscape.
This ride from Whitney Portal to Yosemite is not just a drive but an exploration of California’s rich tapestry of history, geology, and natural beauty, offering memorable stops along the way.
VIDEO FILMED: 09/08/2024
▬▬ R E L A T E D V I D E O S ▬▬
⚪ youtu.be/TnjVNGq4bZk
▬▬ L I N K S ▬▬
⚪ Gear we use - amazon.com/shop/thecactusatlas
⚪ onX Offroad App - alnk.to/gKQ0FLG
⚪ See where we've been - google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1r2ZDO125o_NU7fUt0GPYfZeMKhHqYX3D&usp=sharing
⚪ Music from Epidemic Sound - epidemicsound.com/referral/6sihr2
(As an Amazon Associate and onX Affiliate we earn from qualifying purchases.)
_____________________________________________________________
✅ Find us on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook - @cactusatlas.
✅ Check out our website - cactusatlas.com
Welcome to the Cactus Atlas! We are Glenn and Amy and invite you to join us as we visit all sorts of locations across the American West. We tour both natural and man-made attractions.
Our base of operations is in the Phoenix, AZ area. We do a lot of hiking, day trips, and campground reviews and hope that we will be a great resource if you are planning a trip to the American West. We also hope to delight you with our exciting adventures!
Check out our new Campvue website and see information about Whitney Portal Campground, along with campsite photos and video tours of every single campsite... all for free! No account is even required! Shenanigan-free and camper approved! Visit here:
campvue.com/campgrounds/whitney-portal?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=campground_reviews&utm_content=whitney_portal_review
Journey from Whitney Portal to Yosemite National Park, exploring the Manzanar National Historic Site, the surreal Crowley Columns, and the serene Tuolumne Meadows. This ride blends history, unique geology, and breathtaking Sierra Nevada scenery.
Embark on an unforgettable journey from Whitney Portal to Yosemite National Park, a route that weaves together breathtaking scenery, fascinating history, and unique geological wonders. Nestled at the base of Mount Whitney, Whitney Portal is the perfect starting point, offering dramatic views of the Sierra Nevada and serving as a gateway to adventures in California's high country.
A short drive north brings you to the Manzanar National Historic Site, where you can explore the somber history of one of ten internment camps that housed Japanese Americans during World War II. The visitor center provides exhibits and personal stories, while reconstructed barracks and gardens offer a glimpse into the lives of those who endured this chapter of American history.
Continuing north, a stop at the Crowley Columns is a must. These rare volcanic formations, carved into towering pillars, showcase the power of geological forces over thousands of years. The columns are tucked away near Crowley Lake, and the short hike to view them reveals their intricate patterns, making them a photographer’s dream.
As you approach Yosemite, the serene Tuolumne Meadows welcomes you with its open expanse of alpine beauty. Surrounded by granite peaks and meandering streams, this subalpine meadow is a peaceful contrast to the towering cliffs of Yosemite Valley. Here, you can explore trails, relax by the Tuolumne River, or simply soak in the tranquility of this pristine landscape.
This ride from Whitney Portal to Yosemite is not just a drive but an exploration of California’s rich tapestry of history, geology, and natural beauty, offering memorable stops along the way.
VIDEO FILMED: 09/08/2024
▬▬ R E L A T E D V I D E O S ▬▬
⚪ youtu.be/TnjVNGq4bZk
▬▬ L I N K S ▬▬
⚪ Gear we use - amazon.com/shop/thecactusatlas
⚪ onX Offroad App - alnk.to/gKQ0FLG
⚪ See where we've been - google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1r2ZDO125o_NU7fUt0GPYfZeMKhHqYX3D&usp=sharing
⚪ Music from Epidemic Sound - epidemicsound.com/referral/6sihr2
(As an Amazon Associate and onX Affiliate we earn from qualifying purchases.)
_____________________________________________________________
✅ Find us on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook - @cactusatlas.
✅ Check out our website - cactusatlas.com
Welcome to the Cactus Atlas! We are Glenn and Amy and invite you to join us as we visit all sorts of locations across the American West. We tour both natural and man-made attractions.
Our base of operations is in the Phoenix, AZ area. We do a lot of hiking, day trips, and campground reviews and hope that we will be a great resource if you are planning a trip to the American West. We also hope to delight you with our exciting adventures!










