road trip to yosemite national park

5 of the best road trips in and around Yosemite National Park

Apr 2, 2024 • 7 min read

Find the perfect scenic route for your road trip in and around Yosemite National Park © Adam Hester / Getty Images

The roads around Yosemite National Park are a driving utopia – these routes carve through expansive backcountry, sublime valleys and pretty meadows, and loop by deep gorges dotted with emerald-green forests, shimmering lakes and ancient sequoias.

It’s unfathomably easy to access untamed wildlife and dazzling High Sierras scenery on a number of superbly maintained routes – all you need is a vehicle and a sense of adventure. 

Alas, the world is fully aware of this driving wonderland and it can become frustratingly clogged up at peak times. Read on for tips on how to avoid the crowds and enjoy an epic drive to yourself with our five best drives in and around Yosemite.

1. Tioga Road

Best route through Yosemite Crane Flat to Mono Lake; 60 miles (96km); 2–4 hours

Easily one of California’s best drives , this is the highest highway pass in California , reaching a dizzying 9945ft (3031m) at its apex and bisecting Yosemite National Park between its eastern and western borders. It cruises through the Sierra Nevada mountains, first winding past the giant sequoias of Tuolumne Grove and then climbing up to evergreen forests and viewpoints, with Tenaya Canyon and the back side of Half Dome in the distance. 

Further on the route, the shimmering Tenaya Lake begs drivers to stop and dive in. Stretch the legs at nearby Cloud’s Rest trail, which ends on a palm-sweatingly narrow ridge with 360-degree views. Tuolumne Meadows teems with wildflowers in spring, and the Lembert Dome hike is a short but mighty challenge up a granite dome rock. 

At the road’s highest point, Mt Dana looms to the east as you exit the park. Pass the twinkling high-altitude lakes of Tioga and Ellery, before the final descent to the hauntingly beautiful Mono Lake with its outdoor gallery of otherworldly tufa towers. Chances are you’ll immediately want to U-turn and ride this road all over again. Head's up: Tioga is closed in winter due to snowfall, reopening for summer and fall.

2. Yosemite Valley Loop

Best road trip for less-confident drivers El Capitan Meadow to El Capitan Meadow; 14 miles (22km); around 40 minutes

One of the shortest drives in the area, but no less enthralling, is this nature cruise through the beating heart of Yosemite National Park, with roads bookended by geological masterpieces. The atmospheric one-way loop can be conquered by both private vehicle and shuttle bus if you don’t feel like driving at all. As you snake east along the Merced River, clearings in the dense trees reveal astonishing views of the towering Yosemite Falls , plus the iconic El Capitan and Half Dome formations.

It’s a humbling experience, as cars look like tiny bugs among the gargantuan granite behemoths and boulder-strewn landscape. Cypress, pine, hemlock and fir trees line the roads – keep the windows down to breathe in fragrant forest aromas. At dusk, scenes turn to moody shadows and silhouettes in the big blue sky. Sleep under a carpet of stars at the North and Upper Pines Campgrounds , at the most easterly point of the route.

3. Glacier Point Road

Best scenic drive with expansive views Tunnel View to Big Tree Lodge; 52 miles (83km); 2 hours

The drive begins at Tunnel View scenic viewpoint with sweeping views of Yosemite Valley’s big attractions. Half Dome sits front and center with the all-encompassing 3000ft-high (914m) El Capitan to the left – often with climbers dangling like spiders – and opposite from  Bridalveil Fall , which plunges 620ft (188m) over a glacially-carved granite cliff. At the end of Wawona Tunnel – the longest highway tunnel in California at 4200ft (1290m) – the Turtleback Dome (5300ft/1615m) appears in view. 

At the Chinquapin junction, the ascent up Glacier Point Rd begins. This 16-mile winding road is flanked by green forests and towering views of Merced Canyon below. In winter, you'll only be able to go as far as the Yosemite Ski and Snowboard Area . The route re-opens when the snow melts in May or June, continuing to the crowd-pleasing  Sentinel Dome (8122ft/2476m) hike. 

The best views from your vehicle are at  Washburn Point , which offers  views of nature’s "giant staircase" Nevada and Vernal waterfalls. Further ahead is the road’s namesake – Glacier Point , with commanding views of Yosemite's high country, Yosemite Valley, Half Dome and Yosemite Falls. Double back for 12 miles to cross the Merced River and finish at the historic Victorian-era Wawona Hotel.

4. Ebbetts Pass Scenic Byway

Best for adventure Topaz Lake to Yosemite Valley; 175 miles (281km) one way; 3–4 hours

To the north of Yosemite’s boundaries in the Stanislaus National Forest is a monumental road trip through High Sierras country, with glacier-carved valleys, giant sequoias, pristine lakes, little hamlets and the occasional bald eagle swooping overhead. Named after pioneer John Ebbetts, this road was earmarked as a "route of great promise" for the Transcontinental Railway. The railroad never happened, but a stage road was constructed to serve Silver City, and the miners working here were frequently treated to stellar views as they passed. 

The drive starts in the east on the California – Nevada border at Topaz Lake before turning onto the boulder-flanked Route 89, where it cruises through arid desert-scapes and winds to greener pastures when meeting State Route 4. The crossing point for hikers on the legendary  Pacific Crest Trail , a hiking trail spanning 2650 miles (4270km) from Mexico to Canada, is up ahead. On the north side of the road at the entrance to the PCT, climb the boulder for 360-degree views of mountains, deep green forests and the piercing blue Kinney Reservoir below. Views continue as clearings in the trees reveal snippets of classic mountain scenes, likely snow-tipped at this altitude even in summer. 

Despite its name, Mosquito Lake is an oasis of calm with shimmering waters, trout fishing opportunities and three campgrounds nearby. Intoxicating views of the Dardanelle formation from the Cape Horn Vista Point await three miles west (spot the "sleeping lion" and "elephant" formations in the distance). Giant sequoias dapple the Calaveras Big Trees State Park , and at Lake Alpine and Spicer Snow Park road trippers can stop to play in the snow, with cross-country skiing, dog sledding and snowmobiling  all possible here (book a trip with Bear Valley Adventure ). Continue on to the little mountain town of Arnold before snaking 70 miles along the east side of Yosemite National Park (on the CA-49 and CA-120) through farmlands and green pastures and into Yosemite Valley.

5. Sonora Pass

Best for crowd-free alpine cruising Tenaya Lake to Sonora; 84 miles (135km) one-way; 2 – 3 hours

Just north of Yosemite National Park is California's second-highest road (after Tioga Road), Highway 108/Sonora Pass (9642ft/2939m), which travels between the town of Sonora in the west and Bridgeport to the east. This means it's often overlooked, despite the scenery being just as stunning. The big bonus? Far fewer people on the road. Come here to test your driving skills on the race-track-worthy corners and narrow, steep inclines, while enjoying pinch-yourself scenes. 

The road sweeps through the Kennedy and Leavitt Meadows, pleated mountain vistas, granite rocks and meandering rivers. Start in Yosemite at the glistening Tenaya Lake, heading towards the town of Lee Vining (where you can stock up on supplies and gas for the drive). Pass the otherworldly limestone oddities at Mono Lake , before heading north on Scenic Highway 395. When you reach the Inyo National Forest , swing a left onto Highway 108 and this alpine dream drive begins.

Tips for driving in Yosemite National Park

• Drive at nonpeak times to avoid traffic. Avoid weekends and holidays, and opt for midweek early mornings inside the park. The park has instituted a reservation system for anyone driving through during its busiest times – reserve your spot ahead of your trip. 
• Where possible, take the shuttle around Yosemite Valley. Prepare for delays of an hour or more at park entrance stations. Parking spaces can be scarce.
• Check the status of the roads before you set off – many high-altitude roads are shut in the winter due to snowfall and are not plowed until spring. There is ongoing maintenance, so check at the visitors center or online for alerts before you set off.
• Be bear aware. Avoid leaving food in your car where possible in the daytime (if you must leave it in your car – keep it hidden from sight), and leave no food in your car overnight. Bears have been known to break into cars to find food, causing all kinds of damage to vehicles. Leave food in the bear lockers in parking areas and campsites.
• Fill up with gas before you enter the park. There are two gas stations in Yosemite National Park, but none in Yosemite Valley.

This article was first published Feb 6, 2023 and updated Apr 2, 2024.

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The Ultimate Yosemite Road Trip

This Yosemite road trip itinerary is the perfect way to explore one of America’s most beautiful destinations.

Yosemite National Park is located in California along the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains. It’s famous for its massive rock formations, waterfalls, and giant Sequoias.

If you love road trips and enjoy visiting national parks, I believe you’ll find this Yosemite road trip to be one of the most scenic drives in the country.

This is the same itinerary I follow during my own visits to the park. I find this road trip gets me to all the best spots inside the park with ample time to explore.

At almost 1,200 square miles, there’s a lot to see and do in Yosemite. However, most visitors to the park spend the majority of their time in Yosemite Valley.

While you don’t want to miss the beauty of Yosemite Valley, I recommend making the effort to see the vast majority of the park that remains unseen by most visitors. 

That’s exactly where this Yosemite road trip itinerary will come in handy. It takes you to some of the less congested areas of the park, but ones you definitely don’t want to miss.

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Table of Contents

Yosemite Road Trip Itinerary

In this Yosemite road trip itinerary I’ll take you through the park from the west entrance all the way through to Tuolumne Meadows.

I will note, that in order to get to Tuolumne Meadows you’ll need to drive along the scenic Tioga Pass. The Tioga Pass is closed from about mid November to mid May due to heavy snowfall in the Sierras.

That’s okay though, there is plenty to see in Yosemite no matter when you visit.

Late spring or early summer is the best time to visit Yosemite if you want to see it all. This is also a good time to visit to avoid the busy summer months.

I hope you enjoy your visit to one of the best California National Parks and my personal favorite place to visit in the state.

If you’d like to visit Yosemite but prefer not to drive, you can also join a guided tour from San Francisco. I’ve included a few options up above.

Yosemite Road Trip – Important Information

Several important things to keep in mind before you begin your journey:

• Both the Tioga Pass and Glacier Point roads are closed from late fall to about June. You can check the National Park Service website for updates here . Once cleared, these roads typically remain open until mid November. 
• There are very few gas stations in Yosemite and these are located near the entrances to the park. It is recommended that you fill up your tank before you enter the park. There are no gas stations in Yosemite Valley. 
• Emergency road service is available in the park 24 hours a day by calling 209-372-8320.

Yosemite Road Trip Details

This Yosemite road trip begins at the entrance to the park on Highway 41 just north of Oakhurst. This road trip includes 12 stops inside the park in order starting near this entrance.

The road trip can last as long as you want it to, but I’d be sure to have at least 3 full days to visit all 12 stops. At the end of the road trip, you can leave the park from whichever exit you choose. 

Navigation inside the park: Most guests will be able to use Google Maps to navigate their way through the park.

The stop names included in this road trip can be found in Google Maps.

In the event that your reception inside the park is so bad, you cannot use Google Maps, you can use the park map you received from the ranger station when you entered the park. There aren’t that many roads in the park, so it’s kind of hard to get lost.

If you’re looking for a place to spend the night outside the park, there is a Best Western hotel in the town of Oakhurst.

Make your reservation as soon as possible. The hotel sells out fast, especially during the busy summer months. 

Stop 1: Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias

The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias will be the first stop on your Yosemite road trip.

It’s located just inside the park’s south entrance. One you park your car in the main parking area you can hop on the shuttle up to the Sequoia Grove.

One of the oldest and most famous trees, the Grizzly Giant, can be found a bit further down the trail. In addition to being one of the oldest trees, the Grizzly Giant is also the second-largest tree in the grove. 

As you continue your walk into the grove you will see the Faithful Couple trees up ahead. These two trees grew so close together their trunks have fused at the base.

You’ll also want to keep an eye out for the Columbia tree. At 285 feet tall, this is the tallest tree in the grove and the tallest tree in Yosemite.

You’ll find all these trees along with the two and a half-mile trail that winds through the grove. When you’re done, the trail takes you right back to the shuttle area.

Stop 2: Wawona Hotel

Just a few minutes further up the road towards Yosemite Valley, you will find the historic Wawona Hotel.

The hotel was a former mountain resort built during the Victorian-era in 1856. Today the hotel features 104 rooms decorated with antique furnishings, a spacious dining room, outdoor swimming pool, 9 hole golf course, and riding stables.

During the summer months the hotel has a popular Saturday night barbecue with music and entertainment, which I highly recommend if your timing is right. 

The Wawona Hotel is a National Historic Landmark and worth taking the time to explore. Take a walk through the hotel and the grounds outside.

It’s a beautiful area and also a great spot to grab lunch if you’re hungry. To be honest, this is probably the last good meal you will have inside the park unless you brought your own food.

If you can get into the restaurant at the Wawona Hotel, I encourage you to do so. 

Stop 3: Tunnel View

A stop at Tunnel View is a must on your way into Yosemite Valley. This is your first opportunity to get those sensational Yosemite views you’ve seen online.

This view of Yosemite Valley is absolutely stunning and is the most famous and popular viewpoint in the park.

From the lookout at Tunnel View, you can see the massive face of El Capitan on the left, Half Dome jutting up in the distance, and Bridalveil Fall flowing over the high cliffs on the right.

This is the stuff postcards are made of and you are likely to get some of your favorite vacation photos from this location.

If you’re an early bird, plan a visit to Tunnel view at sunrise for a truly extraordinary experience. 

Stop 4: Yosemite Valley Lodging

After leaving Tunnel View you will make your way into Yosemite Valley.

Depending on the time of year of your visit, you may experience traffic congestion once you reach the valley floor.

Be patient and just enjoy the view as you drive alongside the roaring Merced River on your left as you make your way to your Yosemite lodging. 

I usually try to check into my room at this point so I can get situated before heading out to explore more of the park. If you prefer, you can always wait to check in later as well.

You’ll have several options for lodging in Yosemite Valley. Here are the most popular Yosemite National Park lodging options:

• Housekeeping Camp : This is one of the most affordable and most popular Yosemite camping options in the park. These consist of 3 walled camping areas with two beds inside. You will have an outlet or two to plug things in if you need to. There are shared showers and bathrooms a short walk away. A camp location in Housekeeping Camp will cost around $110 per night. 
• Yosemite Valley Lodge : This is one of the more affordable of the Yosemite hotels and features fully appointed guest rooms with comfortable beds but no air conditioning. Rooms at the Yosemite Valley Lodge average about $280 per night. 
• Curry Village : The Curry Village area features various accommodation options including regular cabins with private baths, tent cabins with shared baths, and motel rooms. Restroom and shower facilities are just a short walk away. Prices for tent cabins begin around $140 per night and regular Yosemite cabins are closer to $250 per night. 
• Ahwahnee Hotel : Formerly The Majestic Yosemite Hotel, this is the most luxurious accommodation found in Yosemite Valley. This is a luxury style hotel with well-appointed guest rooms, dining, and heated outdoor swimming pool. Important note, these rooms will cost you between $500 to $600 per night no matter the time of year of your visit. 

I strongly encourage you to begin looking for accommodations as soon as you know you will be visiting Yosemite.

Many accommodations will sell out when they go on sale a year in advance. Though, I have snagged a reservation at the last minute on multiple occasions due to cancellations.  

If those summer lodging prices scare you, Yosemite in November is absolutely magical. Plus, you can often get deals on park lodging in the fall.

Stop 5: The Merced River

Once you get settled into your accommodations, head down to the Merced River.

If you’re looking for a peaceful way to spend the afternoon, grab your swimsuit, water shoes, and towel and head to one of the designated swimming areas.

Be sure to pack a lunch or bring food for the grill. There are plenty of picnic areas along the river. 

If you’re looking for more adventure, there are sections of the river where you can go tubing. I recommend bringing your own tube if you have one.

The park does not always have the rental booth open and sometimes they run out. Make sure you bring the heavy-duty kind meant for rivers, you will get kicked out quickly if you bring a swimming pool float.

Temperatures in Yosemite Valley frequently get into the 90s in the summer, so having a fun way to cool off will be much appreciated. 

Always pay attention to the park rangers when you’re in or near the river. The water can turn from calm to rapids quickly.

There are several rescues made from the Merced River every year and you do not want to be one of them. 

Stop 6: Valley Tour to Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, and Half Dome

After you’ve spent time checking out the Merced River, complete your tour of the main sights in Yosemite Valley.

You can view Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, and Half Dome by taking a walking or biking tour through the valley.

Yosemite Valley also has a shuttle to take you from place to place. The distances can be a bit long if you’re on foot, but the shuttles come by frequently.

You can do this on your own or as part of a guided tour. I recommend exploring on your own at first. You can always join a tour later if you want to know more about the history and features of the park. 

Stop 7: Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls

Another highlight in Yosemite Valley is the Mist Trail. I recommend tackling this hike on the first morning you wake up in the park.

This is one of the most popular hikes in all of Yosemite and for good reason. The path will take you on a steep climb alongside the massive Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls.

You can find the trailhead for this hike at shuttle stop 16 near Happy Isles. You should know that this hike is entirely uphill and very strenuous. Come prepared and be in good shape before you begin. 

To reach the top of Nevada Falls the hike is seven miles round trip and will take about four to five hours.

To reach the top of Vernal Falls, the hike is three miles round trip and will take about two to three hours. If you just want a close up of the falls and not the full hike experience, you can hike up to the Vernal Falls footbridge.

The hike up to the footbridge is two miles round trip and will take between one and two hours. While the footbridge is only a mile up the trail, it is a very steep mile. Be in good shape for this as well. 

Be advised that the trail gets much more difficult once you get beyond the footbridge.

To reach the top of Vernal Falls you will need to climb over 600 stairs with mist from the waterfall spraying you along the way.

Be sure to have plenty of water and proper shoes. As strenuous as this hike is, it’s also one of the most beautiful hikes you’ll ever do. 

If you’re looking for a much easier hike, consider the Mirror Lake hike instead. This one is about 2.4 miles roundtrip and is mostly flat.

Stop 8: Glacier Point

After your long hike on the Mist Trail, it’s the perfect time to hop back in the car and give your legs a rest.

Heading back outside Yosemite Valley, you’ll make your way up to Glacier Point, another popular lookout spot.

You can reach Glacier Point from the valley in about one hour. From this lookout, you get one of the best views of Half Dome in the park.

You can also see sections of Yosemite Valley, Yosemite Falls, and parts of the high country. The views here rival those at Tunnel View, so you can bet you’ll get some extraordinary photos.

Crowds can be heavy here in the summer, so I recommend making the drive in the late afternoon when crowds have thinned out. Be careful not to arrive too late though.

As the sun begins to set you’ll get lots of shadows making it challenging to get nice photos. 

When making this drive please move slowly. There are lots of deer and other animals in this area, especially as you get closer to Glacier Point. 

Stop 9: Hetch Hetchy Valley and Reservoir

You’ll find the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir about 90 minutes outside of Yosemite Valley along Big Oak Flat Road.

This is a beautiful area of the park perfect for hiking and getting away from the crowds. Despite its incredible beauty, it is not frequently visited by most park visitors.  

Once you’ve arrived in Hetch Hetchy you can go hiking, bird watching, fishing, and backpacking. There are also several points of interest including the O’Shaughnessy Dam, Wapama Fall, and Smith Peak. 

Yosemite Road Trip – Stops Along Tioga Pass Road

The remaining three stops below are all found along the Tioga Pass Road. Again, this is my favorite area of Yosemite and one visited far less frequently than most other areas of the park.

However, Tioga Pass Road goes through the high Sierras so it is closed during the winter months due to snowfall.

The stops below will be accessible along Tioga Road from approximately June to mid-November. If the road is open, I highly recommend this drive, it’s absolutely beautiful.

Stop 10: Olmsted Point

Olmsted Point is one of my favorite viewpoints in Yosemite and far less crowded than tunnel view.

From this lookout point you’ll see incredible views of the High Sierras, Half Dome, and Cloud’s Rest. There’s lots of space to spread out here, so stick around a while and just enjoy the view.

In addition to the views, you’ll also find a few trail heads here, one of which is a short 0.2 miles in length but offers great views of Tenaya Lake, Tenaya Peak, and Mount Conness.

Stop 11: Tenaya Lake

Tenaya Lake is just up the road from Olmsted Point and is one of the clearest lakes I’ve ever seen.

This is one of the largest natural lakes in Yosemite and is a fun spot to have a picnic and watch the kayaks and canoes go by when the weather is nice.

The lake is situated alongside Tioga Road so you can see it as you drive by. You’ll find parking along the road way on your right.

Stop 12: Tuolomne Meadows

Tuolumne Meadows is located on the eastern side of Yosemite and is one of the highlights of your Yosemite road trip.

Here you will find incredible views of the high country, green meadows, pristine lakes, mountains, and miles of hiking trails.

The famous Pacific Crest Trail can be accessed from this part of the park as well.

In addition, there are dozens of other hikes, of varying length and difficulty that can be accessed off Tioga Pass road.

Soda Springs and Parsons Lodge or Gaylor Lakes are some of the shorter hikes, while Cathedral Lakes, Mono Pass or Glen Aulin are the longer hikes.

If you really want to get out and explore the high country, you can hike to Vogelsang High Sierra Camp.

For those intending to complete these long distance hikes, backpacking gear will be necessary. Be sure to do your research and plan ahead before setting out on these trails.

For those setting out on shorter hikes, be sure to pack a lunch, some snacks, and plenty of water for this trip. You will not find food or drinks along the way.

I also suggest bringing a sweater or jacket. While it’s 90 degrees in Yosemite Valley, temperatures in the high Sierras can get quite cold, even in the summer. 

If you get an early start, you can get to Tuolumne Meadows and back to Yosemite Valley by late afternoon or early evening. 

Details for driving the Tioga Pass to Tuolumne Meadows

To get to Tuolumne Meadows from Yosemite Valley, you need to take the Tioga Pass road. The Tioga Pass is a mountainous stretch of highway running through the high Sierra Nevadas.

This route is only open in the late spring and summer, as it is typically covered in snow the remainder of the year and closed to all traffic.

If you’re fortunate enough to be visiting Yosemite while the Tioga Pass is open, I highly recommend taking the time to see Tuolumne Meadows. 

The drive from Yosemite Valley to Tuolumne Meadows is about 90 minutes without stops.

However, you will not get there in 90 minutes because you will want to stop quite a bit. There are many beautiful lookouts and things to see.

Take your time on your Yosemite road trip and enjoy having this part of the park mostly to yourself. 

Final Night in Yosemite Valley

After returning from your drive out to Tuolumne Meadows you will return to Yosemite Valley.

This is your final night and your last stop on the Ultimate Yosemite Road Trip. Take a walk through the park at sunset before dinner.

Then spend a relaxing evening with a cocktail or glass of wine by the fire at The Ahwahnee. If it’s a clear night consider joining the Starry Night Skies Over Yosemite tour that begins at 9:00 p.m. 

Final Thoughts

All of the above stops on the Ultimate Yosemite Road Trip can easily be done in three or four days.

Make all the stops you want as you’re driving around. The best part of any road trip is that there’s no schedule to keep. 

If you prefer to visit Yosemite without all the driving, there are plenty of great Yosemite tours available as well.

They will handle all the details and all the driving so you can just relax and enjoy the park. 

Ideas for Other National Park Road Trips

If you’ve got more time, there are so many other amazing places to visit in the U.S .

If you’re looking for other National Parks trips to take, here are some excellent ideas for National Park road trips on the West Coast of the United States.

• Sequoia National Park
• Kings Canyon National Park
• Zion National Park
• Yellowstone National Park
• Grand Teton National Park
• Monument Valley
• Death Valley National Park

Distances to Yosemite National Park from popular nearby destinations

• San Francisco to Yosemite road trip distance:   4 hours 30 minutes
• Big Sur to Yosemite road trip distance : 5 hours
• San Jose to Yosemite road trip distance:   4 hours 10 minutes
• Los Angeles to Yosemite road trip distance:   6 hours
• San Diego to Yosemite road trip distance:   8 hours 20 minutes
• Phoenix to Yosemite road trip distance:   11 hours 30 minutes
• Seattle to Yosemite road trip distance:   16 hours
• Grand Canyon to Yosemite road trip distance:   9 hours 45 minutes

I hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to the Ultimate Yosemite Road Trip and that I’ve inspired you to book a trip of your own. As always, thanks for reading.

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Yosemite Itinerary: Ultimate First Time Visitor Guide (1, 2 & 3 Day Itinerary)

by Mark and Kristen Morgan

Published: July 29, 2020

Yosemite is a treasure trove of beauty and one of the crown jewels among the very best USA National Parks . This Yosemite itinerary will help you plan the most efficient way to spend your time in this spectacular corner of California. 

The spellbinding awe of Yosemite’s landscapes, smooth domed rock formations and unspeakably majestic valley have to be seen in person to be believed.

We will show you the best way to spend 1, 2 and 3 days at Yosemite to cover day trips, weekend breaks and those fortunate to have an extra day.

No matter how long you spend here, we know you will be swept off your feet – just like the great writers and photographers who immortalized Yosemite before you.

2023 Update : You  do not  need an advanced reservation to visit Yosemite National Park this year. The only exception is weekends in February for those who want to see Horsetail Fall on fire.

Why Visit Yosemite National Park?

Yellowstone is arguably the King of US National Parks – being the first established and immensely popular – but every King needs a Queen and Yosemite National Park’s astonishing grandeur is regal enough for our vote .

The park has something for everyone, from family vacations and couples who love hiking , to expert rock climbers and pro photographers.

Beloved panoramas of sweeping valleys, waterfalls and famous granite monoliths steal the show at Yosemite. Photography enthusiasts will be blown away.

El Capitan and Half Dome are even more impressive than you imagine but simply driving through Yosemite valley is scenic enough to justify a visit.

Various stop-off points around the valley scenic loop road are perfect for the less able or young children.

Yosemite is the gift that keeps on giving. It also happens to be a hikers paradise with hundreds of epic miles of trails with awe-inspiring climaxes to spur you on.

In summary, you should visit Yosemite National Park in California because it is a natural wonder perfect for everyone!

Yosemite National Park Factfile

Address : PO Box 577, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389 Website : nps.gov/yose Phone : (209) 372-0200 Park Hours : All day, every day Entrance Fee : US$ 35 Vehicle 7 Day Pass (or free with America the Beautiful Pass ) Campgrounds : Yes, spread across the park (see campgrounds) Accommodation : Notoriously challenging, some lodging in Yosemite Valley, more in surrounding areas Backcountry camping : Backcountry Use Permit Required Top Activities : Hiking, Camping, Rock Climbing, Stargazing, photography Annual Visitors : 4.5 million

How To Get To Yosemite National Park

Flying / Closest Airports to Yosemite

Smaller –  Fresno-Yosemite International, Merced and Modesto airports are all under 3 hours drive from the National Park.

Larger –  San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Sacramento and Reno-Tahoe airports are all under 5 hours drive. More flights and of course the only options for those traveling from further afield.

• We always use and recommend searching for flights with  Skyscanner  for best prices, options and user experience.
• If you plan to hire a car and drive to Yosemite, compare prices and options with Rental Cars for best value.

Related : Save money with our 15 expert tips on finding cheap flights

Driving Entrances to Yosemite

There are a total of 5 entrances to Yosemite National Park but we will focus on the 4 with access to Yosemite Valley.

Tioga Pass Entrance (East, only open May-October, crosses Sierra Nevada);  Big Oak Flat Entrance (Northwest);  Arch Rock Entrance (Southwest) and  South Entrance (South).

Hetch Hetchy is the 5th entrance to park boundaries but it is a secluded and does not lead to the main Yosemite attractions.

• Los Angeles, Sequoia, Kings Canyon, Joshua Tree and San Diego – enter via Fresno and South Entrance
• San Jose – enter via Arch Rock entrance
• San Francisco and Oakland – enter via either Arch Rock Entrance or Big Oak Flat Entrance
• Sacramento (and North to Oregon/Washington) – enter via Big Oak Flat Entrance
• Reno, Las Vegas, Death Valley (and East to all US) – enter via Tioga Pass Entrance (May-Oct)

Read about the best things to do in  San Francisco , Los Angeles and San Diego to help plan your California road trip.

Public Transport Options to Yosemite

Amtrak offer a train/bus combination from most major cities around California. Be aware there could be a number of transfers and it will take between 5-7 hours from San Francisco.

Alternatively, you can book a greyhound to Merced and hop on a Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS).

This would pass though Mariposa, Midpines and El Portal (all places you might be forced to stay in Summer with lack of accommodation options) and enter via Arch Rock.

YARTS also runs services from Sonora (Big Oak Flat entrance), Mammoth Lakes (Tioga Pass entrance) and Fresno (South entrance). More information on YARTS .

Yosemite Valley Shuttle

Yosemite provides a free shuttle bus which loops around the valley regularly, saving on congestion and pollution.

Especially in Summer, you will need to arrive very early and if you are fortunate enough to find a parking space near Yosemite village, do not move your car until you are ready to leave!

Take the shuttle bus that you can hop on – hop off at each stop.

Do you need help planning your visit to Yosemite National Park? Our popular 50 page Yosemite Guidebook and Itinerary covers every aspect of planning a trip to Yosemite including hikes, hotels, restaurants, getting around, things to do and so much more!

Best Time To Visit Yosemite National Park

Close your eyes and point to an annual calendar … it doesn’t matter which date you choose, Yosemite is going to blow you away. Every season offers its own unique take on the park and you will have to compromise one thing for another.

Summer is renowned for being unbearably packed so we advise if possible to plan your Yosemite itinerary in Spring or Fall.

• Spring – The best time to visit for waterfalls in full flow, spring bloom, fewer crowds than Summer, will need layers for hot/cold/hiking.
• Summer – Slightly longer daylight hours, warmer weather, overcrowding problem, busy trails, traffic jams, book accommodation way in advance to stand a chance.
• Fall – Gorgeous autumnal foliage colors, barely any water flowing, comfortable temperatures and crowd levels, layers required.
• Winter – Unique time to visit Yosemite with Skiing, Ice Skating and Snowshoeing very popular. Expect fewer crowds, stunning winter wonderland scenery and cold weather.

We first visited Yosemite National Park in October at the heart of the Fall season and like many places in the US at this time of year, it was beautiful. However, we were (extremely!) disappointed the postcard perfect waterfalls were bone dry.

But hey, that’s the trade off. And you can see how pretty the autumnal foliage is in this Yosemite itinerary. Next time we will visit in Spring!

Best Things To Do In Yosemite National Park

The overwhelming majority of best things for you to do on your Yosemite itinerary are within Yosemite Valley itself. However, there are other amazing places to explore away from the valley that are far less crowded.

Here are some of the top highlights for you to consider in Yosemite:

Half Dome Hike

Half Dome is Yosemite’s iconic granite dome at the far end of the valley appearing as though a meat cleaver sliced it precisely in half.

Standing proudly at just under 5,000 feet above Yosemite Valley and dominating most nearby viewpoints, Half Dome is one of the most sought after and amazing hikes in the world.

What was once considered inaccessible can now be accessed by multiple rock climbing routes and one hiking path. This hiking path is only open between Memorial Day and Columbus Day (May-Oct) and is not for the feint hearted.

Cables are inserted each May to aid hikers with the final stretch to Half Dome summit and it is steep. Extremely steep.

Many take this hike on and have to be assisted by park rangers each year because they underestimated either its difficulty or they were afraid of heights.

Half Dome Lottery Permit

In order to summit Half Dome, you will need a permit and they are not easy to acquire. To be in with a chance, you have to enter a lottery in March for the upcoming season. Only 300 hikers are permitted to summit Half Dome per day, consisting of 225 day hikers and 75 backpackers.

You can apply for up to 6 people and you can only apply once.

If you are successful, you will become the permit holder and everyone else in your party become alternates. This is important because the permit holder must be present on the day for any of the group to summit.

If you are unsuccessful, you can take your chances by applying for a permit in the daily lottery. You can apply 2 days before the date you want to hike Half Dome.

For example, you apply on Monday to hike on Wednesday. You find out the same day if you are successful. Read NPS guidelines for Half Dome to plan your hike.

Half Dome is one of the best hikes in the world but it isn’t easy. To reach the base of Half Dome, you can either take:

• John Muir trail (longer but more gradual) at 16.4 miles roundtrip
• Mist trail at 14 miles roundtrip (shorter but steeper)
• Or a combination of both trails in a loop

Most people take between 10-12 hours total time for this round trip route to Half Dome summit.

Leave at sunrise and give yourself / your group a non negotiable turn around time. For example, if you haven’t summited by 2pm, turn around.

Check Yosemite sunrise times before your visit.

The Mist Trail / John Muir Trail Loop

Half Dome is the quintessential Yosemite hike but don’t sweat it if you can’t get a permit or you visit out of season. Yosemite has a ton of awesome alternatives and here’s something to remember:

You can’t see Half Dome from the top of Half Dome!!

Mist trail is Yosemite’s signature hike and therefore the most crowded trail in the park. You will pass two of Yosemite’s rock-star status waterfalls in Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls on this fantastic hike.

Views over Yosemite Valley and the back of Half Dome from Nevada Falls are worth the effort.

• Trail Distance : 7 miles roundtrip / 8 miles roundtrip Mist up, John Muir down loop (add on 1.5 miles roundtrip if walking from Curry village and not taking park shuttle to trailhead)
• Elevation Gain : 1,900 feet to Nevada Falls
• Trail Time : 4-6 hours if loop completed
• Trail Difficulty : Moderate / Strenuous

In peak season or weekends through Spring/Fall be sure to set off either very early or later in the afternoon to avoid the mid-morning rush.

Read our complete Yosemite Mist Trail hiking guide to learn more, featuring John Muir Loop, Vernal and Nevada Fall, maps and tips to help plan your hike.

Bridalveil Fall

Bridalveil Fall will be the very first waterfall you see as you enter Yosemite Valley. It is the iconic waterfall to the right of famous valley images taken in Spring when the fall thunders.

During Summer and Fall Bridalveil Fall is wispy and a light spray trickles from 189 meters above a viewing area.

The trail is just 0.5 miles roundtrip close to a car park which makes it perfect for young children or those with less able family members.

Yosemite Falls

The mighty Yosemite Falls is the tallest waterfall in North America and the fifth tallest in the world.

However, you will only see water here between November and July – as you can see in our photo above taken in October the falls were bone dry.

You can hike to Lower Yosemite Falls, an easy 1 mile flat round trip trail (where the photo above was taken) or hike a strenuous 6-8 hour / 7 mile roundtrip trail to Upper Yosemite Falls.

“El Cap” is one of the most impressive and iconic monolithic features in all of Yosemite.

If you hadn’t heard of it a few years back, you certainly have now thanks to nail biting television productions bringing extreme rock climbing to a wider audience.

Watch The Dawn Wall and Free Solo before visiting El Capitan.

When you arrive at the base of El Cap after a short easy hike from a nearby car park, look up and you will really appreciate what these climbers achieved!

Aside from its notoriety, El Capitan is a mightily impressive granite feature in Yosemite. It is best viewed from El Capitan Meadow, Tunnel View and Valley View (more on these later).

Sunrise is the most beautiful time to photograph El Cap as the pink rays of first light illuminate its famous wall. 

For those with more time in Yosemite who want to say they’ve walked on the summit of El Cap, you can either climb it or hike a 13.5 strenuous round trip trail beginning close to Yosemite Falls.

Views are not as impressive as at the summit of Half Dome but hey, you’re standing on top of El Cap!

Tioga Pass Road

Tioga Pass Road runs from Yosemite’s Northeast entrance (near Mammoth Lakes) to Big Oak Flat Road close to Yosemite Valley entrance.

Use this entrance if also visiting Lake Tahoe, Death Valley or the best natural northern California hot springs around Mammoth Lakes.

This road is also known as CA Highway 120 and is incredibly scenic with plenty of awesome stops along the way.

Although the majority of Yosemite’s highlights are in the valley, Tioga Pass Road – known as the High Sierra – is a fantastic place to begin/end a 3 day itinerary if you have the spare time.

Here are some recommended highlights:

• Hike to Dog Lake and Lembert Dome Summit – 4 mile roundtrip with awesome views.
• Cathedral Lakes hike – 7 mile roundtrip and one of the most popular in the area.
• Olmsted Point – Fantastic viewpoint featuring huge cracked and smooth boulders.
• Others to consider include Tenaya Lake, Gaylor Lakes and Mono Pass (but you can’t do them all!).

Note : Tioga Pass Road is only open May-October. You will not be able to cross the Sierra Nevada on this road between November and April.

Sequoia Tree Groves

Although not on the scale of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, Yosemite has its own fair share of gigantic Sequoia Trees.

There are three main areas you can walk among Yosemite’s Sequoias:

1. Tuolumne Grove – Located at the joining of Tioga Pass Road and Big Oak Flat Road. A 2.5 mile roundtrip trail with a sharp descent to the grove (and sharp ascent back to the car park) is home to around 30 mature Sequoias.

One dead Sequoia has had a tunnel cut through its base so you can pass underneath and appreciate the circumference of these enormous trees.

2. Mariposa Grove – Located near South entrance. This is the largest and best Sequoia grove in Yosemite with over 500 mature giant Sequoias.

Hike the Big Trees Loop trail if short on time, otherwise, hike the 2 mile Grizzly Giant Loop trail. There are longer trails for those with more days.

3. Merced Grove – The smallest Sequioa grove is located further up Big Oak Flat Road on the way in or out of Yosemite. There are only 20 Giant Sequoias but it is by far the least crowded of the three groves.

You know they’re going to be massive, everything you see and read tells you that, but when you see one in person you will still be shocked!

Glacier Point

Glacier Point boasts the best panorama in all of Yosemite, arguably on par with Half Dome. However, getting to Glacier Point is not the easiest or most enjoyable.

You have to drive 16 miles up Glacier Point road – a very congested, constantly winding and at times extremely narrow road. That being said, it is without question worth the drama!

Access to this road is 23 miles from South entrance and best driven either at the beginning or end of your Yosemite itinerary.

Magnificent 270 degree views over Half Dome, Yosemite Valley and the Merced River are unbelievable. Glacier Point and nearby Washburn Point are the best places in Yosemite to watch sunset.

There are a number of hikes at nearby trailheads: 

• Sentinel Dome – 2.2 mile roundtrip, moderate and find Jeffrey Pine (one of the most photographed trees in the world).
• Taft Point and the Fissures – 2.2 mile roundtrip, easy and stunning views without guardrails found at Glacier Point.
• Four Mile Trail – You can hike to Glacier Point from Yosemite Valley if you take this strenuous 9.6 mile roundtrip trail.
• Panorama – This is an extension of Mist/John Muir trail which can be joined close to Nevada Falls and hiked to Glacier Point, but its 8.5 miles one way and strenuous.

One tip for photographers is to consider the time of your visit because huge valley covering shadows appear in the later afternoon. Astrophotography would be perfect at Glacier Point.

Yosemite Valley

Do not entirely disregard Yosemite Valley in favor of hikes and domes. There are a number of fantastic photography spots around the Merced River, often with reflections of granite monoliths or beautiful autumnal foliage.

Yosemite’s one way loop means you can pull the car over as often as you like. It is perfect for families with older or younger members to enjoy the beauty of this National Park.

Some of the notable stops include Cathedral Beach, Sentinel Beach, Swinging Bridge, Sentinel Bridge, El Capitan Bridge and Valley View (the best one).

You can see the likes of El Capitan and the Three Brothers reflect perfectly on still water in Fall.

Yosemite is one of the top places to visit in the US and you will be blown away by the sheer beauty inside Yosemite Valley. Plan to spend a lot of time here.

Best Yosemite Photography Locations

Yosemite national park is a beautiful part of America, the perfect environment for landscape and nature lovers. Photography doesn’t get much easier than inside the valley, looking up at waterfalls and towering granite domes.

We truly enjoyed taking photographs around Yosemite and will definitely be back in future for many more.

If you would like to see all of our favorites from the park in more detail, read our complete guide to Yosemite Photography next.

Tunnel View

Tunnel View is the quintessential Yosemite photograph made famous by Ansel Adams.

You will see the majestic flat face of El Capitan to the left, straight ahead at the end of the valley is Half Dome on a slight angle and Bridalveil Fall to the right.

Vistas don’t get any better than this wobbly-knees-moment anywhere in the world.

Spring is the best time to capture this iconic image at its most powerful. Bridalveil fall takes the photograph to another level and you won’t get it in Summer or Fall.

Winter is another excellent time to photograph Yosemite Valley from Tunnel View as it is shrouded in mist and a light sprinkling of snow.

There is no hiking involved, you simply park at one of the lots close to Wawona/Yosemite Tunnel just a few minutes drive from the Valley. Arrive at sunrise to avoid the crowd. Sunset will inevitably be busy, particularly in Summer.

Go to Tunnel View instead of driving to Glacier Point for stars, which would be amazing but a lot of effort.

T he Milky Way will appear over the tunnel and you can get a great night shot with the tunnel in your foreground.

Also, if you take a long exposure over Yosemite Valley with a wide angle lens, you will see white streaks on El Capitan – they are rock climbers making a night climb to El Cap’s summit. Pretty cool, right?!

Valley View

Depending on the type of photography you prefer, Valley View could beat Tunnel View when you consider how much more you can capture in the foreground.

With still water at sunrise, you can compose an image with a reflecting El Capitan glowing red. This place gets busy and there’s not a lot of room to park so plan accordingly, particularly around sunset.

Take a sturdy tripod and wade out into the river – if it is safe to do so – for enhanced composition. Maybe even walk out to a rock and get a photo of yourself in the foreground?!

Various Yosemite Valley / Merced River Rest Areas

As we mentioned earlier, these Valley floor stop offs aren’t to be missed!

You will see plenty of pro photographers at various points of the day wading through the shallow Merced river (in Fall) searching for the best river reflection shots of towering granite rocks.

Yosemite Valley Meadow

Walk out into the meadows around Yosemite Valley using wooden boardwalks. You will be able to shoot different perspectives of the valley and all of the major features within it.

When we visited in Fall, the meadows had turned yellowy-brown and straw like. Barely anyone will be around and you can get creative with your images.

Yosemite Itinerary Broken Up Into Regions

Phew! That’s a lot of information to digest. Yosemite is a big park and it helps to understand the layout.

Above is a map of Yosemite broken into 3 regions: North, Valley and South. You will find each of the 4 entrances labeled to give you an idea of the routes around Yosemite.

Note : This is separate to the Interactive Map at the end of this article on which you can zoom in / out and move around to orientate yourself with Yosemite, accommodation options and itinerary highlights.

How Many Days For The Perfect Yosemite Itinerary?

Yosemite is an incredible place, if there’s ever been a true ‘bucket list’ destination, this is it. You could easily spend weeks here and not get bored. However, that is entirely unrealistic for the majority of visitors.

Personally, we believe three days is the perfect amount of time to spend at Yosemite, considering work/life/family commitments and what you can achieve here in 3 days.

However, 2 days will allow you to hit most of the major sights and even in one day you can still get through a big slice of Yosemite pie.

Let’s get stuck into the most efficient way to visit Yosemite for each of those timeframes and make the most of your trip.

Yosemite Itinerary Assumptions

The following itineraries do not include hiking Half Dome. If you are hiking Half Dome it will take one full day but you can pick up the 2 or 3 day itineraries around the big hiking day.

One and Two Day itineraries should begin and end either at Big Flat Oak, Arch Rock or South entrances; a common loop route from San Francisco.

Three day itinerary should begin at East entrance and end at South entrance or vice versa for maximum efficiency, ideally as part of a wider US road trip .

An example route would be Las Vegas – Death Valley – Yosemite – San Francisco .

Yosemite Itinerary Map

We have created a 3 day Yosemite Itinerary map to show you how we would spend 3 days in the park.

Please note the map is based on our 3 day itinerary listed below. Our 1 and 2 day Yosemite itineraries do not feature in this map.

Click into the interactive map, zoom in / out, scroll around and click on any icon to see details of attractions on days 1 -3.  Follow the points each day from morning to evening for the most efficient way to see Yosemite.

We always find that spending just a few minutes working out where things are really helps when we arrive.

One Day In Yosemite Itinerary

Morning – Day 1

• With just one day available, you will need to arrive early and expect to leave late.
• Drive straight to Yosemite Valley and watch sunrise at Tunnel View .
• Right next to Tunnel View you can park up at Bridalveil Falls trailhead and hike the short trail.
• Drive around the one way loop and take the first left as if leaving the park. Stop at El Capitan meadow/bridge to see the impressive granite tower contrast against the shadowy foreground you are standing in.
• Continue as though you are leaving the valley and stop at Valley View for the other spectacular viewpoint in the park for photography.
• Do not leave the valley, instead drive round in a loop to join back up where you were not long ago. Frustrating to be retracing steps but necessary.
• Drive past the turn you made to El Cap and stop at Cathedral Beach or Sentinel Beach to see reflections of trees and granite towers in the Merced River.
• Continue to the Visitor Center parking lot and park up. Take the shuttle to Mist/John Muir trailhead.

Afternoon – Day 1

• Hike to Vernal Falls and if you’re quicker you can make it up to Nevada Falls . Go down on whichever trail you didn’t go up on to complete the loop.
• Drive to Lower Falls trailhead and walk the short loop to see the tallest waterfall in North America. You won’t have time to hike to Upper Falls.
• On the way out of Yosemite Valley, stop at El Capitan and walk to its base so you can appreciate the sheer scale.
• Drive through Wawona Tunnel and take Glacier Point Road all the way to the end in time for sunset over Half Dome.

2 Days In Yosemite Itinerary

M orning – Day 1

• Enter via Big Flat Oak entrance before stopping at Tuolumne Grove to see Giant Sequoias.
• Drive down into Yosemite Valley, stopping first at Bridalveil Falls, then El Capitan Meadow and Valley View.
• Loop around, stop at every turn off along the valley until you reach either your hotel, lodge or campground. From your hotel or campground, make your way to Mist Trail and hike up to Vernal Falls / Nevada Falls.

A fternoon – Day 1

• Drive the loop, stopping at Cook’s Meadow Loop and Lower Yosemite Falls.
• Walk to the base of El Capitan, stop once more at Valley View and head up to Tunnel View for amazing vistas.
• Head back towards your hotel/campground but stop to watch sunset at either Stoneman Meadow near Curry Village or Sentinal Bridge close to the visitor center. You will have an excellent view of Half Dome at both.
• If you want to stargaze or take astro shots, Summer is best and head to Sentinel Dome / Glacier Point (a long drive) Valley View, Tunnel View or Sentinel Bridge (closer).

M orning – Day 2

• Grab an early start and hike to Upper Yosemite Falls or even further to El Capitan summit. In Spring definitely hike the Falls and only the quicker hikers should continue to El Capitan on the morning of day 2.
• That will take up your entire morning!
• Alternatively, spend the morning walking around the visitor center, Ansel Adams gallery (we bought an awesome astrophotography book here!) and more time in the meadows/valley floor for amazing photography.

A fternoon – Day 2

• Drive through Wawona Tunnel (stopping again at Tunnel View – time of day impacts images) and onto Glacier Point Road. Stop at Taft Point / Sentinel Dome trailhead and choose one of them to hike. Both are great choices.
• Continue to Glacier Point before the huge shadows of late afternoon arrive for the best photographs of Half Dome. It will be busy up here!
• Leave via South entrance but stop at Mariposa Grove to hike the 2 mile Grizzly Giant loop among Giant Sequoia Trees.

Yosemite 3 Day Itinerary

• Enter via South entrance, stop at Mariposa Grove and hike among Giant Sequoias including Grizzly Giant and California Tunnel Tree.
• Head North and take Glacier Point Road all the way to the end. Enjoy sweeping views over Half Dome and the 3,000 feet drop to Yosemite Valley. The views are simply stunning.
• Hike to either Sentinel Dome or Taft Point for more astounding views.
• Drive all the way into Yosemite Valley, stopping at Tunnel View, Bridalveil Fall, El Capitan Meadow/Bridge, Cathedral Beach and Sentinel Beach.
• Check in to your hotel or campground before walking around the Visitor Center and Ansel Adams gallery.
• Sunset at Sentinel Bridge or Stoneman Meadow with great views of Half Dome and stargaze at any of the places mentioned earlier.
• Wake up early to hike up Mist trail before the crowds arrive. Vernal and Nevada Falls, Liberty Cap and the backside of Half Dome await you.
• Return via the John Muir Trail to complete the loop.
• Expect between 4-6 hours of total hiking time.

Afternoon – Day 2

• Walk the Lower Yosemite Falls loop. We saw a mountain lion cub on the loop when we visited. Fortunately we avoided the mother!
• A little further round the loop, hike to the base of El Capitan to see how frightening the prospect of free climbing it would be! More than likely there will be climbers on the wall. Take a telephoto lens or binoculars.
• Spend the remainder of the afternoon around Yosmite Valley’s many meadows, special viewpoints and river reflection spots.

Morning – Day 3

• If you’re a big hiker and don’t mind early starts – wake up and hike to Upper Yosemite Falls as early as possible. Alternatively, hike Four Mile Trail to Glacier Point.
• Both are strenuous and will take a good few hours.
• For those who prefer an easier morning / if you missed Mariposa Grove at the beginning of Day 1 – drive to Mariposa Grove at the start of Tioga Pass Road to walk among Giant Sequoias.

A fternoon – Day 3

• Before lunch both of the above would converge around Mariposa Grove (hikers wouldn’t have time for the Sequoias). Begin the drive up Tioga Pass Road.
• Stop at Olmsted Point for more awesome views including Half Dome and walk around Tuolumne Meadows.
• Choose either Cathedral Lakes trail (7 mile popular roundtrip) or Dog Lake and Lembert Dome(4 mile roundtrip with excellent views from dome summit).
• Leave via East entrance.

Note: This 3 day Yosemite itinerary can easily be done in reverse (East to South entrances)

Yosemite National Park Map of Key Locations and Accommodation

Spend a few minutes studying our interactive itinerary map of Yosemite National Park and its surrounding areas.

Click on the map, zoom in / out and move around to orientate yourself with the park.

• Hotels and Campgrounds in and around the National Park – Purple Markers
• Gas Stations (don’t run out!), Entrances, Visitor Center and Car Parks – Black Markers
• Hiking Trails, Domes, Photography Locations, Major Points of Interest – Orange Markers

Learning the local geography is the best way to save time when you actually arrive into Yosemite.

Where To Stay For Your Yosemite Itinerary

Yosemite’s beauty is revered on a global scale but its popularity means finding somewhere to sleep can be a real problem, particularly in peak season.

We’ve written an extremely popular guide to the best places to stay in Yosemite National Park which we highly recommend as a very useful planning resource.

Campgrounds are notoriously difficult to book and often hotels close to the park charge exorbitant fees.

Whether you prefer camping or hotels, the earlier you know your Yosemite itinerary dates, the better. Be as organized as humanly possible – we’re talking months in advance here! 

Our example

We visited Yosemite in October and began to look for accommodation around 1 week before but barely anything was available.

We lucked out with a spot at Upper Pines campground on 1 of our 3 nights but no other spaces at any campground opened up for our other nights.

So, we spent a night in one of the top hotels in Mammoth Lakes the first night and began Day 1 very early entering from East entrance.

Night 2 we spent in a less than perfect yurt-like cabin (yes it was very cold!) between El Portal and Incline, and night 3 was in Upper Pines campground.

From experience, we can tell you how inconvenient driving in and out of the park is each day. But it will be far cheaper.

Another trade off!

Mariposa is a great place to base yourself to save money. We stayed at Best Western Plus  Mariposa on night 4 and enjoyed a pizza at Pizza Factory after a few days of camp food!

Book in advance if you don’t want to be traveling long distances or moving every night.

Yosemite Campgrounds

If you know your dates early and are certain you want to camp, book immediately. The same goes for backpackers and Half Dome hikers. The earlier the better in all circumstances at Yosemite!

Here are the 4 campgrounds in Yosemite Valley:

• Upper Pines – Reservations required, available to book 5 months in advance, 238 sites, US$ 26 / night.
• Lower Pines – Reservations required, available to book 5 months in advance, 60 sites, US$ 26 / night.
• North Pines – Reservations required, available to book 5 months in advance, 81 sites, US$ 26 / night.
• Camp 4 – Late May to early September campsites are only available through a daily lottery one day in advance ( information here ). September to May is first-come, first-served but fills early and is only US$ 6 / night.

There are more camping options North and South of Yosemite in Wawona and Tioga Pass road. Check NPS for all Yosemite campground information .

Camping Exclusive

Would you like to camp in Yosemite National Park but can’t find any campsite availability?

We have teamed up with The Dyrt to offer our readers the chance to take advantage of our exclusive  30 day free trial of The Dyrt PRO , which can help you get reservations at sold out campgrounds in Yosemite National Park by using a fantastic new feature called Dyrt Alerts.

You can create alerts to notify you of any cancelations at campgrounds in Yosemite, which is huge. When a space becomes available, you simply book it right away to snag a near impossible campsite in Yosemite.

You can try The Dyrt PRO for free, no strings attached!

Hotels Near Yosemite

Booking hotels in and around Yosemite takes a bit of perseverance and a lot of patience. Usually, we would say being flexible gives you the best chance of grabbing a good deal.

However, unless you book a long way in advance, you might not have a choice to be flexible.

Your first step should be to take a look at  hotels and lodges in Yosemite Valley for availability and prices. These hotels and lodges are booked through the National Park Service.

Availability and prices for your selected dates may not work for you. In that case you will need to find a hotel as close to the park as possible .

Your best bet is to find any hotels that have availability for your travel dates. Here’s a complete list of all hotels near Yosemite National Park .

• Input your dates
• Search by list or better yet by map
• Find a hotel (or hotels) in the best regions of the park to suit your itinerary

Cabins / Lodges / Yurts Near Yosemite

A decent compromise between high prices in Yosemite Valley and long drives in/out from the likes of Mariposa is to stay in a yurt, lodge or tent.

There are plenty of these small lodge grounds in places like El Portal, Incline, Yosemite West, Wawona and Fish Camp.

More From Yosemite

• Yosemite Mist Trail: Fun Hike to Vernal and Nevada Falls (John Muir Loop)
• Where To Stay At Yosemite: Best Places, Hotels and Lodging Options
• Yosemite In October: 10 Important Things To Know Before You Go
• Yosemite Photography: Best Locations, Iconic Landmarks and Epic Vistas

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Need Help With Planning Your Trip To Yosemite National Park?

Yosemite is a spectacular landscape and a firm favorite among nature enthusiasts. But it is also one of the more challenging US national parks to plan.

We have created a 50 page guidebook and itinerary filled with key information and expert advice, example itineraries for hikers and non-hikers, and all essential things to know for both planning and when you are on site in Yosemite.

If you want to make the most of your trip to Yosemite, our guidebook is the perfect resource for you.

We hope this helped you plan your Yosemite National Park itinerary!

Have you been to Yosemite? What was your favorite part?

Please let us know if you have any questions or need any help planning your visit to Yosemite in the comments below.

Happy Travels ,

Mark and Kristen

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All Rights Reserved © Where Are Those Morgans, LLC. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, maps, graphics, etc.) in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.

Mark and Kristen Morgan are travel, hiking and photography experts. Over the last 6 years traveling full time, they have explored more than 40 countries and 30 US states.

Where Are Those Morgans has been featured in USA Today, Gestalten, Get Your Guide, CityPASS and Condé Nast Traveler along with various other publications. Read more about us .

12 thoughts on “Yosemite Itinerary: Ultimate First Time Visitor Guide (1, 2 & 3 Day Itinerary)”

Hello Mark, I want to come from San francisco to yesemite for 2 days and then go to lake taho via tioga pass from October 17th to 18 ( at yosemite) and leave either on 19th or 20th to lake taho. I just need little help to let me know how to exit the park for tioga pass to Lake taho. I have seen your maps but i just needed littel help. YOU have done such a wonderful job of visiting yosemite in october…thank you Mark

Hi Anjana, we’re glad to hear you will be visiting Yosemite in October, the valley is beautiful and a little less crowded this time of year. You should be fine leaving Yosemite via Tioga Pass Road on October 20th (the earliest they have closed that road in the last 10 years is October 21 but it is usually November). You will exit Yosemite Valley on Big Oak Flat Road and take a right turn onto Tioga Road near Tuolumne Grove. That road will take you all the way out of the park to the northeast. Once you reach Lee Vining, take a left onto US-395 N heading for South Lake Tahoe. Have a great time!

Any chance you have a similar guide for Kings Canyon/Sequoia and Joshua Tree?

Hi Kyle, Unfortunately we do not, but we hope to have more Guidebooks published later this year. In the meantime, feel free to reach out with any questions 🙂

Great article!!

We are coming in from Monterey and staying 1 night in Mariposa… Which entrance and itinerary would be best suited to us please!

Thanks, Vish! If you are coming in from Monterey, the best entrance to use is Arch Rock entrance on El Portal Road. Assuming you have 2 days including travel both ways we would suggest spending the first day exploring all of Yosemite Valley after arriving, staying in Mariposa, heading back into Yosemite via Oakhurst and Fish Camp so you can do the Mariposa Grove of Sequoias and Glacier Point, before maybe hiking another trail in Yosemite Valley. We would then leave via El Portal Road to head back to Monterey. It is a lot to drive in just 2 days and staying in Mariposa means you have to drive back out and in again then next morning, but you will still be able to see the top sights easily, especially if you don’t take on any of the longer hikes. Let us know if you have any more questions and have a great trip!

Thank you so much!! This really helps to plan our 3 day trip to Yosemite! Great information and details!

Hi Shrenik, we’re very happy to help and hope you have a fantastic trip to Yosemite!

Enjoyed this so much! My granddaughter is a ranger at Wawona. Her mom and I are hoping to travel to Yosemite this summer. Thank you for all your travel tips!

Thank you Sylvia, Yosemite is a beautiful park – your granddaughter has a great job! We really hope you are able to make it this Summer and enjoy your trip!

An amazing national picture perfect park, almost everything you could wish to see in one place. Excellent pictures once again, keep it up.

Thanks Graham! Yosemite really is difficult to beat for landscapes and photography. Hope you get to use this Yosemite itinerary one day!

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• EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO PLAN YOUR ROAD TRIP

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California , Road Trip Itineraries , United States

10 stunning stops on a los angeles to yosemite road trip.

When I started my first travel website, I visited California frequently. While I’ve been to many amazing places, a Los Angeles to Yosemite road trip is one of the best ways to see this stunning state. Everyone should take this trip at least once, as you’ll get to see some of the best oceanside towns and visit small towns along the way. This drive is also the perfect way to get out of busy LA and relax a bit.

One of the reasons I love going on a road trip from Los Angeles to Yosemite is that you can take multiple routes to get there, making it customizable. You can decide to go a more straightforward way, or you might take the route along the Pacific Ocean (my personal favorite way). 

After reading this article on the best places to stop when driving from LA to Yosemite and seeing my suggested itinerary for spending time there, you can decide which ones you’ll do.

Table of Contents

Tips for a LA to Yosemite Road Trip

Here are a few tips to keep in mind while planning your Los Angeles to Yosemite National Park drive.

What is the distance from Los Angeles to Yosemite?

You could drive between Los Angeles and Yosemite in about five to six hours without stopping. But that would be boring, which is the point of this Los Angeles to Yosemite itinerary. The LA to Yosemite road trip distance is 279 miles, and there is plenty to see along the way. 

If you’re visiting California and want to make your road trip far more memorable, you should consider a slightly more roundabout trip. Take in aspects of the California coast, a few notable inland stops, and take your time to truly appreciate the gorgeous state that is The Golden State.  

This would make the Los Angeles to Yosemite National Park drive time about 12–15 hours , but with the pleasure of making a few awesome stops along the way (trust me, it’s worth it!).

Can you take a day trip to Yosemite from Los Angeles?

While technically possible, it doesn’t seem wise to do a day trip from LA to Yosemite. Many people do a LA to Joshua Tree National Park drive in a day, but it’s a shorter distance.

Yosemite is just a little too far to make it worthwhile. Regardless of the mode of transportation you use to get there, most of your day will be spent traveling. 

Even if you could magically teleport yourself from Los Angeles to the park, you’d probably want to spend more than a day exploring the country’s most impressive protected park. You’d also miss the best route to Yosemite from Los Angeles, which is along the ocean.

What is the best entrance to Yosemite from Los Angeles?

When traveling from LA, the best (and closest) entrance will be the south entrance . You will most likely pass through Fresno, regardless of which route you choose to take. You can get there via Highway 41. This entrance will give you the easiest access to Glacier Point and the Bridalveil Creek campground.

Make sure to buy your America the Beautiful pass ahead of time so you can easily enter all the national parks for a low price.

Can you drive from Yosemite to Los Angeles in the winter?

Yes, you can. But it will take a bit more planning and plenty of caution.

You may consider opting for the direct route to Yosemite from LA in the winter since the central California Valley experiences the Tule Fog . This thick fog sits at lower altitudes and can make driving particularly hazardous when going from Los Angeles to Yosemite by car.

In this case, getting to your destination sooner rather than spending more time driving would be better. 

Similar to a Lake Tahoe road trip , some roads may also be closed during the winter. The Tioga Pass Road (H120) is regularly shut down due to heavy snowfall in the winter. You may also want to avoid the 395 highway, from which the Tioga Pass road branches.

You might also consider a drive to Palm Springs from Los Angeles .

Los Angeles to Yosemite Road Trip Map

10 Stops on a Los Angeles to Yosemite Road Trip

My preference for a road trip between Los Angeles and Yosemite National Park covers a few more miles than the proverbial crow might fly. My route takes you over 825 miles but allows you to experience much more of central California. 

From the point at which you set out on your drive from LA, these are the ten essential stops you should make.

1. Charlie Brown Farms

You’ll need to make your first stop at Charlie Brown Farms an hour or two out of Los Angeles if only to set yourself up with a novelty shake for the road. There’s much more to appreciate here, including a gift shop for an LA souvenir on your way out.

Don’t get too entangled in the vast collection of items and food options here, though. This is ideally a mid-morning breakfast stop (skip the breakfast in LA if you like). From this point, you’re hitting the highway. 

Things to Do

• Relax in the garden before the long drive ahead
• Browse the gift shop and buy vintage toys
• Get a few take-along snacks for lunch

Where to Eat

• Feast on some real BBQ
• Try a few milkshake flavors
• Gather some road supplies at the soda pop shop
• Sample the Pennsylvania Dutch funnel cake

Make sure to reserve your rental car ahead of time! I love using Discover Cars for my trips.

2. Lake Isabella

The next welcome stop on your Los Angeles to Yosemite National Park drive is near a picturesque little lake in the Kern River Valley mountains. Stretch your legs here, and enjoy your packed lunch. 

If you have time on your Yosemite road trip from Los Angeles, you may want to pop into the Silver City Ghost Town Museum . This historic, semi-preserved town is intended to present how a California town might have looked during the gold rush days. 

There are artifacts and items from the era, and the building includes miner’s cabins, a saloon, and a rustic general store. 

Get your free road trip packing list here!

• See the Nuui Cunni Native American Intertribal Cultural Center and Museum
• Explore Silver City Ghost Town & Museum (see above)
• Take a look at Tank Park – yes, it’s a park that features tanks!
• Walk the Isabella Peak and Whiskey Flat Trails
• Nelda’s Diner feels classic and cozy, ideal for a road trip stop
• 178 Bar & Grill – classic American burgers and steak

Another beautiful drive is the Los Angeles to Big Sur road trip .

3. Pismo Beach

Turn to the west – you’re heading to the coast for my favorite scenic drive from Los Angeles to Yosemite. Pismo Beach happens to be one of the most popular on the central California coast, and I always love stopping here. 

Dinosaur Caves Park is on the northern edge of town. A sizable concrete dinosaur sculpture with a tunnel in its tail marks it. That tunnel leads to an underground sea cave – you can’t say that’s very common. 

They also have the best sunsets here, so head to the pier around that time to get some amazing photos (and have the perfect road trip caption to go with it).

In Pismo Beach, the top of the food pyramid is seafood. Fish, crab, oysters, and clams all form the bulk of the best items on the menu at all the restaurants here. I suggest trying the clam chowder, which is a local specialty. You’ll be nice and full by the time you continue on your Los Angeles to Yosemite road trip.

• Walk the tunnel at the Dinosaur Caves Park
• Visit thousands of butterflies at Monarch Butterfly Grove
• Walk the Pismo Beach Walkway & Boardwalk
• Have a stroll around the Pismo Beach Pier Plaza
• Oyster Loft, for superb views of the pier with your food
• Ada’s Fish House – try the lobster rolls with a fine cocktail
• Ventana Grill for some Spanish influence in a stunning location

I’ve been using Roadtrippers for years to help me plan out my trips and find fun stops along the way. Use my code “BTR5QTP” for $5 off when you sign up!

4. Carmel-By-The-Sea

It’s well worth stopping to look around in Carmel, known for the historic Carmel Mission and the Carmel Path , a 3.5-mile hike that takes you along the water’s edge. Following the boardwalk, you will wander along Scenic Drive, starting at the north end of Carmel Beach, down to the Carmel River State Beach . 

Similar to a Los Angeles to Grand Canyon road trip , there are tons of photo ops here, so you’ll want to have your camera charged.

The town of Carmel is also quaint and charming. Stop in at a shop or two along Ocean Avenu e for a moment. Non-drivers can taste some of the fine wine produced in the area. And if you insist on a good meal, the town offers a good range of Italian and seafood dishes.

Side note: Carmel-by-the-Sea is also the starting point for the famous 17-mile drive, which travels along the coast through Pebble Beach. This is recognized as one of the most scenic drives in the country (and a great time to play road trip trivia ). The drive has a toll of $10.50 , but the toll is exempt if you eat at one of the restaurants with a bill of $35 or more. 

• Visit Carmel Beach, and walk the Carmel Path
• See The Carmel Mission, which dates back to the 1700s
• Taste a delicious Carmel Valley wine at one of the many tastings being offered at the local wineries
• The Grill on Ocean Avenue offers top steak and seafood grill dishes
• For something more formal, try Casanova Restaurant’s Italian and French options
• Traditional English Tea, anyone? The Tuck Box offers scones, sandwiches, and tea, of course 

For another fun trip, consider driving from Los Angeles to Sequoia National Park .

5. Monterey

Monterey is known to have one of the largest public aquariums in the world, the Monterey Bay Aquarium . You’ll love stopping here on your Los Angeles to Yosemite road trip to admire some of the local marine life. There are also plenty of stores nearby to stock up on your road trip packing list for families .

The area is also known for Cannery Row, a district that was originally the foremost sardine canning facility in the US. Today, the Row contains many tourist attractions, including hotels, restaurants, and shopping. 

• Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which focuses on the local marine life of the bay
• Discover Old Fisherman’s Wharf, a historic area with lots of shops and takeout spots
• Take a selfie at the Monterey Moon Tree
• Take a tour of Cannery Row
• Schooners Monterey – beautiful views and top-rated seafood on Cannery Row
• Estéban Restaurant offers Latin-flavored delights
• Rosine’s Restaurant specializes in Italian cuisine

6. San Jose

The first capital of California when the state was founded, San Jose seems almost tragically forgotten today as a major city. Many people head out on a San Francisco road trip , but you’ll want to visit this city as well. The place to head to is Santana Row , a shopping and entertainment area serving downtown. 

There are great little food spots and boutique stores to service tourists and locals from nearby Silicon Valley . Be warned that some of these boutiques are quite high-end, but they’re still fun to look at on your ​​Los Angeles to Yosemite National Park road trip.

• Be astounded at the size and mystery of the Winchester Mystery House
• Take in some true history at Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
• Visit the Japanese American Museum of San Jose with Japanese American art, history, and culture
• See the super-large board at the Monopoly in the Park installation
• Original Joe’s San Jose is highly rated for burgers and bowls
• Paesano Ristorante Italiano prides itself on traditional dishes
• Smoking Pig BBQ Company for a total BBQ treat in a casual setting

Looking for another drive? You’ll love the scenic LA to SF road trip .

7. Forestiere Underground Gardens

Forestiere Underground Gardens is a single attraction but is well worth a stop on your way past. This man-made attraction has a deep and fascinating backstory. Sicilian immigrant Baldassare Forestiere arrived in the US in 1901 with ambitions to farm citrus products.

He somehow initiated a project to construct underground caverns, forming them into garden courts, caves, and patients. Each one was created with specific Roman and Italian architectural features like arches and catacombs. 

Today, visitors can tour the caverns as a network of rooms and spaces containing some truly mind-bending marvels. Have you ever seen living trees that produce fruit but are completely underground?

• Explore the unique and magnificent underground rooms and passages
• Marvel at the fruit-producing underground trees
• Punjabi Chulla & Grill – tasty Indian cuisine for a delicious novelty
• Huckleberry’s Breakfast & Lunch is best for a hearty breakfast
• Ramen vs. Pho provides our Asian fusion fix via Laotian cuisine

Fresno is the fifth-largest city in California. Some assert that Fresno is the agricultural capital of the modern world. It is, therefore, somewhat of a world leader regarding farmer’s markets and local produce consumption.

One of the best places for events and nightlife, especially restaurants and nightclubs, is the Tower District . 

• Find a moment of tranquility in the Shinzen Friendship Garden Inc.
• Storyland is an amusement park especially great for kids
• Pay your respects at the Veterans Memorial Museum Inc
• Pismo’s Coastal Grill is not, in fact, in Pismo but serves American seafood to rival Pismo’s best
• Texas de Brazil – Fresno is an upscale Brazilian restaurant
• For a fine dining, upscale experience, try The Palms

9. Yosemite Lakes

If you think you may have forgotten to pack anything for your extended Los Angeles to Yosemite road trip, Yosemite Lakes would be the place to stop and pick it up. The most striking thing about the area is the greenery; parks and views dominate the atmosphere here at the foot of the Sierra Nevada range. 

If you have spare time, stop in at the Coarsegold Historic Village for another look at the past, or try your hand at the nearby Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino . 

• Yosemite Lakes Park Recreation Area
• Coarsegold Historic Village has fun vintage stores and amusements
• Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino
• Yosemite Grill gets the basics of American burgers and grills right
• The Blue Heron Restaurant & Lounge offers a view over the lake and likewise great food

Leaving from SF? You can head out on a San Francisco to Yosemite road trip instead.

10. Fish Camp

Welcome to the southern gateway to Yosemite. This will be as close to the gate as you might get without actually entering the park. 

Fish Camp is a wonderful full-service resort town known (at least in part) for its historic railroad. The town is very small; a recent census registered just 49 residents, although it more recently claimed to have 200 locals. 

This delightful little community offers its own variety of accommodations (with several privately owned bed and breakfasts beside the resort). Amazingly, it is well-known as one of the coolest stops in Mariposa County.

• Adventure onGoat Meadow Trailhead that doubles as a tubing hill in winter
• See Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad
• Visit the California Tunnel Tree
• Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza
• Jackalope’s Bar and Grill for tasty American fare
• Tenaya at Yosemite resort has multiple dining options

Looking for another California adventure to go on? Check out this road trip from California to Arizona !

3-Day Itinerary for a Los Angeles to Yosemite Drive

This LA to Yosemite itinerary starts in Los Angeles, but you can also do it backward for a Yosemite to Los Angeles road trip if you’re already in that area traveling.

Day 1: Los Angeles to Pismo Beach

Driving time/distance: 6.5 hours driving time, 380 miles

The first day will be the longest driving day, so start early. Skip breakfast, avoid city traffic, and stop outside LA at Charlie Brown Farms . Pick up a packed lunch while you’re at it. 

Your next stop will be Lake Isabella, where you can get some fresh air, walk around, and have a picnic with your lunch from Charlie Brown. 

The last leg of the day is a stretch to Pismo Beach , our overnight stop. Here we can catch a sunset, eat some top-class seafood, and stroll along the plaza. 

Where to Stay:   The Inn at the Cove has great modern rooms with views of the Pacific Ocean and offers free breakfast. (rates start at $340 per night; book your room on Booking.com )

Day 2: Pismo Beach to San Jose

Driving time/distance: 4 hours driving time, 233 miles

The drive is considerably shorter today, and you have the bonus of knowing you’ll end up in one of the most interesting cities in the state. 

First, you’ll start early again, especially if we want to arrive in Carmel for the 17-mile drive through Pebble Beach. Regardless, a hike along the Carmel Path is a perfect mid-morning calf stretch.

Continue to Monterey for lunch along Cannery Row, and you’ll even have time to visit the Old Fisherman’s Wharf and the Moon Tree to mark the occasion on socials!

Don’t linger too long, as San Jose still has much to see and do. At the very least, see Egypt in America at the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum . 

Where to Stay: Kasa The Row San Jose is an affordable option offering modern looks and a stylish aesthetic. (rates start at $180 per night; book your room on Booking.com )

Day 3: San Jose to Fish Camp

Driving time/distance: 4 hours driving time, 215 miles

It’s the final day of driving from Los Angeles to Yosemite National Park! Your first and only stop on our way out of San Jose is the Forestiere Underground Gardens , which will introduce a sense of mystery and wonder to your trip. You may want to spend an hour or two here, as it’s quite unlike most other regular tourist attractions.

Then, it’s on to Fresno, where you will want to arrive early enough to explore some of the above attractions. If you have kids, stop in at Storyland (just make sure to get enough road trip snacks for kids first) . I also prefer to stop here for lunch, if only for the range of options compared to every other stop after this one.  

A post-lunch hour on the lake at Yosemite Lakes Park Recreation Area will be welcome. If you prefer, looking at the old west Cali Coarsegold Historic Village might fascinate you. 

Finally, you arrive at Fish Camp, with its quaint atmosphere. It’s the perfect appetizer for your longer stay within the park, just a few miles from the southern gate. Whether you stay for a few extra days or head back on your ​​Yosemite to LA road trip, it’s a beautiful area to explore.

Where to Stay:  Fairfield Inn & Suites is a highly-rated offering near the city center (rates start at $170 per night; book your room on Booking.com )

You’ll love going on a Los Angeles to Yosemite road trip, whether you’re craving time at the ocean or can’t wait to get to the national park.

Marissa Pedersen

Marissa is a passionate road trip enthusiast who has traveled extensively throughout the United States and Canada via car and continues to go on new trips every year to explore more of the country. Her love of road tripping has given her a unique perspective on the best routes, hidden gems, and must-see attractions along the way.

6 thoughts on “ 10 Stunning Stops on a Los Angeles to Yosemite Road Trip ”

Interesting Sure makes me want to go L A Yosemite! Feel how I feel when I’m preparing for NYC and surrounding!

I hope you get the chance to go, Lana!

I wish you had told us what freeways you took from los angeles to yosemite….I want to do your itinerary but not familiar with freeways. Thank you for sharing a very helpful article.

Hi Nilza, the easiest way is to put all these stops into Google Maps and then you’ll have exact directions and which roads to take. I know many people won’t do all 10 stops so I leave these options for them to pick and choose and make their own itinerary. Have a great trip!

Thanks for the overview!

You’re welcome!

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Lake Tahoe to Yosemite: The Perfect Road Trip Itinerary

One of the best things about living and traveling in California is that there are so many incredible places to explore.

Recently, I took a road trip from Lake Tahoe (where I was currently living) to Yosemite National Park. The trip was absolutely beautiful, and I was able to see so many amazing sites along the way.

This route goes through some of the most iconic scenery in the state, from the clear blue waters of Lake Tahoe to the soaring peaks of Yosemite National Park, and is perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Road trips are – in my opinion – the best way to see the United States, but sometimes they can be hard to plan.

In this comprehensive guide, you will find the best stops and sights along the way from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite, a full itinerary, and all the other information you need to plan this trip.

Plan your Perfect trip to California

🏨 Find the perfect hotel on Booking.com

🎫 Book fun tours Lake Tahoe !

🎒 Pack a universal travel adapter , a set of binoculars , a headlamp , your favorite travel camera , and a good portable solar phone charger

📸 Follow me on Instagram for more travel tips

Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. That means that at no extra cost to you, I earn a small commission if you book through these links, and that helps me keep this blog running. Enjoy!

Why go on a Lake Tahoe & Yosemite Road Trip

The Sierra Nevada mountain range is one of the most gorgeous places on earth, and a road trip from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite is the perfect way to experience it.

The route takes you through some of the most stunning scenery in the world, including alpine meadows, towering mountains, and pristine lakes.

Along the way, you’ll have the chance to explore iconic destinations like Tahoe National Forest and Sequoia National Park. And best of all, the trip can be taken at your own pace, with plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the view.

Whether you’re looking for an adventure or a relaxing getaway, a road trip from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite is sure to create memories that will last a lifetime.

How far is Lake Tahoe from Yosemite

The distance between Yosemite and Lake Tahoe is approximately 150 miles. Assuming you are starting from Yosemite National Park, the drive to Lake Tahoe should take around 3-4 hours. 

While the two destinations are close together, they offer very different experiences.

What to pack for a Lake Tahoe & Yosemite Road Trip

There are a few essentials you’ll need to pack for your road trip from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite.

First, make sure you have a reliable car (or rental car) and map. The route can be winding and mountainous in parts, so you’ll want to be prepared.

Second, Pack plenty of food and water. There are some great stops along the way, but it’s always good to have snacks and drinks on hand in case you get hungry or thirsty.

Third, pack layers of clothing. The weather can change quickly at high altitudes, so it’s important to be prepared for both warm and cold weather.

Fourth, don’t forget your camera! You’ll want to document your trip with plenty of photos.

Packing list

• Rain jacket
• Hikin g boots
• Camping tent
• Sleeping bag
• Bear horn (if camping)
• Hydration backpack
• First-aid kit
• Hiking poles

About Lake Tahoe

Every year, millions of people visit Lake Tahoe to enjoy its pristine beauty.

Straddling the border of California and Nevada in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America and is known for its clear blue waters and stunning scenery.

Its depths reach more than 1,500 feet, making it one of the deepest lakes in the United States.

Visitors can hike in the surrounding forests, relax on the sandy beaches, or enjoy a variety of water sports. In winter, the lake is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding. 

Best time to visit Lake Tahoe

Many people believe that the best time to visit Lake Tahoe is in the summer when the weather is warm and the days are long.

However, there are plenty of reasons to visit during other times of the year as well. Autumn is a beautiful time to see the changing leaves, and winter offers the opportunity to experience the area’s world-class skiing and snowboarding.

Spring is an ideal time for hiking and biking, and winter, of course is also popular due to all the winter sports and ski resorts in the area,

So whatever your interests, Lake Tahoe has something to offer at any time of year.

Where to stay in Lake Tahoe

There are many great places to stay in Lake Tahoe, depending on your budget and interests. For those looking for a luxurious experience, the Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe is a great option. This resort offers stunning mountain views, an on-site spa, and easy access to the area’s best ski resorts.

If you go during ski season, you should also definitely consider staying at one of the area’s many ski resorts, like Northstar California or Heavenly Mountain Resort. These resorts offer convenient access to the slopes, as well as a variety of amenities like restaurants and shops.

For a more budget-friendly option, the Tahoe Lakeshore Lodge & Spa is a great choice. This lodge is located right on the shores of Lake Tahoe and offers easy access to hiking and biking trails.

There are also many camping options in the area for those who want to experience the great outdoors.

Best things to do in Lake Tahoe

There’s no shortage of things to do in Lake Tahoe, whether you’re looking for a thrilling adventure or a relaxing day by the water.

In the summer, you can go hiking, biking, and camping in the Sierra Nevada mountains or enjoy stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and swimming in the lake.

Winter is the perfect time to hit the slopes at one of the many nearby ski resorts or go cross-country skiing or snowshoeing through the snow-covered forests.

More incredible things to do in Lake Tahoe

• Snowshoeing in Emerald Bay
• Visiting the Vikingsholm Castle
• Hiking to Cascade Falls
• Stand-up paddleboarding on Sand Harbor
• Kayaking on Fallen Leaf Lake
• Renting a pontoon boat in Tahoe City
• Snowboarding or skiing at Northstar California

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is one of the most breathtaking places on earth.

From its soaring mountains and pristine valleys to its crystal-clear rivers and hidden waterfalls, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy in this enchanting place.

The park is located in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains and spans over 748,000 acres of land. Visitors to Yosemite can enjoy various activities, including hiking, camping, rock climbing, and horseback riding. The park also features a number of beautiful waterfalls, including the famous Yosemite Falls, which is the tallest waterfall in North America.

In addition to its natural beauty, Yosemite is also home to several historic sites, including the world-renowned Ahwahnee Hotel.

With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that Yosemite National Park is one of the most beloved parks in the country.

Best time to visit Yosemite National Park

While Yosemite can be visited year-round, the best time to go is from late spring to early fall. During this period, the weather is warm but not too hot, and precipitation is minimal.

This makes it perfect for exploring all that the park has to offer. Additionally, due to the high demand, hotel prices are at their lowest during this time of year. 

Where to stay in Yosemite Valley

There are many different places to stay in Yosemite National Park, depending on your budget, preferred amenities, and desired location.

If you’re looking for a luxurious experience, the Ahwahnee Hotel is a great option, offering elegant accommodations and dining options.

For a more rustic experience, campgrounds are available throughout the park, ranging from primitive sites to those with full hookups. There are also a number of lodging options outside of the park, which can be a good choice if you’re looking for more affordable rates or more amenities. No matter where you stay, Yosemite is sure to offer an unforgettable experience.

Best things to do in Yosemite National Park

With over 800 miles of trails, Yosemite is a hiker’s paradise. From easy strolls to multi-day backpacking trips, there’s a hike for everyone. And with so much to see, you could spend months exploring the park on foot and still not see it all.

One of the most popular attractions in Yosemite is Half Dome, a massive granite dome that rises more than 4,000 feet above the valley floor. Hiking to the top of Half Dome is a challenging but rewarding experience, and on a clear day, the views from the summit are simply breathtaking.

Yosemite is also world-renowned for its rock climbing, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced climber.

More incredible things to do in Yosemite

• Hike Half Dome
• Drive through Tunnel View
• Hike the Yosemite Upper Falls Trail
• Explore Mariposa Grove
• Walk along Mirror Lake
• Visit Yosemite Village
• Explore Hetch Hetchy Valley

Lake Tahoe to Yosemite road trip itinerary

This itinerary will take you on a journey from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite and back again. You’ll see some of the most beautiful scenery on the West Coas t and get to experience all that California has to offer.

1- Kings Beach, Emerald Bay, and South Lake Tahoe (45 minutes drive)

Start your trip exploring some of Lake Tahoe’s most stunning places.

Kings Beach is a great place to relax and soak up the sun, while Emerald Bay is perfect for exploring by kayak or stand-up paddleboard. South Lake Tahoe is also worth a visit and is home to a number of great restaurants and shops.

From there, drive to Jackson.

2- Jackson (1:50 hour drive)

Jackson is a charming town located in the Sierra Nevada foothills.

The town is home to a number of great shops and restaurants and is the perfect place to stretch your legs after the long drive from South Lake Tahoe.

3- Angels Camp (37-minute drive)

The next stop is Angels Camp.

Angels Camp is a charming town with a rich history. Founded in 1848, the town was named after a nearby gold-bearing stream called Angels Creek. During the Gold Rush, the creek attracted thousands of prospectors, and Angels Camp became one of the largest mining towns in California. 

4- Big Trees State Park (30-minute drive)

30 Minutes away from Angels Camp, is Big Trees State Park.

Big Trees State Park is a California state park located in the Sierra Nevada, east of Arnold on Highway 4. The park, which is part of the Calaveras Big Trees State Park, contains three groves of giant sequoia trees.

The North Grove has about 500 sequoias, some of which are over 2,000 years old and 300 feet tall. The South Grove has 1,500 sequoias, including the “Empire State Tree,” which is the largest tree in the park and one of the largest Sequoias in the world. The park also contains a number of smaller groves, as well as meadows, streams, and hiking trails.

From there, it’s time to drive the final stretch to Yosemite National Park.

5- Yosemite National Park (1:50 hour drive)

Welcome to Yosemite!

Make the most out of your time at one of the most beautiful national parks in the world by hiking, rock climbing, or simply exploring the incredible scenery.

6- (Optional) Sequoia National Park

Consider adding Sequoia National Park to your itinerary.

Sequoia National Park is located in the southern Sierra Nevada, east of Visalia. The park is home to a number of giant sequoia trees, as well as other plants and animals. The park also contains a number of hiking trails, camping sites, and scenic viewpoints.

With his itinerary, it is totally possible to travel from Lake Tahoe to Sequoia National Park.

Tips for your road trip

Now you have the perfect road trip itinerary for anyone looking to explore California’s stunning Lake Tahoe and Yosemite regions!

Here are some extra tips for your trip:

• Tioga Road is the most scenic route to take from Yosemite to Lake Tahoe.
• Make sure to spend at least two days in Yosemite National Park.
• If you have time, visit Mono Lake after Yosemite. It is so beautiful!
• Remember to gas up before entering any national parks – there are no gas stations inside the park boundaries!

Best tours from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite

Want to travel from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite but don’t really feel like driving? That’s totally okay!

There are a number of great tour companies that offer day trips or multi-day tours from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite.

This is the one I recommend:

Small-Group Day Trip to Yosemite from Lake Tahoe

Explore the scenic highlights of Yosemite National Park on a full-day, small-group guided trip from Lake Tahoe with a lunchtime picnic beside Cascade Falls.

Capture unforgettable images of the park’s soaring rock walls and craggy peaks then enjoy an invigorating hike to Yosemite Falls or Bridalveil Falls, where high-mountain rivers tumble from sheer granite cliffs.

Spot rock climbers scaling the face of El Capitan, watch for deer in alpine meadows and take in the timeless beauty of California’s High Sierra mountains.

Wrap-up: The perfect two-day itinerary for a road trip from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite

That’s a wrap! Now you know the perfect road trip itinerary for exploring California’s stunning Lake Tahoe and Yosemite regions.

For more tips and travel photos, make sure to follow me on Instagram.

You might also enjoy:

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Two days in Yosemite: The perfect itinerary

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Lake Tahoe to Yosemite: A Scenic Road Trip Itinerary

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Are you planning to drive from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite National Park? I’ve got you covered!

Lake Tahoe to Yosemite is one of the best road trips in California . We drove around the California National Parks and included Lake Tahoe as a favorite stop. There are a lot of options for driving and how to get from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite , and it changes depending on the time of year and what is open. However, I’m confident that you’ll be able to have an amazing time, visit breathtaking sites and make memories with your family. I’m a road tripper myself and have been for many years. Whether it’s camping at Yosemite or visiting some of the lesser-known National Parks throughout California, my expertise can help you plan out your dream vacation. From scenic drives to restaurants and tourist attractions off the beaten path, I’m sure you’ll find something special on your journey from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite.

🚗 Save $5 on my favorite road-tripping app with code: BTR5QTP

Table of Contents

Lake Tahoe to Yosemite National Park Distance

South Lake Tahoe is about 225 miles or just over 5 hours to the western park entrance, or El Portal Road, to Yosemite National Park. Arch Rock Entrance is one of the more popular entrances and accesses Yosemite Valley.

Tioga Pass Entrance is about 180 miles from South Lake Tahoe and about a 4 1/2 hour drive. Keep in mind, this route is closed in the winter and may not open until as late as June due to snow or floods. In early 2023, many roads have been flooded, so be sure to check conditions before you head out.

We’ll explore what to do from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite National Park on both of these popular routes.

How to Get to Lake Tahoe

Getting to Lake Tahoe is convenient, thanks to its proximity to several airports and nearby cities.

If you’re traveling by air, the most convenient option is to fly into Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) , located approximately 60 miles (97 kilometers) northeast of Lake Tahoe. RNO offers a wide range of domestic and international flights, making it easily accessible from major cities.

Another option is Sacramento International Airport (SMF), located about 100 miles (160 kilometers) west of Lake Tahoe. From both airports, you can rent a car to reach Lake Tahoe.

Alternatively, you can fly into San Francisco and go from San Francisco to Yosemite to Lake Tahoe. This is also a great place to rent a campervan if you plan on camping from Yosemite to Lake Tahoe.

Lake Tahoe to Yosemite Drive

How many hours drive from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite National Park? Depending on the time of year, you can drive from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite National Park between 4 1/2 to 5/12 hours.

Visiting Lake Tahoe and Yosemite is an unforgettable experience. Here are the best routes to take when traveling from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite: Route 1: Follow U.S. Route 395 south from Lake Tahoe toward Mammoth Lakes, then take California State Route 120 east to Yosemite Park. This route is quicker than Route 1 and covers about 145 miles (233 km) in four and a half hours. This is the Tioga Pass entrance and it is closed in winter. Jump to this route here. Route 2: Take Highway 89 south to CA 49 south, then follow the signs for California State Highway 120 east into Yosemite Park. This is a scenic route that takes approximately four hours and covers about 160 miles (258 km). This is the Big Oak Flat entrance to the park. Jump to this route here Route 3: Similar to Route 1 above, take Highway 89 and CA 49. Instead of going towards Big Oak Flat, you’ll follow signs to the Arch Rock entrance and Mariposa, Route 140. This route covers about 200 miles (320 km) in five hours but is less scenic than Route 1. This is the most popular entrance to Yosemite, Arch Rock. Jump to this route here.

**Note in early summer 2023, Route 1 has road closures. No matter which route you take, traveling from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite National Park is an unforgettable experience! Be sure to bring a camera and plenty of water as you traverse the Sierra Nevada mountain range. And don’t forget to keep an eye out for wildlife along the way – from black bears to mule deer, you never know what you’ll see!

How Many Days to drive from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite?

I would recommend 3 – 5+ days for this adventure. A full day to explore Lake Tahoe, a full day to explore stops along the way to Yosemite, and at least 1 full day in Yosemite Valley, but 2-3 days is better.

Lake Tahoe to Yosemite via Tioga Pass East Entrance

Heading out on a road trip from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite National Park? The best way to get there is via the Tioga Pass, a stunningly scenic drive that winds through the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

It’s worth noting, however, that this pass closes for the winter due to snowfall and late spring floods . If you are planning on taking this route in winter, you will, unfortunately, need to take an alternate path — but don’t worry, there are many great ways to get between these two spots regardless of the season!

Of course, be sure to check the updated information before setting off, and always adjust your journey according to weather and road conditions.

Stop 1: South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is the perfect place to start your road trip . With its stunning Emerald Bay State Park, as well as the historic Vikingsholm castle, it’s a great destination for adventurers of all types.

Plus, with plenty of hikes and trails to explore, you and your family will have everything you need for an unforgettable experience!

Recommended stops in South Lake Tahoe:

• Emerald Bay State Park – Hike along the shore of Emerald Bay, which is part of Lake Tahoe. We enjoyed this moderate hike to the base of the bay where we explored.
• Kayak Emerald Bay State Park – One of our highlights in Lake Tahoe. We rented kayaks after our hike in the state park at the base of the bay. You could also book a clear kayak tour of Lake Tahoe here .
• The Gondola at Heavenly Village : Take a scenic gondola ride that ascends to the top of Heavenly Mountain, providing panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains.
• Pope Beach : One of the most beautiful beaches in South Lake Tahoe, Pope Beach features a long stretch of sand, picnic areas, and a marina. It’s a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water activities.

Stop 2: Bridgeport

Bridgeport is a small town located along Highway 395 in California, between South Lake Tahoe and Mono Lake. It offers visitors a charming and picturesque stop along their journey. Here’s more information about Bridgeport and Travertine Hot Springs.

Bridgeport is about 120 minutes from South Lake Tahoe.

Bridgeport is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including the towering peaks of the Sierra Nevada and the lush meadows of the Bridgeport Valley . The area is known for its rugged beauty and breathtaking vistas.

The town itself has a historic charm, with several well-preserved buildings dating back to the 1800s. The Mono County Courthouse, built in 1880, is a notable architectural gem and a registered California Historical Landmark.

Bridgeport offers access to a range of outdoor activities. Fishing enthusiasts can cast their lines in nearby lakes and rivers, including the renowned fly-fishing destination of the East Walker River . Hiking, backpacking, and camping opportunities abound in the surrounding wilderness areas and national forests.

Located just outside Bridgeport, the Travertine Hot Springs are a popular attraction. These natural hot springs are a short walk from the road and feature a series of small pools and terraces with warm mineral-rich water flowing through them. The pools vary in temperature, and visitors can find their preferred spot to relax and soak in the soothing waters.

Please note that when visiting natural hot springs, it’s important to practice Leave No Trace principles, respect the environment, and follow any posted regulations or guidelines to help preserve these natural treasures for future visitors.

Stop 3: Bodie State Historic Park

About an hour and a half from Bridgeport, Bodie State Park is a perfect glimpse into the California Good Rush days with this historic location.

Step back in time to the thrilling days of the California Gold Rush. This place is a real treasure trove of history, and it’s perfect for the whole family to explore.

Once a booming gold-mining town in the late 1800s, Bodie is now a well-preserved ghost town that will transport you to the wild and wild west.

Picture this: dusty streets, saloons, and even an old jailhouse where mischievous bandits used to cool their heels.

You can wander through the deserted buildings and peek into the past, feeling like you’ve stepped onto the set of a classic Western movie.

Keep your eyes peeled for authentic artifacts and fun tidbits of information about the people who once called Bodie home. So, gather your posse and get ready for an adventure that’ll make you feel like you struck gold at Bodie State Park! Yeehaw!

Stop 4: Mono Lake

From Bodie State Historic Park it’s about an hour to Mono Lake.

Marvel at the mesmerizing Tufa Towers that rise from the lake’s surface. These unusual limestone formations , created by the interaction of freshwater springs and alkaline lake water, create a surreal and otherworldly landscape. Take a stroll along the shoreline to observe these striking natural sculptures up close.

Visit the Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve , which protects a significant portion of the shoreline and tufa formations. Explore the reserve’s trails and interpretive exhibits to learn about the lake’s ecology, migratory birds, and the importance of preserving this unique ecosystem.

Mono Lake is a crucial stopover point for millions of migratory birds along the Pacific Flyway . Grab your binoculars and witness the spectacle of thousands of birds congregating at the lake during spring and fall. The lake’s brine shrimp and alkali flies provide a vital food source for these feathered visitors.

Kayaking and Canoeing: Experience Mono Lake’s serene beauty from the water by renting a kayak or canoe. Paddle along the shoreline, admiring the tufa formations and the vast expanse of the lake. It’s a peaceful and immersive way to connect with the surroundings and appreciate the tranquility of the area.

Stop 5 – Tuolumne Meadows

From Mono Lake, head to Lee Vining and take the Tioga Pass entrance into Yosemite National Park . If you’re heading to Yosemite Valley from here, you still have a few hours ahead of you.

Welcome to Tuolumne Meadows (pronounced “too-ahl-uh-mee) in Yosemite National Park!

Start your adventure by stopping at the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center , where you can gather information, get trail maps, and learn about the natural wonders that await you.

From there, set off on the scenic trails that wind through this picturesque alpine meadow. Keep an eye out for Soda Springs, a bubbling mineral spring that adds a unique touch to the landscape.

In the summer, the meadows come alive with vibrant wildflowers, painting the surroundings with a kaleidoscope of colors. Take plenty of time to immerse yourself in the beauty of this high-elevation paradise, with its meandering rivers, granite peaks, and sweeping vistas.

Whether you choose to hike, have a picnic, or simply find a peaceful spot to soak up the serene atmosphere, Tuolumne Meadows is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

🤩 Take a Private Tuolumne Hiking Tour

Lake Tahoe to Yosemite Via CA 88 & CA 120 Northern Entrance

This is the shortest route from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite, at about 150 miles and just over 3 hours. This was the route we took during our California National Parks road trip . Be sure to check road conditions however as this route also has road closures due to snow or flooding as it did in early 2023.

Stop 1 – Lake Tahoe

Obviously you can do a lot of the same things in South Lake Tahoe as you did above.

A few of our other favorites include walking the Tahoe Rim Trail , which offers breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains. We did this trail starting on the north side of the lake and enjoyed an incredible breakfast at Rosie’s Cafe.

The north side of Lake Tahoe is less crowded and offers a charming and walkable downtown area.

Explore the town of Tahoe City on the North Shore , which offers a vibrant atmosphere and a range of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Stroll along the Truckee River, visit art galleries, or relax in one of the lakefront parks.

Stop 2 – Echo Summit

Echo Summit is a scenic location situated in the Sierra Nevada Mountains along Highway 50, approximately 10 miles west of South Lake Tahoe.

It is a notable high mountain pass at an elevation of 7,382 feet (2,250 meters) and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Here’s more information on how to get there and where to stop:

Along the stretch of Highway 50 near Echo Summit, there are several pullouts and scenic viewpoints . These spots offer fantastic opportunities to stop, stretch your legs, and admire the panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and forests. Keep your camera handy for capturing memorable photos.

If you have some extra time, consider exploring the nearby hiking trails around Echo Summit. The area offers various trails, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging hikes. Some popular options include the Echo Lakes Trail, Echo Lake to Lake Aloha Trail, or the Pacific Crest Trail section near Echo Summit.

Stop 3 – Placerville

Placerville has a fascinating history tied to the California Gold Rush . It’s about 1 hour and 48 miles (77 km) from Echo Summit. If you’re leaving North Lake Tahoe and skipping south lake, add about an hour

The town earned its infamous nickname, “Hangtown,” due to its reputation for swift frontier justice during the Gold Rush era.

Today, you can immerse yourself in the town’s history by visiting the Placerville Historical Museum or taking a walking tour of the historic downtown area.

Placerville’s Main Street exudes small-town charm, lined with beautifully preserved buildings that harken back to the town’s gold-mining days.

Stroll along the street and explore unique shops, art galleries, antique stores, and boutiques. You’ll find everything from local crafts and jewelry to vintage treasures and one-of-a-kind gifts.

Stop 4 – Groveland

Located along CA 120, Groveland is a natural place to stop. Considered a gateway to Yosemite national Park, it even has the Groveland Yosemite Gateway Museum. Groveland is a little over 2 hours and 97 miles (156 km) from Placerville.

Groveland is also a historic Gold Rush town located just outside Yosemite National Park, offering charming shops and restaurants.

Near Groveland is Rainbow Pools, located along the South Fork Tuolumne River.

Rainbow Pools is known for its beautiful natural swimming holes , making it a perfect place to stop on your road trip and take a dip! The South Fork Tuolumne River flows through this area, creating pools and cascades that are perfect for swimming, wading, and cooling off during the hot summer months.

One of the highlights of Rainbow Pools is the unique rock formations and small waterfalls that add to its charm. The rocks create natural water slides and jump-off points for those seeking a bit of adventure.

Stop 5 Yosemite Valley Vista Point

Finally, stop at Yosemite Valley Vista Point for a preview of what you’ll see once you enter the park.

Follow CA 120 from Groveland towards the Big Oak Flat entrance. It’s less than an hour from Groveland and closer if you’ve stopped at Rainbow Pools.

At Yosemite Valley Vista Point, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the iconic Yosemite Valley and its prominent landmarks.

El Capitan, a massive granite monolith, is one of Yosemite’s most famous rock formations. Rising approximately 3,000 feet (900 meters) above the valley floor, it’s a prominent feature visible from the vista point.

Another iconic symbol of Yosemite National Park is Half Dome, a towering granite dome that stands at over 8,800 feet (2,700 meters). From the vista point, you can catch a glimpse of this majestic peak and its distinctive shape, known for its sheer face and recognizable profile.

This is a great place to take some photos before you enter the park.

🤩 Take a Private Beginner or Advanced Photography Lesson in Yosemite.

Lake Tahoe to Yosemite via El Portal Road and Arch Rock Entrance

This route is one of the most popular ways to access the magnificent Yosemite National Park, offering stunning scenery and convenient year-round access.

Follow South Lake Tahoe sights to see above. Even if you don’t spend a lot of time in South Lake Tahoe, be sure to visit Emerald Bay State Park. This was by far one of my favorite places we visited while in California.

Take a hike to Eagle Falls, visit the historic Vikingsholm Castle, or simply soak in the beauty of the turquoise waters and scenic vistas.

Stop 2 – Carson Pass

As you head south, drive through Carson Pass on Highway 88. This mountain pass offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks, alpine meadows, and the rugged beauty of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Take a moment to stop at the overlooks and capture the magnificent scenery.

Carson Pass and Carson City is about 30 miles (48 km) from South Lake Tahoe and a 35-minute drive.

Stop 3 – Mariposa

Mariposa serves as the gateway to the iconic Yosemite National Park. Situated just outside the park’s western entrance, the town offers convenient access for visitors exploring the park’s wonders. Founded in 1849, it quickly became a thriving mining town. Today, you can still see remnants of its past in the well-preserved historic buildings that line its streets.

Mariposa is a great place to stop and stock up on groceries if you’re planning to camp at Yosemite National Park.

Stop 4 – Yosemite Valley

Finally, drive along El Portal Road, the main route that leads to the Arch Rock Entrance of Yosemite National Park. As you enter the park, you’ll be greeted by the magnificent beauty of Yosemite Valley. Marvel at the towering granite cliffs, such as El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, and Half Dome, and the breathtaking waterfalls, including Bridalveil Fall.

For more Yosemite waterfalls , plan to add an extra day to see as many as you can.

🤩 Book a Campervan for your Lake Tahoe to Yosemite Road Trip!

Where to Stay in Lake Tahoe

In South Lake Tahoe, you’ll find a variety of accommodation options to suit your needs. Campgrounds offer a rustic outdoor experience, while rental homes provide a cozy retreat with amenities. Hotels and resorts cater to different budgets, offering comfortable rooms and proximity to attractions.

Zoom out in this map to see the north side of Lake Tahoe.

Where to Stay in Yosemite National Park

If you want to stay at one of the National Park Service campgrounds or resorts, visit the Recreation.gov website to find available campsites and lodging. Note, these fill up fast especially in Yosemite National Park, so plan and book early.

Yosemite is next to the Stanislaus National Forest . National Forests also offer campgrounds, usually without hookups, but a place to stay nonetheless. You can check the Recreation website for camping in that area as well.

For lodging and resorts inside of the National Park, such as the Ahwahnee Hotell and the Yosemite Valley Lodge, you’ll visit the National Park Reservations site here .

For other hotels and home rentals near the park, check below.

How long is the road trip from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite?

The journey from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite National Park is roughly 5 hours and 220 miles.

What is the best time of year to take this road trip?

Peak season for traveling to Yosemite is in summer, between June and August. That being said, many visitors enjoy a road trip through California any time of year as scenery and temperatures vary significantly depending on where you go. Driving from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite in Winter is going to see many more road closures, but if you’re skiing in Lake Tahoe, this will still make a nice add on.

Are there camping sites along the way?

There are plenty of camping spots available along the route from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite. Depending on your route, you could stay at campgrounds located in Tuolumne Meadows Campground in Yosemite, or any of several other campgrounds located between those two destinations. You can also visit California State Parks, or Campspot to seek out campgrounds.

What activities can I do while visiting Lake Tahoe and Yosemite?

There are endless possibilities! At Lake Tahoe, you can go swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, biking or skiing in winter. In Yosemite National Park, some popular activities include taking scenic drives around the park’s landscape; visiting awesome waterfalls like Bridal Veil Falls; marveling at giant sequoias; or exploring one of its many trails and backcountry areas.

Final Thoughts: Road Trip from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite by car

After exploring the majestic beauty of California’s most stunning national parks, driving through the Sierra Nevadas from Lake Tahoe and Yosemite was a magical experience for me and my son. This trip has been a great opportunity to experience the epic scenery and unique hiking trails that each park offers. If you’re looking for more information about California National Parks , be sure to check out our full California road trip itinerary which includes Lake Tahoe to Yosemite.

Tack on to your trip and make it a Lake Tahoe to Sequoia National Park by following Sequoia to Yosemite National Park this article in reverse.

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California National Park Road Trip & Itineraries

Yosemite Road Trip and Beyond!

Summer will be here before you know it – the long days of sun-filled warmth and possibility radiating from the soles of your sandals to the tip of your sun hat. The smell of sunscreen, and best of all, the sound of the key in the ignition and a car packed with the essentials for adventure.

It’s time to start planning that summer national park road trip! Goodbye to the same four walls we’ve been staring at for months. Goodbye to urgent deadlines, the growing pile of demands, and the stale routines that we promised ourselves months ago we would kick. Hello to a Yosemite road trip and to the freedom of the open road and national parks – America’s Best Idea.

Think about it.

California has nine — count ’em NINE — different national parks, more than any other state. That’s plenty to keep everyone busy for a whole host of summers. And that doesn’t even count 18 national monuments, over 270 state parks, the miles of coastal highway and more.

On a California national parks road trip, you can visit everything from one of the hottest dessert environments on earth at Death Valley National Park , to the island national park with world-class marine exploration at Channel Islands National Park . There are volcanic mountains ( Lassen Volcanic National Park ).

Photograph the distinctive trees and rock formations at Joshua Tree National Park . Wander through the cobblestone cliffs at Pinnacles National Park. Stand in awe below the most massive trees in the world in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and visit the tallest trees at Redwoods National Park .

And naturally, you can’t visit California’s National Park system without stopping in the crown jewel of them all, Yosemite National Park. The park is so beautiful that people travel from around the world to see the towering granite cliffs and waterfalls.

There is so much to do in California, you won’t be able to get to all of it in one trip unless you have much more time than most. And take our word for it, each of these destinations is so rich and so unique that they are worth slowing down for.

Leave time to follow your curiosity. Linger in the places that bring you the most joy. Soon find yourself making plans to return again next year to revisit your favorites, and become inspired by new spaces.

The key to an epic road trip is balancing the time in your vehicle on the road, and the time you spend actually exploring the national parks. Make sure you’re not so focused on your checklist that you miss out on discovering all there is to see in each destination.

The One Must-See National Park

If you had to pick just one national park to road trip to this summer, it would have to be Yosemite.

The renowned park ranger, Carl Sharsmith was once famously asked what he would do if he only had one day in the park. His answer: he would sit by the Merced River and cry. That’s because he spent a lifetime exploring and discovering every nook and cranny of this magical place as a Yosemite National Park Ranger. So, in case you were wondering if there is enough to do, the answer is yes.

There are spectacular historic and cultural locations. You could spend three days alone following in the footsteps of the famous naturalist John Muir on his first visit to Yosemite.

• Start that route in Gilroy, the Garlic Capital of the World.
• Cross Pacheco Pass.
• Take the back roads through welcoming small towns like Snelling, Coulterville, and Greeley Hill on your way into Yosemite filled with a wide array of lodging and dining options.

You can also break up your drive from the Bay Area with a stop at Lake McClure and Lake McSwain . These are beautiful places to camp, fish, and enjoy some of the area’s “˜off-the-beaten-path’ activities. Take a lap at Exchequer Mountain Bike Park ““ a 700-acre park with views of Lake McClure dedicated exclusively to mountain biking. Cool off at the Splash and Dash Aqua Park .

Yosemite is one of the most popular parks in California, and its popularity is growing. You’ll want to plan for your visit, so make sure you’re signed up for the Yosemite.com newsletter to get the best and most current information as well.

California National Park Road Trip Loops

Given its location in the center of the state, Yosemite is also an essential part of any California National Park loop trip. Making the scenic trip over Tioga Pass is the ideal, and most scenic way to cross the Sierra Nevada. If you have two weeks or more, and you’re looking for some longer loops, check out these itineraries. Just remember to take your time and linger in the places that are bringing you the most joy.

The Northern National Park Road Trip Itinerary

The northern national park road trip boasts three national parks, four if you are willing to go outside of California (we will forgive you). But wait, that’s not all! It also includes three National Monuments and a National Seashore.

If you start in San Francisco , you’ll find several outdoor parks nearby worth a visit. Take your time exploring parks like Fort Point with its unique history and vantage point overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge . Gaze up into the towering tops of the old-growth coastal redwoods at Muir Woods National Monument . Wander Point Reyes National Seashore’s windswept beaches, and keep your eyes open for wildlife like tule elk or elephant seals.

Start your trip with a visit to the world-famous, Yosemite National Park . Breathe in the sweet pine-scented air and dangle your toes in playful mountain rivers. With the diverse natural landscapes in the region, you could easily spend 3-4 days (or a lifetime) exploring the trails , rock climbs , and other things to do . Don’t forget to get a taste of history and some “˜spirited’ refreshment in Mariposa on your way back to San Francisco .

From Yosemite, you’re ready to head north to Lassen National Park . Lassen is the southernmost volcano in the Cascade Range, and the park is filled with fascinating mud pots, fumaroles and hot springs.

At this point, you’ll be close to Crater Lake National Park in Oregon. We would forgive you a detour beyond the California boundary, or you could stick to California-based sights and visit two National Monuments on the way to Redwoods National Park. Lava Bed National Monument’s volcanic landscape includes more than 800 caves, Native American rock art sites, and historic battlefields. Tule Lake National Monument provides a sobering reminder of the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II.

After visiting the most massive trees in the world in one of the giant sequoia groves in Yosemite, you should visit Redwoods National Park, which boasts some of the tallest trees on Earth. Then take a leisurely trip down the Pacific Coast Highway back to San Francisco .

The Southern Coastal National Park Road Trip Loop

If the three (or four) national parks on the northern route were not enough to tempt you, then check out the southern national parks loop with a whopping SIX national parks, plus three iconic cities and a national monument.

Starting again in San Francisco , take your time driving to Yosemite National Park . This gives you more time to enjoy gold country along the way. Try your luck panning for gold or cast a fishing line in a clear lake or mountain stream.

If you have time, there is plenty to do here for a week or more if you have the time. Yosemite is the kind of destination that people return to year after year because there is so much to see and do.

From there head south to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks . Take your time to get one of the best views in the Sierra Nevada from Moro Rock, then visit the famous sequoias and contemplate the most massive trees in the world, like the General Sherman. Each grove has it’s own unique character.

Discover how these compare with the Tuolumne , Merced and Mariposa sequoia groves in Yosemite National Park. Don’t forget to also stop to wonder at the striking cave formations at Crystal Cave or watch the sunset at Moro Rock.

Once you’ve filled your mind with the ancient giants, head south to Joshua Tree National Park and marvel at the photogenic trees and scramble the natural rock formations. Many diverse hikes and viewpoints await your exploration.

From Joshua Tree National Park, drop south to explore San Diego and learn about 16th century exploration and go tide pooling at Cabrillo National Monument .

Follow the Southern California Coast to Ventura and Channel Islands National Park. Hopefully you’ve made a reservation to visit the national park for the day, or spend the night on the island. Just getting to the islands is a scenic journey on its own, and filled with opportunities for wildlife viewing.

More coastal exploration awaits you on the way to Pinnacles National Park to relish the quiet hiking there before returning to your starting point.

This one is for mountain lovers! But how do you top the six national parks in the southern coastal loop? Easy, with seven national parks in the southern mountain loop.

Start this loop the same way you started the Coastal loop from San Francisco , through Mariposa County into Yosemite National Park .

This time, instead of turning South, drive across the Sierra through Yosemite’s gorgeous high country. Olmsted Point , Tenaya Lake , and Tuolumne Meadows provide scenic stops and spectacular hiking options that are worth at least a day or two if you can manage it.

Emerge from Yosemite at Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve to see the delicate calcium-carbonate towers and abundant bird-life.

From here, the drive down Highway 395 parallels the scenic serrated edge of the Sierra Nevada. If you manage to get a highly-prized permit to hike Mount Whitney, you can go from the highest point in the contiguous US to the lowest point in Death Valley National Park .

From Death Valley, continue South to visit the unique trees and rock formations at Joshua Tree National Park. Then continue west to Ventura Harbor and Channel Island National Park .

This time, instead of following the coast, head inland past César E. Chávez National Monument toward the giant sequoia groves of Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park .

From there, drive west to visit Pinnacles National Park before finishing your loop.

The Complete California National Park Road Trip Itinerary

If you have a lot of time, love the open road and can’t bear to choose between these amazing options, by all means, visit them all. Simply combine the northern road trip with the southern mountain loop. You’ll be in for an epic California National Park road trip itinerary that hits all the bases.

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The Perfect Los Angeles to Yosemite Road Trip

With its towering sequoia trees and majestic cascading waterfalls, Yosemite National Park is a classic road trip from Los Angeles. See iconic wonders such as El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, Half Dome and drink in the glorious views from Glacier Point at the end of this great adventure!

You can do the 360-mile road trip from Los Angeles to Yosemite National Park in 6 hours. On the way, you can choose to stop at Santa Clarita, Bakersfield, Fresno, Mammoth Lakes and Inyo National Forest, as well as Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks.

Top off your trip with a stop at beautiful Mammoth Lakes for a perfect vacation, whatever the time of year. Read on for our tips on the best route to take, the pros and cons of one route over another, where to stay, the best time of year to travel and our favorite things to see along the way.

Where is Yosemite National Park and how far is a road trip from Los Angeles?

This relaxed and beautiful road trip is located in California, taking you from the ”City of Angels” near the coast in SoCal to Yosemite National Park, which sits around 150 miles inland.

This road trip can also include a visit to Mammoth Lakes, a truly stunning spot in the Sierra Nevada mountains and a great base to explore the Rainbow Falls, Yosemite, as well as the Mammoth and June Mountain ski areas. This will be of particular interest to winter sports fans, but trust us: Mammoth Lakes is gorgeous in the summertime, too.

Our routes from LA to Yosemite range from 310 miles to 360 miles in length and should take around 6 hours to drive.

How long is the road trip from Los Angeles to Yosemite National Park, and how many days will it take?

A road trip from Los Angeles to Yosemite will take you between 5 hours 50 minutes and 6 hours 30 minutes, covering a distance of 310 or 360 miles, depending on which route you take.

You should allow at least 2 or 3 days for this road trip, to make sure you get time to relax and enjoy your beautiful surroundings en route. We'd recommend taking 3 days for the Mammoth Lakes route to Yosemite if you have the time.

You'll also want to make sure you dedicate plenty of time to explore your destination, Yosemite National Park. The joint-second oldest National Park in the United States (after Sequoia), Yosemite is loved for its towering waterfalls, tall sequoia trees and some of the most incredible views you'll ever see.

Yosemite is home to a dazzling array of wildlife, including over 260 species of bird. Hikers will be in their element, while those looking for a more relaxing pace can find plenty of places to stop and simply enjoy the stunning scenery.

It's also worth noting that there are multiple driving routes through Yosemite National Park, accessible depending on the seasons and weather conditions.

What is the best road trip route from Los Angeles to Yosemite National Park?

There is no best route for a road trip to Yosemite from Los Angeles - just the best route for you.

That being said, this is how our two routes stack up against each other, looking at some factors that might influence your decision.

Driving from Los Angeles to Yosemite via Bakersfield

The Bakersfield Route from Los Angeles to Yosemite is the shorter of our two routes, meaning you'll take less time to reach the National Park, while still enjoying some fabulous views on the way.

This route follows some state highways that are well maintained. However, there are a few road changes (not driving solely on a main highway).

This route passes through urban hubs such as Santa Clarita, Bakersfield and Fresno, which means that there's less natural scenery to be enjoyed on this route.

There are quite a few major cities on this route as well as petrol stations, so refueling your car - and yourselves - shouldn't be an issue.

When it comes to entertainment along the way, you'll find plenty of attractions in Bakersfield and Fresno and can choose to make detours to enjoy more outdoorsy activities if you'd prefer. Our recommended detours are Isabella Lake, Sequoia National Forest and the spectacular Kings Canyon National Park.

As mentioned above, this route follows some state highways which don't have as many lanes as an interstate road, and this might slow down the traffic flow, especially near big cities and if there is maintenance.

If you decide to take this route without taking any detours, it won't be as scenic as the Mammoth Lake alternative.

That being said, the Bakersfield Route gives you the best of both worlds: a shorter and more direct route for those pressed for time, with opportunities for detours if you fancy a scenic escape.

Driving from Los Angeles to Yosemite via Mammoth Lakes

This is a very straightforward drive that takes place on a single national highway. It is scenic and passes by Death Valley National Park, which is an awesome place to visit. You don't have to switch from one road to another, so it is a very easy drive.

While this is a simple route, it passes through some amazing locations, including Santa Clarita, Death Valley, Kings Canyon National Park, Inyo National Forest and Mammoth Lakes, before you reach Yosemite.

On balance, this route is more scenic than our other option, with Death Valley National Park on one side and the views of California's beautiful national forests on the other.

This route presents more outdoor options (such as Death Valley) than the first option but does not have the urban hubs en route, which does mean that you'll compromise slightly when it comes to facilities, restaurants and indoor attractions.

The drive takes place on a national highway, and there aren't major cities on the way. This means that you shouldn't encounter congestion unless there are road works.

There aren't any petrol stations on this route until you approach Mammoth Lakes, so make sure to start the trip with a full tank.

One thing to keep in mind is that Mariposa Grove and Tioga Pass tend to be closed in the winter because of snow. If you're traveling this time of year, it's best to drive through Fish Camp via the Bakersfield Route.

Driving Route from Los Angeles to Yosemite National Park

Once you've decided on the best route option for you, it's time to get down to the details!

Read on for a flavor of the routes you could take from LA to Yosemite. With these high-level directions in your back pocket, be sure to always check GPS and local weather and traffic conditions before you set out on your trip.

Driving the Bakersfield Route

Leave Los Angeles via US Highway 101, heading north towards Santa Clarita. Soon, you'll merge onto Highway 170 and then Interstate 5 (I-5), continuing on this road all the way to Bakersfield.

From Bakersfield, take CA-99 north through McFarland, Tipton and then Fresno, where you might want to break the journey up before heading out of the urban area.

Once you've finished in Fresno, take CA-41 towards Oakhurst. Helpfully, this part of CA-41 is called Yosemite Freeway, so you'll know you're heading in the right direction!

The drive from Fresno to the South Entrance Gate to Yosemite is around 1 hour 20 minutes, on CA-41, passing by Fish Camp (and its accommodation options) before you enter the park.

Driving the Mammoth Lakes Route

As with the Bakersfield Route, you'll begin on Highway 110 and then CA-170, joining I-5 near Sheldon Arleta Park.

The two routes diverge at Santa Clarita, however, with the Mammoth Lakes Route following CA-14 eastwards in the direction of Lancaster.

Around 1 hour 15 minutes from Lancaster (near Inyokern) you'll merge onto Highway 395, which takes you all the way to Mammoth Lakes.

Around 160 miles after joining Highway 395 you'll pass Mammoth Yosemite Airport: a sure sign that you're approaching your destination.

Continue from here to Lee Vining (unless you're stopping in Mammoth Lakes for some R&R), joining Tioga Road - just to your left - as you approach Mono Lake.

Tioga Road is a stunning drive westwards through Yosemite, past Ellery, Tioga and Tenaya Lakes. You'll find the East Entrance to Yosemite around 15 minutes' drive from the Tioga Road junction at Mono Lake.

This route is a beautiful one to take through Yosemite. Please be aware, however, that Tioga Pass and Tioga Road close down winter due to adverse weather conditions.

Where to stop overnight on a road trip between Los Angeles and Yosemite National Park

While you could technically complete this trip from Los Angeles to Yosemite in a day, you'd miss out on so much natural beauty - as well as a more relaxed pace!

We've chosen our favorite overnight stops to help you plan an easygoing trip with a little relaxation and luxury thrown in!

Enjoy the Bakersfield Sound

Known fondly as “Nashville West”, Bakersfield, California is famous for its musical heritage and rich cultural scene.

At just two hours into your journey, you might wonder why we've chosen Bakersfield as your overnight stopping point on its namesake route.

As any local will tell you, traffic around Los Angeles is heavy at the best of times, and it's therefore likely that you'll be ready for a breather once you have made your way out of its huge urban sprawl.

Bakersfield is also a great place in its own right to enjoy an evening. With Fox Theater and Buck Owens' Crystal Palace providing top-class live acts, you won't be short on options for entertainment.

While in town, we suggest you stay at the stylish, Art Deco masterpiece that is Padre Hotel . This Bakersfield classic features unique yet modern décor, fabulous food and a downtown location that means you can ditch your car and take a break from driving.

Be sure to check out the Kern County Museum before you resume your journey to Yosemite, with its wealth of artifacts documenting local life and the history of the region.

Get back to nature at Mammoth Lakes

At under an hour from Yosemite's East Gate, Mammoth Lakes is much further into the route than our Bakersfield stopover. Despite this, we can't help but recommend it as a place to pause and recharge before your National Park adventure.

Loved by winter sports fans and hikers alike, Mammoth Lakes occupies a wonderful location in the Sierra Nevada mountains, providing a great base to explore the Rainbow Falls and the Mammoth and June Mountain ski areas.

Located in Inyo National Forest, it also attracts hikers in summer, particularly to Devils Postpile, to see unique column-shaped rocks.

While you're in Mammoth Lakes, we recommend The Village Lodge for your accommodation . From here, you can take a 1-minute gondola ride straight to Mammoth Mountain, or you can just hang out at the resort and enjoy the magical view.

Each of the hotel's beautiful condos also features a fireplace and dining area: perfect for a cosy night in after some fun in the mountains!

Our favorite place to stay near Yosemite National Park

Whichever direction you approach Yosemite from, there is plenty to enjoy at your destination. Drive through the Dead Giant Tunnel, take some snaps from Yosemite Valley Vista Point, or take a hike on one of its countless trails.

When it comes to a good night's rest, we recommend the Evergreen Lodge at Yosemite . Its location is unbeatable and we just love the cozy charm and camping-style atmosphere.

This property also comes with the added bonus of great amenities such as a seasonal outdoor pool, a restaurant (that guests rave about) and a cozy bar on-site. On top of all that, there is even a hot tub for the ultimate in relaxation after a day spent on the trails!

And for those who still have energy after all that hiking, there are also opportunities to play tennis or billiards at the resort.

Best time to travel from Los Angeles to Yosemite National Park on a road trip

Thanks to California's beautiful climate, you can take a trip from Los Angeles to Yosemite at any time of year.

You will find marked differences in driving conditions, prices and the activities on offer depending on when you travel though, so be sure to read on for our top tips.

Traveling to Yosemite from Los Angeles in summer

Hot days with highs reaching 78-80 degrees Fahrenheit mean that some will find Yosemite uncomfortable during summer. Nights are cool but daily temperatures can reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit in July.

July and August, both Yosemite and Mammoth Lakes are chock full of visitors. This invariably means a greater likelihood of encountering traffic and higher hotel prices too.

If you can brave the crowds, however, you'll be rewarded with Gold Rush BBQ (from the end of May to September) which may sway your vote!

Traveling to Yosemite from Los Angeles in winter

Temperatures are relatively mild in California, with temperatures ranging between 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit in the region.

More of an issue, however, is road closures especially on the Mammoth Lakes Route. Many trails are also closed in Yosemite due to snow and other inclement weather.

You can still visit some parts of the park - and the Sequoias in the snow will be magical - but please be aware that you won't be able to see all the attractions the park has to offer.

Winter will see some road closures, which will mean that you will encounter fewer crowds and lower accommodation prices. This does not apply to the holiday period, when Yosemite sees bigger crowds.

Traveling to Yosemite from Los Angeles in the shoulder seasons

Spring sees temperatures of about 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit on both routes to Yosemite. Nature will be coming back to life with beautiful blossoms everywhere - but be aware that Memorial Day in May brings crowds.

Fall tends to average around 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit. However, keep in mind that snow will often cover Yosemite as early as October, so stay away if you want a guarantee that you'll stay warm and dry.

Fall from September onwards gets crisp as well at Yosemite National Park, but on the other hand, you will get to enjoy seeing the park in its full fall colors.

The park is far less crowded in fall, so you will get better prices and the perk of all roads being open. And as a bonus, you can catch the Mariposa County Fair in September.

The best things to see and do on a road trip from Los Angeles to Yosemite National Park

This road trip is blessed with plenty of options when it comes to things to see and do en route.

You might want to save your energy for all the hiking you'll do at your destination - but in case you fancy some entertainment on your journey, we've set out some ideas below.

On the Bakersfield Route

Santa Clarita: A veritable hub of Californian historical sites, including Pico Number 4, the longest running oil well in the world and Mentryville, California's Pioneer Oil Town.

Castaic Lake State Recreation Area: A fabulous family-friendly destination featuring a lake with boats you can hire, swimming (during the summer season) & fishing. Known to locals as a great spot for camping & hiking.

Bakersfield: A city of culture that's often called "Nashville West", Bakersfield is home to fabulous museums and art galleries, including the Buena Vista Museum of Natural History and the California Living Museum. You'll also find many hiking trails here, winding a number of trails through the mountains of the Kern River Ranger District - part of Sequoia National Forest.

Fresno: Fondly known as "The Best Little City in the USA", Fresno lies at the heart of Californian agriculture country. Highlights here include Fresno Chaffee Zoo (with sea lions and a stingray touch pool) as well as Woodward Park's beautiful Shinzen Japanese Garden.

New Melones Lake: A tranquil reservoir on the Stanislaus River, nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills. With great hiking and biking trails you won't be short on exciting activities, set in the most beautiful surroundings.

Lake Camanche: A great option if you're looking for somewhere to to pitch your tent. This multi-award winning campground benefits from 54 miles of shoreline and great fishing in a peaceful lakeside setting.

Round Top: A towering and craggy 10,000-foot mountain, poised on the Sierra Crest in Alpine County. Situated just south of the Carson Pass, this is the highest point in the Mokelumne Wilderness and Eldorado National Forest.

On the Mammoth Lakes Route

Alpine Village: A cute slice of Bavaria in Southern California, you can get a real taste of Germany in this Alpine Village with great restaurants and stores to explore

Topaz Lake: A picture-perfect reservoir on the Nevada-California border. Bordered by the Eastern Sierra, it is also near Eldorado National Forest and Toiyabe National Forest.

Mt Patterson: A majestic mountain peak standing at over 11,000 feet tall and situated in Mono County. Mt Patterson is the highest mountain in the Sweetwater Mountain range, with amazing views of the region.

Mono Lake: Known for its world-famous tufa towers, Mono Lake is a large salt lake that is home to trillions of brine shrimp and a huge range of bird species. Very close to Yosemite's East Gate.

Inyo National Forest: A beautiful forest with one of the oldest living trees in the world - as well as the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest.

Death Valley National Park: Eerie and otherworldly: Death Valley is one of the hottest places in North America. It also has some great resorts if you fancy a memorable stopover.

Related posts

8 Best Stops on a Los Angeles to Yosemite Road Trip

Last Updated on December 1, 2023

by Sarah Dittmore

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If you’re not from California, a Los Angeles to Yosemite road trip might evoke romantic images of palm trees on the California coast fading in the rearview as towering pines and breathtaking mountains rise ahead of you. But anyone who’s done this drive knows it is mostly barren landscapes and the rank aroma of the local livestock farms.

However, if you’re willing to add an extra hour to the journey, there’s another route that harbors some surprising beauty and gives you something more exciting than “lunch in Fresno” to do on your way north.

The lesser-known eastern route from LA to Yosemite doesn’t just offer better views; it’s dotted with some unique and interesting stops that will turn what is usually a grind of a drive into a delightful California road trip . Read on for the best stops to make on your way to Yosemite National Park.

Table of Contents

Planning an LA to Yosemite Road Trip

When you look up directions from LA to Yosemite, most maps will instruct you to go via CA-99 N. This is by far the most direct route, but driving through California’s Central Valley is notoriously boring.

For longer road trippers looking to make a bigger adventure out of this trip, there’s always the option of driving the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) . On this route, you can go along the coast and see towns like Pismo Beach, Big Sur and Monterey before heading inland.

The PCH is, without question, the most alluring way to get anywhere in California. But seeing as it’s a 10-hour trek that is largely out of your way, it’s not a practical choice for most travelers.

For a more interesting drive than CA-99 without the commitment of a coastal road trip, the best route to Yosemite from Los Angeles is the eastern drive. Simply put “Tioga Pass Entrance” into your GPS app (which is northwest of Yosemite Valley in Mariposa County) and it will lead you east of the mountains and up US-395 N.

While it adds about an hour to the trek and is still a lot of brown, this scenic drive from Los Angeles to Yosemite features gorgeous mountain vistas, one of the best views entering Yosemite, and the opportunity to bypass the infamous stinky-cow region of the western route.

If you’re driving to Yosemite in the winter , make sure to check road conditions and confirm that the Tioga Pass Entrance is open before heading out.

Depending on snow levels, you might have to take CA-99 instead. But road closures are rare outside of winter and while you don’t pass as many large cities as you do on the traditional route, gas stations and rest stops are easy to find the whole way up.

If you need to rent a car for this trip, you can browse Rentalcars.com which aggregates prices across many providers. Alternatively, you could also rent an RV or campervan from Outdoorsy if you prefer to save on accommodation costs in California or continue your road trip from Yosemite to San Francisco or even onto the Oregon Coast!

How Far is Los Angeles to Yosemite?

The distance from Los Angeles to Yosemite via the traditional CA-99 route is 279 miles and takes about 5 hours. In contrast, the US-395 N route is 334 miles. The extra miles bring the Los Angeles to Yosemite drive time up to nearly 6 hours.

This drive can easily be done in a day with just a few stops at some of the most interesting locations, or it can be drawn out with time spent exploring some of the National Forests and other landmarks that dot the eastern route. No matter how long you take to do the drive, make sure to check out some of our favorite stops along the way.

Best Los Angeles to Yosemite Road Trip Stops

Good neighbor restaurant.

With a seemingly endless menu and fantastic service, it’s no wonder Good Neighbor Restaurant has become a local favorite. They serve breakfast until 3pm, so even if you get a late start, this mom-and-pop diner in Studio City is the perfect place to fuel up before the long drive ahead.

And hey, if you’re lucky, you might even spot some A-list celebrities… they’ve been known to frequent this hidden gem, which I take as a ringing Hollywood endorsement. 

Descanso Gardens

As you leave Los Angeles, you’ll pass a small botanical garden just before entering the more mountainous region of the drive. The internationally renowned botanical collection at Descanso Gardens is worth a visit year-round.

One of the benefits of Southern California’s eternal sunny weather is the chance for year-round blooms, making this garden a colorful stop no matter when in the year you’re doing your road trip.

Whether it’s blooming tulips in Spring or the bright yellow and orange ginko trees in Autumn, Descanso Gardens offer an awe-inspiring opportunity to get up close and personal with some of California’s most impressive flora.

While you’re there, make sure to check out the Boddy House for a dose of 1930s California history and look into what exhibits are on rotation at the onsite Sturt Haaga Gallery. 

Angeles National Forest

One of the highlights of taking US-395 N for your road trip between Los Angeles and Yosemite National Park is the opportunity to drive through the Angeles National Forest . You’ll wind through the rolling green hills and gaze across sun-drenched canyons for 30 glorious miles.

There are plenty of pull-offs along the drive that are well marked and fantastic opportunities for views and photos, but if you want to get more personally acquainted with the Angeles National Forest, there are two great stops to choose from: Monkey Canyon and Switzer Falls.

Monkey Canyon is a lesser-known local swimming hole directly off the highway. Though the Monkey Canyon Trail is only 0.2 miles, it’s a steep scramble and not recommended for beginners. Between the graffiti-covered rocks and the frequency of trash on the route, it might seem like an odd recommendation.

But this swimming hole is a local secret and the chances of running into other hikers are fairly small. This means if you don’t mind the scramble and aren’t afraid of heights, you’ll be rewarded by a 30-foot ladder that leads you into a private swimming hole surrounded by wildflowers and a towering canyon.

If the risky descent of Monkey Canyon Trail isn’t quite your speed, the more popular Switzer Falls is a great option. It’s a little further out of the way than Monkey Falls, but it’s a much easier out-and-back trail that ends in a 50-foot waterfall.

You’ll have a chance to swim here too, just be aware that you’re much more likely to run across fellow hikers and will have to share the water.

Whether you choose to take one of these trails or simply absorb the beauty of Angeles National Forest from one of the overlooks, it’s definitely a highlight along the drive.

Charlie Brown Farms

The one perk of driving up CA-99 is the farm stands that dot the Central Valley. However, choosing the eastern route does not necessitate skipping the farm stand experience.

About two hours into your drive (your GPS will say an hour, but let’s be honest about LA traffic), you’ll hit a little town called Vincent. Just a ten-minute detour will take you from there to Charlie Brown Farms .

This old-western style landmark started as a fruit stand in 1929 and has since evolved to include a vintage candy and toy shop, fudge, soda pop, barbeque, and a miniature dinosaur park. Is it kitschy? Absolutely. Is it worth it? 100%.

In addition to getting a taste of that Central California old-school aesthetic, you’ll have the opportunity to shop for local fruits and vegetables. And believe me when I say you haven’t had real California avocado until you’ve bought it straight from the farm.

Lake Isabella

Nearly halfway into your road trip, you’ll begin what is undoubtedly the best portion of this scenic route: driving along the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada. If you’re taking your time with this road trip and are willing to head an hour out of your way, it’s worth it to check out Lake Isabella at the southern end of the mountain range.

Lake Isabella is a popular spot for camping, water sports, and all things lake life. But what makes it a great stop on this route is that it’s your first breath of the Sierra Nevadas. For road trippers who aren’t in a rush, it’s a great place to spend the night.

It’s almost halfway between LA and Yosemite, so it’ll break up the drive nicely, and there are plenty of spots to camp or rent a room. That way you can take your time playing in the water, enjoying a picnic, and soaking in the unique beauty that is the southern peaks of the Sierra Nevada.

You can even detour further to Sequoia NP if you have enough time on your trip that you don’t need to choose between Yosemite or Sequoia!

Death Valley National Park

Famously referred to as the hottest, lowest, and driest National Park, Death Valley is truly one-of-a-kind. It’s also just an hour east of US-395 N.

For serious road trippers, I highly recommend adding a few days for Death Valley . Of course, you can make it a two-hour detour and say you’ve seen it, or spend the night and call it good, but the strange and wonderful beauty of Death Valley deserves as much time as you’re willing to give it.

With two days in Death Valley, you’ll be able to see all the major landmarks and even squeeze in a few hikes. Make sure to walk the salt flats at Badwater Basin, enjoy the view from Zabriskie Point, and take in the sandy dunes of Mesquite Flats.

I would recommend two days if you can swing it, but it’s still worth a visit if you can only give it a day. For those on a longer California road trip, three to four days in Death Valley allows you to see all the major sites, do some hikes, and even explore the more remote regions and backcountry roads.

I especially love combining Death Valley with this road trip because of the sheer contrast between the desert plains of Death Valley, the bustling city of LA, and the striking mountains of Yosemite. It really demonstrates what makes California such a special state.

Alabama Hills 

Four hours into the drive you’ll hit Alabama Hills and if you ignore everything else I suggest, promise me you’ll stop here.

The rounded boulders and desert landscape are reminiscent of Joshua Tree National Park while the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountains loom in the background. For a quick glimpse of the area and a chance to stretch your legs, check out the Mobius Arch Loop , a 20-minute walk featuring the unique flora and strange geology of the region. 

While there, make sure to stop by the Eastern Sierra Visitor Center for a view of Mount Whitney, a relaxing walk through the native plant garden, and interactive exhibits that tell you all about the unique landscape that makes up Alabama Hills.

If you want to add a day to your trip, there are plenty of great camping spots around Alabama Hills as well.

Just before you hit the entrance to Yosemite, you’ll pass Mono Lake, an absolute must on your drive.

There are plenty of activities to do, so if you skipped Isabella Lake and are looking for a place to get your feet wet, you could easily kill a few hours at Mono Lake. But at this point, you’ll be within throwing distance of Yosemite, so if your feet are getting itchy and you’re ready to be in the park, it’s still worth the detour just for a quick visit.

The distinct rock formations around Mono Lake’s shores, known as Tufa, make it feel a bit like visiting a lake on another planet. Plus, with the views of the snowcapped mountains in the distance and the crystal-clear blue waters, what’s not to love?   

From there, you’ve only got 20 minutes left in your road trip! The Tioga Pass Entrance is one of the most stunning ways to enter Yosemite and a great place to start your journey.

Where to Stay on the LA to Yosemite Drive

If you want to make some (or all!) of these stops, it may be a good idea to find a good place to stop along the way. Planning to stop for a night near Lake Isabella makes for an excellent halfway point between LA and Yosemite. If you’re wondering where to stay, have a look at these suggestions:

Sequoia Lodge – If you’re looking for a clean, comfortable hotel that will make a great halfway base on your road trip, then this hotel is a good option. Located within easy reach of the lake, they have a range of rooms available (all equipped with kitchenettes) and there is seen a barbecue area available to guests.

Private Rental – If you’d prefer your own place while on your road trip, then consider a private rental near Lake Isabella. This rustic cabin is just one of countless options available in the area. Click here to browse Lake Isabella private rentals

Little Valley Inn – Located in the town of Mariposa close to the entrance of Yosemite, this quaint inn is the perfect place to base yourself when exploring this incredible natural area. They have a number of lovely rooms available and there is also a buffet breakfast on offer each morning.

Mariposa Lodge – Another comfortable and well-reviewed option in Mariposa, this lodge is also the perfect base to ensure you’re well-rested before exploring Yosemite. They have a number of wonderful rooms on offer, a swimming pool on site and they even allow pets if you happen to be traveling with a furry friend.

Private Rental – Finding a private vacation rental is another fantastic accommodation option in Yosemite. There are a myriad of fantastic options available – like this cosy hilltop cabin – you’re sure to find something that suits your travel style and needs.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Yosemite hotels!

Planning a road trip from Los Angeles to Yosemite National Park is only a difficult task when you consider how much there is to see along the way!

Are you planning a trip from LA to Yosemite? Have any questions about this drive? Let us know in the comments!

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About Sarah Dittmore

Sarah is a writer for The World Was Here First. A California native, she loves travelling around her home state as well as visiting places further afield. She has spent over a decade travelling the world and writing stories inspired by the people and places she encounters along the way.

Do you have this same kind of information for a trip from San Francisco to Yosemite? Also, from Yosemite, we are heading down to San Simeon and then up the coast back to San Francisco, in case you have that kind of trip as well. None of us have ever been (19 of us), so we are looking for help. Thanks!

Hi Denise – you can find our guide to the San Francisco to Yosemite drive here: https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/san-francisco-to-yosemite-road-trip/

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Road Trip From San Diego To Yosemite National Park

San Diego is often referred to as America's Finest City, so a trip to what many would call the finest national park in the States is bound to be a scenic one. If you're in the market for lush, green forests, epic mountain expanses, and arid deserts all packed into one, consider a road trip from San Diego to Yosemite National Park.

The road trip from San Diego to Yosemite National Park takes around 6 hours and 30 minutes. After exploring the ruggedly beautiful Death Valley National Park and admiring Sierra and Inyo National Forests, take a break at Mammoth Lakes or unwind in Yosemite Village.

To make sure you don't miss out on anything, read on until the end and see what this incredible itinerary has to offer.

How far is Yosemite National Park from San Diego and how long will the road trip take

The road trip from San Diego to Yosemite National Park covers 400 to 430 miles depending on the route, and takes 6 hours and 30 minutes to 7 hours to complete, minus breaks and pit stops. Leaving early in the morning, it's theoretically possible to arrive at Yosemite in time for dinner.

However, the point of driving a lengthy itinerary is admiring the scenery. If you wanted to get to Yosemite quickly, you could board a plane to Fresno and figure it out from there, but by flying or rushing to drive to Yosemite in a day, you'd be missing out on so many amazing landscapes on the way there.

If you want a more straightforward drive with more places to stop along the way, consider taking the I-5 through Los Angeles to Yosemite National Park - the drive will be a bit shorter and access to the forests and parks will be much more direct. Also, the coastline between San Diego and Los Angeles is an adventure in and of itself.

With that said, getting out of San Diego and driving through Los Angeles is bound to involve a fair bit of traffic, potentially adding an hour or two to your trip. Since the cities are so close together, getting caught up in San Diego's rush hour probably means you won't fare much better in Los Angeles either.

If you're in the mood for a desert drive and would like to see the Sierras from up close, another option is to take Hwy 395 – you'll follow the highway past forests, national parks, the iconic Death Valley, and some unique little desert towns.

The downside here is that the mountainous terrain and shoddier road conditions might wind up extending your drive, even more so than the traffic on the interstate. On top of that, there won't be many direct roads leading into the many parks and forests you'll be passing.

Best road trip route from San Diego to Yosemite National Park

Under most circumstances, the interstate route is probably your best bet for getting from San Diego to Yosemite National Park. You don't get to pass through the desert, but you'll ultimately be able to visit more places as opposed to just driving by them.

If you want to change things up, you can take Highway 395 on your way back to San Diego – the up-close view of the Sierra Nevada Mountains is a welcome addition, and the access to Death Valley should add just enough novelty to make your return trip more interesting.

If you choose to travel on the Interstate Route, you will use the South Entrance to the national park, whereas the Death Valley Route will take you to the Tioga Pass Entrance (closed in winter). If you prefer to use another entrance, you can use our detailed guide to help you decide.

How to drive from San Diego to Yosemite National Park

The map above shows our suggestions for the best road trip routes between San Diego and Yosemite National Park. Keep reading for detailed descriptions of both routes, where to stay on either, and the best things to do on the way.

Interstate Route (via Los Angeles)

Along the I-5, pass Torrey Pines State Reserve and hug the coastline on your way out of San Diego up until Dana Point, then follow the interstate through the heart of Los Angeles. Not long after passing Los Padres National Forest, you'll join State Route 99 and cut through Bakersfield.

A few miles north, you'll see the lovely Sequoia National Forest to your right, immediately followed by Kings Canyon National Park and Sierra National Forest. At Fresno, take the State Route 41 and enter Yosemite at the South Entrance near Fish Camp.

Death Valley Route (Hwy 395)

Take the I-15 out of San Diego past Cleveland National Forest and follow it between Angeles and San Bernardino National Forests and through Victorville. From here, join up with Highway 395 and continue north to the chain of natural landmarks on either side.

Past Inyokern, you'll pass by Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, with the option of dropping into Inyo National Forest via Bishop.

Further north, drive through Mammoth Lakes and take the Tioga Pass Entrance into Yosemite – this is the highest-altitude vehicle crossing in the state. All the while, this left-hand side stretch of forests and parks will be contrasted by Death Valley National Park to your right.

Best places to stop between San Diego and Yosemite National Park

As with any scenic road trip, you should consider splitting the trip up into at least a few days for the best possible travel experience. You'll have a long list of choices, but these are some of the best places for an overnight stop:

Spend some time in Bakersfield

Dead-center is a great place to stop when taking a long road trip, especially if it happens to be a major town with good accommodation. Bakersfield has some good options, but the Padre Hotel is our top favorite .

This stylish hotel has designer touches throughout and is home to the fantastic Brimstone Bar and Prospect Bar, where you can enjoy some lovely live piano music. You can also relax at Prairie Fire, an outdoor patio bar - the options are endless at the Padre!

Once you are ready, the hotel is within walking distance of the historic Fox Theater. The Crystal Palace and Museum are also a short drive away, so you will be located in the heart of the action.

Relax in Mammoth Lakes

A strong candidate for inland California's best-positioned town, Mammoth Lakes is a tourist's dream come true. There are lots of great hotels here, but The Village Lodge is in a league of its own – this is one of the more expensive hotels in the area, but it's well worth it.

The Village is a wintertime idyll that perfectly captures the essence of a fairytale town, and its Village Lodge doubles down on that with its superior rooms, incredible balcony views, and unmatched service.

After a day of exploring Yosemite National Park or the quaint Village, warm your bones in the resort's heated pool. Don't like the crowds in the common areas? Make yourself comfortable in one of the 5 on-site hot tubs, or potentially score a private workout if one of the 3 gyms happens to be empty.

The best part of your stay is that you'll be in the epicenter of all things Yosemite. Whether you want to go skiing, explore the incredible Yosemite Valley, or just find a nice restaurant and enjoy a night out, you can get there from the Lodge in no time at all.

Things to see on a road trip from San Diego to Yosemite National Park

As the 2 routes cover such a wide variety of terrain types, it should come as no surprise that there's plenty to see on a road trip from San Diego to Yosemite – take a week or two and take as many pictures as you can. Here are some of the main places of interest to get you started:

• Torrey Pines State Reserve – A gorgeous park that's technically part of San Diego, rich in wildlife and vegetation and boasting the beautiful Torrey Pines State Beach.
• Moonlight State Beach - This Encinitas beach is the perfect summer getaway and a popular hub for water sports in the area.
• Los Angeles – Large and in charge, the City of Angels is a cultural hub that can keep you occupied for weeks.
• Los Padres National Forest – A gorgeous forest featuring wildflowers, waterfalls, and a long chain of mountain ranges.
• Bakersfield – The interstate route's convenient midpoint features several popular animal exhibits and lots of breathtaking parks.
• Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks – From giant sequoia trees (including General Sherman, the largest one in the world) to the tallest peak in the contiguous United States, you'll have no shortage of natural wonders to explore here.
• Fresno – Located in the heart of California, this city is conveniently close and connected to all the forests and parks mentioned in this section.
• Sierra National Forest – An indescribably beautiful blend of mountains, lakes, and pine trees, this is one of the most conventionally picturesque places in all of California.
• Cleveland National Forest – Despite having been ravaged by the Cedar Fire, the beautiful and varied landscapes of this forest have made it a go-to spot for camping and hiking.
• Death Valley National Park – If you can take the heat, Death Valley is the most incredible desert area you're ever likely to explore.
• Bishop – A popular city among tourists and travelers, Bishop offers amazing mountain views and plenty of roadside accommodation.
• Inyo National Forest – Home to Boundary Peak and the oldest trees in the world, this forest is not to be missed.
• Mammoth Lakes – This town is famous for its ski resorts and for being surrounded by breathtaking landscapes from all sides.
• Mono Lake – This giant ancient's lake waters are as beautiful as they are salty.

Best time to go on a road trip from San Diego to Yosemite National Park

There really is no bad time to do a road trip from San Diego to Yosemite as far as the park itself is concerned – rain, snow, or shine, the abundance of activities means you'll have plenty to do in Yosemite all year round.

However, with such an incredible location comes a large crowd of tourists, so if you're looking to avoid crowds, consider visiting in May or September – there's really no such thing as an out-of-season period for Yosemite, but these months are less crowded and the weather tends to be very pleasant.

Although the park is beautiful in the winter, keep in mind that the Highway 395 route is essentially out of bounds this time of year – even if the highway itself is clean and accessible, Tioga Pass (Yosemite's only east entrance) is almost never open past mid-November, and your hiking prospects at Death Valley would be quite limited too.

Traveling along the interstate is always an option, no matter the season or weather conditions. If you want to travel along Highway 395, make the trip in September or October – Tioga Pass should still be open, and the temperatures in Death Valley will be a lot more bearable than in the summer.

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EPIC Yosemite to Redwood National Park Road Trip | 4-Day Itinerary

Jan 5, 2024

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I'm a travel creator and influencer coach based out of Arizona. This blog is where I share the best itineraries for US & beyond, 63 US National Parks , and influencer tips . Read More About Me ⟶

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Whether that’s the hiking paradise of Yosemite National Park, the incredible majesty of Redwood National Park, or the scorching heat of Death Valley National Park, there is something for everyone in California’s national parks .

That makes picking which US National Park you want to visit tricky, as each of the nine parks offers such unique attractions.  

That said, you don’t have to choose just one, as you could always take a road trip from Yosemite to Redwood. This guide will combine a Redwood National Park itinerary with a Yosemite trip, with some magnificent stops along the way. 

And as someone who has done this myself when I lived in a campervan for a year, and DID this road trip more than once, I can’t recommend it enough!

Don’t know what to pack, when to go, or how far Yosemite is from Redwood National Park? No need to stress. All you need to do is keep reading – you’ll find all you need below!

Disclaimer: Hey explorer! This post contains affiliate links which means I earn a small percentage of each purchase made through my links. I only ever recommend products I believe in and appreciate your support if you decide to use my links—thank you!

Best Time to Do the Yosemite to Redwood Drive

To take part in all the best hikes, sights, and activities, the best time to do this road trip is from May to September.

More specifically, summer (June to August), where temperatures range between the 60s and the 70s Fahrenheit, is an optimal season to drive.

Just keep in mind that this is a peak tourist period, so it can be handy to book accommodation in advance. 

That said, the great thing about this itinerary is that it really can be done year-round.

Whether that’s appreciating the auburn foliage of fall (September to October) or enjoying the mild northern California winter (November to March), this drive is stunning anytime. 

Distance from Yosemite to Redwood National Park

The shortest route from Yosemite to the Redwoods is 463 miles along California State Route 4 and US Route 101.

There are loads of brilliant stops along the way, such as national forests, beaches, quaint towns, and picturesque sights. 

Adding these stops to your road trip will cover a distance of between 500 and 600 miles.

This amounts to a driving time of between 10 and 12 hours, but don’t worry, it’s not all continuous. 

What to Pack for a Yosemite to Redwood Road Trip 

Still trying to decide what to add to your bag for a Yosemite to Redwood drive? Here’s a list of some must-haves when packing:

• A sturdy, reusable water bottle : It’s essential to stay hydrated on the long drive.
• Binoculars : If you want to experience the best views Yosemite and Redwood have to offer, bringing a good pair is handy.
• Comfy hiking boots : To keep your feet comfy on any challenging trail you trek. 
• High SPF sunscreen : To protect your skin when driving, hiking, and sightseeing.
• A handy daypack : To put all your essentials inside.  

Yosemite National Park to Redwood National Park Itinerary Breakdown  

Now that we’ve covered the nitty-gritty, let’s get into a full-on breakdown of the Yosemite to Redwood itinerary.

• Day 1: Yosemite to Sacramento
• Day 2: Sacramento to Mendocino
• Day 3: Mendocino to Eureka
• Day 4: Eureka to Redwood

Top tip: This route covers the coastal region of northern California. If you’d prefer to explore more of the Golden State’s natural landmarks, adding a detour via Lassen Volcanic National Park and Lake Tahoe to Redwood National Park is definitely worth it.

Day 1 – Yosemite National Park to Sacramento

Driving time: 2 hours and 40 minutes

Mileage: 141 miles

Morning to Afternoon

The best way to start your day in Yosemite National Park is by going on a hike, and one fantastic option is the Cook’s Meadow Loop.

This takes you past famous landmarks, such as the Yosemite Falls, the Merced River, the Yosemite Valley Chapel, Half Dome, and Glacier Point. 

Prefer something a little more challenging? You could do the Valley Loop Trail if you’ve got time.

Next up, it’s not a visit to Yosemite without seeing the awe-inspiring El Capitan.

Whether you’re seeing this sight from Tunnel View or Yosemite Meadow, try your best to spot some adrenaline-seeking climbers. 

Afternoon to Evening

Now, it’s time to hit the road, more specifically, California State Route 99 north towards Sacramento.

Along the way, you’ll pass quaint towns like Groveland and natural beauty, such as New Melones Lake and the Red Hills Recreational Management Area. 

If you’re feeling hungry, a great place to stop for some food is Stockton, around two hours into the drive.

For great sushi, visit Cocoro Japanese Bistro. If you are looking for something more substantial, then Fat City Brew & BBQ is the place for you. 

End off your day by staying at Embassy Suites by Hilton Sacramento Riverfront Promenade . It’s right in Downtown and close to many fantastic museums. What’s more, it’s also got spacious rooms, complimentary breakfast, and an indoor swimming pool. 

Read Next: Prettiest and Ugliest US National Parks

Day 2 – Sacramento to Mendocino

Driving time: 3 hours and 45 minutes

Mileage: 197 miles

Get your second day running with the included breakfast at the hotel.

Prefer to explore the city? Then, bacon & butter is a brunch spot you won’t want to miss. With options like the grilled cheese Benedict, the apple pie French toast, and the bacon and egg flapjacks – it’s no wonder locals love this place so much. 

Continue your day with a visit to Capitol Park, with its mesmerizing World Peace Rose Garden and its sobering Vietnam War memorial.

Looking for something cultural? Well, the Crocker Art Museum offers a wide variety of works, from European masters to Asian, African, and Oceanic art.

Wrap up your time in Sacramento by trying some of the delectable house-made ice cream at Vic’s Ice Cream. In business since the 1940s, this is an iconic part of the Land Park neighborhood. 

Now, it’s time to head on US Highway 101 for Mendocino.

There are tons of magnificent stops along the way, such as Sonoma, Santa Rosa, and San Pablo Bay, if you need a restroom or snack break. 

Once you reach Mendocino, you’ll see why it’s a stop on this trip, as it’s a stunning seaside village.

A cozy place to stay is Mendo Bungalow , as it has comfy bedding, fireplaces, and modernly-designed rooms.

Day 3 – Mendocino to Eureka 

Driving time: 3 hours

Mileage: 143 miles

The ideal start to the third day of this road trip is by heading to GoodLife Cafe for a cup of fair-trade coffee, an authentic New York-style bagel, or a freshly-baked pastry. Enjoy it on the outdoor covered balcony as you relax and take in the scenery. 

There’s loads to do, whether that’s enjoying a hike in Russian Gulch State Park or taking a meander through Mendocino Headlands State Park.

You could also stroll along Downtown Mendocino and pop in Gallery Bookshop or Mendocino Jams & Preserves. These two stores have some fantastic gifts, whether they’re for a friend or just yourself. 

As you prepare to leave Mendocino, look out for whales (especially if you’re visiting between November and April).

The whales love the warm waters of Mendocino Bay and migrate here in the winter. 

On your way to Eureka north along California State Route 1, it’s definitely worth seeing the Point Cabrillo Lighthouse Museum.

Some other great pit stops are the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens and the Jug Handle State Natural Reserve if you have time.

One stop that’s non-negotiable is Fort Bragg for its stunning Glass Beach and freshly caught fish at the Princess Seafood Market .

After Fort Bragg, you’ll pass a bunch of small towns, but it’s best to keep driving, as Eureka is still a while to go.

It’s all worth it though, as this city has elaborate Victorian mansions, a charming waterfront, and many lovely beaches. 

Eureka Inn is a top spot to get some rest, which you’ll need for the last day. Plus, it has a great pool, elegant rooms, and loads of character.

Day 4 – Eureka to Redwood National Park

Driving time: 45 minutes

Mileage: 40 miles 

The last day involves a lot less driving, so you’ll have more time to explore both Eureka and Redwood National Park.

Greene Lily Cafe is a lovely spot right near the bay, where you can enjoy scrumptious breakfast options, including eggs Benedict, Huevos rancheros, or biscuits and gravy. 

While in Eureka’s Old Town, make sure to check out the Clarke Historical Museum for some insight into this destination’s history.

Then, it’s off to the Eureka Boardwalk as you head toward the Carson Mansion.

Unfortunately, you have to be a member of the Ingomar Club to see the interior, but its exterior is still a sight to behold. 

Now, on your way to Redwood National Park, a terrific natural feature is the Trinidad State Beach.

With its open meadow bluff, expansive stretch of sand, and vistas of Humboldt Bay, you’ll see why it was mentioned here. 

From there, it’s only a 20-minute drive to the park, so get ready to see the best things Redwood National Park has on offer.

It’s hard to pick what to see, so for hikers, do the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail . 

For movie nerds, you’ll recognize Fern Canyon from Jurassic Park , so check that out. To round it all off, camping beneath the redwoods is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

Read Next: How to Spend 2 Days in Redwood National Park

Wrapping Up This 4-Day Yosemite to Redwood National Park Road Trip

There you have it, a delightful road trip from Yosemite to Redwood National Park. No matter where you stop along the way, you’re bound to make some lasting memories. 

With all that said and done, it’s definitely one of the best ways to experience Northern California and two of the best US national parks .

What are you waiting for? Get in your car or book a plane ticket and get started. 

PS: Thinking of doing another road trip between two national parks? Check out this Yellowstone to Glacier National Park road trip .

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10-Day California National Park Road Trip Itinerary

• California is home to a variety of national parks, including 9 official national parks and a total of 28 national park units.
• A 10-day road trip through California is a great way to explore the highlights of the state, with stops at Joshua Tree, Death Valley, Sequoia and Kings Canyon, Yosemite, Pinnacles, Muir Woods, and Point Reyes.
• Each national park offers unique activities and experiences, from hiking and scenic drives to stargazing and exploring ghost towns. Visitors can also enjoy the diverse landscapes of California, from deserts and mountains to the coast.

California is a huge state with a variety of unique landscapes and vibrant cities. There are a number of scenic road trips to take through California , highlighting the coastline, the mountains, and everything in between.

Road trip travelers particularly enjoy visiting California’s national parks, which often mean two different things. When visitors think of national parks, they often jump to the 63 national parks throughout the US , 9 of which are in California. However, the National Park Service actually refers to all the protected areas managed by the NPS as national parks. With this in mind, there are actually 428 national park units in the US , including national monuments, national battlefields, national scenic byways, and national seashores. 28 of these national parks are in the scenic state of California.

While a 10-day national park road trip through California isn’t enough time to see all 28 national park units, or even the 9 national parks in California, it is plenty of time to explore the highlights of this great state. This 10-day California National Park road trip winds through deserts, mountains, and scenic beaches, highlighting many of the most famous landscapes in California. By focusing on the southern and central parts of the state, driving time (which can quickly get out of control in California) is mitigated, leaving more time for scenic stops along the drive.

Related: 10 National Park Road Trips That Should Be On Your Bucket List

Day 1: Los Angeles To Joshua Tree National Park

Driving distance: 131 miles, time to drive: ~2.25 hours.

Los Angeles is one of the easiest starting points for a California road trip, with several international airports and direct access to the first California National Park road trip stop. The first day of the trip allows plenty of time to arrive in the Golden State before heading to Joshua Tree National Park, which is just over two hours away.

Joshua Tree National Park is a true can’t-miss road trip stop. Even those with just an hour or two can enjoy one of the short, easy hikes in Joshua Tree National Park . With so much scenery so close to the roads, Joshua Tree is the perfect first stop on what is sure to be a busy road trip.

About Joshua Tree National Park

• Park Hours: 24/7
• Entrance Fee: $30/vehicle
• Popular Things to Do at Joshua Tree National Park (Day 1): Scenic Drives, Stargazing, Easy Hiking Trails, Scenic Overlooks

Day 2: Joshua Tree National Park

Since the first day of the road trip can often be slowed down by flights, check-ins, and car rentals, the scenic part of the adventure may have to wait for day two. Thankfully, whether this is the first or second day exploring Joshua Tree National Park, travelers will have plenty to take in.

In addition to being one of the most scenic places in California, Joshua Tree National Park has a variety of activities to enjoy beyond hiking. Soaking in hot springs and stargazing are popular pastimes in this desert landscape.

Just 20 miles north of the park itself is a truly out-of-this-world experience. The Integratron is an upscale sound bath experience with an extraterrestrial past. Originally built to communicate with aliens, today, guests at the Integratron can enjoy a soothing sensory experience in the heart of the desert. Book well in advance; this place sells out quickly.

• Popular Things to Do at Joshua Tree National Park (Day 2): Hiking, Scenic Drives, Integratron Sound Bath, Stargazing, Hot Springs
• Integratron Fees: Shared Sound Bath from $55/person

The drive from Joshua Tree National Park to Death Valley National Park is about four hours. Those following this itinerary may want to drive to Death Valley National Park on the evening of day two in order to make the most of their day in Death Valley itself.

Day 3: Death Valley National Park

Driving distance: 228 miles, time to drive: ~4 hours.

Death Valley National Park may not have the most inviting name, but there is still something magical about visiting one of the hottest places on the planet . The second destination on a California National Park road trip, Death Valley, straddles the California/Nevada border.

In addition to the unique arid landscape, Death Valley National Park is home to several of the best hikes that lead to ghost towns in the US . With nine different ghost towns in Death Valley National Park , all preserved in the dry air, one could easily fill a day simply exploring the past.

About Death Valley National Park

• Popular Things to Do at Death Valley National Park: Hiking, Biking, Off-roading, Ghost Town Visits, Scenic Drives

Death Valley National Park’s roads were heavily damaged by Hurricane Hilary in August 2023 . As of December 2023, the park is open to visitors, but many of the roads remain closed for repairs. Check the map on the NPS Death Valley National Park website for current road conditions and closures.

Day 4: Sequoia And Kings Canyon National Parks

Driving distance: 302 miles, time to drive: ~5.5 hours.

With two national parks comes twice as much fun. The first day in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks involved driving there from Death Valley. Despite how close they look on the map, the roads necessitate a fairly big loop to get from the desert to the forests. As a result, approximately five and a half hours of this day of the California National Park road trip will be spent en route.

Thankfully, both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are worth the effort. Home to the biggest tree in the world, the famous General Sherman (in Sequoia National Park) , these parks are filled with literal giants. After spending the first three days of this road trip in some of the driest parts of California, a couple of days among the giant sequoias is the perfect change of pace.

About Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

• Park Hours: 24/7 (both parks)
• Entrance Fee: $35/vehicle (covers both parks)
• Popular Things to Do at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks: Hiking, Ranger-led Activities, Scenic Walks, General Sherman Viewing, General Grant Viewing

While Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are listed separately, their proximity means that they are easily visited together. Additionally, the $35 entrance fee covers admission to both parks for up to seven consecutive days.

Day 5: Sequoia And Kings Canyon National Parks

While driving is indeed a key part of an epic California National Park road trip, every good vacation needs a couple of days that move a little slower. Having done the drive the day before, day five of this trip is all about truly enjoying the forest.

There are plenty of things to do at both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks , including hiking, biking, taking a guided tour, or hopping back in the car for a scenic drive. Despite being located near the Sierra Nevadas, both parks are fairly mild in their climate, making them an ideal stop, even for a winter road trip through California.

While it comes second to General Sherman, the General Grant Tree in Kings Canyon National Park is just as magnificent to look at and frequently less crowded than its slightly bigger brother in Sequoia National Park.

Day 6: Yosemite National Park

Driving distance: 111 miles, time to drive: ~2.5 hours.

A California National Park road trip would not be complete without a couple days in California’s most visited national park. Yosemite National Park is a true spectacle, with towering pines, clear mountain lakes and rivers, and some of the most unusual granite formations in the world.

It takes just over two hours to get from Kings Canyon National Park to Yosemite National Park, leaving plenty of time to enjoy both scheduled days in this spectacular destination. The first day may be perfect for hiking the smaller trails or chasing some of the best waterfalls in Yosemite National Park . As this is a road trip, the scenic drives in Yosemite National Park are another perfect way to spend a day here.

About Yosemite National Park

• Entrance Fee: $35/vehicle
• Popular Things to Do at Yosemite National Park (Day 1): Short Hikes, Scenic Viewing, Waterfall Hikes, Scenic Drives

Related: 10 Things To Know Before Pitching A Tent & Camping In Yosemite National Park

Day 7: Yosemite National Park

Two days may feel like a long time to spend in one place on a short 10-day California National Park road trip, but a quick look around Yosemite National Park proves this place needs the extra time.

The second day in Yosemite National Park is the perfect time to schedule activities that require more advance planning. The Half Dome hikes, for instance, are one of the best hikes in the US and require a permit to complete. Additionally, those road tripping in February can make a reservation to see Yosemite’s famous Firefall .

Even those not interested in these scheduled activities can find plenty to do in and around Yosemite National Park. As part of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, there are a number of amazing caves to explore near Yosemite National Park . The day’s adventures complete, guests can bundle up in one of the cabins or lodges inside the park grounds (or simply set up a tent!) before starting the final sprint of the California road trip.

• Popular Things to Do at Yosemite National Park (Day 2): Half Dome Hike, Firefall Drive or Hike, Cave Exploration, Ranger Programs, Scenic Drives, Hiking

Day 8: Pinnacles National Park

Driving distance: 173 miles, time to drive: ~3.5 hours.

If Yosemite National Park is the most visited national park in California, Pinnacles National Park may be one of the least visited. Pinnacles National Park is located near the coast of Central California, just three and a half hours from Yosemite.

Here, road trip travelers can marvel at the unique pinnacle rock formations as they hike, bike, and drive through the park. Those watching carefully may also notice some important feathered companions among the rocks. The California Condor, once effectively extinct in the wild, has made a major comeback, largely thanks to the sustainability efforts of US national parks like Pinnacles.

Today, Pinnacles National Park is one of the most important nesting grounds for this endangered bird, proving that this underrated destination deserves a day on the California national park road trip.

About Pinnacles National Park

• Park Hours: 24/7 (East Gate Only)
• Popular Things to Do at Pinnacles National Park: Hiking, Biking, Wildlife Viewing, Rock Climbing

Due to the fragile nature of the California Condor population, some parts of Pinnacles National Park are closed seasonally to protect nesting grounds. Always follow local signage to help protect these vulnerable animals.

Related: California Condor: Where To See One Of The World's Rarest Birds

Day 9: Muir Woods National Monument

Driving distance: 146 miles, time to drive: ~3 hours.

Along the coast near San Francisco, Muir Woods National Monument is a serene coastal forest that serves as both an area of protection and research. With only ten days on this California national park road trip, going all the way north to Redwood National and State Parks may be unrealistic, so spending a day in Muir Woods National Monument, which also protects large groves of old-growth coastal redwoods, is a scenic alternative.

Muir Woods is particularly special thanks to its huge variety of hiking trails , ready for visitors of all ability levels. Located just fifteen minutes from San Francisco, one of the must-see stops on a cross-country road trip , travelers can easily spend their second-to-last day in both the wilderness and the big city.

About Muir Woods National Monument

• Park Hours: 8 am - Sunset
• Entrance Fee: $15/person
• Popular Things to Do at Muir Woods National Monument: Hiking, Scenic Drives, Wildlife Watching, Trip to San Francisco

Day 10: Point Reyes National Seashore

Driving distance: 23 miles, time to drive: ~1 hour.

This 10-day California National Park road trip starts in the middle of the desert and ends surrounded by the ocean, a true testament to the huge range of natural landscapes in California.

Point Reyes National Seashore offers some truly picturesque views for the end of the road trip.

Located just an hour from Muir Woods National Monument and San Francisco, Point Reyes has both classic sandy beaches to lounge on and crashing rocky shores to hike above. In fact, visitors can easily hike in Point Reyes National Seashore , which features 47 hiking trails, ranging from very easy to hard, so that everyone can explore the California coast in all its glory.

Whether enjoying a full day on the beach or catching one of the many Point Reyes National Seashore park programs , this national park road trip promises to end just as dramatically as it began.

About Point Reyes National Seashore

• Park Hours: 6am - 12am
• Entrance Fee: FREE
• Camping Fee: $30/night (1-6 people)
• Popular Things to Do at Point Reyes National Seashore: Hiking, Ranger Walks, Visit Point Reyes Lighthouse , Scenic Drives

7 Famous Landmarks on a Road Trip between Phoenix and Yosemite

Covering over 1,200 miles, a road trip between Phoenix and Yosemite National Park might not sound like the most convenient way to visit the famous park. On a normal year, we would have flown to Reno and driven from there. But in 2021 we opted to drive.

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It was the time they introduced reservations to visit the park, to keep down the crowds. So, before setting out on our road trip from Phoenix to Yosemite, we bought a pass.

It was our first road trip that summer, taking us through some of the most spectacular – and famous – landmarks in the US.

Driving through the Sonoran and Mojave Deserts

To get from Phoenix to the high mountains and most famous landmarks of California, we covered a lot of desert. We drove through both the Sonoran and the Mojave Deserts for hours upon hours.

We started off in the greener Sonoran Desert, home of the giant saguaro, in bloom at the time. Since it is a night bloomer, the gorgeous white saguaro flowers were still open in the morning, when we set off on our adventure. During the first part of our road trip we enjoyed the views of blooming saguaros, surrounded by low hills and high mountains.

We drove through tiny towns with a handful of homes, and through unending views of desert landscape. Eventually, the environment changed slightly, as we passed from the Sonoran to the Mojave Desert, and from Arizona into California.

From there, we drove through large fields of wind-powered generators, and solar panels, giving us hope for the future. But we also drove by farmlands that didn’t seem to belong in the desert, and cattle ranches that belonged even less.

1. Joshua Tree National Park

Depending of the time of the year you travel, your first stop along a Phoenix to Yosemite road trip is Joshua Tree National Park . The distance between Phoenix and Joshua Tree National Park is about 220 miles, most of the time a three-and-a-half-hour drive. So, after this amount of driving it is worth to stop for a while.

Unless you are driving through in the summer. With temperatures hovering above the 100F (over 38 degrees Celsius), summer is not the ideal time to visit this park. However, a short stop is still worth it.

The park offers a great place to experience the best of the Mojave Desert, and learn about this unique environment. Though we didn’t linger this time – it was too hot to even get out of the car – we visited the park a few times before, and always enjoyed our experiences.

The Visitor Center offers plenty of material to learn about the agave plant known as Joshua Tree and the surrounding desert ecosystem. A short interpretive trail starting at the Visitor Center gives you more choices to explore the surroundings.

The main road through the park leads through a few famous landmarks and large patches of Joshua Trees. If you have time, and you are there at the right time of the year, enjoy a few hikes through the park. During a hot Sumer day though, you could just drive along on your road trip to Yosemite. But before you reach your destination, you have a few other places you can stop to explore.

2. Mount Whitney

Another 250 miles later we reached one of the highlights of our Phoenix to Yosemite road trip, Mount Whitney, the tallest mountain in the contiguous United States. For us, it was one of the highlights of the trip.

With its highest peak at 14,494 feet (4,418 meters), Mt Whitney lays at the southern end of the Sierra Nevada. You’ll find the road leading up to it in the small town on Lone Pine, worth a stop for its famous landmarks featured in old Western movies.

Since a road trip between Phoenix and Yosemite passes right it, we felt we needed to stop and enjoy some time on the mountain.

From what we read about the mountain’s popularity, we weren’t sure we’d even find a parking spot near any of the trails. But we wanted to drive up to the famous mountain regardless, at least for the scenery.

Enjoy the Scenic Road to Mount Whitney

The road to the mountain, fittingly called Whitney Portal, starts in the center of Lone Pine. It is easy to miss it though if you are not looking for it; We drove by it and had to turn around when we realized we left the town and were driving away from Mt Whitney.

The scenic road is worth a drive even if you don’t plan on spending much time on top.

However, if you are a mountaineer and want to summit, you’ll need a permit for your hike, and you should come prepared.

If you’re like us, just stoping on your way to Yosemite, drive to the trailhead, hike about a mile or so on the summit trail and enjoy time in the pines. Be aware of bears in the area.

The day after a holiday weekend, we had no trouble finding a parking lot at the trailhead. Part of the reason might have to do with CoVid, and the permit system. Or maybe it was just good timing and luck.

Take a Short Hike and Have a Picnic Under the Pines

Since we had no desire to hike the 10+ miles to the top, this was a great stop for us. We had a wonderful time exploring the surroundings at the 8,300 feet elevation, enjoying the cooler weather in the pines, and a picnic lunch after a short hike on the famous Whitney trail leading to the summit.

Note: Please do not attempt to hike the length of the summit trail, unless you are prepared for it, have the proper gear, and experience. By which I mean you’ve hiked other 14,000+ elevation peaks. Even if you do get a permit, you need training and proper gear for the trail, especially at higher elevations; I read about too many hikers getting injured and killed on this trail because it seems easy.

If you are on a road trip to Yosemite, enjoy a short stop and the scenic road, then drive on to your next stop.

3. Mammoth Lakes (and maybe Devils Postpile National Monument)

About two hours later, 100 miles past Mt Whitney, you’ll reach Mammoth Lakes, with its surrounding pine forests and lakes. Take a stroll in the charming center of town, then find a hike by one of the lakes. At the foothills of Mammoth Mountain, the town lays at an elevation of 7,880 feet, and it is the gateway to the scenic mountain, and to the Devils Postpile National Monument.

Unfortunately, when we visited, in early June, the National Monument wasn’t open for the season yet. Since they don’t have an exact opening date, if you want to visit Devils Postpile, you need to check their website for updates. Generally, if you visit in July and August, I’m sure it’s open, but in June and September, you should check.

However, spending time at Mammoth Lakes is definitely worth it even without going further. You’ll find a few of the lakes surrounded by pine forests and hiking trails.

4. Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is your main destination on this road trip, or round trip. From this side, you will enter Yosemite National Park from Tioga Pass, only open seasonally.

You’ll reach the park’s gateway city on this side, Lee Vining, about 30 miles from Mammoth Lakes. Remember though, Tioga Pass is only open in the summer. Since its opening dates vary depending on they snowfall in any given year, you need to check the park’s website for updates. If the pass is not open, you’ll have a 200 mile (about four hour) drive to get to the main entrance.

Here, we reached the final destination of our road trip between Phoenix and Yosemite . One of the first and most famous parks established in the US, Yosemite National Park features some gorgeous scenery. The most famous sites are in Yosemite Valley, but the surrounding wilderness is just as spectacular.

How to Visit Yosemite

In 2021 Yosemite introduced a reservation system , in place until 2023. I thought it worked great to limit crowds at the popular National Park, but you no longer need to worry about it. This helps make your trip more spontaneous, but hope it doesn’t cause overcrowding. So, the only thing to worry about when you enter on this side is that the pass is open.

It is always a good idea to check the park’s website for road closures, especially in the winter months, when several of the roads at the highest elevations might be closed.

Spend Time Along Tioga Road During the Hottest Summer Days

On a hot day, you’ll find the best hikes on the higher elevations, surrounding the alpine lakes along Tioga Road. Yosemite Valley usually gets congested; it was even busy in 2021, when they had the reservation system. You’ll find the most famous views from Glacier Point, where you can see the entire Valley, with the famous rock formations and waterfalls.

For the Best Experience, Spend Multiple Days at Yosemite

We didn’t stay in the park overnight, though we visited it for three consecutive days, adding some of the best experiences. Since at the time lodging inside the park was extremely limited because of the pandemic, we spent the nights in the tiny town of Lee Vining on the shore of Mono Lake. From there, we re-entered Yosemite through Tioga Pass. However, you can stay in the park now, or in another gateway town.

5. Kings Canyon National Park

Since we made the drive from Phoenix to Yosemite, we felt we needed to see Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, too. Though they are off the main portion of the road trip between Phoenix and Yosemite, they are so close, you can’t miss visiting these giant trees.

The entrance to both parks is the same, about 100 miles from Yosemite, or about two to two-and-a-half hours drive.

Once passed the gate to the two parks, we visited Kings Canyon National Park first. With its deep valleys, towering sequoias, and distinctive rock formations, Kings Canyon resembles Yosemite.

Home to Redwood Canyon, the largest remaining grove of sequoia trees in the world, Kings Canyon is worth at least a few hours to visit.

The highlight of my visit was the trail surrounding General Grant Tree, the third largest three in the world, also known as “the Nation’s Christmas Tree”. Winding through large groves of sequoias, and showcasing a fallen log you can walk through, the trail follows a flat terrain, with few obstacles.

6. Sequoia National Park

The more famous of the two parks, Sequoia was busier. We were still able to find a parking spot leading to a short trail through sequoia groves the park got its name from. Of course, we couldn’t leave without a look at the world’s largest tree (by volume, if not height or width), the General Sherman tree. Though I don’t necessarily appreciate these names for the majestic trees, it was worth seeking them out to finally see them.

The trail to the General Sherman tree is a half-mile long and paved, making it easy for just about anyone to follow it. However, coming back up I noticed many people having trouble. If you go, pace yourself, especially on the way back up. With plenty of benches and gorgeous viewpoints, it is worth stopping often, to soak up the views.

7. Along the return route: The London Bridge at Lake Havasu City

To make it a round trip, and take a different route back to Phoenix, we drove through Lake Havasu City, home to the famous London Bridge.

The approximately 450 miles would take over seven hours without stops, but you can stop at Bakersfield, about 130 miles from Sequoia National Park.

Once in Lake Havasu City, you can spend some time enjoying the waterfront. And, to see the original London Bridge, the same one the children’s rhyme claimed was falling down. It was, indeed, getting swallowed by the Thames River, before it ended up in the middle of the desert of Phoenix.

Now it sits on Lake Havasu, surrounded by an oasis in the arid desert of Arizona. Stop for lunch or a snack, and a stroll along the lake, then walk across the famous bridge.

Rounding up the road trip between Phoenix and Yosemite, back to where we started

From Lake Havasu City you have 190 miles from Phoenix, and it generally takes three-and-a-half hours to drive it without stop. However, several places are worth a stop.

You are back in the Sonoran Desert, and drive through driving Kingsman and Wickenburg. Other than the two small Arizona towns, you’ll drive through a Joshua Tree forest, in certain parts more dense than Joshua Tree National Monument.

You’ll also pass Lake Pleasant Regional Park, one of the popular outdoor recreations place, another opportunity for a stop before the city.

How long is a road trip between Phoenix and Yosemite?

The distance between Phoenix and Yosemite National Park is 650 miles along the shortest route, via I-10. The road through I-40 is only about 23 miles longer, but you can also drive through San Diego, in which case you’ll add about 125 miles to the trip.

<strong>What are some of the famous landmarks between Phoenix and Yosemite?</strong>

One of the main reasons you to drive this road trip are the stunning landmarks between Phoenix and Yosemite. You can see: Joshua Tree National ParkMount WhitneyMammoth Lakes Devil’s Postpile National Monument (depending on the season)Sequoia National ParkKings Canyon National Park

Bae Area and Beyond

Portland Oregon to Yosemite Road Trip: Best 7 Stops

Yosemite National Park is a natural wonder and a popular tourist destination, and because of this many visitors love taking their own road trips to Yosemite. We live in California and enjoy our road trips to Yosemite.

If you’re looking for a California trip from Oregon, the Portland Oregon to Yosemite road trip is one of the best things to do! 

Planning your trip to Yosemite? Save with the  Annual National Parks Pass . We visited 4+ parks for only $80 last year, saving $53! Here are the best tours, hotels, and car rentals: 

📸 Best Tours In Yosemite National Park:

• 6-Day Yosemite Backpacking (skip the lines, crowds and permits!)
• Jeep 4×4 Yosemite Park Tour (avoid parking and sold-out tickets)
• Experience Yosemite: Beginner or Advanced Photography Lesson
• Private Full Day Fly Fishing For Beginners and Experienced Anglers
• Small Group Yosemite & Glacier Point Tour (full day with hotel pickup)

😴 Best Hotels In Yosemite:

• Curry Village (💲) (around 1 mile from Vernal Falls Trail)
• Yosemite Valley Lodge (💲💲) (13-min walk to Lower Yosemite Falls)
• The Ahwahnee (💲💲💲) (20-min walk to Yosemite Village)

🚘 Best Car Rental: DiscoverCars (save up to 70%)

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How To Get There

By car, it takes around 740 miles (less or more depending on where you’re staying in Oregon). It’ll take around 13 hours without breaks to get there. For directions, take Hwy 395 for its many attractions from Portland, Oregon to Yosemite .

If you are driving from Central Oregon, you can also take Highway 395 as well. If you’re traveling from another city in or outside California, there are also other great road trips to take .

If you need to rent a car, check prices on Discover Cars . You’ll find cheap deals there!

If you’re flying, the nearest airport to Yosemite is Fresno/Yosemite International Airport , which is more than a 2-hour drive so you would need to get a rental car or you can take public transit. You can take a bus with YARTS.

The closest major airport to Yosemite National Park is Oakland International Airport. Look for cheap flights on Expedia !

Portland Oregon to Yosemite Road Trip Itinerary

Why take this route? If you’re visiting from Oregon, Lake Tahoe, Reno, Carson City, you would need to take HWY 395, a highway that goes through 4 states California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. This road trip to Yosemite takes you through gambling cities, ghost towns, lakes, and more!

1. Reno, NV

Reno, Nevada is a modern and chic city and is well-known for its casinos and gambling opportunities. But the city also offers plenty of other attractions for visitors, including museums, shopping, and outdoor recreation.

With wide-open spaces, the Truckee River running right through town, and breathtaking mountain views, Reno is a great vacation destination any time of year; not just a stop on a road trip to Yosemite.

With so much to offer, Reno is a fantastic destination for families, couples, and solo travelers. Reno also offers a wide selection of getaway accommodations, including luxury boutique hotels, family resorts, and bed and breakfasts.

Find the best car rental deals here !

2. Carson City, NV

Carson City is home to several casinos and draws visitors from around the world to its famous casinos.

The city also has family-friendly attractions, theaters, museums, restaurants, and a bustling downtown area. Two great museums to check are the Nevada State Railroad Museum and the Nevada State Museum.

If you love shopping, Carson City also has a variety of stores, including antique stores, art galleries, and specialty shops.

Its historic downtown has many local stores with unique finds. It’s also just a 30-minute drive to Lake Tahoe , the largest alpine lake in North America.

3. Topaz Lake

Known for its trophy trout, Topaz Lake lies between the California-Nevada border. It’s a nice stop to spend some time walking, fishing, and sailing in the lake.

This is a man-made lake that has a 25-mile shoreline! You can also camp here at the Topaz Lake County Park with consists of over 40 campsites.

Looking for a lodging option with a casino? Stay at the Topaz Lodge Resort and Casino , a 120-room hotel with 175 game machines. 

Need a car to go to Yosemite? Find the best car rental deals here !

4. Bridgeport

Bridgeport is a very cute town with its gorgeous surrounding scenery. It’s got a couple of dining and lodging options and a general store on Main St.

Plus, right on Main St., is the Mono County Courthouse that is the second oldest courthouse in use in California. Built in 1881, this courthouse was designed in Italianate architecture and packed with history.

Stop for the night in Bridgeport and book your stay at Silver Maple Inn , the best accommodation in the area ! We stayed here and it was a nice cozy place after driving through Tioga Pass.

Bridgeport is a popular place for outdoor activities with nearby lakes, hot springs, and canyons. Drive to the Twin Lakes for Bridgeport Reservoir for fishing, hiking, or bird watching.

Travertine Hot Springs, a short drive from downtown Bridgeport, is a collection of geothermal mineral springs as high as 180°F. 

Interested in a ghost town in the wild west? Bodie State Historic Park was one of several mining camps established during the California Gold Rush. The town began as a mining camp in the 1800s.

Almost 200 buildings including a school, a saloon, a barbershop, a church, and mining equipment from that era have been preserved.

Back in the 1800s, Bodie used to be a busy place with a population of 10,000, and more than $35 million worth of gold and silver was dug out! The town is a National Historic Landmark. 

6. Lee Vining

Lee Vining is the town closest to Yosemite’s east entrance, Tioga Pass. It’s a small town with a handful of dining and lodging options. Make a stop at the Mono Basin History Museum that’s located inside an old schoolhouse with history about the Mono Basin.

The museum also has exhibits, furniture, artifacts, farming, and mining equipment. There’s also an upside-down house!

But it’s the main attraction is the Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve. Mono Lake is one of the oldest and deadliest lakes in the US. It’s a saline soda lake which means it contains a high concentration of sodium and carbonates, making it three times as salty as the ocean.

What is super cool about the lake are the “tufa towers”. These are spire-like formations made of calcium carbonate that was naturally created when the lake water interacted with the freshwater springs. 

7. Yosemite National Park

Now that you’ve seen some very interesting attractions on the way, it’s time to see the most interesting one of all: Yosemite! Your road trip to Yosemite ends as you start on Tioga Pass Road and enter the park. 

Where To Stay In Yosemite

Yosemite has a variety of accommodations: hotels, airbnbs , resorts, campgrounds and more. We recommend these 3 options:

Budget-Friendly Option:  Curry Village

Mid-Priced Option:  Yosemite Valley Lodge

Lux Option:  The Ahwahnee

What To Pack For Portland Oregon to Yosemite Road Trip

Packing for road trips can be tiresome; from figuring out what clothes to pack to what food to bring along the way. If you’re looking all the road trip essentials, check out these 51 items to bring along the way. The top things to take:

• Car Windshield Sun Shade
• Emergency Flashlight
• First Aid Kit
• Jumpstart Kit
• Portable Air Compressor
• Snow Chains
• Travel Size Hand Sanitizers
• Video Camera
• National Parks Pass  

California can have some hot sunny days and the more you drive inland towards the east, the more hotter it will get. Get a small cooler before your road trip to make sure you stay hydrated and cool throughout the whole trip.  

Best Yosemite Tours

Looking for the best tours in Yosemite? Check out these top-rated tours on Viator: 

Frequently Asked Questions: Portland Oregon to Yosemite Road Trip

Have questions about how your Yosemite road trip? Here’s what you need to know before venturing from Portland: 

How much is a road trip to Yosemite?

When it comes to the cost of a road trip to Yosemite, things to consider are the park’s entrance fees, gas, food, and possibly lodging if it’s a multi-day trip. On average, it cost us $100 per person daily. 

If you’ve got the America the Beautiful—National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass , then the entrance fee for Yosemite would be free. And if you plan to visit at least 3 parks annually that have an entrance fee, then the pass is well worth it! 

How many days do you need in Yosemite?

That depends on how many things you want to see in Yosemite. You can spend a day to a week and still have things to see on your next trip. Thinking about what to do and how many things to add to your itinerary? Check out the best viewpoints in Yosemite to guide your trip! 

Do I need a reservation for Yosemite?

Make sure to check the National Park Service site for updates on reservations and restrictions. Currently, reservations are required during the summertime to reduce crowds and until the public health conditions in the US improve. 

Can you drive your car into Yosemite?

Yes, you can drive your car into Yosemite but make sure the roads you are planning to drive on are open. Glacier Point Road and Tioga Pass Road are closed during winters but otherwise, you can drive through the whole park.

Is the drive to Yosemite scary? 

The drive to Yosemite can be scary and dangerous. I’ve felt my stomach do backflips while the road curves.

The roads can be narrow, steep, and curvy making it dangerous to drive above the speed limit so make sure you’re driving within the limit while leaving ample space between vehicles.

Sometimes you’ll feel like you need to drive faster because the vehicle behind you is tailgating you and in that case, stop at a turnout and allow those faster vehicles to pass by. 

Final Thoughts: Portland Oregon to Yosemite Road Trip

We love this route for its scenic stops along the way before heading to Yosemite. While Yosemite is the final destination, there are so many cool attractions to see on the way. Happy driving! 

Grab Your 1-Pager California Packing List!

Living in the San Francisco Bay Area, Shreeyeh Rajan is the founder of Bae Area and Beyond, a California blog with over 45,000 monthly readers and featured in more than 25 sites.

With a love for California that runs deep, Shreeyeh and her husband explore the Golden State every chance they get, from the beaches in Santa Cruz to the hiking trails of Yosemite.

Through her blog, Shreeyeh hopes to inspire readers to fall in love with California just like she did.

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• Las Vegas to Yosemite Road Trip with Extreme Stops
• San Francisco to Yosemite Road Trip
• Gold Rush Road Trip to Yosemite Starting in Sacramento

Yosemite National Park Overview Map

Do you know where you're going?

• Download the Official Yosemite Park Map PDF
• Download the Official Sequoia and Kings Canyon Park PDF Maps

Gateway Towns

Tuolumne’s Top 5 on the Edge of Yosemite

Discover the many hidden gems of Tuolumne County.

• 13 Gems in Mariposa County on the Doorstep of Yosemite
• Madera County, Southern Gateway to Yosemite
• Groveland, Calif. – Gateway to Yosemite

Neighbor Parks

Sequoia National Park, Yosemite’s Southern Neighbor

Just a half-day's drive south of Yosemite, Sequoia National Park is not to be missed.

• 6 Scenic Stops at Death Valley National Park
• Channel Islands National Park
• Spend Time in the Trees at Muir Woods National Monument

Natural Wonders

Mariposa is the largest of the three groves inside Yosemite with about 500 mature sequoias.

• Iconic Half Dome of Granite at Yosemite National Park
• Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park
• Yosemite Valley Waterfalls

Hiking Trails

Which Yosemite Hiking Trail Should I Hike?

Follow our guide by picking what you want to see in Yosemite.

• Mist Trail, Yosemite’s Most Popular Waterfall Hike
• Easy Hike to Wapama Falls in Hetch Hetchy Valley
• Yosemite’s Half Dome Hiking Survival Guide

Hotels and Cabins

Which Lodging in Yosemite National Park?

The ultimate guide to lodging inside Yosemite National Park

• 8 Unusual Places to Stay Near Yosemite National Park
• Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite National Park
• Curry Village Tent Cabins and Lodging in Yosemite

Transportation

Ride the YARTS Bus to Yosemite National Park

Skip the parking hassles in Yosemite

• Ride Amtrak to Yosemite for Stress-Free Travel
• Get Around the Park Like a Pro With the Free Yosemite Valley Shuttle System
• Fly to Yosemite – Local Airports and Airlines

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Reservations are required to visit Yosemite National Park during peak season and hours in 2024.

In 2024 Yosemite National Park will once again require reservations for entry during peak visitation seasons and hours at all entrances besides Hetch Hetchy. These include weekends in February, weekends and holidays in spring and early summer, every day in mid-summer, and weekends and holidays in late summer and fall.

If you’re planning to visit Yosemite in February 2024, you make need a reservation. Because of the spectacular “firefall” phenomenon that occurs when the sunset hits Horsetail Fall each February, visitors flock to the park. If you’re planning to visit during the three weekends in February when this occurs, you’ll need a reservation, regardless of whether or not you plan to visit the waterfall.

February 10-12, 17-19 and 24-26, 2024, visitors must make a day-use reservation to visit Yosemite National Park. Half of available reservations will become available on recreation.gov at 8 a.m. PT on December 1, 2023. These reservations are expected to fill up immediately, so for your best chance of snagging one, make an account in advance and log on as soon as reservations open.

The remaining 50% of reservations will be available two days prior to your desired visit date at 8 a.m.

Reservations are not timed and allow unlimited entry for seven consecutive days. There is a non-refundable $2 reservation fee, in addition to your park entrance fee.

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The Best Places to Stay Near Yosemite, From Cozy Cabins to an Airstream

By Emily Pennington

Yosemite National Park is one of the most-visited parks in the country, and with good reason. For one thing, it’s stunning in any season—late spring brings roaring waterfalls , summer is perfect for hiking to granite domes and alpine lakes, and wintertime means ice skating and snow on the valley floor. Though the park is perhaps best known for its towering cliffs of granite and glacially polished rock domes, this 747,956-acre expanse is also home to misty alpine meadows, giant sequoia groves, and trout-filled rivers. Whether you’re hoping to cruise along the Yosemite Valley bike path on your one-speed or day hike to some of the park’s most impressive viewpoints, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite accommodations in the area, with a little something for everyone. From hot tubs under the Milky Way to fairytale castles to secluded cabins with mountain views , there’s something for travelers of all ages and interests. (If you prefer to sleep right under the stars, check out our guide to  Yosemite camping .)

Note: Yosemite has renewed its mandatory vehicle reservations this summer. For more information and to book your slot, click here .

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Firefall Ranch at Yosemite

This brand-new, 300-acre hamlet of pet-friendly private cabins and spacious villas is the definition of modern mountain living. Opened in 2024, its indoor-outdoor fireplaces make for cozy hangs on the deck’s sofa, while creature comforts like Keurig coffee and Bluetooth speakers help you feel at home—when you’re not craning your neck up at Half Dome, that is. Firefall Ranch is also a fantastic spot for families and large groups of friends, as well-appointed one-, two-, and three-bedroom casitas and villas are available.

Modern cabin with a hot tub

Don’t be fooled by the humble exterior of this one-bedroom cabin; inside, you’ll find oodles of modern elegance and thoughtful amenities. A smart TV and ultra-fast Wi-Fi make it easy to stay connected on your nature-filled excursion, and a coffee bar with a pour-over, Keurig, and flavored syrups will help you get up and greet the day before exploring Yosemite Valley’s famous waterfalls . At night before hopping into the queen bed, soak your sore post-hike muscles in the wooden hot tub and gaze up at the stars.

Hilltop haven

Views for days are the top amenity at this cozy two-bedroom that features a woodburning stove, propane grill, and lofty ceilings. It is particularly great for families since one bedroom boasts a queen, while the other sports two twins. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room make for gorgeous Sierra sunset viewing, even if you skip the hot tub. No matter how you choose to unwind after a day in the park, you’ll find serene solitude here.

Secluded creekside cabin

Welcome to paradise. This three-bedroom home is chock-full of unique amenities and design features, like plush velvet comforters, a stone fireplace, and a full kitchen with locally-roasted coffee. Rise with the birdsong and sip a hot beverage under the deck’s shady pergola, which overlooks a babbling brook. After cuddling up for a projector-screened film on the mid-century sofa, a massive soaking tub awaits in the primary bathroom, ideal for a nightcap and a post-hike soak.

Shannon McMahon

Mark Ellwood

Chris Schalkx

Emily Saladino

The Ahwahnee Arrow

Built in 1927, The Ahwahnee is a National Historic Landmark hotel situated amidst the towering granite cliffs and thundering waterfalls that have made Yosemite Valley a world-famous, iconic destination. This in-park lodge is famous for its antique “parkitecture,” featuring stone fireplaces, dark wood libraries, and a grand dining hall serving classic American cuisine. With recently remodeled rooms in the main building and a kitchen upgrade in the winter of 2023, it’s a timeless piece of classic park lodging ideal for hikers and bikers who want to stay as close to the action as possible.

A forested private estate

If you’re going to go big in Yosemite, there’s no better place to splurge than at this architecturally impressive creekside estate designed by Conrad Asturi , complete with a private terrace, EV charging station, open-plan chef’s kitchen, and a private waterfall. The floor-to-ceiling windows in each of the five bedrooms look out on dense forests and shine the space with bright natural light. Soak your sore post-hike legs in the custom-carved stone bathtub and watch your city stresses disappear.

AutoCamp Yosemite Arrow

For the glamping fanatic with high standards, AutoCamp Yosemite offers refined Airstream suites and custom canvas tents that immerse park-loving travelers in the Sierra Nevada—without having to rough it. Located 25 miles from Yosemite’s El Portal entrance, each of the property’s modern Airstream trailers is bedecked with crisp white linens and spa-like bathrooms with sensuous Ursa Major bath products. The safari-style tents are no less luxe, with memory foam mattresses, high thread count sheets, and private campfire seating out front. A central clubhouse boasts healthy breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, plus complimentary Wi-Fi, coffee, and tea.

Chateau du Sureau Arrow

Tucked away on nine private acres of lavishly landscaped Sierra Nevada foothills is a storybook castle that looks like it belongs in Provence. Chateau du Sureau is a boutique hotel that has been touted as “the most luxurious stay near Yosemite,” and it’s easy to see why. From its ten elegantly appointed guest rooms with fireplaces to its secluded two-bedroom villa and European-inspired spa (the lavender blossom body polish is a must), the Chateau effortlessly blends first-class service and the outdoors. After an adventurous day in the park, be sure to enjoy togarashi seared ahi and Maine diver scallops at the on-site Elderberry House restaurant.

A contemporary build right on the Merced River

The Moonstone is a newly constructed retreat on the western side of Yosemite that seamlessly blends modern comforts with the mountain splendor that brings adventurous souls to the Sierra year after year. Overlooking a gorgeous bend in the Wild and Scenic Merced River , this home is an architecture lover’s dream. Reclaimed teak wood floors lay the perfect foundation for rustic accents like sheepskin throws, Scandinavian-inspired furnishings, and boho artwork. An outdoor dining area with a brick pizza oven has enough seats for your whole crew, and the property’s sod-topped yoga studio and outdoor copper bathtub are just the icing on the cake.

Rush Creek Lodge & Spa Arrow

Five minutes outside of Yosemite’s western entrance lies a full-service lodge fit for couples and families, with a year-round heated saltwater pool, private hiking trails , and a relaxed-yet-sophisticated restaurant with an elevated cocktail program. Kids will flip for the on-site zipline and complimentary nightly s’mores, while grownups will fall in love with the property’s Yosemite-themed spa, complete with hot waterfall coves, alpine meadow aromatherapy, and warm river rock beds.

A cheerful ranch on 70 acres

Color-loving travelers rejoice; The Yellow Fish House is here to shake you out of the doldrums of contemporary white and gray while still boasting a lavish space and amenities to spare. Set near the small community of Coarsegold, this cottage oozes charm, from its canary yellow and robin’s egg blue kitchen, to its clawfoot tub and vintage park posters. At the end of the day, from the bohemian daybed swing outside, crack open a cold one and watch the sun disappear behind the mountains.

A spunky A-frame surrounded by pines

This hip A-frame cabin is full of fun design details that are sure to make even the pickiest traveler smile. Lovingly nicknamed “The Yay-Frame,” it’s a five-bedroom, two-bathroom haven brimming with mid-century living room furnishings, artwork portraying Yosemite, a woodsy game room, and colorful outdoor seating. Included in the rental is a separate, 450-square-foot in-law cabin with a vintage wood-burning stove, muted jade cabinets, a private bedroom, and a full bath.

A three-bedroom with panoramic Sierra Nevada views

Part of the Sierra Nevada Mountains’ magic is the awe of watching light dance across the mountain peaks, a joy that continues even when your day in the park is done. Just a half-hour drive from Yosemite, this peaceful, pet-friendly three-bedroom offers nearly 360-degree glimpses of the Sierra foothills. Newly renovated with clean, modern interiors, a hot tub, and an al fresco dining deck, it’s the perfect escape for mountain lovers looking to bask in the California sunshine.

Tenaya Lodge Arrow

Just a stone’s throw from Yosemite’s south entrance (the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is a 12-minute drive away), Tenaya Lodge offers a plethora of amenities and group-friendly lodging with upscale mountain décor. This AAA four-diamond property has a little something for everyone, from spa-style soaking tubs to communal firepits and rustic cottages nestled between towering sugar pines and incense cedars. And for travelers who have a furry friend in tow, Tenaya even has a Fido-oriented upgrade, with dog bowls, a dog bed, and a “pet concierge” info sheet.

Sequoia National Park’s giants are the friendly type. Hugs are welcome.

People all over the world watched with rapt attention in 2021 as a wildfire threatened to engulf the world’s largest tree . Firefighters carefully wrapped the base of the General Sherman Tree in shiny, protective blanketing as flames drew closer at Sequoia National Park .

Ultimately, the roughly 275-foot-tall icon was spared, but other giant sequoias weren’t so lucky. Redwood Mountain Grove in neighboring Kings Canyon National Park “lost an estimated 974 to 1,574 large sequoias,” according to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, which are managed jointly.

“Given the amount of giant sequoias that were lost in the last few years – almost 20% of the entire giant sequoia population was lost in a short amount of time – we're not feeling as confident as we were just a few years ago about these trees really being around for generations and generations to come,” said Sintia Kawasaki-Yee, chief of Communications and Management Support for both parks in California. “We really want to bring attention to their mortality.”

That’s not the only thing Sequoia visitors should know.

What is so special about Sequoia National Park?

Sequoia protects some of the largest trees in the world and a wide array of habitats.

“I would say the most special feature is that you enter at about, I want to say, 1,600 feet of elevation and within about a 45-minute span, you're able to reach 6,500 feet, which is a huge elevation gain in a really small amount of miles,” said Kawasaki-Yee. “You come in in the foothills area. In the spring, we have really great wildflowers. We have the river. We have great access there year-round, but if you drive just 45 minutes into Giant Forest , you get to see the change in the terrain and wildlife.”

Visitors can feel the change too, as temperatures dip and winds whip higher up, so pack accordingly.

Is the General Sherman Tree the tallest tree in the world?

No. It’s not the tallest tree in the world. That title belongs to Hyperion, a coast redwood at Redwood National Park, according to Guinness World Records .But the General Sherman Tree is the largest by volume, with a trunk volume of 52,508 cubic feet, according to the park.

Can you touch the General Sherman Tree?

No. “The Sherman Tree is fenced off, so you cannot touch it, but there are many other sequoias in that same area that you can definitely walk up to and touch,” said Kawasaki-Yee. 

She recommends feeling their fibrous bark, which she noted is softer to the touch than one might expect.

“Feel free to hug a tree, connect with a tree,” she added. “That connection is really important to really build that connection for people and hopefully that commitment to protect these trees in the long term.”

From Acadia to Zion: What travelers should know about each of America's national parks

Which park is better, Redwood or Sequoia?

“They're basically siblings, and so it's like comparing your kids,” Patrick Taylor, Interpretation and Education manager for the National Park Service at Redwood , told USA TODAY in April. “You love them both for slightly different reasons.”

He explained that giant sequoias tend to have more volume to them.

“So they're bigger in the sense that they usually have a wider base, and they don't taper off as fast,” he said. “The coastal redwoods are usually a little taller and a little more slender.”

Is Sequoia National Park free?

No. Most visitors will have to pay a flat $35 vehicle entrance fee that covers access to both Sequoia and Kings Canyon.

Certain groups are eligible for free entry to all national parks, namely military service members, veterans, Gold Star families , U.S. citizens and permanent residents with permanent disabilities, and fourth graders and their families .

Can you just drive through Sequoia National Park?

Yes. “You can actually do both parks in one drive,” said Kawasaki-Yee. “A lot of people that are doing road trips will drive through both parks on the same day or the same trip.”

The park is located about a 1 ½ hour drive from Fresno. Fresno Yosemite International Airport is the nearest commercial airport.

What is the best time of year to visit Sequoia National Park?

Kawasaki-Yee recommends visiting in the spring or fall to avoid summer crowds and winter road closures.

“Maybe right before Memorial Day weekend, so you don't get the crowds but you still get access to the areas,” she suggested.

Can I stay inside Sequoia National Park?

Yes. The park offers a variety of on-site camping and lodging , though some lodges, operated by third parties, are only open seasonally.

Who are the Indigenous people of the area?

“Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are the homelands of the Mono (Monache), Yokuts, Tübatulabal, Paiute, and Western Shoshone,” according to the parks’ website, which lists the following affiliated federally recognized tribes:

◾ Big Pine Band of Owens Valley Paiute Shoshone Indians

◾ Big Sandy Rancheria Band of Western Mono Indians

◾ Bishop Paiute Tribe

◾ Bridgeport Indian Colony

◾ Cold Springs Rancheria

◾ Fort Independence Indian Community of Paiute Indians

◾ Fort Mojave Indian Tribe

◾ North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians

◾ Paiute-Shoshone Indians of the Lone Pine Community

◾ Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians

◾ Santa Rosa Rancheria Tachi-Yokut Tribe

◾ Table Mountain Rancheria

◾ Tejon Indian Tribe

◾ Tule River Tribe

◾ Utu Utu Gwaitu Paiute Tribe of the Benton Paiute Reservation

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What to Know Before Booking a National Park Trip This Summer

Additional routes in popular parks now require reservations, the annual pass gets a big change, Juneteenth is now a new free entrance day and more changes for 2024.

By Lauren Matison

In 2023, the seashores, lakeshores, battlefields, historic sites, monuments and more that make up the National Park Service had 325.5 million visits , an increase of 4 percent from the year before.

The National Park Service director, Charles F. Sams III, praised the surge of interest in “learning our shared American story throughout the hidden gems of the National Parks System.”

Expecting an even greater turnout in 2024, the Park Service and Recreation.gov , the booking platform for federal land reservations, have implemented new measures to streamline the park experience, manage overcrowding and safeguard the environment.

More parks are requiring reservations

To better avoid congested trails, packed parking lots and overflowing trash cans, additional parks are joining Rocky Mountain , Arches and Glacier National Parks this year in requiring day-use permits, timed entries and other reservations for travelers who wish to visit, particularly during peak hours, holidays and the parks’ high seasons. Yosemite National Park is reinstating a timed-entry system it instituted in 2020, but paused in 2022.

Many park enthusiasts expressed mixed feelings about the reservation policies, with some lamenting a lack of first-come, first-served campsites while others find comfort in knowing they have a confirmed booking. As nearly 75 percent of visitors each year descend on national parks from May to October (and often on weekends), park officials stand by the system.

“In some parks, the level of demand is exceeding the capacity for which infrastructure was designed or is outpacing the National Park Service’s ability to sustainably support visitation,” said Kathy Kupper, a public affairs specialist for the service. “This trend is resulting in the need to explore new strategies to protect natural and cultural resources and provide opportunities for safe and meaningful visitor experiences.”

It can be confusing.

New to implementing timed-entry reservations for vehicles is Mount Rainier National Park , in Washington, for its popular Paradise and Sunrise Corridors during certain times in the summer season. Reservations cost $2, are valid for one day and must be purchased along with the park ticket, but do not apply for visitors with wilderness permits or camping or lodge reservations. Similar vehicle reservations are now required for certain periods for viewing the sunrise at Haleakalā National Park in Maui, Hawaii , and driving the Cadillac Summit Road in Maine’s Acadia National Park .

Visitors wishing to hike Old Rag Mountain in Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park must obtain a day-use ticket between March 1 and Nov. 30, and in Zion National Park, in Utah, hikers wishing to visit Angels Landing , the dramatic 1,488-foot-tall rock formation, also need to purchase a permit. Fees range from $1 to $6, in addition to the parks’ entrance fees.

As each destination is managed differently, check the park’s webpage for the type of reservation required. Although most bookings can be made through Recreation.gov, some sites, such as Muir Woods National Monument, use a different system.

New features on Recreation.gov

In 2023, Recreation.gov reported that more than 4 million camping reservations and 2 million timed-entry reservations were booked online, and 1.5 million permits were issued. Some 2.9 million new users signed up for the site. With its expanding user base, the booking platform has added 58 reservable national park locations — including 17 campgrounds — such as Central Avenue Walk-in Sites at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and Bluff Hike In Camping in South Carolina’s Congaree National Park.

Recreation.gov has also improved an alerts feature, piloted in July 2023, that can notify users through email or mobile push notifications when a sold-out campsite becomes available. After Recreation.gov notifies you of availability, you must book the campsite yourself online — and quickly, as you’ll be shown how many other people (possibly hundreds) have received the same alert.

While its customer support center and mobile app are still only available in English, Recreation.gov recently introduced a Spanish language translation option. The Park Service partners with Latino Conservation Week , which hosts nationwide hikes and events on environmental education and in-park stewardship, and will celebrate its 10th year in September.

A limit to the annual America the Beautiful pass

The 2024 America the Beautiful pass no longer allows two owners. The annual interagency pass, which costs $80 and covers the entrance fees for more than 2,000 federal recreation sites (of which roughly 100 do not charge for admission year-round), is now marked by a single signature line on the back of the card. The pass owner must show I.D. and be present with any accompanying travelers wishing to access the park with the pass. (Annual passes issued in 2023 will still be valid until their expiration date.) The pass covers all passengers in a vehicle — up to four adults, and children under 16 are admitted free — or up to four cyclists riding together. Active military or veterans and people with permanent disabilities are eligible for a free lifetime pass; 4th grade students may receive a free annual pass; and senior citizens may purchase a $20 annual pass or pay $80 for a lifetime pass.

At the parks, more accessible features, E.V. chargers and new lodging

To better protect against global warming, the Park Service is putting more than $65 million from the Inflation Reduction Act and Great American Outdoors Act into climate mitigation and ecosystem restoration.

Using $15.9 million budgeted for zero-emission vehicle deployment, charging capacity and infrastructure, the Park Service is prioritizing a reduction in carbon emissions, said Mr. Sams, by installing new electric-vehicle charging stations and running electric buses.

An interactive online locator tool created in 2023 shows E.V. charging stations throughout 27 national parks and the type of chargers available. In addition to the tool, every national park page displays alerts on road closures, parking lot capacities, construction work and other incidents.

Mr. Sams also said the Park Service is investing $1.3 billion from the Great American Outdoors Act to improve accessibility features, ranging from a new A.D.A.-compliant visitor center at Morristown National Historic Park in New Jersey to new beach wheelchairs at Sleeping Bear Dunes , Channel Islands and Virgin Islands National Parks . Each destination’s website has an accessibility tab to help visitors plan their trip, and Recreation.gov now has a search filter on its homepage to make it easier to locate accessible accommodations.

New lodging options now available across the country include the Flamingo Lodge , which opened inside Everglades National Park last fall with 24 guest rooms built from repurposed shipping containers. In March, along the southeastern border of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Cataloochee Ranch reopened with 11 renovated cabins and a new restaurant. This spring, the Clubhouse Hotel & Suites will welcome its first guests in Rapid City, S.D., the closest major town to Badlands National Park , and opening in May in Idaho is the Yellowstone Peaks Hotel , a 30-minute-drive from Yellowstone National Park. This fall, California-bound travelers planning a visit to General Sherman, the largest known tree on Earth, might book at AutoCamp Sequoia , just outside Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park .

Also in California: Those who don’t score a highly coveted (and contentious) spot at the newly reopened High Sierra Camps in Yosemite could book Wildhaven Yosemite in Mariposa, which offers more affordable rates, hiking trails and views of the Sierra Nevadas. Reservations for its first season are available beginning May 1.

Celebrating milestones and a new free entrance day

On the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act, visitors can pay tribute to African American heritage at over 100 parks , including the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site in Washington, D.C., Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument , and the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail . This year also marks 100 years since Indigenous people were recognized as United States citizens. Although many parks have Indigenous programming , Mr. Sams, who is the first Native American to serve as N.P.S. director , suggested visiting Hopewell Cultural Historical Park in Ohio and Whitman Mission Historic National Historic Site in Washington, where he recently brought his daughter.

“In order to celebrate the diversity that makes our country great, we must share the complete story of America, which includes both the successes and challenges encountered on the way to form a more perfect union,” Mr. Sams said.

Juneteenth National Independence Day is the National Park Service’s newest free entrance day . Visitors can also take advantage of free admission on April 20, the first day of National Park Week; Aug. 4, the four-year anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act ; Sept. 28 on National Public Lands Day ; and Nov. 11 for Veterans Day .

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

An earlier version of this article misstated the location of the Flamingo Lodge. It is inside Everglades National Park, not outside the park.

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