There are eight routes from Las Vegas to Yosemite National Park, including buses, trains, cars, night buses, planes, and taxis. Driving takes 7 hours and 24 minutes and costs between $5,000 and $8,500 to travel from Las Vegas to Yosemite National Park.
It will take 6 hours 20 minutes to travel 370 miles from Las Vegas to Yosemite National Park by car. The route either goes through Bakersfield and past the Sequoia and Sierra National Forests, or it goes through Death Valley, the Inyo National Forest, and Mammoth Lakes.
Your scenic route will take you through Death Valley, the impossibly beautiful Sierra Nevada range, and its associated parks. Although you could complete this drive in a single day, with stops for gas and food included, you’ll want to extend it as much as you can in order to see everything there is to see along the way.
This route comes with a serious caveat – you can only enter Yosemite from the east (via Tioga Pass) between May and November. If you want to visit the park another time of year, you’ll have to drive around the Sierras and cut through most of central California. During the rest of the year, your best option is a 9-hour drive covering about 510 miles. This route trades the Sierras for a series of beautiful forests and some larger cities, so think of it as a comparably scenic alternative.
Best stops on a Las Vegas to Yosemite National Park trip
Here are the top rest stops for a road trip from Las Vegas to Yosemite. There are many locations you could stop at, but these are the ones you must not skip.
Your journey is a whopping 334 to 560 miles long, stretching from the glamorous Las Vegas beginning to the breathtaking Yosemite finish. The trip from Las Vegas to Yosemite, whether it takes five and a half hours or an extended eleven, is full of beautiful scenery and old-world towns.
Make sure to stop and take in the majestic mountain ranges of the Sierra Nevada or the sand-filled excess of Death Valley.
Death Valley National Park
America’s hottest and driest national park, Death Valley National Park, is located on the border of California and Nevada. It is the location of Titus Canyon’s sunset rock formation and the Badwater Basin salt flats, which are the lowest point in North America. While mostly made up of sand dunes and desert landscape, it also has a dense network of pine trees that make for lovely fall hiking.
Death Valley Junction
Death Valley Junction is located where SR 190 and SR 127 converge. It is the starting point of the incredible journey from Las Vegas to Yosemite and is also referred to as Amargosa. The Amargosa Hotel and Opera House are the only historical structures present in this tiny town in the Mojave Desert.
You will pass by these major attractions if you stay on the main road (US-190): Badwater Basin, Devil’s Golf Course, Zabriske Point, Sand Dunes at Mesquite Flat, and Furnace Creek
Mammoth Lakes
Mammoth Lakes will tide you over if you’re disappointed that you can’t find Bishop’s historic bistlecone pines. This California landmark is just 40.5 miles from the east entrance, bringing you one giant step closer to your Yosemite conclusion!
Road trips through this area are truly a year-round endeavour because of the constantly shifting scenery.
In order to enjoy some pampering at their (ski) resorts, drive into the town. Skiers from all over the world flock to Mammoth Mountain and June Mountain during the winter. With its limestone towers, Mono Lake is a must-see for tourists in the summer. The Devils Postpile National Monument, California branch’s basalt columns are another must-see for those with extra time!
Tiago Pass
The spacious alpine meadows along Tioga Pass will reward you for making it this far on your road trip from Las Vegas to Yosemite proper. The drive way cuts its way through the mountains, many of which have snow-capped peaks, and is the highest highway pass in California. Yosemite National Park is welcomed with a breathtaking sight of sparkling lakes. The Tioga Pass, however, does experience snow from November to June because of its high elevation. Before taking the route, be sure to verify whether it is closed or not.
Panamint Springs
Anybody planning a road trip from Las Vegas to Yosemite should spread out their adventure over a few days. The all-inclusive resort of Panamint Springs is located close to Death Valley’s exit. The well-known stop is well-known for stargazing even though it offers no frills or thrills. It makes a good starting point for people exploring Death Valley.
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
This region is definitely worth visiting up close because it provides the city of Las Vegas with its recognisable rocky backdrop.
Bishop
One of the best stops between Las Vegas and Yosemite is Bishop, a town with a small population but a tonne of personality. Up until the mountains’ attraction becomes too great to resist, you’ll be occupied taking pictures of all the artistic aspects of this town. It serves as the entrance to the dramatic high country of the Sierras and is a haven for all mountaineers, skiers, and even mountain bikers.
Lake Sabrina is a favourite among bird watchers, but all photographers are captivated by its dusty fall blush. The oldest tree in the world, Methuselah, which will be 4,853 years old in 2021, is also located in Bishop. However, good luck trying to locate it because its precise location has been removed from the internet for protection.
Lone Pine
To get to the lovely town of Lone Pine, continue on US-190 and then turn onto US-136. It is tucked away in the centre of Owens Valley and is bordered to the east and west by the Sierra Nevada and Inyo Mountains.
No wonder Lone Pine served as the backdrop in many classic films, with nearby Alabama Hills and Mount Whitney, the highest point in the United States outside of Alaska. After a hearty breakfast at a nearby restaurant, make sure to visit the Museum of Western Film History.
Manzanar National Historic Site
Manzanar National Historic Site, a slightly more solemn memorial to underscore the gravity of war, is not far from Lone Pine along US-395. It was once home to more than 120,000 Japanese Americans during World War II, making it one of the ten American c oncentration camps.
Calico Ghost Town
The first significant stop along this route is the abandoned town of Calico! It was once a silver town founded in 1881, but as the 500 mines dried up, it was eventually abandoned. The majority of the buildings have been converted into campsites, shops, and restaurants, making the $8 entrance fee completely worthwhile.
ATVs, dirt bikes, and hiking are all options for exploring the challenging terrain off-road. Explore Maggie Mine or ride the Calico Odessa Railroad for a more historical tour.
Bakersfield
The “Bakersfield” banner in yellow and blue is clearly visible. It’s a small town, but it’s a great place to get some exercise. There are numerous neighbourhood parks close by, as well as trails that pass through the Sequoia National Forest’s boundaries.
For a historical and natural history education, I suggest visiting its museums. The California Living Museum features a touch tank for reptiles as well as exhibits on the state’s flora and fauna. The Buena Vista Museum of Natural History’s exhibits on geology and paleontology can keep you busy for an hour or two.
Fresno
Fresno, which is only an hour from Yosemite, makes for the ideal home base for visitors who intend to stay for several days. You can easily choose to spend time indoors or outside thanks to the urban setting, accessibility to nature, and hidden architectural gems.
However, Fresno Zoo has a fun stingray touch pool if you’d rather stay above ground. Another excellent option is the vast Woodward Park, particularly for its Shinzen Japanese Garden.
Mariposa Grove
Think of Mariposa Grove as a preview of Yosemite’s breathtaking natural features!
500 mature Redwoods with thick trunks and a leafy canopy tower above the gentle trails. It is near the park’s main entrance and is definitely worth a stop.
Best time to go on a road trip from Las Vegas to Yosemite National Park
Yosemite is one of the most hospitable natural retreats in the United States, making it a great destination for a road trip from Las Vegas. Yosemite is one of the most hospitable natural retreats in the United States, making it a great destination for a road trip from Las Vegas.
A simple way to avoid crowds is to go in May or September, when you should expect a more tranquil and affordable stay. The safer of the two options is probably September, as there may occasionally be an impassable road even in late spring.
December, January, and February are fantastic months to visit the park because there are so many wintertime activities available. Additionally, it’s convenient that you’ll be passing through Bakersfield and Fresno, which will allow you to make some stops in case the weather surprises you.