Perfect Road Trip To Yosemite From Los Angeles With Scenic Stopovers

A road trip from Los Angeles to Yosemite National Park is a fantastic adventure that will take you through some of California’s most stunning landscapes, pristine nature, and beautiful stopovers. 

ALSO READ: One Day in Yosemite – Yosemite 1 Day Itinerary

 

Road Trip To Yosemite From Los Angeles – LA To Yosemite Road Trip

Let’s check the perfect road trip to Road Trip To Yosemite From Los Angeles with the detailed itinerary, scenic stopovers, must-dos, and things to do along the way.

Distance – Los Angeles To Yosemite road trip

• The driving distance between Los Angeles to Yosemite National Park is 342 miles. 
• It takes approximately 6h 35m to drive from Los Angeles to Yosemite National Park. 
• However, this article covers the road trip to Yosemite from Los Angeles in 7 to 8 days with various scenic stopovers and overnight stays.

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7 to 8 Days Itinerary – Road trip to Yosemite From Los Angeles

Day 1: Los Angeles to Bakersfield

Start your journey early in the morning to beat the LA traffic.

Scenic Stopover: Angeles National Forest – Approximately 30 miles from downtown LA.

• Explore the beauty of this forest and stop at viewpoints like Vista Point for breathtaking views.
• Must-Do: Visit the Getty Center in LA for its impressive art collection and architecture.
• Overnight in Bakersfield.

Day 2: Bakersfield to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (Los Angeles to Sequoia National Park to Yosemite)

Drive to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.

• Scenic Stopover: Generals Highway – Approximately 60 miles from Bakersfield.
• This winding road offers stunning views and leads you through some of the world’s giant trees.
• Must-Do: Visit the General Sherman Tree – Earth’s most giant living tree. Located in Sequoia National Park.
• Distance to the park’s entrance: About 100 miles. Explore the parks’ hiking trails and pristine wilderness.

Day 3: Sequoia and Kings Canyon to Yosemite

Continue your journey towards Yosemite.

• Scenic Stopover: Sierra Vista Scenic Byway, approximately 120 miles from Sequoia and Kings Canyon.
• This route offers beautiful views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
• Must-Do: Take a short detour to Mono Lake, 45 miles off the main route. This spot is a unique, ancient lake with bizarre limestone formations called tufa towers.

Arrive at Yosemite National Park in the afternoon.

Explore the park’s visitor center and get information on current conditions. And book Overnight stays in Yosemite Valley.

Day 4-6: Yosemite National Park

Spend the next few days exploring Yosemite’s iconic attractions:

• • Yosemite Valley: Hike or bike around the valley and visit famous sites like El Capitan, Half Dome, Bridalveil Fall, and Yosemite Falls.
  • Glacier Point: Drive to Glacier Point for panoramic views of the valley.
  • Mist Trail: Hike to Vernal Falls and Nevada Fall for a close-up experience of these stunning waterfalls.
  • Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias: See more giant trees, including the famous Grizzly Giant.

Enjoy ranger-led programs and stargazing at night. And Camp in Yosemite Valley or stay at one of the park’s lodges.

Day 7: Yosemite to Mammoth Lakes

Depart Yosemite and head towards Mammoth Lakes.

• Scenic Stopover: Tioga Pass – Approximately 75 miles from Yosemite Valley.
• Drive through the high-altitude Tioga Pass and stop at Tenaya Lake for a picnic and a swim.
• Distance to Mammoth Lakes: About 40 miles. Explore the town of Mammoth Lakes, known for its outdoor activities and beautiful scenery.
• Stay Overnight in Mammoth Lakes at Juniper Resorts.

Day 8: Mammoth Lakes to Los Angeles

• On your way back to LA, consider taking a different route.
• Scenic Stopover: June Lake Loop – Approximately 30 miles from Mammoth Lakes.
• Enjoy stunning alpine scenery and pristine lakes.
• Visit the Manzanar National Historic Site (50 miles from Mammoth Lakes), a former WWII Japanese internment camp (optional).
• The Distance to Los Angeles from this spot is 300 Miles. 
• Arrive back in Los Angeles in the evening, ending your road trip.

Tips: Road Trip From Los Angeles To Yosemite

• Check road and weather conditions before traveling, especially if you visit in the winter.
• Make camping and accommodation reservations well in advance, especially in Yosemite.
• Pack essential outdoor gear, including comfortable hiking shoes, water bottles, and warm clothing.

FAQs – Road Trip To Yosemite From Los Angeles

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) for a road trip from Los Angeles to Yosemite:

• When is the best time to take a road trip from LA to Yosemite?

The best time for a road trip to Yosemite from Los Angeles is typically during the spring, summer, or early fall when the weather is pleasant and the park is fully accessible. Winter road trips are possible but may require additional preparation and consideration of road closures.

• Are there any road closures I should know about during the winter?

Yes, Tioga Pass, the eastern entrance to Yosemite, is typically closed during the winter due to heavy snowfall. Travelers should check road conditions and closures before their trip and plan alternative routes if necessary.

•  Do I need to make reservations for camping or accommodations in Yosemite?

Yes, it’s highly recommended to make reservations for camping or accommodations in Yosemite well in advance, especially during the peak season. Yosemite is a popular destination, and accommodations can fill up quickly.

• What are some must-see attractions in Yosemite National Park?

Some must-see attractions in Yosemite include Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point, Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, Vernal Fall, and Half Dome. Explore the park’s waterfalls, hiking trails, and iconic viewpoints.

• Are there hiking trails suitable for all levels of hikers in Yosemite?

Yes, Yosemite offers a variety of hiking trails suitable for all levels, from easy strolls to challenging backcountry hikes. Popular easy trails include the Valley Loop Trail, while more challenging options include the Mist Trail and the Half Dome hike.

• Can I bring my pets to Yosemite National Park?

Pets are allowed in some areas of Yosemite but are not permitted on most trails. It’s important to check the park’s pet regulations and plan accordingly if you travel with pets.

• Is there cell phone reception in Yosemite?

Cell phone reception can be limited or nonexistent in many parts of Yosemite National Park. Visitors should be prepared for limited connectivity and plan accordingly.

• What are some scenic stopovers from Los Angeles to Yosemite road trip?

Scenic stopovers from LA to Yosemite include Angeles National Forest, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Mono Lake, and Mammoth Lakes.

• Are there visitor centers in Yosemite for information and maps? – 

Yes, Yosemite National Park has several visitor centers where you can get information, maps, and updates on trail conditions. The main visitor center is in Yosemite Valley.

This itinerary should provide an unforgettable road trip experience from Los Angeles to Yosemite, taking in some of California’s most beautiful scenery and natural wonders. 

I hope this itinerary for the road trip to Yosemite from Los Angeles is helpful to plan your scenic drive in California.

For other scenic drives or must-do road trips in the USA, Read

• 5 Best Road Trips In Texas – Scenic Drives In Texas
• 7 Best California Scenic Drives – Beautiful Road Trips In California
• Best Scenic Drives In Napa Valley (Itinerary + Things To Do)
• 7 Best Scenic Drives In Florida (With Scenic Stops + Maps)
• Perfect LA To San Diego Road Trip (Itinerary + Map)
• New England Road Trip Itinerary 10 Days (Best of New England)

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