Perfect San Francisco to Yosemite Road Trip – SF to Yosemite Drive

The San Francisco to Yosemite road trip is one of California’s most scenic drives. With breathtaking views of nature, winding roads through charming towns, and many outdoor adventures, this San Francisco to Yosemite scenic drive is a must for nature lovers, photographers, and adventurers.

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San Francisco to Yosemite Road Trip – Drive from San Francisco to Yosemite

In this blog, I will take you on a stunning road trip from San Francisco to Yosemite, which is worth doing, scenic stops along the way, must-do activities and tours, and the best route from San Francisco to Yosemite.

Why the San Francisco to Yosemite Road Trip Is Worth Doing

• Spectacular Landscapes: From the coastal fog and city views of San Francisco to the towering granite cliffs of Yosemite, the changing scenery is an adventure. As you leave the bustling Bay Area and drive into the Sierra Nevada mountains, you’ll witness California’s diverse geography, ranging from lush vineyards to vast meadows and rugged mountain peaks.
• Wildlife & Nature: Yosemite is home to some of the most remarkable biodiversity in the world, including giant sequoias, waterfalls, and wildlife like black bears, mule deer, and bobcats.
• Outdoor Adventures: Whether you’re a hiker, climber, photographer, or nature enthusiast, Yosemite has something for everyone. Its iconic landmarks, such as El Capitan and Half Dome, make it a bucket-list destination.

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Best Route from San Francisco to Yosemite Road Trip

Distance and Drive Time:

• Distance: Approximately 167 miles (270 km).
• Drive Time: Around 3.5 to 4 hours without stops.

Route to Take: From San Francisco, take the I-580 E to I-205 E, then merge onto I-5 S. Continue on CA-120 E through Oakdale and Groveland, leading directly to the Big Oak Flat Entrance of Yosemite National Park.

Stopovers – San Francisco to Yosemite Scenic Drive

Livermore Valley Wine Country (50 miles from SF)

It is home to some of California’s oldest wineries; the Livermore Valley offers rolling vineyards, award-winning wines, and beautiful tasting rooms.

Things to Do: Visit vineyards like Wente Vineyards or Concannon Vineyard for a wine-tasting session or a picnic.

Oakdale (92 miles from SF) – Oakdale is known as the “Cowboy Capital of the World,” a charming Western town with a rich agricultural history.

Things to Do: Visit the Oakdale Cowboy Museum to learn about the region’s cowboy heritage. Stop by local cafes for lunch before heading into the mountains.

Don Pedro Lake (125 miles from SF) – This large reservoir offers stunning views of blue waters surrounded by rugged hills.

Things to Do: Stretch your legs with a short walk by the shore, swim, or have a quick picnic by the lake. If you want a longer break, boat rentals are available.

Groveland (140 miles from SF) is a historic Gold Rush town with old-world charm.

Things to Do: Grab a coffee at one of the quaint cafes, explore the local shops, or visit the Iron Door Saloon, the oldest continuously operating saloon in California.

Things to Do in Yosemite National Park

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Yosemite Valley – Yosemite Valley is the heart of the park, home to iconic landmarks like El Capitan, Half Dome, Bridalveil Fall, and Yosemite Falls.

Things to Do:

• Explore the valley floor on a bike.
• Visit the Ansel Adams Gallery for stunning landscape photography.
• Take in the breathtaking views from Tunnel View.

Glacier Point – Glacier Point offers one of the best panoramic views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and the High Sierra peaks.

Things to Do: Drive up to Glacier Point for a sunset view, or take the Four Mile Trail hike if you’re feeling adventurous. The view is particularly spectacular at sunrise and sunset.

Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias – This grove is home to over 500 giant sequoias, some of Earth’s largest and oldest trees.

Things to Do: Walk the peaceful trails among these towering giants and see famous trees like the Grizzly Giant and the Tunnel Tree.

Mirror Lake – Mirror Lake is a serene spot at the base of Half Dome, where the reflections of the surrounding cliffs create a stunning visual spectacle.

Things to Do: Take a gentle hike to the lake, ideal for families and casual walkers. It’s an excellent place for photography, especially in the spring and early summer.

Yosemite Falls – Yosemite Falls is the highest waterfall in North America, plunging 2,425 feet from the top of the Upper Fall to the base of the Lower Fall.

Things to Do: Take a short walk to the base of Lower Yosemite Fall for a close-up view or hike the Upper Yosemite Fall Trail for more challenging views.

Must-Do Tours in Yosemite

• Yosemite Valley Floor Tour
• Glacier Point Tour

Entrances to Yosemite National Park

Big Oak Flat Entrance—Drive via CA-120 from Groveland. This entrance is the most direct from San Francisco, making it convenient for visitors coming from the Bay Area.

Arch Rock Entrance—Drive via CA-140 from Mariposa; this entrance offers a scenic drive along the Merced River. You will enjoy beautiful riverside views and a less steep route through this road trip than CA-120.

South Entrance—Drive via CA-41 from Oakhurst, passing through the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. This entrance is best for visitors planning to visit the sequoias first.

Useful Tips – San Francisco to Yosemite Drive

• Timing: Leave San Francisco early in the morning to avoid traffic and give yourself time for scenic stops.
• Gas Up: Fuel up in Oakdale or Groveland, as gas stations become scarce near Yosemite.
• Food & Supplies: Before entering the park, stock up on snacks and drinks. There are a few markets in the park, but they can be pricey and limited.
• Weather: Check the weather forecast before you leave, as conditions in Yosemite can change quickly, especially in the higher elevations.
• Lodging: Book your accommodation inside or near Yosemite well in advance. Popular options include Yosemite Valley Lodge and Evergreen Lodge near Groveland.
• Park Entrance Fee: The entrance fee to Yosemite is $35 per vehicle, valid for seven days.

SF to Yosemite Drive – Which Entrance to Take?

Both Highway 120 and Highway 140 are scenic routes from San Francisco to Yosemite, offering different experiences along the way.

Highway 120 (via Big Oak Flat Entrance)

Highway 120 is the faster and more direct route from San Francisco to Yosemite. It offers stunning views of the Sierra Nevada foothills, oak woodlands, and mountain meadows. As you climb higher into the mountains, you’ll encounter more rugged terrain, beautiful forested areas, and sweeping vistas of the valleys below.

Key Highlights:

• Don Pedro Lake: A large, serene reservoir offering scenic water views against rolling hills.
• Groveland: A historic Gold Rush town with charming streets, perfect for a brief stop. 
• Sierra Nevada Views: As you get closer to Yosemite, the landscape becomes more mountainous with expansive views of the Sierra Nevada.

Highway 120 takes you through more elevation changes, providing expansive mountain views, particularly as you approach the Big Oak Flat entrance to Yosemite. It also offers a direct route into the park, leading you to some of Yosemite’s most iconic spots.

Highway 140 (via Arch Rock Entrance)

Highway 140 is known as the “All-Weather Highway” because it is less steep than Highway 120, making it accessible even in winter. For most of the drive, you will drive along the Merced River, offering picturesque riverside views with lush greenery, especially during spring and summer. And when you reach closer to Yosemite, the scenic route passes through dramatic rock formations and deep river canyons.

Key Highlights:

• Merced River: Scenic stretches of the river can be seen for much of the drive, especially as you enter the Yosemite Valley area.
• Bridalveil Fall View: You’ll catch glimpses of Bridalveil Fall as you approach the park via the Arch Rock Entrance.
• Midpines and Mariposa: Quaint small towns with opportunities for dining and exploring.

Highway 140 offers a gentler, more relaxing drive with frequent opportunities to stop by the river, meadows, and rock formations. The Merced River Canyon, in particular, is a highlight of this route, offering beautiful scenery before you even enter the park.

San Francisco to Yosemite Scenic Drive – Which Entrance Is Better?

• Highway 120 offers more dramatic elevation changes and mountain views, making it a great choice for experiencing diverse landscapes and enjoying a quicker trip to Yosemite.
• Highway 140 is more serene, with riverside views and a more relaxed pace. It is perfect if you enjoy a scenic drive with the opportunity to stop by small towns and explore along the way.

Both routes are scenic, but Highway 120 is ideal if you’re more interested in mountain vistas and reaching Yosemite faster. If you prefer a more peaceful, riverside drive with less intense elevation, Highway 140 is a better choice.

Yosemite National Park Scenic Drive in 1 Day

San Francisco to Yosemite road trip perfectly blends scenic beauty, historical stops, and natural wonders. From wine country to towering sequoias and granite cliffs, SF to Yosemite drive is one of the best things to do on the West Coast of the USA.

Picture Courtesy – CanvaPro

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