Are you planning a road trip along some of the most beautiful places in California? Well, while exploring Northern California, two must-visit places are Yosemite National Park and Lake Tahoe. Think towering mountains, thunderous waterfalls, and peaceful meadows in Yosemite, while there are fun and adventurous activities around Lake Tahoe. The icing on the cake is the jaw-dropping views in both places. Thus, to visit them both, you should take a road trip from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite.
Why should you do this trip?
Both Lake Tahoe and Yosemite are located within the gorgeous Sierra Nevada mountain range. Seriously, these places are unbelievably beautiful and you need to see them with your own eyes at least once in your lifetime. They are also two classic California spots you should visit as part of your US trip.
Additionally, these two spots are nearly equidistant from San Francisco, making a perfect road trip that forms a triangle, i.e, you will not have to drive up and down the same roads.
While in San Francisco, use this guide to learn about everything you must do on your visit to this amazing city!
How far is Yosemite from Lake Tahoe?
Yosemite National Park is about 200-250 miles from Lake Tahoe, depending on where you start from Lake Tahoe and where you end in Yosemite. The following table contains the distance and average driving time between various spots in Tahoe and Yosemite.
Starting Location | End Location | Distance (miles) | Driving Time |
South Lake Tahoe | Yosemite West entrance (Big Oak) | 179 | 4 hr |
South Lake Tahoe | Yosemite East entrance (Tioga Pass) | 123 | 2 hr 40 min |
King’s Beach (North Lake Tahoe) | Yosemite West entrance (Big Oak) | 210 | 5 hr |
King’s Beach (North Lake Tahoe) | Yosemite East entrance (Tioga Pass) | 144 | 3 hr |
South Lake Tahoe | Yosemite Valley | 200 | 4 hr 30 min |
King’s Beach (North Lake Tahoe) | Yosemite Valley | 234 | 5 hr 30 min |
Tioga Rd which goes through Yosemite National Park, remains closed in the winter. You cannot access the road from the months of November to May. Additionally, the East entrance of Yosemite is closed during these months. So, if you want to visit Yosemite in the winter, you will only be able to take the West entrance. Glacier Point Road also remains closed over the winter due to snow.
Things to do in Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is a very popular tourist destination all year. World-class skiing and snowboarding await winter travelers. In addition, you can enjoy other snow activities such as snowshoeing, tubing, cross-country skiing, etc. The opportunities are plentiful. It’s no wonder that tourists and locals flock to Lake Tahoe during the winter season.
In other seasons of the year, expect even more things to do, including hiking trails in every direction, lake-related activities, and general sightseeing.
These are my top recommendations on things to do in Lake Tahoe:
- Kayak on Lake Tahoe – Bonus points for getting a glass bottom kayak so you can truly marvel at how clear the water is
- Get your cameras out at Emerald Bay
- Hike to Cascade Falls
- Check out Inspiration Point
- Ski or snowboard at Heavenly Ski Resort during winter
Close to Lake Tahoe and San Francisco is the interesting Lassen Volcanic National Park. If you are traveling during summer, make the drive to this national park to see some incredible geological features. Check out this guide to learn more.
Starting from Lake Tahoe or Yosemite
This itinerary and road trip guide contain the starting point at South Lake Tahoe. However, if you are starting from Yosemite to Tahoe, it will work just fine as well. Just reverse the itinerary outlined here.
Further, if you want to drive to the northern side of Lake Tahoe, add an additional 30 minutes to the end of the drive.
If you’re traveling to the north part of Tahoe, I recommend King’s Beach. It is a beautiful spot on the lake and you can partake in myriad water activities. It is also a more affordable option compared to South Lake Tahoe.
Which road should you take?
You can avail of the eastern route or the western route on your road trip from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite. However, note that the eastern route is closed during winter. On the other hand, the western route allows you to enter the park from four separate entrances.
Some route ideas are below. Make sure to check on an app such as Google Maps to determine the best route before you begin driving.
Western Route from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite
There are several different roads you can take on the western route. So, make your decision based on where you would like to stop for a break or stay overnight. More on that is below. Also, note that there are 4 different entrances to Yosemite National Park on the western route.
- Big Oak Flat Entrance
- Arch Rock Entrance
- Hetch Hetchy Entrance
- South Entrance (You will likely not use this entrance as it comes from the southwest side of the park. So, I will skip the directions for this entrance in this post)
Once you start from Lake Tahoe, jump on US-50 W and then take CA-88 W past Kirkwood and Pioneer toward Jackson. From there, take CA-49 S to San Andreas. Once you pass San Andreas, turn onto CA-4 W for a couple of miles, and then take CA-108 E or CA-120 E. Afterward, follow CA-120 E to the Big Oak Flat Road entrance of Yosemite National Park.
The Hetch Hetchy and Arch Rock entrances are not too far from here. To reach the Hetch Hetchy entrance, get off CA-120 E and continue on Forest Route 1N07 toward the end of your trip.
For the Arch Rock entrance, go from CA-120 E to Big Flat Road. Continue until you reach El Portal Road to CA-140 E in Wawona.
Eastern Route from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite
Unlike the western route, the eastern route is more limited in options. There is only one entrance to Yosemite from the east. This route also is generally considered more remote, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing! This is also the shortest and fastest route from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite. However, note that it remains closed during the winter due to snow.
Start from Lake Tahoe and jump on US-50 E. Drive a few miles and then head east on highway 89. Cross Alpine Village and Markleeville, and then, near the border of Nevada, get on highway US-395 S to drive south towards Sonora Junction and Mono City.
Toward the end of your journey, get on highway 120 (Tioga Pass Road). You will reach the Tioga Pass Entrance in 12 miles.
Alternatively, you can also drive southeast from Lake Tahoe by getting on NV-207 E from US-50 E and turning on US-395 S toward Yosemite. The rest of the route stays the same. Note that this route will go through the state of Nevada.
Hint: Gas prices are cheaper in the state of Nevada in comparison to California. If you take this route, fill up gas while you are within Nevada.
Best time to do the Lake Tahoe to Yosemite trip
Honestly, Lake Tahoe and Yosemite are fantastic places to go year-round.
Summer is the best season overall. You can explore Lake Tahoe, sunbathe, and indulge in the myriad of activities in and around the lake.
In Yosemite, the summer brings tons of crowds and nearly all trails and sightseeing spots are open to the public. The long summer days mean you have ample time to explore multiple places within a day. However, it gets very crowded and hotels are expensive, especially on weekends.
During spring, Lake Tahoe experiences heavy ski traffic, so expect it to be crowded around the ski resorts. If you are into winter sports, you should not miss the world-class skiing here. At this time, you can expect fewer people in Yosemite. The chances of snow are high in both locations. Some areas in the park may be closed due to snow.
The early fall season (August to mid-October) is the best time for a nice mix of fewer crowds and lower prices. As a local to the San Francisco bay area, I prefer to travel during this time. Hiking trails are still open, but the peak summer visitors will have left. You can access all the lake activities at Lake Tahoe and check out all the spots in Yosemite.
Planning your trip from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite
Planning your road trip may seem daunting from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite, but if you keep in mind the following points, it will be a breeze. Make sure to review all the things to consider below.
Seasonal route considerations
The most important part of planning a road trip is determining the route. As mentioned above, parts of this route are closed during the winter. So, make sure to check ahead of time on the NPS website for road closures and other notifications.
Traveling in Winter
When traveling to Yosemite in winter, you will not be able to drive to the east entrance. Thus, you will need to take the western route from Lake Tahoe.
Both Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road close from November to May every year. Thus, accessing Yosemite from the eastern entrance is not possible. However, if you are traveling between December and March, Glacier Point Road is open until Badger Pass Ski Area.
Additionally, all other park entrances, including those along Highway 120 from the west, Hetch Hetchy, Highway 140, and Highway 41, remain open all year.
If you are traveling during the winter season and want to get some skiing or snowboarding done, check out this post on what you should pack for your snow adventure!
Traveling in Summer, Fall, and Spring
When traveling to Yosemite in non-winter months, you have the option to avail any of the 5 entrances to the park. The only eastern entrance, the Tioga Pass Entrance, is open during this time. Do check ahead of time whether the snow has cleared from this road if traveling during spring.
What type of car should you take?
Deciding on the type of car to take on your trip from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite is not trivial. So, make sure to take into consideration the number of people traveling, whether there will be kids or elderly folks, etc. If you have the option, plan on taking a larger car to ensure a smooth road trip.
Additionally, during winter travel, take snow chains, even if it is not actively snowing. You never know when the weather might get snowy. Many remote roads get snowed in during the winter months. Additionally, consider a car with 4WD.
If you plan on renting a car, keep in mind the following considerations.
- Book ahead of time. Remember to use your company’s discounted rental benefits (if they offer them) to get the best deals!
- Get a car with 4WD.
- An SUV or a Crossover will be the best option. Other options such as sedans are also fine.
- Have at least 2 people be covered to drive.
Consider your gas stops and rest stops
This will depend on the type of car you choose but account for gas stops and rest stops along the way. Gas stations are located in fairly regular frequencies all along highways from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite.
Gas stations
Note that once you reach close to Yosemite, the gas prices will be higher. So, try to combine a rest and gas stop, and fuel up a bit further from the park entrances. The gas stations within the park are expensive, so I would recommend filling up your tank outside.
Rest stops
Consider rest stops as well. The best way to minimize time on these stops is to combine your restroom breaks with fueling up your car. Bonus point, if you can do that at the same spot! For me, my coffee breaks are super important! So, we try to make stops at locations that have gas stations as well as coffee shops nearby.
Pretty much all Starbucks stores have an open restroom. So, even if you don’t buy anything there, you can still walk in and use their restroom. As mentioned earlier, I am a coffee junkie, so I always pick up a drink while I’m there!
Road Conditions to keep in mind
While selecting a route, keep the road conditions in mind. Some routes will contain long stretches of windy roads compared to others. If someone in your group gets motion sickness, seat that person in the front with the driver.
During winter, expect roads to be slick with light ice or slush. Make sure the driver is well-equipped to handle these conditions.
Where you should stop on your way from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite
While there are several locations where you can take a rest stop or an overnight stay, consider one of the following locations. The locations are broken down by the route you choose.
Western route stops
Take this route if you are traveling in winter. If you decide to drive from Lake Tahoe to San Francisco and then to Yosemite, this route will partially work for you.
Pioneer
Located about 73 miles southwest of South Lake Tahoe, Pioneer is a good first stop on your drive. It is part of the scenic highway 88 drive. Stretch your legs and grab a coffee or change drivers.
Columbia
There are a number of gold rush towns on your route. Columbia was one of them and was founded as a boomtown in the 1800s. While you’re there, stop by the Columbia State Historic Park and learn about this town’s gold rush history at Columbia Museum.
Sonora
This is a charming gold rush town that has a beautiful historic downtown area. Stop here for a spot of light snack or lunch and check out the charming cafes and shops.
At this point, you will be just over an hour away from the Big Oak Flat entrance to Yosemite. Thus, it is a good location to spend the night if you want a stopover and start early in the morning to Yosemite.
Jamestown
Jamestown was another gold rush town. It is now considered a California Historical landmark. It houses the Railtown 1897 State Historic Park and the Sierra Railway, the latter of which operates steam passenger trains. So, if there is a train enthusiast in your group, plan to spend a bit longer in Jamestown.
Its location is about an hour’s drive to the entrance to Yosemite and you can find several hotels and B&Bs for an overnight stay.
Eastern route stops
The eastern route is the shortest route from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite. However, as mentioned earlier, parts of it are not accessible during the winter months.
Minden
It is a small town in Nevada that is ideal for a quick stopover on your drive from the northern part of Lake Tahoe. If traveling from South Lake Tahoe, this is too close for a pitstop. Grab a quick coffee and a pastry from Schat’s Bakery & Restaurant and be on your way!
Topaz Lake
Located 40 miles from South Lake Tahoe, Topaz Lake is another quick stop on your way to Yosemite. It has a handful of hotels but is better served as a rest stop. There is an RV park here though if you travel in an RV. Pull over by the lake for a quick stretch of your legs and enjoy sweeping views of the water.
Bridgeport
By the time you reach Bridgeport, you will have been driving for about 2 hours. This is a good midway between Lake Tahoe and your first stop inside Yosemite National Park. It is also a bigger town inside Mono County. But note that this route is not big on cities, so, if you want to stay overnight this may be your best option. You can stay overnight in an inn or a lodge here. If you’re not staying overnight here, grab something to eat and be on your way.
Mono City
This is your last town/city before reaching the entrance to Yosemite National Park. There are a few hotels and lodges in this area. Since you will only be about 20 miles from the Tioga Pass entrance, this location is highly accessible for people not staying overnight inside the park. You can stay overnight here, and make your way first thing in the morning to Yosemite.
Use this stop to fuel up your car. Also, check out Mono Lake from Mono Lake Vista Point.
Additional stops between Lake Tahoe and Yosemite
While you are on this trip, you might as well make the most of it and get some sightseeing done along the way! Here are some of the important ones you should check out.
- Mark Twain’s Cabin in Sonora
- Railroad 1897 State Historic Park
- Iron Door Saloon in Groveland (California’s oldest saloon)
Preparing for the trip (Before the trip)
While preparing for your trip from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite National Park, make sure to keep the following in mind. These tips will help set you up for a smooth ride.
Download offline maps
The road from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite consists of sections where you may not have access to a cell network. This is particularly true if you take the more remote eastern route and inside the park.
In order to avoid messing up your route options, ensure you download offline maps on your phones. I recommend downloading it to every traveler’s phone, even if you are traveling as a group. This is because, when you arrive in Yosemite, you will likely not have a network in most parts of the park. Having downloaded offline maps will be a huge help when you go on day hikes and visit the park.
As an alternative, you can also carry paper maps. Within Yosemite, you can go to a Visitor Center to grab a park map.
Make a reservation
Yosemite National Park has been requiring daytime use permits since the start of the pandemic. Although, the NPS website has stated that they would not require reservations starting in the summer of 2023. However, if you are traveling for a specific event (eg. Firefall at Horsetail Falls in February), make sure to visit the NPS website well before your visit.
During heavy traffic times, the park may require making a reservation, even if you do not stay overnight.
If staying overnight, you will need to book a campsite ahead of time. Note that the camping sites which include tents, cabins, etc., book out well ahead of time. In fact, if you are planning to travel at peak travel times such as holiday weekends, be prepared to make a reservation as soon as they open up for the season!
Know the rest stops and overnight stays
Mark your rest stops on your offline maps or paper map before your trip. That way, you will be prepared for when to take a break, when to stop for lunch, or change drivers. Additionally, if you stop overnight, download your reservation on your phone or print a copy. This is because you may not have access to cell phone coverage as mentioned above.
As a matter of fact, when we went camping in Yosemite, we had no network to show proof of reservation at the check-in site. We had to rely on the screenshots we took earlier.
Pack snacks in a bear-proof cooler
No road trip is complete without snacks! When preparing for your trip, I have no doubt that you add various snacks for each member of your travel group! However, note that you need to carry food items (and basically anything with scent) in a bear-proof container.
In fact, all around the park, you will see bear-proof trash bins. Bears are incredibly sensitive to smells, and signs are posted to not leave food items in your car. However, a good replacement is to keep them in a bear-proof cooler.
Winter tire chains for winter travel
As mentioned above, expect snow if you travel during the winter season. Thus, I would strongly advise you to bring winter tire chains for your car. There may not be signs posted for the tire chains, but the weather could change when you are in Yosemite. It is always better to be prepared.
Get gas before you enter the park
I recommend filling up on gas before you reach Yosemite. Note that there are two gas stations in the park: Wawona and Crane Flat. But, you can bet that it is expensive to gas up there! Thus, plan to fuel up at your final rest stop prior to entering Yosemite National Park.
Carry TP
Alright, this point is for very specific people only. If you are someone particular about your ahem…restroom needs, carry toilet paper. Not only is it a saving grace during road trips when you forget to carry tissue paper, but it is also a lifesaver when you need a restroom break.
Particularly in Yosemite National Park, there are restrooms in all areas that have traffic. There are also restrooms at the beginning of the major hikes. But, there isn’t always toilet paper as the holders don’t get replenished as quickly as they run out during the busy season. Trust me, you will be thankful that you carried some in your day bag.
Decide your starting time from Lake Tahoe
This is probably one of the most important considerations for your trip. If you do not want to stay overnight along the way, start early. The earlier the better. The traffic to Yosemite starts to build up by noon. If you arrive between noon and early evening, expect very long lines at the entrance gates. During peak season, you might be waiting for over an hour to get inside the park! Ideally, plan to reach the park entrance before 10 am.
On the other hand, if you plan to stay overnight on the way to Yosemite, take your time. You don’t need to rush; just enjoy your road trip. However, for the next day when you do reach Yosemite, make sure to arrive before 10 am.
Put together an epic playlist
My preferred music app is Spotify. Take the time to put together that epic road trip playlist with all your favorite classics. Next, download the playlist on your phone. Why? Because you are likely going to drive through areas with no cell coverage, and you don’t want the music fest to stop midway!
What to pack for your road trip?
The following list will contain the essential items you should pack for your road trip.
Water
This one is a no-brainer. While on any road trip, make sure you carry plenty of water with you. Carry a refillable water bottle for your day hikes and sightseeing in the park.
Other fluids
This one is more relevant for once you are in the park but plan to carry other drinks such as energy drinks, vitamin water, etc. They are the best after you complete a workout in the form of a hike.
Snacks
Carry snacks that work for both the road trip as well as at your destination. My favorites are protein bars, trail mixes, and grain crackers for a quick refueling of your body.
Sunglasses
In California, we are blessed with (almost) year-round sunshine. And the sun is quite bright too. Plan to wear sunglasses or sunshades on your trip.
Sunscreen
In the same vein, don’t forget the sunscreen. Even on cloudy days, the UVA and UVB rays can wreak havoc on your skin.
Hat/sun cover
As an alternative to the sunglasses and sunscreen above, consider wearing a sun hat or a sun cover for your face and neck.
Comfy clothes
Comfy clothes are an absolute must on any road trip. Keep in mind that comfort is key to enjoying a long road such as the one from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite. Think loungewear and a sweatshirt to blend into California casual style.
Comfy shoes for driving
In addition to comfy clothes, wear comfortable shoes for the drive. Leave your hiking shoes in the trunk of your car for when you arrive at Yosemite. For the road trip, opt for a pair of soft sneakers or flats.
Phone Chargers
Another important item is the charger. Pack a charger for all the phones that will be in the car, i.e. one for each member of the group. Sharing chargers can be challenging if your phone is your only entertainment option!
Kindle or Book
A road trip is rarely complete without considering entertainment options. Pack a Kindle or a book to keep yourself entertained (unless you are the driver of course!) for the hours on the road. Not to mention that this will also be useful for falling asleep at night.
Compact Trash bin
Hear me out – a trash bin compact enough for your car is a super useful addition for a road trip! I have lost count of the number of times when we ate something and needed to clear out the trash afterward. Trash bins for cars are actually not novel, but they still get overlooked. Take it from someone who’s been on loads of road trips that you need this!
Things to pack for kids
Here are some additional items to pack if you are traveling with kids.
Food
In addition to snacks, add some food items for the kids that they like. It will be a long drive after all!
Games
Gotta keep the kiddos entertained! Pack a game or two for the long drive as well as the evenings.
Baby bag
Pack your diaper bag with extra diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes. Note that rest stops may be less than ideal for changing, so carry all necessary items with you.
Car shade (optional)
This is an optional one, but you should consider a car shade if traveling with an infant. Additionally, when traveling in the summer, you may want to carry one as the cars get very hot when parked uncovered.
What to pack for Lake Tahoe and Yosemite
This list is by no means an exhaustive list of things to pack for both Lake Tahoe and Yosemite, but consider it a starting point. Surprisingly, this list works for most of the spots and activities you can do at these two locations. For additional details, check out this Yosemite article.
Additionally, for a complete hiking packing list, be sure to read this post that includes all the hiking essentials you’ll need for a fantastic time.
- Gear for outdoor activities – Ski or snowboarding gear, snowshoes, climbing equipment, etc.
- America the Beautiful Pass – This pass will gain you entrance to all National Parks in the US and is valid for a year. You can place an order ahead of time and have it shipped to your home or you can buy it at any of the park entrances.
- Parking Pass – Depending on whether the authorities require it for your travel days, you may need a parking pass. Check the NPS site ahead of time to determine whether it is needed.
- Refillable water bottle
- Day Bag
- Hiking Shoes
- Layers – It gets cold at night in Yosemite National Park. So, make sure to pack layers.
- First aid kit
- Rain jacket – if weather forecast includes rain during the winter and spring months
- Bug spray
If you are traveling during the winter season and want to get some skiing or snowboarding done, check out this post on what you should pack for your snow adventure!
What to do in Yosemite
Yosemite National Park is a stunning, natural wonder of the US. In fact, I would argue that you must plan on visiting this impressive park on your trip to the US West Coast, no matter how long or short your trip is! The larger-than-life mountains, the cascading tall waterfalls, and the incredible flora and fauna will surely be tucked away in your memories for a long time.
There are so many things to do in Yosemite that you will easily be able to spend a week in the park and still not be done exploring it! Just one section within this blog post is not sufficient to cover the incredible experiences that the park offers.
So, check out my personal story on traveling to Yosemite National Park on one of the most bizarre (and cool) weekends ever! This post also contains a helpful guide on which locations to go to on a weekend trip to Yosemite.
If you want to explore the California outdoors a bit more, consider adding the beautiful Muir Woods National Park to your travel plans. There, you can meet the age-old redwood trees and indulge in forest bathing. Read all about this park and how to get there in this post.
Lake Tahoe to Yosemite FAQs
Where to stay between Yosemite and Lake Tahoe?
There are several spots that you can stay in between Yosemite and Lake Tahoe. Check out the section Where you should stop on your way from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite above on the best places to stay between Yosemite and Lake Tahoe.
How far from south Lake Tahoe to Yosemite?
Lake Tahoe (South) is about 184 miles from Yosemite, and it takes just over 4 hours to drive to the Park entrance.
Can you drive from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite?
Yes, you can definitely drive from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite National Park. This post guides you through everything you should consider to prepare for your drive, including rest stops and stopovers. The total driving time is just over 4 hours to the Park gate. To go inside a particular location within the National Park, add about an hour.
How far is Lake Tahoe from Glacier Point Yosemite?
Lake Tahoe (Southside) is about 209 miles from Glacier Point, Yosemite. If you drive, it will take you close to 5 hours without traffic.
How far is Lake Tahoe from Yosemite Valley?
Lake Tahoe (Southside) is about 208 miles from Yosemite Valley. If you drive, it will take you close to 5 hours without traffic.
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Discussion made will be of great help for the tourists planning to visit Yosemite and the Lake Tahoe. Before I visited both the places recently I was searching for such a guideline. Though I had got some instruction in net, the present one will certainly enhances the confidence of the tourist in making their visit more confidence, comfortable and economy of time and money. Well done Srutiparna.