Across the Sierra

Approximate driving distance: 175–200 miles / 280–320 kilometers
Approximate driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours 30 minutes without stops

Leave your Bay Area hotel and travel east toward Yosemite National Park.

FROM SAN FRANCISCO OR SFO

Travel east across the Bay and continue through California’s Central Valley toward the Sierra Nevada.

FROM OAKLAND OR THE EAST BAY

Join the eastbound route without crossing into San Francisco. This is normally the shortest of the three gateway options.

FROM SAN JOSE OR SANTA CLARA

Travel east across Pacheco Pass and continue through the Central Valley toward Yosemite’s western entrances.

As you approach Yosemite, the landscape changes from farmland and rolling hills to forests, granite formations and mountain scenery.

After entering Yosemite National Park, continue to your selected hotel. Depending on your arrival time and hotel location, begin exploring Yosemite Valley or enjoy a relaxed first evening in the mountains.

During busy periods, traffic and parking delays are common. An early departure from your hotel is recommended.

Overnight in the Yosemite area.

Enjoy a complete day exploring Yosemite National Park.

Visit Yosemite Valley and experience some of the park’s most celebrated scenery, including El Capitan, Half Dome, Bridalveil Fall and Yosemite Falls. Stop at Tunnel View for one of the most famous panoramas in the American West.

Choose from gentle valley walks, longer hiking trails or simply enjoy the viewpoints and free seasonal park shuttle.

Waterfall levels are normally strongest during spring and early summer, while later summer and autumn offer warmer weather and easier access to the high country.

Overnight in the Yosemite area.

Approximate driving distance: 110 miles / 175 kilometers
Approximate driving time: 3–4 hours without sightseeing stops

Today brings the defining experience of this journey: the drive across Tioga Pass.

Follow Tioga Road through Yosemite’s magnificent high country. Stop at Olmsted Point for views toward Half Dome, walk beside Tenaya Lake and experience the wide alpine landscapes of Tuolumne Meadows.

The road reaches Tioga Pass at an elevation of approximately 9,945 feet / 3,031 meters before descending dramatically toward Lee Vining and Mono Lake.

Stop at Mono Lake to see its distinctive blue water, desert surroundings and unusual limestone tufa formations. Continue south along US Highway 395 to Mammoth Lakes.

This is not a day to hurry. Although the driving distance is relatively short, allow most of the day for viewpoints, short walks and photography.

Overnight in Mammoth Lakes.

Approximate driving distance: 170 miles / 275 kilometers
Approximate driving time: 4 hours without sightseeing stops

Leave Mammoth Lakes and travel north through the striking landscapes of the Eastern Sierra.

If you did not have enough time the previous day, return to Mono Lake before continuing toward Bodie State Historic Park.

Once a thriving gold-mining town, Bodie is now one of America’s most atmospheric ghost towns. Its abandoned buildings have been preserved in a state of arrested decay, creating a fascinating picture of life during California’s mining era.

The final section of the recommended road into Bodie includes approximately three miles of unpaved road. Check your rental-car conditions before driving this section and allow additional time.

After visiting Bodie, return to US Highway 395 and continue north through Bridgeport and the Carson Valley to Carson City, Nevada’s historic state capital.

Overnight in Carson City.

Approximate driving distance: 35–65 miles / 55–105 kilometers
Approximate driving time: 1–2 hours, depending on your selected hotel and route

Spend the morning discovering Carson City. Visit its historic center, see the Nevada State Capitol or learn about the region’s railway and mining history.

Then travel west toward Lake Tahoe, one of North America’s largest and most beautiful alpine lakes.

Follow the scenic eastern shoreline and stop at viewpoints overlooking the remarkably clear blue water. Depending on your selected hotel, continue toward Incline Village, Stateline or South Lake Tahoe.

The short driving distance gives you plenty of time to enjoy the lake, take a boat trip, relax on a beach or explore one of the shoreline trails.

Overnight at Lake Tahoe.

Approximate driving distance: 165 miles / 265 kilometers
Approximate driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes without stops

Leave Lake Tahoe and cross the Sierra Nevada toward Northern California.

The scenery gradually changes from alpine forests and mountain passes to rolling hills, farmland and vineyards as you approach Napa Valley.

After checking in to your selected hotel, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of California wine country. Explore Downtown Napa, visit one of the valley’s small towns or arrange an optional winery experience.

If you plan to taste wine, use a guided tour, hired driver or other safe transportation rather than driving.

Overnight in Napa Valley.