There is a challenging and not stroller friendly climb to get to the top and see the hexagon tops of the basalt formations. I drove this place times but never found a place to parking and always crowd in usual time. Rooms at this hotel are costly, but think of it this way if Matt Damon and Martin Sheen ever slept in your hotel room, you'd have plenty of reasons to charge a hefty sum too! . Best in the morning or evening. The total driving time is 6 hours, 7 minutes. After that, the road trails along to Manzanar National Historic Site, a memorial marking one of the internment camps where Japanese Americans were incarcerated during World War II. And, for the grammers, expect several lookouts with stunning views over Red Rock Canyon itself. Im excited to share this Las Vegas to Yosemite road trip guide with you so that you can discover for yourself all the natural wonders beyond just the city of Las Vegas and Yosemite NP. Look for the best hotel prices in Death Valley National Park. Vegas may be known for its lavish casinos, spas, resorts, and nightclubs, but theres so much more to do in Las Vegas besides spending money, gambling, and partying. Once a lake bed, this area has now dried up leaving salt formations in its place. Bonus Ideas. The direct drive from Yosemite National Park to Las Vegas is 372 mi (599 km), and should have a drive time of 8 hrs 16 mins in normal traffic. I attached photos of our meal. Looks like a tile floor! Besides that all was good. It was a short hike 0.4m, and not too challenging. We arrived after three days of heavy rain and it was beautiful and overcast. Theres something for everyone here, train lovers, mining buffs, antique collectors, you name it, they have over 30+ displays throughout the property. Be sure to check the temperature of the water before plunging. However, while you come to this place, explore every vista points you get on the road. It is dog friendly so we were able to bring out little guy, he enjoyed the trail and found plenty of new smells. This site and app let me do all the planning for our 15 day trip in a little over 6 hours! Also nice trails near by. The timings of scenic drive during sunrise depends on seasons which includes several packages. You can choose between three different routes, all within a half hour's difference. You can drive right up to the massive crater. Finish your day back near Stovepipe Wells at the Mesquite Flats Sand Dunes. The abundance of wintertime activities makes December, January, and February great months to visit the park. Iron oxide accumulated throughout these rocks over centuries and will give your photos a bright orange element. Thank you for hosting us on our short stop. Seriously, this app does it all! Turn left onto CA-190 E, continue for 5 miles, turn left onto Scottys Castle Road for 33 miles. Yosemite Falls is covered behind a sign marking the water level of the 1997 flood in Yosemite National Park, Calif., as seen on Jan. 7, 2017. Very fun place for kids and adults to explore 4 different varieties of sand dunes all in close proximity. Lee Canyon is SO convenient and close to "the strip". The staff are wonderful and full of great knowledge. On a sunny bluebird day it's so amazing to be out on the mountain here. Nowadays, the aforementioned switch tower oversees trains passing through California to and from Buffalo, New York. There are 157.36 miles from Yosemite National Park to San Francisco in west direction and 191 miles (307.38 kilometers) by car, following the I-580 W route.. Yosemite National Park and San Francisco are 3 hours 40 mins far apart, if you drive non-stop .. Long and curve filled drive in mountains of Inyo National Forest! It's a fantastic zoo, with a massive open outdoor enclosure for the large African animals. You can see the milky way from there. If you're staying the night but arrived early enough - you can go visit Mono Lake. Driving from Phoenix to Yosemite National Park will take you through the best of the southwest if you choose the 870-mile Scenic Route, which will take about 16 hours and 40 minutes (not accounting for stops). Park your car next to the sand dunes and bring your camera. The restaurant, bar and restrooms look great!! If youve got the stamina, several delightful waterfalls flow along the Tuolumne River, including the gracefully pooling Tuolumne Falls and the White Cascade, an eight-mile round trip. Years and years ago, a lake called Lake Manly was located here but has since evaporated. Cool spot at the gateway to Death Valley. The distance between Yosemite and Las Vegas is 400 miles and takes approximately 7 and a half hours. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox, Zeke Quezada is a travel writer specializing in Las Vegas and the author of "Restaurants in Las Vegas: The Best for Less. Methuselah, a tree registered at 4,851 years old in 2019, and the other bistlecone pines in the area have had their location erased from the Internet. Want to see the other type of tall trees? First: dont trust google maps. This is dog friendly so long as theyre on a leash, you clean their poop and you stay on trail. I highly recommend this winery/restaurant. The access road is often closed by snow in winter. Check outSilver Lake, Grant Lake, and Gull Lake, which offer swimming, boating, sailing, stand-up paddleboarding, waterskiing, and jet-skiing. That means if you decide to leave the park to explore all the cool landmarks to the east or west of the park, youll be able to get back into the park within 7 days without having to pay that fee again. You will remember the moment in your whole life. It could take five and a half hours or 11 hours if you take the long way and do a lot of stopping (rest assured, you'll want to). A few people stop by the patio at the 95-year-old Ahwahnee Hotel on Friday in Yosemite National Park. There are also numerous accommodation options here. Check website. The road trip from Las Vegas to Yosemite National Park can be done in about 6 hours 20 minutes and covers around 370 miles. Getting back up was no joke, but well worth it for the exploration. Expect to spend 1-2 hours here, walking around and perusing the gift shops. Trail is open but for safety, take the North shore trailhead and avoid the Fishermans trail since its an avalanche prone area (as one local informed). The highlight here? If you're looking to do a spot of camping, Death Valley's Furnace Creek Visitor Center is the place to go. Good food, nice staff and reasonable prices. While they are not the largest dunes in Death Valley (that title goes to the Eureka Sand Dunes which requires a 2.5 hour drive down a dirt road from Scottys Castle), they are the most accessible and very still very impressive. Youll find this meadow along Tioga Pass Road, north of the valley. Two best hotel place to stay (expensive) are next to this location. Less crowded than the Valley, Toulumne is worth the approximately two-hour drive from the Yosemite Valley to experience this idyllic setting.More. Mesquite Sand Dunes is another prime spot for photography and for a good reason the beautiful sand formations, along with the surreal mountain rangers surrounding the dunes give a lot of different photographic opportunities. Furnace Creek is in the middle of Death Valley. Depending on the time of year you visit, you may be able to catch the Kern County Scottish Games. To get to the monument there is a short hike but to get to the top to see the columns is not best for those with limited mobility. My 5 year old went with us but got quite tired on the return trip and I did carry him on my back a bit. Though this summer hardly any water flowing in the river. The surface of the Golf Course is so rough and the temperature so hot during the day, it is said that only the Devils can play golf there. Be sure to take the trail to the top of the formation. It has 30 miles of stunning hiking trails, biking paths, and rock climbing spots amongst the deep red Aztec sandstone cliffs. The routes I provide in this post will take you through some of the most beautiful and iconic landscapes in the American West, including Death Valley, the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, and Yosemite Valley. If youre going to be stopping here for the night, do not miss theSkyline Drive-In Theater! The halfway point is Escalon, CA. Funky, free sculpture park in the desert featuring 7 offbeat works by Belgian artists & a gift shop. This will be the last stop on Tioga Road before exiting the park and rapidly descending in elevation en route to Lee Vining. Yosemite National Park California. That means we get a commission if you buy something after clicking a link here. They're at their most photogenic at sunrise or sunset when bathed Top ChoiceViewpoint in Death Valley National Park. Hi Sarah, Located in the high sierras, Tuolumne Meadows is a beautiful location that sadly doesnt get the attention that Yosemite Valley does. What a place. If you put your ear close to the ground, youll hear salt crystals popping from expanding and contracting in the heat! It was formed when gases and magma built up and then exploded all over the surrounding desert floor. It ends in Las Vegas, Nevada. The two-story Spanish Colonial and Mission Revival mansion is an architectural gem. Your trip begins in Las Vegas, Nevada. Driving from Yosemite National Park to Las Vegas should take you 8 hrs 16 mins in normal traffic. 120). Located off Highway 190 in the center of the park, the dunes are easy to reach. Offering a chance to visit a massive volcanic crater in the middle of the desert, the Ubehebe and Little Hebe Crater Trail is a great choice for geology lovers everywhere. Service is great. The top cities between Las Vegas and Yosemite National Park are Death Valley National Park and Mammoth Lakes. To learn more about Ashford Junction and the surrounding facilities, you can visit its website. If possible, give yourself over a week so you can travel slower, do longer hikes, swim in some lakes, enjoy the quiet outdoors, and even get some stargazing in. Required fields are marked *. The monument itself is amazing. Mammoth Mountain is a huge draw for the area, and people come from all over the world to hit the slopes here. If beautiful red canyons, ghost towns, alpine lakes, and the all-encompassing beauty that is Yosemite National Park sound like a trip you'd love to go on, consider doing a road trip from Las Vegas to San Francisco. The area offers a range of outdoor activities including hiking, horseback riding, biking, scooter tours, bird watching and rock climbing, as well as opportunities to learn about the natural and cultural history of the Mojave Desert. I would suggest mapping everything out, including gas stations. Simply wow. By far the best time to take a soak in these pools is before/during sunrise and during sunset. These also the most accessible sand dunes in the national park, situated just off of Highway 190, a couple of miles east of Stovepipe Wells. With 19 hiking trails, a 13-mile bike loop, and 200 different mammals, kids will love the chance to get out and explore this scenic conservation area. Death Valley Sunrise - Mesquite Dunes, photo courtesy of @lifeof_peter_. LazyTrips is a trading name of Uncle Bob Media Ltd. I wanted to get to the mountains across the salt flat but didnt know how far it went. Ash Mdws is a treasure. Its well worth venturing beyond the parking lot and climbing up into the dunes for the best views. You can hike into the center, but note that the steep climb out is much more difficult than the climb in! Once you veer off the Las Vegas Strip, youll get a chance to really see what this city has to offer. Theres the Fresno Art Museum, the Fresno Chaffee Zoo, and the Forestiere Underground Gardensall of which can keep you entertained for a whole day. Modern desert property offering mountain views, plus a spa, a movie theater & a bingo hall. Its been a while since weve made the drive, so there may have been some changes. To the north, saltwater Mono Lake is dotted with limestone towers. You can also calculate the cost to drive from Las Vegas, NV to Yosemite . On the left, you see the route that takes you west of the Sierra Nevada. There are 8 ways to get from Las Vegas to Yosemite National Park by bus, train, car, night bus, plane or taxi Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner. To be honest, I have not imagined them being so huge and wide. How far is Yosemite National Park from Las Vegas? You can access Devils Golf Course in a car, but an SUV or off-road vehicle is preferable. Try reaching the place before sunrise to capture the incredible view of the ball of fire coming out from the dunes on the horizon. Passengers, keep your eyes peeled because you wont be disappointed by the sights! Due to its high elevation, the snow and ice that begins around the month of November and lasts until late May/early June make the road impassable. Our favorite food joints here wereBurger BarnandMercado Mexico! Wanderlog makes planning a trip so effortless. Its hard to imagine Death Valley National Park also has sand dunes, but it does, and quite a few!. The salt pan of Devils Golf Course stands out for its shape, where salt crystals form large holes in the ground (thus its name), an incredible phenomenon that you have to see in Death Valley. This hiking and visitor center is about an hour off of 395 but well worth the drive. The street experience from Las Vegas to Yosemite National Park can be completed in approximately 6 hours 20 minutes and covers round 370 miles. Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are the most popular sand dunes in the park and the easiest to reach. Worth a detour to check it out. Parking is available. You might have heard aboutMono Lake in passing, but whats the deal with Mono Lake? If you are a bit adventurous, go off trail on the way back. Floridas Clearest and Most Sought-After Clear Springs, Driving to Alaska: The Complete Guide (Based on our experience). On a clear night, you can see milkyway! With jagged peaks of rock salt that not even the devil would be able to play golf on, this enormous expanse of earth is fun to explore but just careful not to fall over. For me, its home to one of my favorite hikes in all of the USAthe hike to Big Pine Lakes! While Tioga Pass is the quickest (and most scenic) route to get from Las Vegas to Yosemite, its important to know that its not open year-round. Closed due to flood damage and not likely to reopen until at least 2020, this whimsical castle was the desert home of Walter E Scott, alias Death Valley Scotty, a quintessential tall-tale teller who captivated Top ChoiceViewpoint in Death Valley National Park. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area sits just outside the western edge of Las Vegas. Youll pass the Mesquite Salt Flats on Highway 190 on your way to/from Panamint Springs. The most accessible sand dunes are the Mesquite Dunes in Stovepipe Wells. Going north from here, you'll be passing directly through Fresno, and just past Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Be sure to visit when the visitors center is open- they have lots of information! Dirt road closed in wet weather. If the views of Temple Crag and the surrounding mountain ranges dont take your breath away, the color of the bright, turquoise lakes will. Basically trying to find things to do since we will be here for the New Years Eve fiesta Can You Swim In Florida In the Wintertime? And if you want to take even longer, you could do this as a day trip from Las Vegas (itinerary available here). (Do yourself a favor and as you leave your car, look behind you for landmarks so you can steer your way back.) To start you off, I'll send you my FREE travel essentials checklist + travel resources guide! This is open all year round and during winter this is the only option for getting from Las Vegas to Yosemite (or the other way around), so I like to call it "The Winter Route". While you can see the sand dunes from your vehicle, the best way to experience them is to get out and hike around. Take a stroll or camp overnight. The parks Junior Ranger handbook has a scavenger hunt for the kids to complete while at the castle. Really heart breaking to see such a great place to close . Calico Ghost Town recreates the California Silver Rush life with pioneer-style restaurants, shops, and sights. 98,266 posts. A 1920 mansion in the northern part of the Park. The most accessible dunes in Death Valley are an undulating sea of sand rising up to 100ft high next to the highway near Stovepipe Wells Village. There are four lakes in the Bishop Creek Canyon, each offering a variety of recreational activities. Here's the quick answer if you are able to make this entire trip by car without stopping. Rhyolite is a ghost town in Nye County, in the U.S. state of Nevada. Renting a car and driving the scenic route from Vegas to Yosemite is a popular tourist activity. The area got it's name because it was said that the rocks were so incredibly serrated that only the devil could play golf on such rough links. If you go by way of Death Valley National Park, you'll want to spend at least a night here to experience the vast desert, sand dunes, and salt lakes this place has to offer. If youve ever wanted to take some epic, so-cool-they-seem-fake photos on some sand dunes, this is one of the best things to see in Death Valley. Mono Lake began to form around 750,000 years ago, making it one of the oldest lakes in North America. The most exciting attraction in Fresno, however, is the Fresno Chaffe Zoo. If you want to veer off the Strip to discover a movie backdrop, head west to Red Rock Canyon. There will also be no cell phone reception for most of the way once you enter the park (Death Valley National Park). Find all the travel essentials you'll need in my Amazon storefront. The outside, palm trees everywhere. We didnt know what to expect because we just spontaneously decided to go up there since we knew there was snow. Its a bumpy ride, but beautiful. Some points of interest you might want to check out are: Siesta Lake,White Wolf Campground,Yosemite Creek Picnic Area,Olmsted Point,Tenaya Lake, andSoda Spring. This place gets packed so I recommend going on a weekday however there are of pools both got and cold so explore around and find one that empty and enjoy! Offbeat attraction showcasing the Wild West, featuring a saloon, wax museum, petting zoo & tavern. Another iconic view of Death Valley is available at the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes the most famous and accessible of the national parks numerous dune sites. Only have a limited selection of table games is my only complaint. Its dramatic vistas are revered by Las Vegas locals and adored by visitors from around the world. The way the rocks have weathered to show the different colors defiantly earned its name as the artists palette. Trip itineraries in the Southwest often include both Yosemite National Park as well as Las Vegas, which is why people often ask me about the best way to get from Yosemite to Vegas (or the other way around). Thanks a lot! Hi. The pass itself is winding and scenic, and the views from the top are absolutely breathtaking. She earned a. From Badwater Basin, we drove to the Devils Golf Course, a hostile rocky and salty landscape that would prove difficult even for walking. We came in at 6:30 so parking wasn't a problem and it was actually a bit chilly. From Stovepipe Wells, it is a one-hour drive (47 miles) to get to Ubehebe Crater. 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. Easily plan for a hour here, or more. Be rady for the heat and the sun. It's 360 of epic scenery at all times pretty much. So, if Tioga Pass is closed, what's the best way to get from Las Vegas to Yosemite? The drive from Yosemite National Park to Las Vegas is 372 miles (599 km). Trekking through the dunes of Death Valley comes with a feeling of being in the Sahara Desert for every tourist. 7300 N Aliante Pkwy, North Las Vegas, NV 89084, USA, Other popular road trips from Yosemite National Park, Save all the best places to visit with Wanderlog, Download the travel planning app everyone's been raving about, The Solo Globetrotter | Solo Female Travel Blog, Local Adventurer Travel Adventures in Las Vegas + World Wide, http://www.nps.gov/yose/learn/nature/tuolumne.htm, http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/inyo/specialplaces/?cid=stelprdb5129900, Nomads in Nature - Hiking Trips, Outdoor Gear, RV Living, Sleeklens - Tools and Training for Photographers, https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/visit-ubehebe-crater.htm, https://www.nps.gov/deva/learn/historyculture/scottys-castle.htm, https://www.nps.gov/deva/learn/nature/sand-dunes.htm, https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/visit-the-furnace-creek-visitor-center.htm, https://www.pahrumpnugget.com/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=yext, https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/nevada/red-rock-canyon, Weather in Yosemite National Park in January, Weather in Yosemite National Park in February, Weather in Yosemite National Park in March, Weather in Yosemite National Park in April, Weather in Yosemite National Park in June, Weather in Yosemite National Park in July, Weather in Yosemite National Park in August, Weather in Yosemite National Park in September, Weather in Yosemite National Park in October, Weather in Yosemite National Park in November, Weather in Yosemite National Park in December, Yosemite National Park to Greater Palm Springs drive, Yosemite National Park to Calistoga drive, Yosemite National Park to Banff National Park drive, Yosemite National Park to the Mill Valley drive, Yosemite National Park to Paso Robles drive, Yosemite National Park to Scottsdale drive, Yosemite National Park to Boulder City drive, Yosemite National Park to Beverly Hills drive, Yosemite National Park to North Vancouver drive, Yosemite National Park to Buena Park drive, Yosemite National Park to Cabo San Lucas drive, Yosemite National Park to Jasper National Park drive, Yosemite National Park to Oklahoma City drive, Yosemite National Park to Fort Worth drive. The 278-mile-long Grand Canyon, located east of Vegas, is one of the Seven Wonders of the Worldand a true American mainstay. Located 54 miles north of Furnace Creek is Scottys Castle, an elaborate mansion built truly out in the middle of nowhere in the 1920s. But, there are restrictions to safeguard the wilderness. Artist's Drive loop. (thanks Chef). You could miss some amazing places if you so much as blink on the way, so read on to get an idea of what you're in for. (See photos), Beautiful place, great for photography. This is especially true when youve got so many spots to see around the meadows. However, it is important to note that this entry point (via Tioga Pass) is not always open year-round. Located near Stovepipe Wells Village, the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are surrounded by mountains. There are several exhibits to view, as well as a short orientation film to get you started. Remember to take your water and hat. You can even make a quick trek a few hundred yards to get closer as well. Its called Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes for its Mesquite trees growing on the sand dunes. There is screen with all trails and you can see on video what to expect))) there is museum inside too. In addition to world-class trout fishing, swimming, and beaching, June Lake (and the loops other three lakes) offers a variety of other water sports. The trees are awesome. Take the Bad Water way and stay in artistic way for a while in the night. Fresno is the perfect place to visit or stay in if youre looking for a mix of city and countryside. Travelers that fly to California can rent a car in San Francisco (4 hours away) or Sacramento (3 hours away). for Yosemite National Park. It is an incredible sight to find an expanse of sand dunes right in amongst the mountain ranges and salt flats. Ten minutes and 12 miles away from Calico rests Barstow, another potential stop on your drive to Yosemite. Love the old buildings, trucks, and other items from years ago. Try to get there right before sunset because the lighting is just on point to illuminate all the colors without overkill. If we had to pick the best hotels available during this trip, it would have to be these: As scorching as Death Valley can get in the summer, the park is incredibly popular with many of the States' most famous entertainers. This post may contain affiliate links. Our excitement continued when the sun rose over the dunes and created intense contrasting shadows that made us feel like we were in a computer screen. This entrance fee is good for 7 days. Theres no official trail at Mesquite Flats. The crystalline structures release popping sounds as the ground temperature rises. 4. Thehike to Big Pine Lakes is easily one of the best day hikes in all of California. No matter what time of day you come, the view is always beautiful. There are many places to pull off and take in the vistas, which we did. It gets very dark out there, which makes it the perfect setting for an outdoor movie night! Beautiful springs and boardwalks for hiking, and outstanding interpretive exhibits! This looks incredible! The staff is always friendly and courteous, and they give a generous military discount. Much easier to climb then Kelsi Dunes. It was a bustling gold and silver mining town for a few years and then they were all gone! There is a large parking lot that fills up fast during high peak season. It is absolutely beautiful. However, the local Depot can provide you with maps and souvenirs reflecting the time you spent under the canopy. One part of the lake is on a slope so you might need snow shoes or spikes to get around it. The primary source of sand is the Cottonwood Mountains. No hike is required for the lake and view. Love love love! It was quite a beautiful hike in mammoth. The meadow was not accessible, but the drive alone may be worth it for some especially in the spring when flowers are in bloom. Early Monday morning, river levels peaked at 9.86 feet (3 meters), just below official flood levels and about a foot less than predicted, and are expected to continue to decline throughout the week, according to data from the National Weather Service. Youre going to have your breath taken away as you drive into the park! For starters, the city is home to a variety of museums and art galleries, including the Bakersfield Museum of Art and the California Living Museum. Its home to the lowest point of elevation in North America, and its also the site of thehottest temperature recordedon the continent. They have chair ride, disc golf, archery, and axe throwing. Visited in March, it was already springtime in California, there was snow and it was beautiful. It is amazing!!! A stop at the Furnace Creek Visitor Centre is a must do, to learn about the fascinating history, landscape, people and animals of Death Valley. We're doing a month long trip and this was the stretch we weren't going to. Which route you take will depend mostly on weather conditions and whether there are road closures during the time of year you plan to travel. After Fresno, you'll be knocking on Yosemite's front door. As the famous Death Valley mansion, Scottys Castle is a crazy example of the wealth that came to settle in this barren desert. Well more the vibe than the temperature. While Bodie State Historic Park is more than 200 miles from Sonora, it has a convenient location for travelers coming from the east to Yosemite. 228 reviews. The tour . This attraction is out of the way, about 1 hour and 15 minutes (61 miles) one way. 30 miles from Ashford Junction, Badwater Basin sits on the southern corner of Death Valley National Park. Mammoth Lakes is a town in California's Sierra Nevada mountains. For the most up-to-date road conditions, check the NPS websiteif theres a Tioga Pass road closure, its usually posted at the top of the page. Dont expect to find any food here but you will find souvenirs. Driving on this road grants you a beautiful drive that takes you through some of the most stunning scenery of Yosemite National Park. We only had time for a quick stop there and were able to snap some photos. For roughly 16 miles on the June Lake Loop, the road winds past a series of glacial lakes, all backdropped by scraggly peaks that reach up towards the skies. This is the crme de la crme of planning apps! Here, you'll be able to settle in at a luxury resort or in a nestled cabin and still reach Yosemite within 18 minutes. Currently closed. Scottys Castle is a mansion and ranch that has become an attraction in Death Valley. This place is the best place in Death Valley for taking a break. 1. White-tablecloth find for upmarket Continental cooking & wine pairings in a vineyard setting. The drive is easy and beautiful. Red Rock Canyon is a fun outdoor adventure that is close to the Strip. There is an easy 1.5 miles loop trail around the rim of the crater. Yosemite Valley closing 4/28/23. First off, Mono Lake is old. They are definitely unique and striking in appearance. Death Valley has 5 sets of dunes, but the Mesquite Sand Dunes are the most accessible in the park. Before heading off to sleep, tucker yourself out with a visit to the on-site spa, or keep it simple and have a drink at the bar.
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