Planning a road trip to Yosemite National Park from Los Angeles?
This guide will help you make the most of your time in the park, and includes a suggested itinerary as well as must visit stops for an incredible road trip.
Also Read: 2 Days in Los Angeles Itinerary
Why Visit Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is one of the most famous destinations in America.
It is known for its spectacular landscapes.
Marvel at the granite domes of Half Dome and El Capitan, relax by the Merced River, and take in the views at Glacier Point.
Drive the Tioga Road scenic drive, enjoy the beauty of Yosemite falls and Bridalveil Falls, and camp in the Tuolumne alpine meadows.
Yosemite makes the perfect destination for your next trip.
Also Read: Best Places to Visit in California in winter
How far is Yosemite from Los Angeles?
The fastest route via I-5, CA-99, and CA-41 is 300 miles and the drive time is 6 hours.
However, because of the various routes and many stops along the way, you can also plan a week long road trip from LA to Yosemite.
Best Time to Visit Yosemite National Park
If you’re looking for the best time to visit Yosemite National Park, you’ll want to consider a few factors.
The weather is one of the most important things to consider, as it can affect your ability to enjoy activities such as hiking and camping.
Summer is the most popular season to visit the park.
Spring and fall tend to be the best times of year, with milder temperatures and smaller crowds.
In winter, there are road closures and the Tioga Pass entrance is closed.
However, there’s no bad time to visit this stunning national park – whatever season you choose, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience.
Los Angeles to Yosemite Road Trip Along I-5, CA-99 and CA-41
This road is the shortest and takes visitors to Yosemite Valley entrance i.e. the eastern entrance to the park.
Drive north along I-5 before taking Highway 99 at the junction near Grapevine.
On Highway 99, take a detour to Sequoia National Park as well as the adjacent Kings Canyon National Park.
At Fresno, take CA-41 to the south entrance – this drive is about an hour long.
Along the way, make a pit stop at the town of Fish Camp.
Then make your way to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoia trees.
Los Angeles to Yosemite Road Trip Along CA-395
This road trip takes you through the deserts of southern California to the eastern entrance of Yosemite National Park.
You will be driving through the Eastern Sierra mountain ranges and enter Yosemite via Tioga Pass Road.
Beginning in southern California, must visit spots include Alabama Hills, Mono Lake, Mammoth Lakes, and Devils Postpile National Monument.
Take the detour to Death Valley!
Then drive north towards Yosemite via Tioga Pass Road.
You will see gorgeous views such as Tunnel View from where you can admire the plunging Bridalveil Falls.
Enjoy the highlights of Yosemite Valley before making the trip back to LA.
Los Angeles to Yosemite Along Pacific Coast Highway
Enjoy the best of California on this epic coastal drive along the Pacific Coast Highway.
Begin the road trip in Downtown Los Angeles and continue north along the scenic route through Central California coast and San Francisco.
Stop at Big Sur and admire attractions such as McWay Falls, Bixby Creek Bridge, and Pfeiffer Beach.
Continue the drive north to San Francisco.
Spend a couple of days in the city and enjoy popular attractions including the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Alcatraz Island.
Continue east along CA-142 till you reach the intersection with CA-41 near Fresno.
Also Read: San Francisco to Yosemite Road Trip Itinerary
What to See and Do in Yosemite National Park
There are plenty of things to see and do in Yosemite National Park no matter what time of year you visit.
Some of the popular activities include hiking, biking, fishing, and camping.
In addition to the natural wonders of the park, there are also a number of man-made attractions including the Yosemite Valley Chapel, Pioneer Yosemite History Center, and the Yosemite Museum.
Planning a trip to Yosemite National Park is easy and can be done in a number of ways.
No matter how you decide to get there, make sure to enjoy the stunning landscapes and endless activities that this one-of-a-kind park has to offer.