Driving Directions in Yosemite National Park

Driving Directions

Follow these directions to be sure that you get where you're going safely. GPS units aren't always accurate.

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Driving Directions Details

Getting to Yosemite National Park is a journey filled with anticipation, as you traverse picturesque highways and wind your way through breathtaking landscapes. Here's a guide to reaching the park from various directions: From the West and North: San Francisco/Bay Area: Embark on a scenic drive spanning 195 miles, approximately 4-5 hours. Follow I-580 east to I-205 east, then transition onto Highway 120 east (Manteca) or Highway 140 east (Merced) leading into Yosemite's majestic embrace. Sacramento: Delve into a 176-mile journey, spanning around 4 hours. Head south on Highway 99, then venture onto Highway 120 east (Manteca) or Highway 140 east (Merced) to access Yosemite's awe-inspiring wonders. Reno & Lake Tahoe (June through October): Traverse 218 miles from Reno, about 5 hours of travel time. Navigate southward on US 395 to Lee Vining, then embark on Highway 120 west, unlocking Yosemite's splendorous vistas (open late May/June through October, depending on conditions). Reno & Lake Tahoe (Year-round): Chart a 315-mile course from Reno, spanning approximately 8 hours. Journey westward on I-80 or I-50 to Sacramento, then transition onto Highway 99 south before veering onto Highway 120 east (Manteca) or Highway 140 east (Merced) toward Yosemite's enchanting realm. From the South: Los Angeles Area: Embark on a 313-mile odyssey, spanning roughly 6 hours. Venture northward on I-5 (or I-405 to I-5), transition onto Highway 99 north, then merge onto Highway 41 north (Fresno) to access Yosemite's captivating landscapes. San Diego Area: Embark on a scenic drive covering 441 miles, approximately 8 hours of travel time. Navigate northward on I-5 to Highway 99, then merge onto Highway 41 north (Fresno), unveiling Yosemite's natural wonders. Las Vegas (June through October): Embark on a 350-mile journey from Las Vegas, spanning 6-7 hours (conditions permitting). Travel southward on I-15 to Barstow, then transition onto Highway 58 west to the junction with US 395. Continue north on US 395 to near Lee Vining, before embarking on Highway 120 west into Yosemite National Park (open late May/early June through October, depending on conditions). Las Vegas (Year-round): Embark on a 495-mile odyssey from Las Vegas, spanning approximately 8-10 hours. Navigate southward on I-15 to Barstow, then veer onto Highway 58 west to Bakersfield. From there, journey north on Highway 99 to Fresno, before merging onto Highway 41 north into Yosemite National Park's captivating realm. Whichever route you choose, the journey to Yosemite promises an adventure brimming with scenic vistas and unforgettable memories, setting the stage for an unparalleled exploration of nature's grandeur.

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Nearby Points of Interest Around Driving Directions

Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Driving Directions while the map context is still fresh.

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Jessie Benton Fremont

An early advocate of the Park, without her work behind the scenes, Yosemite might not exist today.

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Traffic & Travel Tips

Plan ahead!

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ZERO LANDFILL IN THE PARKS:

THE YOSEMITE, GRAND TETON AND DENALI PROGRAM

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30-Minute Helicopter Ride

Fly rim-to-rim in a half-hour.

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50-Minute Airplane Tour

The ultimate Canyon airplane tour.

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50-Minute Helicopter Tour

Offering aerial tours of the North and South Rims as well as the Grand Canyon's East Rim.