Granite peaks, giant sequoias & high alpine lakes
Granite peaks, giant sequoias & high alpine lakes
Yosemite Valley, CA 95389South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Trip overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey climbing through Yosemite's glacially-carved valleys, traversing the alpine heights of Tioga Pass, and winding down to the deep blue of Lake Tahoe.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 — Yosemite Valley
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
Walk among over 500 mature giant sequoias, including the ancient Grizzly Giant, in Yosemite's largest grove.
Mariposa Grove Rd, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389
Tunnel View
Capture the iconic, breathtaking panorama of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall framing the valley floor.
Wawona Rd, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389
Lower Yosemite Fall Trail
An easy, scenic paved loop that brings you right to the misty base of North America's tallest waterfall.
Yosemite Valley, CA 95389
Day 2 — Yosemite National Park
Olmsted Point
Look down upon Yosemite Valley from a unique angle, with Tenaya Lake to the east and the backside of Half Dome to the west.
Tioga Pass Rd, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
Tuolumne Meadows
Hike through a sprawling, pristine subalpine meadow surrounded by majestic granite domes and winding cold-water creeks.
Tioga Pass Rd, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
Mono Lake South Tufa Area
Walk among the eerie, knobby limestone tufa towers rising from the salty waters of this ancient desert lake.
Test Station Rd, Mono Lake, CA 93541
Lake View Lodge
Relax at this cozy, historic lodge surrounded by old-growth trees just outside Yosemite's Eastern Gate.
51285 Highway 395, Lee Vining, CA 93541
Day 3 — Bridgeport
Bodie State Historic Park
Explore a massive gold-mining ghost town preserved in a state of arrested decay, where time has stood still since the late 1800s.
CA-270, Bridgeport, CA 93517
Travertine Hot Springs
Soak in natural mineral-rich geothermal pools flowing over limestone terraces with spectacular views of the Sierra Nevada.
Jack Sawyer Rd, Bridgeport, CA 93517
The Beacon Bar & Grill
Sip their signature Rum Runner cocktail on a spacious deck directly overlooking the white sands of Lake Tahoe.
1900 Jameson Beach Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Camp Richardson Resort
Stay in a historic alpine resort tucked under tall pines with direct beach access to Lake Tahoe.
1900 Jameson Beach Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Day 4 — South Lake Tahoe
Emerald Bay State Park Lookout
Stand high above Lake Tahoe's most famous, jewel-colored bay to look down upon Fannette Island and Vikingsholm Castle.
138 Emerald Bay Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Rubicon Trail (D.L. Bliss Section)
Hike the absolute finest shoreline trail in Tahoe, winding past rocky granite cliffs suspended over impossibly clear turquoise waters.
D.L. Bliss State Park, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Basecamp Pizza Co.
Celebrate the end of your Sierra road trip with gourmet, creative pizzas and live outdoor acoustic music in the Heavenly Village.
1001 Heavenly Village Way, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Experiences & guides
Bookable tours and stops worth a detour along this route.
Guide content may not reflect current conditions. Always verify information before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
The Sierra High Country road trip covers about 314 mi and roughly 8h 49m of driving, comfortably spread across about 4 days.
This itinerary maps out 14 stops from Yosemite Valley, CA 95389 to South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150. Highlights include Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, Tunnel View, and Tuolumne Meadows.
It begins in Yosemite Valley, CA 95389 and ends in South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, following a mapped, road-following route the whole way.
The estimated cost is around $864, covering fuel, lodging, food, and activities. Your actual total varies with the season, your pace, and the choices you make along the way.
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