Granite peaks, giant trees, and alpine blue lakes.
Granite peaks, giant trees, and alpine blue lakes.
Fish Camp, CA 95389South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Trip overview
Ascend into California's majestic high country on a journey from the granite giants of Yosemite to the alpine splendor of Lake Tahoe. This adventure traces a path through groves of ancient sequoias, over the soaring Tioga Pass, and along the stunning Eastern Sierra corridor.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 — Fish Camp
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
Begin your Sierra journey by walking among colossal ancient trees in Yosemite's largest sequoia grove. The Grizzly Giant and California Tunnel Tree are humbling sights to behold.
Mariposa Grove Rd, Fish Camp, CA 95389
Tunnel View
Pull over for the iconic, breathtaking first panorama of Yosemite Valley. This classic viewpoint perfectly frames El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall in a single, unforgettable vista.
Wawona Rd, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389
Lower Yosemite Fall Trail
Take an easy, paved one-mile loop to the base of North America's tallest waterfall. Feel the mist and hear the roar of the water as it completes its 2,425-foot journey down the granite cliffs.
Yosemite Village, CA 95389
Day 2 — Yosemite Valley
Mist Trail to Vernal Fall
Embark on Yosemite's signature hike, climbing a steep granite staircase alongside the thundering Vernal Fall. Be prepared to get soaked by the spray on this rewarding and scenic trail.
Mist Trail, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389
Cook's Meadow Loop
Enjoy a leisurely stroll through a picturesque meadow offering stunning, wide-open views of Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and Sentinel Rock. It's an ideal spot for photography and appreciating the valley's grandeur.
Cook's Meadow, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389
El Capitan Meadow
Lay back in the grass and gaze up at the sheer 3,000-foot granite face of El Capitan. Bring binoculars to spot rock climbers scaling this world-famous monolith.
Northside Dr, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389
Day 3 — Yosemite National Park
Olmsted Point
Pull over on Tioga Road for a unique perspective of Yosemite's high country. This viewpoint offers a stunning side-view of Half Dome and the vast granite landscape of Tenaya Canyon.
Tioga Pass Rd, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
Tenaya Lake
Stop at the 'Jewel of the High Country,' a stunningly clear alpine lake surrounded by granite domes. Walk along the sandy beach, dip your toes in the chilly water, or just admire the breathtaking scenery.
Tioga Pass Rd, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
Tuolumne Meadows
Wander through one of the largest high-elevation meadows in the Sierra Nevada. Crisscrossed by the Tuolumne River and dotted with wildflowers in early summer, it's a serene and beautiful landscape.
Tioga Pass Rd, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
Lake View Lodge
Settle in for the night at this classic roadside motel in the charming town of Lee Vining, perfectly positioned at the base of Tioga Pass and on the shore of Mono Lake.
51 Main St, Lee Vining, CA 93541
Day 4 — Lee Vining
Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve
Explore the otherworldly shoreline of an ancient saline lake. Walk among the bizarre 'tufa towers'—limestone formations created by underwater springs—and learn about the unique ecosystem that thrives here.
US-395, Lee Vining, CA 93541
June Lake Loop
Take a short but spectacular detour on a 16-mile scenic byway known as the 'Switzerland of California.' The road winds past four sparkling lakes—June, Gull, Silver, and Grant—tucked against jagged mountain peaks.
June Lake Loop / CA-158, June Lake, CA 93529
Mammoth Brewing Company
Relax after a day of exploring at this popular local brewery and eatery. Enjoy a pint of high-altitude craft beer and hearty pub fare on their sunny patio.
18 Lake Mary Rd, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
The Village Lodge
Stay in the heart of Mammoth's pedestrian village, with convenient access to shops and restaurants, and enjoy amenities like heated pools and hot tubs with mountain views.
1111 Forest Trail, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
Day 5 — Bridgeport
Bodie State Historic Park
Step back in time at this authentic ghost town, preserved in a state of 'arrested decay.' Wander streets lined with 19th-century buildings, from saloons to the old jail, and get a feel for the Wild West.
CA-270, Bridgeport, CA 93517
Hope Valley Overlook
As you climb towards Lake Tahoe, stop at this roadside pullout for a sweeping view of the expansive and beautiful Hope Valley. It is especially stunning in the fall when the aspens turn golden.
Carson Pass Hwy, Markleeville, CA 96120
The Hangar Taproom & Bottle Shop
Quench your thirst at this unique outdoor taproom set in a converted hangar. Choose from a wide selection of craft beers and ciders while enjoying live music and a laid-back, dog-friendly atmosphere.
2401 Lake Tahoe Blvd Suite B, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Coachman Hotel
Check into a stylishly renovated motel that blends modern design with a cozy mountain feel. It's perfectly located for walking to the lake and Heavenly Village.
4100 Pine Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Day 6 — South Lake Tahoe
Emerald Bay State Park
Witness the crown jewel of Lake Tahoe, a stunning glacially-carved bay with brilliant blue-green water and its own tiny island. The view from Inspiration Point is a quintessential California vista.
138 Emerald Bay Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Vikingsholm Castle
Hike one mile down to the shore of Emerald Bay to tour this magnificent 'hidden castle.' This stunning example of Scandinavian architecture offers a fascinating glimpse into the area's history.
CA-89, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Rubicon Trail
Hike a section of this spectacular trail that hugs the shoreline of Lake Tahoe. Enjoy dramatic cliffside views, secluded coves, and the famously clear water of the Rubicon Wall.
DL Bliss State Park, CA-89, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Experiences & guides
Bookable tours and stops worth a detour along this route.
Experiences
Guide content may not reflect current conditions. Always verify information before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
The High Sierra road trip covers about 262 mi and roughly 9h 6m of driving, comfortably spread across about 6 days.
This itinerary maps out 21 stops from Fish Camp, CA 95389 to South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150. Highlights include Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, Tenaya Lake, and Emerald Bay State Park.
It begins in Fish Camp, CA 95389 and ends in South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, following a mapped, road-following route the whole way.
The estimated cost is around $1,392, 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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