how far is yosemite national park from las vegas

Let's take a close look at both options, beginning with the scenic route, as this is by far my favorite. After we strolled the grounds and shot a video for out social media page. If you have more time to spare in Las Vegas, you can take some time to check out some of these fun stops just outside of the Las Vegas area: Whenever I travel out of town, I always try to find new nature spots to explore and hike. Sadly, in 2015, damage from horrific flash floods resulted in a closure of Scottys Castle. How far is Las Vegas from Yosemite National Park? You can literally find so much to do. If you're staying the night but arrived early enough - you can go visit Mono Lake. If youre spending a few days at Yosemite National Park, you may want to set aside a day to explore the back part of Yosemite along Tioga Road. This is a great place for wildlife spotting too, so keep your eyes peeled for coyotes, kangaroo rats, and desert foxes. You'll need a place to cool off after a grueling, sweaty hike, and The Inn does not disappoint thanks to the beautiful outdoor pool featuring loungers and a gorgeous fireplace, you'll be patting yourself on the back for having found such a perfect respite from the Mojave heat. Get inspired for your trip to Las Vegas with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! There are numerous trails, each with dynamically different scenery. There are lots of great spots near hear as well, so worth checking out as passing through. In general, there are two main routes you can take to get from Las Vegas to Yosemite. 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. Its hard to imagine Death Valley National Park also has sand dunes, but it does, and quite a few!. The shortest route from Las Vegas to Yosemite is approximately 340 miles (about a 5.5-hour drive) via US-95N. Just gorgeous! Worth a stop if you're in the area. The area is tight so be aware of parking can get crowded. Much of California is laid out with tourism in mind, so you can expect to find plenty of amazing accommodation on the way from Las Vegas to Yosemite National Park. Road Trip from Phoenix to Yosemite National Park - LazyTrips 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. They relax briefly on the nearly empty patio. So if you want to get inside the drug-induced, mind-altered head space of Raoul Duke (Johnny Depps character), head here. That's because, come November, snow begins to accumulate on the road, making it impassable. Highly recommended! 11 Awesome Stops on a Las Vegas to Yosemite Road - VickyFlipFlopTravels Little Hebe Crater is the underrated little sister of Ubehebe, the well-known 750-feet deep crater created by past volcanic activity. Volcanic and glacial forces sculpted this formation of smooth, vertical basalt columns. You go in a winter for skiing or in summer for hiking and biking, its so much of fun and natural. Prices will vary based on the campsite you need, but each comes with either a campfire ring or a grill. On the floor of Death Valley is a large salt span called Devils Golf Course. The drive up just demands a number of stops to take photos, and the drive down into Yosemite is no different. Ashford Junction, once upon a time, was one of the most active railroad towns operating in California. Main thoroughfare through Yosemite National Park, offering dramatic views past granite rock & lakes. Tuolumne Meadows is one of the most photographed areas of Yosemite. Devils Gold Course will be in 2.5 miles. If you are a bit adventurous, go off trail on the way back. This Pahrump, Nevada hotel features a casino and on-site restaurants. The best road trip route from Las Vegas to Yosemite National Park depends on what you're after - if you're aiming for speed and are traveling the right time of year, driving along the Sierras is the quicker option, on top of being scenic. For a bird's-eye view, take the short, steep. Dress, Shoes, And Other Tips By Season]? The Grand Canyonisa full day commitment, but the views and photos you'll get are worth the trip. You might think about doing the Mesquite Sand Dunes now, considering youre going to pass right by it, but wed recommend waiting until sunset, which is a far better time to be out there, when the dramatic shadows bring out the texture of the sand, and the golden light illuminates the dunes in a deep orange color. 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. Journey To Unforgettable Memories, What To See In Israel In 2 Days [Inc. Itinerary To Make The Most Of Your 48 Hours], Exploring the Unknown: Archaeologists Uncover Hidden Chamber in Great Pyramid. By joining our email list, you give LazyTrips permission to use your email for sending you newsletters, emails and updates including for marketing purposes. This is a must-stop place before you head out exploring the dry desert. May 1, 2023, 4:23 p.m. Save. Located at the north tip of the Cottonwood Mountains, Ubehebe Crater provides a unique stargazing and the night sky photography experience. September is probably the safer of the two options, as you might get the occasional inaccessible road even in late spring. Subject to winter closure, this pass is California's highest vehicle crossing, with many trailheads. You can get your Death Valley National Park guidebook and map that comes with loads of additional information about the attractions and lands. Floridas Clearest and Most Sought-After Clear Springs, Driving to Alaska: The Complete Guide (Based on our experience). Service is great. I loved stopping by Calico Hills and seeing the Petroglyph Wall thats the first time Ive ever seen Petroglyphs! Supposedly the highway and Castle will reopen in April 2023 once construction of the visitor center is done and the ranch's possessions are moved back from storage. Free Wi-Fi is offered. During summer, it is one of the hottest places on Earth, along with deserts in the Middle East and the Sahara. Next, you will want to head back southeast towards Stovepipe Wells to make a stop at Furnace Creek Visitors Center. There are 6 sand dunes in this park (Mesquite, Eureka, Hidden, Saline Valley Dunes, Panamint Valley, and Ibex Sand Dune) but Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are the most popular and easily accessible. Fast climbing windy road, starts at about 4000ft. 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. With just one day, youll probably only be able to experience Yosemite Valley and not other parts of the park such as Tuolumne Meadows, Hetch Hetchy, Mariposa Grove, etc. While the trails are open year-round, the roads are weather dependent. Love love love! And if you would rather not drive or worry about planning out what sites to see, there are many tours from Vegas that can take you out there: Big Pine holds a very special place in my heart. No traffic, spectacular view and snow everywhere. Your trip begins in Las Vegas, Nevada. You can hike into the center, but note that the steep climb out is much more difficult than the climb in! This 11,059-ft. lava dome mountain features a winter ski resort & summer biking. Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are the most well-known and easy to reach sand dunes in Death Valley. 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! For a truly out-of-this-world experience, a visit to the incredible Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes ought to be on your list. The fastest and most popular route is to take the U.S. 95 to State Route 266, then through Bishop and Mammoth Lakes on the 395. The main entrance has a visitor center and a cost that requires a reservation. By the way, had a small issue with a steak, was resolved immediately and made us a customer for life. There is a smell but its worth the view. One of the underrated places to witness a beautiful sunset in Yosemite is Tuolumne Meadows, located along Tioga Pass Road, north of the Yosemite valley. So thank you! The road joins up with the traditional, short route, in Big Pine, then you'll hit Bishop, a popular locale among mountaineers and rock climbers. Your three days in Yosemite National Park comes to a brilliant conclusion with a sunset stroll through the Tuolumne Meadows. A hike up the Nevada Falls is a nice workout and yields world-class views of the park. To preserve their safety and ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy these historic relics. I do hope you find these suggestions helpful! Pahrump is Las Vegas version of Napa Valley, also known as the Gateway to Death Valley. It is located about 60 miles west of Las Vegas and sits at an elevation of around 3000 feet. Then turn right and move north for 33.4 miles via Scottys Castle Road. Enjoy the exhibits at the center for an hour or so, before heading to your next spot. It has 30 miles of stunning hiking trails, biking paths, and rock climbing spots amongst the deep red Aztec sandstone cliffs. I call that one "The Scenic Route". Be sure to check the temperature of the water before plunging. It took us an hour and 20 minutes total with the time we spent there. Here's the quick answer if you are able to make this entire trip by car without stopping. At the bus stop need to hike about 1 miles. On the left, you see the route that takes you west of the Sierra Nevada. Theres a tour of the grounds and buildings, but photography inside the house is prohibited. Ten minutes and 12 miles away from Calico rests Barstow, another potential stop on your drive to Yosemite. Time Spent: 1 to 1.5 hours. For a nominal entrance fee, vehicles can drive the one-way 13-mile scenic drive and stop along the way at the 26 numbered hiking trails and rock climbing areas. Be sure to check whether it is closed or not before attempting to take this route. Road trip from Las Vegas to Yosemite National Park - LazyTrips The dunes can get up to 100 feet high, and if youve never hiked on dunes before, youll soon see how hard it is! Devils Golf Course is usually closed after rain. If youre looking for a breathtaking road trip that will take you through some of the most amazing scenery in the country, look no further than a journey from Las Vegas to Yosemite National Park. 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. 228 reviews. Very fun place for kids and adults to explore 4 different varieties of sand dunes all in close proximity. For more information about Bakersfield's attractions, check out its website. Near the mammoth sculpture there is the kiosk to purchase the bus ticket $15/person. The fastest and most popular route is to take the U.S. 95 to State Route 266, then through Bishop and Mammoth Lakes on the 395. Believe it or not, there are actually quite a few things to do in Bakersfield, California! Rising temperatures this week have many residents on edge. As epic snow melts, a California community braces for floods - Las Not only was she knowledgeable about the food served in the restaurant but she was filled with fun information about the Pahrump area. There's also a theater. We only had time for a quick stop there and were able to snap some photos. After exploring the beautiful property, you can further unwind with a massage at the spa, have a traditional meal at the on-site restaurant, enjoy a drink before bed at the bar, or even try your hand at golf or a variety of other sports and activities. The cheapest way to get from New Jersey to Yosemite National Park costs only $456, and the quickest way takes just 13 hours. Where Is Disneyland In California? The boardwalk and water jet metal designs throughout the park are testament to the love people have for this place. 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. Never dig through your emails again access all your flights, lodging, and any reservations in 1 place. Around 30 miles of incredible hiking trails, mountain biking, and rock climbing up the stunning faces of deep red Aztec sandstone cliffs make Red Rock Canyon, Nevadas first National Conservation Area, hugely popular with Vegas visitors who want to take time out from the gaming tables. Distance from Furnace Creek Visitor Center: 10 miles, 20 mins by car. However, the local Depot can provide you with maps and souvenirs reflecting the time you spent under the canopy. Highway monitors list the pass's openings and closings on their website so that drivers can plan their trips appropriately. Las Vegas to Yosemite National Park - 5 ways to travel via - Rome2rio Thermal springs with scenic mountain views accessed by a dirt track with some camping. About 118 miles from Las Vegas, you'll find Ashford Junction - or, more specifically, you'll spot the old railroad switching tower that serves as the junction's last landmark. Speaking of, Scottys Castle is another place I would certainly recommend checking out for some great photographic opportunities. Yosemite National Park areas closedover flood threat | Las Vegas Review Mono Lake Navy Beach viewpointis a good option for photography. If youre going to be stopping here for the night, do not miss theSkyline Drive-In Theater! There is a porta-potty near the marina or a restroom and showers at the resort. You'll make it back to the road refreshed and a little more knowledgeable. 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. After tasting the wines we went into their restaurant for dinner. Wildlife-viewing refuge with more than 24,000 acres of boardwalk-accessible wetlands & desert. Love the old buildings, trucks, and other items from years ago. 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. For a slower-paced visit to the famous national park, take a two-day tour. Mesquite Flat, the most popular dunes in Death Valley, is very accessible from the main road. Despite its small size, there are plenty of things to do in Pahrump! We enjoyed our wine and service. Once you reach the Parks entrance road, its over 10 miles of dusty unpaved road. You'll be missing out on some cool places to see on road 395. Winter Update 20-21 season: For me, its home to one of my favorite hikes in all of the USAthe hike to Big Pine Lakes! Driving Time from Las Vegas, NV to Yosemite National Park - Travelmath Road Trip From Las Vegas To Lake Tahoe - LazyTrips Distance from Yosemite National Park, CA to San Francisco, CA If its quiet, you might hear the salt crystals popping as it expands in the heat. Great little stop there. Ash Mdws is a treasure. There is a nice little gift store with some cool unique souvenirs. 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. 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. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. 3205 Nevada 159 Las Vegas NV 89161, map | Hours: Dawn til Dusk. Las Vegas to San Francisco via Yosemite - Yosemite National Park Forum Beautiful springs and boardwalks for hiking, and outstanding interpretive exhibits! Named after a line in the 1934 National Park Service guide book for Death Valley, which stated that Only the devil could play golf on its surface, due to large, sculptural edges of the salt crystal formations. Combining Nevada's gorgeous deserts and California's finest parks and forests into an epic adventure, the road trip from Las Vegas to Yosemite National Park is one you'll remember forever. He turned it on and everything. I was so impressed seeing the before and after . The Mariposa Grove also includes the famous Grizzly Giant, which is the largest tree in the park. Have stayed in one other hotel in the area, just for a change, but Ill always call Aliante my home away from home when Im visiting my kids in Vegas. What youll find as soon as you get in the water is cold but shallow water and fine, soft sand, perfect for the whole family to play in. Share your memorable experience with our audience in comment box. 185 helpful votes. The unending stretches of desert and the amazing rock formations really make this area look out of this world. 2 hr drive out of vegas right pass Beatty, NV. Top cities between Yosemite National Park and Las Vegas, Best stops along Yosemite National Park to Las Vegas drive. The top ridge of the mountain is especially great for advanced level skiers and above. I can say that with 100% confidence because I skipped the sand dunes on my first trip to Death Valley (BIG mistake). There are plenty! If youre looking for some inspiration, or just want to see what kinds of scenic stops are out there, keep reading. We loved how many amenities there were in this town, as well as how central it was to so many cool sites likeDevils Postpile, Rainbow Falls, Minaret Vista, Hot Creek Geological Site, Earthquake Fault, and Wild Willys Hot Spring. This beautiful meadow that runs along the Tuolumne River gives you great views of the Cathedral Range, Lembert Dome, and Mount Dana. Hiking trails range from easy to strenuous, but each family should find plenty of places along the way for kids and adults alike to hike and climb. Visiting from Australia, I always wanted to see a real ghost town in USA. You can check out the town's website for additional information. It is like a mirage in the desert, Scottys Castle is a castle made in Spanish style. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates. While it only lies twenty minutes drive west of the city, the stunning landscapes and scenery of the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area feel a million miles away from the sights and sounds of the Strip. The beautiful scenery and striking rock formations of Red Rock Canyon create the ideal environment for a host of fun outdoor activities. From the idyllic retreat of Tuolumne Meadows to the breathtaking views found at Olmsted Point, Tioga Pass is one of the best areas to visit in Yosemite National Park. Again, a lovely surprise. You can't get lost, as the canyon walls lead back to the trail head. "All the snow will stay up in the mountains, but most mountain areas should . 98,267 posts. We were greeted by a friendly, knowledgeable host, who went on to handle our service throughout our dining experience. We had actually left the park a couple of days before that, and spent some time exploring the gorgeous areas around the nearby ski resort of Mammoth Lakes. More on that below. The Calico Tanks is a 2.5 mile round trip hike with about 400-500 feet in elevation change. Easy hike around the lake. For more information regarding your lodging options and local deals affiliated with the Yosemite area, check out Lee Vining's website. Ways To Experience Washington, DC, A Pandemic Puppys Epic Adventure with Her Adopters, Discover the Worlds Tallest Observation Wheel: High Roller Ferris Wheel in Las Vegas. You can even pick up a few additional drinks or snacks to pair with your meal from the big general store in town. Modern desert property offering mountain views, plus a spa, a movie theater & a bingo hall. Tuolumne Grove Trail; Yosemite Falls Hike; Mirror Lake; Sequoia National Park . Renting a car and driving the scenic route from Vegas to Yosemite is a popular tourist activity. 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. 4. Nestled between rising granite peaks and the Tuolumne River, this amazing spot in Yosemite National Park shouldnt be missed. So that was pretty cool to see. Very accessible trail for everyone, seniors, children and handicap. Answer 1 of 4: I have booked a one way car hire from Las Vegas to LAX, leaving Vegas on Friday 20 October AM to arrive LAX Hotel Monday 23rd in evening. I highly recommend a visit there. There is a challenging and not stroller friendly climb to get to the top and see the hexagon tops of the basalt formations. You wont be paying a cent more, but in the event of a sale, the small affiliate commission I receive will help keep this blog running/pumping out useful and free content. Driving to Yosemite through Ashford Junction will take you past another California natural landmark: Death Valley. To get to Devils Golf Course: a 15-minute drive from Artist Palette. There are a rather big parking lot and some boards with important information. The best thing about this casino was definately the coffee shop. For when nature calls and you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the Strip, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is a beautiful spot just 25 minutes west of Las Vegas. If you want to be 30 minutes from Everything you go to Vegas for, this is your place. The aprs ski seem is just as good as the skiing with tons of food options for all dietary restrictions and enough drinks to last your visit. I've seen people go down (down the hills and down on their face) using skim boards, boogie boards, surf boards, trash bags, snow sleds, skis-just anything and everything they can think of! If you want to visit an attraction thats close to Fresno, but actually a part of Yosemite National Park, youve got to add Mariposa Grove as a stop. Badwater Basin- the lowest point in the US- is one of the busiest spots, most popular places in Death Valley National Park. It is famed for its towering red rock formations and petroglyphs!. In the beginning of October, you can see yellow falling leaves. at the Shulman Grove and Visitors Center. It is also the lowest point in the surrounding county. From Badwater Basin, we drove to the Devils Golf Course, a hostile rocky and salty landscape that would prove difficult even for walking. Beautiful hotel and casino indeed. In Yosemite National Park, there is no other place more picturesque than the Tuolumne Meadows. A massive hole looking like an empty basket lies towards the northern end of the park. Find the travel option that best suits you. By continuing to use our site, you consent to our use of cookies as described in our cookie policy. While Tioga Pass provides you with one of the most gorgeous passages into Yosemite, it's not open year-round. If you're planning a road trip, you might be interested in seeing the total driving distance from Las Vegas, NV to Yosemite National Park. Nestled between the Sierra Nevada to the west and the White Mountains to the east, Bishop is the largest town in the Owens Valley. Then, in the evenings, you can cozy up with a cup of tea at the famed Yosemite Valley Lodge. Thehike to Big Pine Lakes is easily one of the best day hikes in all of California. The final stretch of the from Toulomne Meadows to Lee Vinings goes through Tioga Pass. But it also makes it a little hard to hike up the hole. We recommend taking a walk on the dunes, however there is no marked trail because the sand is continuously shifting. On that thought, this is a place best seen in the morning. Even more intriguing is the story behind its construction, which involved a shady gold prospector (Walter Scott) and a millionaire with bad health (Albert Johnson). It is a must stop if driving by. These are actually rock salts eroded by winds and rainwater over the years leading to the rocky formations. The Big Pine Lakes trail is a loop trail, beginning at Big Pine Creek Campground and working its way back into the Sierra Nevadas, covering 15-16 miles of distance in the form of a loop trail. On a clear night, you can see milkyway! Just 40.5 miles and 46 minutes away from Yosemite, these sprawling lakes provide day visitors and passing drivers alike a stunning view of the nearby mountain passes and the lakes that form there. 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". Death Valley National Park, Echo Canyon Rd, California 92328, USA. They can be easily accessed in the central Stovepipe Wells area, just off Highway 190. We arrived after three days of heavy rain and it was beautiful and overcast. There is movie about Death Valley history every 30 minutes. Try reaching the place before sunrise to capture the incredible view of the ball of fire coming out from the dunes on the horizon. Check out the Ubehebe Crater, a dormant crater that has a 0.5-mile diameter. Keep up with the Facebook page and the NPS website. Your plane flies much faster than a car, so the flight time is about 1/5th of the time it would take to drive. Yes, there are sand dunes in the Death Valley National park, but the most popular is the Mesquite flat. Although it's hard to quantify, getting from Las Vegas to Yosemite National Park is just as much of an adventure as the park itself, if not more.

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