More on that below! In addition to world-class trout fishing, swimming, and beaching, June Lake (and the loops other three lakes) offers a variety of other water sports. But, there are restrictions to safeguard the wilderness. It was very scenic with towering trees and cascading rock formations fluttering in my eyes. This post may contain affiliate links. While on your way, why not visit another of California's natural wonders in Bishop? There were cool formations and slot canyons down in there, and looked otherworldly. 185 helpful votes. The valley and park have a standing entrance fee of $30 per vehicle, but the views are worth the cost. The Tioga Road (Highway 120) is one of the highest in the States, stretching out above the Valley, and treating visitors to awe-inspiring views of mountains and glittering lakes. Nothing better than loosening your boots at the end of the day and soaking up the sun while sitting at the base of the mountain watching the sun go down. No hike is required for the lake and view. There are no trails that take you further into the Golf Course, though none are needed. You can walk as little or as far as you like but we suggest heading straight for the highest dune! After staying up for sunset at Badwater Basin, we dragged the kids out of bed while it was still dark so we could catch sunrise at the sand dunes. 28K views, 636 likes, 137 loves, 275 comments, 64 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Yosemite National Park: Join us live on the ranger couch to hear kids' questions in their own voices, to explore. Devils Post Pile is one of the few places in the work you can see rock bee's.. Kidding on that one but seriously kind of looks like bee's made it. Bay Area weather is far gentler than Las Vegas' scorching summers of 100-plus degree days. Youll find this meadow along Tioga Pass Road, north of the valley. Yosemite Valley closing 4/28/23 - Yosemite National Park Forum By the way, had a small issue with a steak, was resolved immediately and made us a customer for life. Once in Fresno, take State Route 41 north and pass Sierra National Forest, and you'll soon pass through Oakhurst and Fish Camp, one of the entrances to Yosemite National Park. Tuolumne Meadows is one of the most picturesque areas in Yosemite, with 2mi (3km) of blooming fields, the winding Tuolumne River and a backdrop of rising peaks. This is a great option for June though. Depending on your route, the trip can be between roughly 330 and 560 miles long. Everyone one was so nice and professional. So that was pretty cool to see. We stopped by after our trip to Mammoth. 228 reviews. I highly recommend a visit there. Driving to Yosemite through Ashford Junction will take you past another California natural landmark: Death Valley. Easily accessible hot spring are rare, so expect this site to be crowded on weekends, and expect a diverse crowd of people. We definitely recommend spending a night or two in or around Mammoth Lakes in order to enjoy a few of the activities Mammoth has to offer. Driving Distance from Yosemite National Park to Las Vegas, NV - Travelmath Recommended option Bus, train, drive Take the bus from Las Vegas to Bakersfield This railroad and Old West museum recreates the village of Laws, an important stop on the route of the Slim Princess, a narrow-gauge train that hauled freight and passengers across the Owens Valley for nearly 80 years. Many contain funky and eclectic displays (dolls, fire equipment, antique stoves, even stuffed conjoined twin lambs) from the pioneer days. The drive was excellent. The sand dunes display spectacular golden glow at sunset but the pristine contours at sunrise is also worth the effort. The total driving distance from Las Vegas, NV to Yosemite National Park is 366 miles or 589 kilometers. 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. In other words, during the rest of the year, your best option is a 9-hour drive covering about 510 miles. Located near Stovepipe Wells, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes is a great spot for seeing A LOT of sky. All of the wines that we tasted were unique, tasty, choices, but the two grown on the property were my personal favorites. Two awesome places to grab coffee really early in the morning before you head out on your adventures areBlack Velvet Coffee(get the liege waffle to pair with your coffee) andStellar Brew & Natural Cafe(you can even pick up fresh smoothies here). To preserve their safety and ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy these historic relics. Needless to say, the family had an unbelievable time that will never be forgotten seeing that summer skiing is pretty rare! Ubehebe Crater is a massive 600 foot-deep, half-mile-wide volcanic crater thats about an hour north of the Furnace Creek Visitor Center. The Aliante has developed a reputation as one of those small and intimate casinos where youre truly treated like family. If youre looking for a great place to take a dip, have a lakeside picnic, or get out on the water on a watercraft, head to Oh Ridge at June Lake. Las Vegas - Death Valley - Monterey- LAX - Death Valley National Park The best thing to do in Las Vegas is riding an electric bike around Red Rock Canyon. 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. Calico Ghost Town is such an exciting stop on the Vegas to Yosemite winter route! To visit some of the earth's oldest living things, budget a half-day for the thrilling drive up to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. Your email address will not be published. If you put your ear close to the ground, youll hear salt crystals popping from expanding and contracting in the heat! You have to spend several hours here and not rush it to truly appreciate Bodie. These beautiful dunes feature three kinds of dunes (linear, crescent, and star shaped) and house mesquite trees that create stable habitats. The trails give you a lot of access. The exhibit at the visitors center is informative and boasts beautiful views. If you're staying the night but arrived early enough - you can go visit Mono Lake. Big gambling floor. Hwy 190 ends at 600ft-deep Ubehebe Crater, formed some 300 years ago by the meeting of fiery magma and cool groundwater. We've compiled data from NASA for each month of the year: see the links below for more information. There were much more people than I had anticipated.. For more information about this Yosemite pit stop, check out its website. Now onto fun stuff: Dogs are allowed on leash, but not they are not recommended. The surface of the Golf Course is so rough and the temperature so hot during the day, it is said that only the Devils can play golf there. PST We went on a three-hour tour around Red Rock Canyon and got to enjoy the 13 mile look around the park. The 278-mile-long Grand Canyon, located east of Vegas, is one of the Seven Wonders of the Worldand a true American mainstay. Take the hwy from amargosa or pahrump instead. Wildlife-viewing refuge with more than 24,000 acres of boardwalk-accessible wetlands & desert. To get to Devils Golf Course: a 15-minute drive from Artist Palette. Ash Mdws is a treasure. Dont miss it for so long like we did!. I really like this small resort feel over any large overcrowded resort . This is a very good half day trip. You can choose several different hiking options for different views of the crater, including hiking two miles around the rim or down to the bottom of the crater (just note, its very steep to come back up!). I wish I had gone more often. Be cautious walking closer to the formations, the ground is like quick sand and slippery, lots of flying bugs. Re: Las Vegas - Death Valley - Monterey- LAX . To reach Ubehebe Crater, from Furnace Creek, follow the 190 north for 17 miles till the intersection with Scottys Castle Road. Here, you'll be able to settle in at a luxury resort or in a nestled cabin and still reach Yosemite within 18 minutes. On your way to the park's main entrance, you can ogle at the 500 mature giant sequoias growing undisturbed in this grove. 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. This is around the corner from Scottys Castle and is available for photography. Tioga Road is the only road in this region that cuts across the Sierra Nevada mountain range and connects Yosemite with Mammoth. You can finish your long day like we did, with a treat at In and Out a short drive away after you get down from the mountain :). How to Travel From San Francisco to Yosemite by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane, 48 Hours in Mammoth Lakes, California: The Perfect Itinerary, When and Where to See the California Wildflowers, Scenic California Drives: 7 Routes That Will Make You Swoon, Yosemite National Park: The Complete Guide, The 'Neon to Nature' Routes Should Be a Must-Do on Your Next Vegas Trip. Expect a whole variety of mountains, lakes, streams, forests, and waterfalls once you reach the canyon area. Thehike to Big Pine Lakes is easily one of the best day hikes in all of California. This place is only 22 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip, a beautiful place for families to enjoy the desert of Nevada. If we had to pick the best hotels available during this trip, it would have to be these: As scorching as Death Valley can get in the summer, the park is incredibly popular with many of the States' most famous entertainers. If youre looking for a dreamy and magical retreat, Tuolumne Meadows offers a totally tranquil escape. Youll pass the Mesquite Salt Flats on Highway 190 on your way to/from Panamint Springs. Located 20 miles from the Strip, Red Rock Canyon offers a variety of activities such as hiking, climbing, biking, and camping. Why? Distance Yosemite-National-Park > Las-Vegas - Air line, driving route An hour and 16 minutes away from the park's gate, Fresno offers visitors an urban experience, complete with a plethora of restaurants, cultural centers, and outlets. There is a large parking lot that fills up fast during high peak season. From here you have to choose which direction you have to go. The highlight here? Yes, just like all National Parks in the US, there is an entrance fee. Service is great. These also the most accessible sand dunes in the national park, situated just off of Highway 190, a couple of miles east of Stovepipe Wells. The route passes through Death Valley, Inyo National Forest, and Mammoth Lakes, or via Bakersfield and past Sequoia and Sierra National Forests. The dunes rise up to 100 feet, and get their name for the mesquite trees located throughout the dunes. If you want to be 30 minutes from Everything you go to Vegas for, this is your place. There are a few natural pools to choose from, all of which have hot mineral waters that emerge from the ground, flow down rock formations, and finally reach the pools at a comfortable temperature. Modern desert property offering mountain views, plus a spa, a movie theater & a bingo hall. On your road trip to Yosemite from Las Vegas, you should consider passing through the Mojave National Preserve. Beautiful geological formation of crystallized basalt lava. (See photos), Beautiful place, great for photography. In addition, the city offers a variety of shopping and dining options, as well as a number of annual events, such as the Fresno Fair and the Fresno Greek Festival. Not to be mistaken with the actual golf course at Furnace Creek, Devils Golf Course is the result of a vast evaporation 2,000 years ago. Not only is the castle itself beautiful, but thanks to the large trees and bushes surrounding the castle, this is the place to visit if you want to see local and migrating birds. Full-moon nights are especially magical. All of the wines on their menu are created on this property, at least two of the wines, the Nevada Merlot and the Zinfandel, are crafted using grapes that our grown on this property. And because changes in elevation also bring changes in temperatures, be sure to pack layers so that youre prepared for any type of weather. Much better than fighting crowds and sweating! On the floor of Death Valley is a large salt span called Devils Golf Course. Speaking of, Scottys Castle is another place I would certainly recommend checking out for some great photographic opportunities. You could check out Tuolumne Meadows and Travertine Hot Springs, or the always popular Tioga Rd! Explore Sierra Nevada along the way in Yosemite National Park, Mammoth Lakes and Inyo and Stanislaus National Forests. I call that one "The Scenic Route". Limits are pretty low, but was able to win a bit. Monos Carry-On Pro Review: Is It Actually Worth The Price? the Tenaya Lodge, with its countless on-site activities, is always an amazing choice. Distance from Las Vegas: 370 miles, 5.5-6 hour drive . Las Vegas is well-known as a destination for nature enthusiasts. 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. Bishop Creek Canyonis another awesome outdoor wonderland, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who want to explore, fish, and camp. You will walk on dried salt. We drove this route a couple of years ago, going from Yosemite to Las Vegas. It is of the best Yosemite photography spots for many reasons. If you are planning a road trip, you might also want to calculate the total driving time from . Driving Distance from Las Vegas, NV to Yosemite National Park - Travelmath Sunrise and sunset are especially beautiful. If you're a train aficionado or want to delve into a piece of California's history, Ashford Junction will let you do just that. It's going to be a bit of a drive to get here. Dealers are friendly. If you want to visit the park another time of year, you'll have to drive around the Sierras and cut through most of central California. We recommend grabbing breakfast atThe Stove Restaurant. My suggestion is to . Las Vegas - Death Valley - Monterey- LAX - Death Valley National Park There are 8 ways to get from Las Vegas, NV to Yosemite National Park by bus, train, car, night bus, plane or taxi Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. 2 hours and 52 minutes out from Yosemite (roughly 168 miles), you'll find Bakersfield, CA. Road Trip Guide: Las Vegas To San Francisco Via Yosemite National Park So thank you! These hexagonal rock formations are crazy to see as well as crazier that is natural. Me and my family have wonderful memories there and is hard to see it go. TheVisitor Center also has a bookstore, restrooms, and a shaded picnic area. Dress, Shoes, And Other Tips By Season]? Driving Time from Las Vegas, NV to Yosemite National Park - Travelmath So, if Tioga Pass is closed, what's the best way to get from Las Vegas to Yosemite? Take a step back from the high gambling and city nightlife and enjoy a hike and nature itself at Red Rock Canyon. Road Trip From Las Vegas To Lake Tahoe - LazyTrips This site and app let me do all the planning for our 15 day trip in a little over 6 hours! The trees are awesome. Mammoth is my favorite mountain to ski in California, the area is beautiful and the terrain has something for everyone. With jagged peaks of rock salt that not even the devil would be able to play golf on, this enormous expanse of earth is fun to explore but just careful not to fall over. One top photo spot in Death Valley that also should be on your list is Devils Golf Course. If you're looking to do a spot of camping, Death Valley's Furnace Creek Visitor Center is the place to go. 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. The area is tight so be aware of parking can get crowded. More on that below. Funky, free sculpture park in the desert featuring 7 offbeat works by Belgian artists & a gift shop. Its quite different to the other viewpoints and reminds more of a traditional sand desert. Red Rock Canyon is located just 13 miles from the central Strip and three miles from Summerlin. The public roads are maintained year-roundexcept for the eastern entrance on Tioga Road (Highway 120 through the park). The wine tasting was informative and plenty (dont forget to tip). We used to live in the area but each time we go back to Vegas for a visit, we stay here. 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. Best skiing experience even when the conditions arent the best. Beautiful springs and boardwalks for hiking, and outstanding interpretive exhibits! Almost stepped on a snake. Nonstop drive: 366 miles or 589 km Driving time: 6 hours, 7 minutes Realistically, you'll probably want to add a buffer for rest stops, gas, or food along the way. Renting a car and driving the scenic route from Vegas to Yosemite is a popular tourist activity. The 12.7-mile drive will take you to the Tioga Pass entrance to Yosemite, where you'll be able to branch out into the park to find the natural landmarks of your choosing. . That way, youll be able to explore at least some of what Californias Eastern Sierra region has to offer! Published: Apr. Two best hotel place to stay (expensive) are next to this location. The June Lake Loop takes you through the quaint mountain town of June Lake which you should definitely stop at and explore. the Death Valley National Park is the most popular city on the route it's 3 hours from Las Vegas and 6 hours from Yosemite National Park. The Panamint Mountains tower over you and provide a fantastic backdrop to the eerie "golf course." I'm really sad to hear this place will be demolished to make way for yet more unwanted housing to facilitate corporate greed. Though this summer hardly any water flowing in the river. All the workers were really nice and helpful. Looking for more Yosemite/Vegas travel tips? From gondola rides to hiking, mountain biking to snowboarding/skiing, ziplining to beer tasting, Shakespeare plays to outdoor movie nights, theres something for every adventurer here! Your trip begins in Yosemite National Park, California. I was so impressed seeing the before and after . The signs say that dogs are not allowed, comma but that didn't stop a lot of people from being dirtbags. They're at their most photogenic at sunrise or sunset when bathed in soft light and accented by long, deep shadows. Because The Barstow Station is a major stop for tour buses, youll find that its one of the bigger towns along the way. As epic snow melts, a California community braces for floods - Las Park your car next to the sand dunes and bring your camera. Consider doing this together with Racetrack Playa. The new build out is modern , clean, and beautiful. My 5 year old went with us but got quite tired on the return trip and I did carry him on my back a bit. Devils Gold Course will be in 2.5 miles. Stop in the car park and take a walk on the sand dunes. Tuolumne Meadows is a large high-elevation meadow in the Sierra Nevada. Its also over a 1/2-mile wide!. Here's the quick answer if you are able to make this entire trip by car without stopping. One of the impressive geological areas in Death Valley with stunning views. Red Rock Canyon is a beautiful place for families to enjoy the Nevada desert and is only about 22 miles west of the Las Vegas Boulevard. This is especially true when youve got so many spots to see around the meadows. This is a must-stop place before you head out exploring the dry desert. Nowadays, the aforementioned switch tower oversees trains passing through California to and from Buffalo, New York. Amazingly, half the beauty is in getting here: the 15km trip along Red Rock Parkway through Blakiston Valley offers spectacular views of grassy plains crashing into looming mountains, with bears and wildflowers aplenty. Theres the Fresno Art Museum, the Fresno Chaffee Zoo, and the Forestiere Underground Gardensall of which can keep you entertained for a whole day. Barstow provides non-camping housing services for the folks interested in exploring Calico for multiple days in a row. And guess what? The direct drive from Yosemite National Parkto Las Vegasis372 mi(599 km), and should have a drive time of 8 hrs 16 minsin normal traffic. It ends in Yosemite National Park, California. I've taken my kids there before and it was a great bonding experience, the town was fun to stroll around in and the shows and gun fights were fun. There is movie about Death Valley history every 30 minutes. The oldest tree Methuselah is around 4700 years old. Yosemite National Park Tours From Las Vegas 2 May 2023, 1:53 am. This post may contain affiliate links. The mining village of Rattlesnake Gulch, abandoned mine shafts, and the remains of a small Chinatown are among the sights at this fascinating. The access road is often closed by snow in winter. There are also a number of outlets operating in the area, making Barstow an ideal stop for visitors who want a more diverse shopping experience than the historically-oriented one Calico provides. See time and distance between places, and optimize your route to get the most of your day. (Do yourself a favor and as you leave your car, look behind you for landmarks so you can steer your way back.) A two-mile stretch of blooming fields and the Tuolumne River with the backdrop of rising peaks, the overall serenity of the place touches you. 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. We have a detailed post about the best things to do in Death Valley National Park. The highway is completed, but has not reopened because, according to the tour guide, the construction workers don't want to deal with would be tourists trying to get on premises while the castle is closed and they're working. The dunes rise as high as 100 feet and cover a huge area. 2 hr drive out of vegas right pass Beatty, NV. Fresno also serves as an excellent base of operations for folks wanting to spend several days exploring Yosemite. Finish your day back near Stovepipe Wells at the Mesquite Flats Sand Dunes. Its a maar volcanic crater that formed when hot magma came into contact with groundwater, which led to a giant steam explosion and a large debris field of cinder all around. 32 Best Stops Between Yosemite National Park and Las Vegas - Wanderlog Surrounded by mountains on all sides the smooth mounds of sand stand in stark contrast to the jagged purple mountains in the distance. Nowadays, Calico is not so much a town as a part of the San Bernardino County Regional Park system. Nice cool weather (on labor day weekend) when the valley was 100f. Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes is another recognizable attraction in Death Valley. Trails ranging from short loops to day hikes might carry you to lookouts on the lip of canyons with temporary waterfalls in early-spring. How far is Yosemite National Park from Las Vegas - Trippy These dunes are the best known and easiest to visit in the national park. By continuing to use our site, you consent to our use of cookies as described in our cookie policy. Yosemite's flood risk creates problems for springtime visitors | Las 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. Which route you take will depend mostly on weather conditions and whether there are road closures during the time of year you plan to travel. However, the local Depot can provide you with maps and souvenirs reflecting the time you spent under the canopy. On a sunny bluebird day it's so amazing to be out on the mountain here. Offbeat attraction showcasing the Wild West, featuring a saloon, wax museum, petting zoo & tavern. You can take a bus from Newark to Yosemite National Park via Las Vegas, SB Main after Ogden, SB Casino Center before Garces, Las Vegas, Bakersfield, Merced Bus Stop . Flight time: 31 minutes.
how far is yosemite national park from las vegas