Expert: Steve Summers - 7/6/2008

Question
Hi, I am planning a trip from Las Vegas to Yosemite including Death Valley. My intension is reaching San Francisco after Yosemite, so, I have planned 4 or 5 days from Vegas to SF.

This trip will happen between 1st October and 10th October and I don't know what route will be possibly closed because of the weather, and wich route would be better for this trip.

Other thing is how many days I should spend in Death Valley and Yosemite. My intention is pass one night in Death Valley and two or three nights in Yosemite, is this a good plan?

Please provide any additional suggestions if applicable.

Answer
Hi Rodrigo,

That's a good trip, but the weather will definitely be a factor. Once the snows come to the Sierras, the roads over the passes will be closed. Goingo from Las Vegas to Death Valley in a day is easy enough. The trick will be getting to Yosemite Valley. You should have two plans: One if the weather is nice, and another if you get an early snow. I would guess that you have an 80% chance of making this trip going over highway 120.

If the roads are open, you should go from Death Valley west to highway 395. Then go north to 120. However, it's 300 miles from Death Valley to Yosemite Village, so I recommend an intermediate stop along the way, like Mammoth Lakes or Lee Vining. Then go up over highway 120 first thing in the morning to Yosemite Valley. It's much better that way, rather than trying to drive those moutain roads at the end of a long day or in the afternoon or evening. If it's evening, you'll miss a very beatiful drive. The drive in is part of the experience. I recommend stops at Tuolumne Meadows and Olmstead Point, as well as stops in the valley. Take a Valley tour and a tour to Glacier Point, if available.

If the roads are closed, you will need to take highway 58 over the southern mountains, then north on 99 to Fresno, then take highway 41 into Yosemite. You will probably want or need to stop in Oakhurst for the night. Once again, driving the mountain roads at night is not recommended, as you will miss a beautiful drive.

From Yosemite, you should take highway 140 to Merced, then north on 99 to Merced and highway 580 west. It's about 215 miles to SF, but it takes about 4 hours, due to the mountain driving.

One night in Death Valley and 3 nights in Yosemite (which includes the night in either Lee Vining or Oakhurst) is good.

Have fun!