Expert: Steve Summers - 1/18/2005

Question
Hi steve
Thats really helpfull, we are planning to go to San Francisco on the 10th July so we would be leaving Yosemite around the 17th July so that route could be an option.Do you have any idea on drive times from Yosemite to Mammoth Lakes or Lee Vining and then from there to Las Vegas.
Look forward to hearing from you.
sally
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Followup To
Question -
Hi Steve
we are planning coming to the US on our honeymoon,
we want to start with 5 days in San Francisco then hire a car and drive to Yosemite to stay for two nights and then drive on to las vegas for a further 5 days. We thought about staying in bakersfield to break the journey between yosemite and LV,do you think this is a good route?Your expertise and ideas are just what we need.
Sally
Answer -
Hi Sally,

Congratulations on your honeymoon!

That sounds like a really great trip. I did have an idea for a different way to LV, but I don't think it's going to fly because of all the snowpack. You didn't mention when you are coming, but IF you are coming after July 4, then you might have a chance. Here's the idea: Take hwy 120 out of Yosemite. Spend a night in beautiful Mammoth Lakes or quaint Lee Vining, then go on to Vegas. Unfortunately, I don't think that the road will be opening before then. (It's throwing off our own trip to Yosemite as well, since we like to go up from Orange County to 395, spend a night in Lee Vining, then go to the Valley). In any case, keep it in mind as a possible plan B. You can check out the road conditions at http://www.yosemiterentals.com/roadinfo.htm. If this does become an option, be sure to stop and have a meal at Schatt's bakery in Bishop. You can't miss it, it's on the right side of US 395 in the middle of town. We like the pull-apart, the sheepherder's bread, and the sourdough. If you stop in Lee Vining, eat at Bodie Mike's.

Anyway, Bakersfield is a good stop if you can't use 120. Just getting down 41 into Fresno takes 2-3 hours, and it's another 1.5 -2 hours to Bakersfield, so that's plenty. From there, it's an easier drive to Vegas. Plan on stopping to rest in Baker, CA to see the world's biggest thermometer and have something to eat at Bun Boy. Some people REALLY like Bun Boy, but I was rather underwhelmed last time I went. At least you can stop for a photo. Bakersfield to Vegas is about 290 miles, but drive time is about 4 hours. Yes, 4 hours. Two hours to Barstow, and less than 2 hours to Vegas. Everyone drives FAST on 15, average speed is 75-80. Make SURE the A/C works in the car before you go. It gets very hot, even in spring.

In Vegas, be sure to try the seafood buffet in the Rio. Yeah, it's 25 bucks or so, but you can eat that much in crab cakes and slipper lobsters.

Have fun!

Steve

Answer
Hi Sally,

Excellent! I'm glad that you can go via Tioga Pass, it's a much more scenic drive. It's 70 miles from Yosemite Valley to Lee Vining. The bad news is that it's slow driving, so allow about 3-4 hours. The GREAT news is that it's probably the most scenic 70 miles you will ever drive in your life, so you won't want to drive fast. In fact, you will want to make frequent stops along the way. My biggest problem when I drive is that I'm looking at the scenery and only giving a cursory glance at the road. I could be on that road the day you go, so watch out! :) Some great stops include Olmstead Point (see the backside of Half Dome), Tenaya Lake (might still have ice/snow in it), and Tuolumne Meadows. Sure, you could drive like a maniac and make the trip in two hours, but (and this applies to your marriage, too) THE JOY IS IN THE JOURNEY. So take your time and plan to make a lot of stops.

Mammoth Lakes is another 30 miles down the road, about 30 minutes since it's downhill. From there, continue on 395, stopping at Bishop at Schat's Bakery for some bread and maybe a meal. After that, it's your choice: You can take highway 168 at Big Pine to US 95, which takes you to Las Vegas. Or, you can continue to Lone Pine, turn left on 136, and take hwy 190 through Death Valley. It's longer, but you can say you've been to the lowest point in the US.

It's about 320 miles from Lee Vining to Vegas, about 5 hours drive time. It's a little slower than I-15, but the same scenery. Nothing but rocks and weeds from Bishop to Vegas.

Here's a tip for you: Don't skimp too much on the car you are renting. You will need something that can get you over the mountains, and still cool you off on the road to Vegas. Test the A/C before you drive off in your rental. If it doesn't blow Arctic cold, then get a car that has working A/C. Death Valley is no place to find out your A/C doesn't work. Even crossing the Central Valley from SF to Yosemite will probably be hot.  If it's in the budget, you might want a SUV.

Yosemite tips: Degnan's has good sandwiches, which aren't too expensive. Besides, you can get an ice cream for dessert. Catch a show in the Yosemite theater. I like Lee Stetson's John Muir presentations, but even Lee will tell you to see his wife Connie's stories of a pioneer woman. Rent a bike and ride the trails around the valley. Just for fun, rent a raft and ride down the Merced river (about 3 miles).

SF tips: Eat some clam chowder (or chili) in a sourdough bread bowl at one of the many Boudin Bakery shops. Get a hot fudge sundae at the Ghirardelli Square Chocolate factory. Just for fun, walk across the Golden Gate Bridge.

Vegas tips: If you can, see the Grand Canyon. It's a day there and a day back, or just take a plane or helicopter tour.

Have fun!

Steve