Best Road Trips From Yosemite National Park

Yosemite needs little introduction and you are in for an unforgettable adventure. But, that doesn't have to end there. Check out some of these great places to head afterwards, with more incredible parks, sweeping coasts and city sights to add to your itinerary.

Top Road Trip Destinations From Yosemite National Park

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Our rankings are based only on editorial opinion, not any commercial consideration.
Steep woodlands and coastal views across Redwood National Park in California

🚗 540 miles ⏱️ 11 hours, 45 minutes

You can expect a stunning journey from Yosemite to Redwood National Park, passing through memorable landscapes and towering ancient redwoods.

Taking the San Francisco route brings you through the heart of this lively city, with sites like the Golden Gate Bridge not to be missed. You can pass through Sonoma and Santa Rosa for a spot of wine tasting en route.

Death Valley National Park, California, USA taken from Zabriskie Point at sunset.

🚗 430 miles ⏱️ 8 hours, 45 minutes

Travel from Yosemite to Death Valley and this trip offers a dramatic change between the green scenery of Yosemite, to the arid, desert like landscapes of Death Valley. Plus you can also visit other National Parks along the way.

Head there via Sequoia National Park Route, and you can experience some of the world's largest trees including General Sherman Tree. You will also get a chance to visit Kings Canyon National Park. A must for outdoor adventurers.

Magnificent view of Reflection Canyon during sunrise at the Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, USA
3.

Yosemite National Park to Grand Canyon

🚗 690 miles ⏱️ 11 hours

Discover the stunning beauty of the Grand Canyon after a scenic drive from Yosemite, exploring not one, but two, of the world's most iconic natural wonders.

As you pass through the stunning Californian scenery, you'll get a chance to stop at pretty Mojave National Preserve, and historic Bakersfield, before arriving at this bucket-list destination.

Towering giant Sequoia tree in the park, image take from the bottom, pointing up to the sky
4.

Yosemite National Park to Sequoia National Park

🚗 140 miles ⏱️ 2 hours, 30 minutes

Journey from Yosemite to the towering trees of Sequoia National Park, and during this fairly quick drive you'll encounter some of the largest trees on Earth.

Along the way why not stop off at Fresno? A great cultural gateway to Sequoia, there are lots of attractions like Forestiere Underground Gardens and the Tower District, before heading off.

Grand Prismatic Pool at Yellowstone National Park.

🚗 950 miles ⏱️ 15 hours, 30 minutes

Embark on a scenic journey from Yosemite to Yellowstone, with the opportunity to explore America's breath taking landscapes and geological wonders.

If you are looking for even more dream-like stop offs en route, then make sure to visit via South Lake Tahoe. The city sits on the shores of the sky-blue Lake Tahoe, equally stunning and special, from summer through to winter.

Red Golden Gate Bridge over the waters in San Francisco

🚗 320 miles ⏱️ 6 hours

You'll get a chance to experience the beauty of Northern California by traveling from Yosemite through to the vibrant cityscape of San Francisco. A journey of two exciting and scenic halves.

Along the way you can expect majestic waterfalls and mountain peaks, and the serene blue hues of alpine Lake Tahoe. The famous San Francisco Bay area with lively Californian spirit, can also be enjoyed.

Lake Tahoe rocky shoreline in sunny day, beach with blue sky over clear transparent water
7.

Yosemite National Park to Lake Tahoe

🚗 190 miles ⏱️ 4 hours

Drive from Yosemite to Lake Tahoe, enjoying a scenic route that showcases spectacular mountain landscapes and the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tahoe.

En route why not check out Groveland for a drink at historic Iron Door Saloon, vibrant Downtown Sonora, or take a historical mining and railroad tour during a stop at Diamond Springs, all ahead of arriving in South Lake Tahoe.

Boats in the harbor seen from the Fisherman's Wharf, in Monterey, California, USA.
8.

Yosemite National Park to Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea

🚗 210 miles ⏱️ 4 hours, 20 minutes

Explore the stunning coastal towns of Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea after a scenic journey from Yosemite, with their rich marine life and artistic past.

Merced is a popular stop off before you arrive at the coastline, or a visit to San Luis Reservoir, where an afternoon of fishing and hiking awaits you.

Bumpass Hell, which is the largest hydrothermal site in Lassen Volcanic National Park, on a sunny day with forested hills in the background
9.

Yosemite National Park to Lassen Volcanic National Park

🚗 360 miles ⏱️ 7 hours

From Yosemite National Park to Lassen Volcanic National Park, there are memorable volcanic landscapes to pass, along with hot springs on this captivating Northern California road trip.

As with many of these trips, you are in for a treat with a stop at Lake Tahoe, where the blue-waters will prove irresistable to have a dip or take out a boat.

The Hollywood sign overlooking Los Angeles. The iconic sign was originally created in 1923.

🚗 370 miles ⏱️ 8 hours

Take on this road trip from the natural splendor of Yosemite to the bustling streets of Los Angeles, and you are in for a journey that will tick plenty of boxes!

This amazing trip also captures the delights of Sequoia National Park, with the chance to marvel at Tokopha Falls or head down into Crystal Cave. It is not to be missed.

Lighted sign reading Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada with fireworks in background

🚗 380 miles ⏱️ 6 hours, 20 minutes

Set off from Yosemite to the glittering lights of Las Vegas, and you are in for an adventure that is both super scenic and exciting!

Head out of Yosemite using the Tioga Pass Entrance, and some incredible places you'll pass include Inyo National Forest and Mammoth Lakes, before then heading through Death Valley National Park. A great option is to stay overnight in the national park, before moving onto Sin City.