Mammoth Lakes to Yosemite Road Trip

The Mammoth Lakes to Yosemite drive is one of the most beautiful you can take in the Sierra. You’ll pass over California’s highest drivable pass, Tioga Pass, at 9,945 feet.

Not only that but the views of the High Sierra peaks along Highway 395 are stunning. From Mammoth Lakes to Yosemite National Park there are many scenic vistas and hikes to explore along the way.

How Far is Mammoth Lakes from Yosemite?

When Tioga Pass is open during the summer, Mammoth Lakes to Yosemite’s east entrance is about an hour’s drive. The distance from Mammoth Lakes to Yosemite Valley via Tioga Pass is about 2.5 hours.

Tioga Pass is only accessible when it’s free of snow. Depending on the snow year, it usually opens between the end of May and mid-June. Tioga Pass closes as snow begins to settle in the fall and early winter, usually from the end of October through mid-November.

Outside of this season, Tioga Pass is closed, and the drive from Yosemite to Mammoth Lakes is at least 7 hours. Check online at Yosemite’s website for the most up-to-date information about Tioga Pass.

When should I Travel from Mammoth Lakes to Yosemite?

It’s best to plan a Mammoth Lakes to Yosemite road trip during the summer when Tioga Pass is open.

The alternative winter routes are scenic, however, they are much longer and it’s likely you’ll encounter snow.

Is there a bus from Mammoth to Yosemite?

During the summertime, the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System – YARTS – operates public buses running from Mammoth Mountain to Yosemite with stops in the town of Mammoth, June Lake, Lee Vining, Tuolumne Meadows, and down in the valley.

This 2023 season, the Mammoth Lakes to Yosemite YARTS bus will operate from July 1 – October 1 provided Tioga Pass is open.

Reserve your Mammoth Lakes to Yosemite bus tickets online ahead of time to ensure your seat. Also, you can check the most up-to-date schedules.

Mammoth to Yosemite Road Trip Highlights

A Mammoth to Yosemite Road trip is the perfect option for a day trip but it can also be broken up over a few days if you really want to dive in and explore.

There are many spots to stop along the way. Here are some of my favorite places to visit along the Mammoth Lakes to Yosemite drive.

Mammoth Lakes

Mammoth Lakes is a beautiful town located on the east side of the Sierra Nevada. It’s famously known for its Lakes Basin which includes 5 large lakes, Lake George, Lake Mary, Lake Mamie, Horseshoe Lake, and Twin Lakes among over a hundred lakes that surround the area.

Go on a long full-day hike or a gentle stroll around a lake; there are many hikes of varying abilities. Some of the best hikes in Mammoth Lakes include Minerat Vista, Sherwin Lakes, Crystal Lake, Inyo Craters, and Duck Lake.

Mammoth is a great spot whether you go hiking, dine in town, ski or snowboard in the winter at Mammoth Mountain, or grab a beer at Mammoth Brewing Company or Distant Brewing.

June Lake

June Lake is one of the largest lakes located off Highway 395 and on your Mammoth to Yosemite road trip. Next to June Lake itself is a small town with some inns, shops, and June Lake Brewing.

When driving from Mammoth to Yosemite it’s definitely worth driving the June Lake Loop. Along the way, you’ll pass 4 lakes – June Lake, Gull Lake, Silver Lake, and Grant Lake as well as June Mountain Ski Resort. The whole June Lake Loop is a scenic drive. 

Mono Lake

Locate right off Highway 395, Mono Lake is a large saline soda lake near the town of Lee Vining. Mono Lake is famously known for its limestone tufa towers that stand tall above the lake water.

My favorite spot to view the tufas is Mono Lake – South Tufa Area. That area has the largest collection of tufas on the lake and the views of the High Sierra peaks in the distance are stunning.

Lee Vining

Highway 395 runs right through the small quaint town of Lee Vining. The town has a few hotels and inns, cafes, restaurants, and gas stations. You’ll definitely want to fill up gas here before heading up Tioga Pass Road into Yosemite.

Don’t miss a visit to the Whoa Nellie Deli & Mobil Gas Station! This place is more than just a gas station; it’s one of the best gift shops on the east side. And the Whoa Nellie Deli is a delicious restaurant with massive meals for great prices.

It’s a great place to grab a meal and beer after a long hike! You can also resupply some things in the shop there too.

Tioga Pass

Tioga Pass is the highest mountain pass you can drive through in California. It’s located at the east entrance to Yosemite National Park. Sitting at 9,945 feet it’s not uncommon to feel out of breath when you reach such a high altitude.

The views the whole way up from Lee Vining to Tioga Pass are stunning. In a short drive, you gain over 3000 feet in elevation as you enter the alpine.

Tuolumne Meadows

Tuolumne Meadows sits at 8,600 feet making it one of the largest high-elevation meadows in all of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Located right off Tioga Pass Road you can’t miss a stop at Tuolumne Meadows on your Mammoth Lakes to Yosemite road trip.

The meadows are a perfect spot to stop and stretch your legs. Check out Soda Springs and the Tuolumne River for an easy hike. If you’re feeling a longer hike check out Lembert Dome or Cathedral Lakes.

There is also a visitor center and bathrooms located across from Tuolumne Meadows. There you can learn about the high country environment of Yosemite or chat with a ranger about the best hike for you.

Tenaya Lake

Located right on the side of Tioga Pass Road you’ll pass by Tenaya Lake, the largest lake in Yosemite. This alpine lake is a great spot to have a picnic or go for a swim.

The east side of the lake has sandy beaches and bathrooms. There are also spots to pull off around the lake as you continue west.

Yosemite Valley

Yosemite Valley features iconic views, waterfalls, and rock features. Stand under the gigantic Half Dome and El Capitan and feel tiny. Or feel the mist flowing from Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in North America. Or relax by the Merced River which cuts through the glacially carved valley.

Yosemite Valley is the most visited part of Yosemite National Park making it a great ending point on a Mammoth Lakes to Yosemite road trip. While it is more crowded than Yosemite’s high country there are accommodations and places to eat in the valley.

Don’t miss the Pizza Deck located in Curry Village! There are even vegan and gluten-free options! Or reserve your spot for a fancy dinner at the Ahwahnee Hotel.

Yosemite Valley also offers many strolls through meadows. Check out Cooks Meadow and the Lower Yosemite Falls Trail. If you’re looking for a more intense hiking trail check out Upper Yosemite Falls, Vernal and Nevada Falls, and the 4-Mile Trail to Glacier Point.

Also, be sure to check out Tunnel View, the most iconic viewpoint in all of Yosemite. It’s only a few miles outside of the main valley floor and from there you’ll have spectacular views looking down on the forested valley floor with El Capitan, Half Dome, Clouds Rest, and Bridalveil Falls filling the background.

Yosemite Reservations

Over the past few years, all visitors were required to have reservations to enter Yosemite National Park during the busy months of summer.

As of 2023 reservations are no longer required to enter Yosemite National Park.

Mammoth to Yosemite Hike

Did you know there’s actually a way to hike from Mammoth to Yosemite? It’s part of the John Muir Trail. You can hike from the valley in Yosemite, up past Half Dome, over Donohue Pass, into Inyo National Forest, and continue south until you reach Reds Meadow in Mammoth.

This Yosemite to Mammoth hike is about 50 miles long and many people hike it in 3 – 6 days.

A Mammoth Lakes to Yosemite road trip is one of the best areas you can explore during the summer in California. It’s also worth adding Lake Tahoe to your Mammoth Lakes and Yosemite road trip if you have the time!