Death Valley to Yosemite on the Eastern Sierra
From the lowest point in North America to granite walls, by way of tufa towers.
- Distance
- 595 km (370 mi)
- Driving
- 6 h 36 min
- Suggested days
- 4
- Stops
- 6
- States
- NV, CA
- Updated
- May 9, 2026
At a glance: 4-day road trip of about 595 km (370 mi) with 6 stops, from Las Vegas to Upper Pines Campground. About 6 h 36 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Nevada, California · More road trips from Las Vegas
Route description
Leave Las Vegas west via Pahrump into Death Valley National Park and drive down to Badwater Basin, 282 feet below sea level and the lowest point in North America, where the salt flats crack into hexagons. In summer avoid the middle of the day, carry plenty of water and fill the tank before entering the park.
Leave the park west on CA-190 over the Panamint Range and down to US-395 near Lone Pine. The highway then runs north through the Owens Valley with the steep eastern face of the Sierra Nevada rising to the west, past Independence to Bishop, a good place to stock up.
North of Bishop the road climbs into higher, cooler country toward Mono Lake, where limestone tufa towers that formed underwater now stand along the shore of an ancient salt lake; come at sunrise. From Lee Vining, Tioga Road (CA-120) climbs over Tioga Pass into Yosemite, but it is closed in winter, usually from November until late May or June.
In Yosemite Valley, Tunnel View on Wawona Road frames El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall and Half Dome in one view, and it is the first sight of the valley for anyone arriving from the south. Upper Pines Campground, the largest in the valley, sits beneath Half Dome, but reservations open months ahead and go fast. In summer, also check whether a park entry reservation is required.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Las Vegas
NV - 2175 km
Badwater Basin
NatureDeath Valley, CAAt 282 feet below sea level, it is the lowest point in North America. The salt flats crack into hexagons. Avoid midday in summer.
- 3230 km
Bishop
CA - 4102 km
Mono Lake Tufa
NatureLee Vining, CALimestone towers that formed underwater and now stand along the shore of an ancient salt lake. Come at sunrise.
- 575 km
Tunnel View, Yosemite
ViewsYosemite Valley, CAEl Capitan, Bridalveil Fall and Half Dome in one frame. It is the first view of the valley when you arrive on Wawona Road.
- 612 km
Upper Pines Campground
CampingYosemite Valley, CAThe largest campground in Yosemite Valley, under Half Dome. Reservations open months ahead and go fast.
Suggested stages and overnight stops
4 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Las Vegas → Badwater Basin · 109 mi · 1 h 57 minOvernight nearby, for example: Sunset Campground (17 mi); Texas Springs Campground (17 mi).
- Day 2: Badwater Basin → Bishop · 143 mi · 2 h 33 minOvernight nearby, for example: Brown’s Town Campground (1 mi); Bishop RV Park and Campground - RV Area (< 1 km).
- Day 3: Bishop → Mono Lake Tufa · 63 mi · 1 h 08 minOvernight nearby, for example: Mono Vista RV Park (5 mi); Oh! Ridge Campground (10 mi).
- Day 4: Mono Lake Tufa → Upper Pines Campground · 54 mi · 0 h 58 minOn the way: Tunnel View, Yosemite.Overnight at the campsite itself.
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, September and November. Hot in July–August. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Themes
FAQs
How long is Death Valley to Yosemite on the Eastern Sierra?
4-day road trip of about 595 km (370 mi) with 6 stops, from Las Vegas to Upper Pines Campground. About 6 h 36 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Death Valley to Yosemite on the Eastern Sierra?
We suggest 4 days: about 6 h 36 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Death Valley to Yosemite on the Eastern Sierra start and end?
It starts in Las Vegas and ends in Upper Pines Campground.
Which states does Death Valley to Yosemite on the Eastern Sierra pass through?
Nevada and California.
Where can you camp along Death Valley to Yosemite on the Eastern Sierra?
OpenStreetMap lists 120 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 19 mi of the stops on this route. For example: Thousand Trails Las Vegas, Hitchin' Post RV Park and Motel and Las Vegas RV Resort.
When is the best time for Death Valley to Yosemite on the Eastern Sierra?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, September and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
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