Sequoia and Yosemite

The largest tree on Earth, then Yosemite Valley through the gold country town of Mariposa.

Distance: 348 km (216 mi)
Driving: 3 h 52 min
Suggested days: 4
Stops: 5
States: CA
Updated: August 29, 2026

At a glance: 4-day road trip of about 348 km (216 mi) with 5 stops, from Fresno to Tunnel View, Yosemite. About 3 h 52 min of driving in total.

More road trips in California · More road trips from Fresno

Route description

From Fresno, head south and east through Visalia and the orange groves of the San Joaquin Valley, then take CA-198 into the foothills to Three Rivers, the gateway town to Sequoia National Park.

From Three Rivers, the Generals Highway climbs steeply through many switchbacks into Sequoia National Park, and vehicles over 22 feet are advised not to drive the section between Potwisha and the Giant Forest Museum. The General Sherman Tree, the largest living tree on Earth by volume, is a short walk from its parking area in the Giant Forest.

Follow the Generals Highway north to Grant Grove and CA-180 back down toward Fresno, then take CA-41 north to Oakhurst and CA-49 to Mariposa, an old gold country town with a historic courthouse. From there, CA-140 follows the Merced River canyon into Yosemite Valley.

Tunnel View, on Wawona Road just above the valley floor, frames El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall and Half Dome in one view. In summer, check whether Yosemite requires an entry reservation, and book valley campgrounds months ahead. In winter, chains may be required on the mountain roads of both parks.

Stop-by-stop itinerary

In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.

1

Fresno
CA
Start
2

Three Rivers
CA
103 km
3

General Sherman Tree
NatureThree Rivers, CA
The largest living tree on Earth by volume, a giant sequoia in the Giant Forest.
25 km
4

Mariposa
CA
177 km
5

Tunnel View, Yosemite
ViewsYosemite Valley, CA
El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall and Half Dome in one frame. It is the first view of the valley when you arrive on Wawona Road.
43 km

Suggested stages and overnight stops

4 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.

Day 1: Fresno → Three Rivers · 64 mi · 1 h 08 minOvernight nearby, for example: Three Rivers Hideaway (2 mi); Sequoia RV Ranch (2 mi).
Day 2: Three Rivers → General Sherman Tree · 16 mi · 0 h 17 minOvernight nearby, for example: Sunset Campground (16 mi); Azalea Campground (16 mi).
Day 3: General Sherman Tree → Mariposa · 110 mi · 1 h 58 minOvernight nearby, for example: Indian Flat RV Park (14 mi); Wildhaven Yosemite Glamping (1 mi).
Day 4: Mariposa → Tunnel View, Yosemite · 27 mi · 0 h 29 minOvernight nearby, for example: Indian Flat RV Park (10 mi); Hodgdon Meadow Campground (12 mi).

Best time to go

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and November. Hot in July. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.

Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons

FAQs

How long is Sequoia and Yosemite?

4-day road trip of about 348 km (216 mi) with 5 stops, from Fresno to Tunnel View, Yosemite. About 3 h 52 min of driving in total.

How many days do you need for Sequoia and Yosemite?

We suggest 4 days: about 3 h 52 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.

Where does Sequoia and Yosemite start and end?

It starts in Fresno and ends in Tunnel View, Yosemite.

Which states does Sequoia and Yosemite pass through?

California.

Where can you camp along Sequoia and Yosemite?

OpenStreetMap lists 81 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 19 mi of the stops on this route. For example: Indian Flat RV Park, Sunset Campground and Azalea Campground.

When is the best time for Sequoia and Yosemite?

The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)