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Yosemite to Death Valley: the Day-by-Day Itinerary
This drive links California's superlatives over one mountain range: Yosemite's granite and waterfalls, the Eastern Sierra's ghost towns and alpine lakes, then a descent past Mt Whitney — the highest summit in the lower 48 — into Death Valley, the lowest, hottest point in North America.
Yosemite to Death Valley is a 800 km one-way journey (self-drive). It works best as a 6-day trip; the plan below is the 6-day version for May, built from 214 verified places, with real road-routed transit times, opening hours and daylight checked.
Customize this plan → 6-day plan · best time to go
6
days
670 km
distance
10.3 h
driving
34
curated stops
💡 Good to know for this plan
- The magic window: Yosemite's waterfalls at full blast while Death Valley is still merely hot, not lethal.
Day 1 Yosemite → Mammoth Lakes
🌡 -10.9–26.1°C · 🌧 ~4 rain days · ☀ 14.0h light
09:00
Cook's Meadow Loophikingmuseums & heritageglaciers & ice
Stroll through lush meadows with sweeping valley vistas.
90 min · Yosemite
10:30
Swinging Bridge Loophikingmuseums & heritagehistory & sagas
Walk to a gently swaying bridge over a babbling stream on a scenic forest path.
90 min · Yosemite
12:00
Lower Yosemite Fallhikingwaterfalls
Walk paved paths to hear roaring waterfalls and see misty drops.
90 min · Yosemite
13:30
The Mountain Roomhikingwaterfalls
Dine on organic, sustainable dishes overlooking Yosemite Falls.
60 min · Yosemite
16:22
Sightseeingwaterfallsmuseums & heritagehistory & sagas
Take in breathtaking surrounding landscapes.
90 min · Mammoth Lakes
18:30
Good Life Cafecoffee & bakes
75 min · Mammoth Lakes
Overnight: Mammoth Lakes
e.g. Cinnamon Bear Inn · Discovery 4 Condominiums
Day 2 Around Mammoth Lakes
🌡 -10.9–26.1°C · 🌧 ~4 rain days · ☀ 14.0h light
09:00
Hot Creek Geological Areahiking
Feel the warmth of natural steam nearby.
50 min · Mammoth Lakes
09:50
Mammoth Mountain Ski Areahiking
Marvel at panoramic mountain vistas.
50 min · Mammoth Lakes
10:40
Yosemite Area Regional Transit Systemhiking
Enjoy easy rides through scenic routes.
50 min · Mammoth Lakes
open: Shuttle operates weekends-only in June and September, daily in July an
11:30
Mammoth Lakes Library
Browse books and surf the web in a quiet, community space.
50 min · Mammoth Lakes
open: M-F 10AM-7PM, Sa 11AM-5:30PM
12:20
Sierra Star Golf Course
Taste the challenge of high-altitude golf.
90 min · Mammoth Lakes · $260
13:50
Snowshoeing
Glide silently over winter-covered paths.
90 min · Mammoth Lakes
15:20
Convict Lake Restaurant
Savor Mono County's famed Alpers Trout.
60 min · Mammoth Lakes
Overnight: Mammoth Lakes
e.g. Cinnamon Bear Inn · Discovery 4 Condominiums
Day 3 Bishop
🌡 -4.7–32.7°C · 🌧 ~2 rain days · ☀ 14.0h light
09:59
Laws Railroad Museum and Historic Sitemuseums & heritagehistory & sagas
Explore preserved trains and buildings from the Owens Valley's past.
50 min · Bishop · Donation
open: 10AM-4PM
10:49
Bishop Mural Societyhistory & sagas
Stroll through vibrant murals telling the valley's rich history.
50 min · Bishop
11:39
Bishop Mule Days Celebrationmuseums & heritage
Enjoy lively music, tasty food, and mule competitions in the town square.
90 min · Bishop
open: Memorial Day Weekend
13:09
Wanaaha Casino
90 min · Bishop
open: 24 hrs. Table games 10AM-2AM, daily
14:39
Erick Schat’s Bakkerÿcoffee & bakes
Savor freshly baked breads, pastries, and sweet treats daily.
60 min · Bishop
18:30
The Looney Beancoffee & bakes
Relax with aromatic coffee and free Wi-Fi in a cozy atmosphere.
75 min · Bishop
Overnight: Bishop
e.g. Wayfinder Bishop · Vagabond Inn Bishop
See the remaining 3 days of the 6-day plan →
Route map
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