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Yosemite, the Eastern Sierra & Death Valley: Route Guide

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Yosemite Valley's granite walls from Tunnel View
Photo: Diliff · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Cross California's sharpest elevation contrast only when Tioga Road is confirmed open: begin with Yosemite Valley and the public Tioga corridor, follow the Eastern Sierra through Mammoth, Bishop and Lone Pine, then finish at Death Valley's paved overlooks. Long hikes, Whitney permits, backcountry roads and extreme-heat exposure are outside the baseline.

Yosemite, the Eastern Sierra & Death Valley is a 500 km one-way journey (self-drive). It works best as a 6-day trip; the plan below is the 6-day version for September, built from 332 verified places, with planned transit times, opening hours and daylight checked.

6
days
500km
distance
6
Stops
332
curated stops

Plan your own version → 6-day plan · best time to go

The route

Yosemite Valley public circuit day→ 90 kmTioga Road and Tuolumne public corridor day→ 95 kmMammoth Lakes public landscape day→ 70 kmBishop and Owens Valley public day→ 75 kmLone Pine and Alabama Hills public day→ 170 kmDeath Valley paved-overlooks day

What you'll see

El Capitan
Stand in awe of the towering granite cliff that dominates the valley view.
Yosemite Valley public circuit day
Lembert Dome
Enjoy sweeping views of Tuolumne Meadows and distant peaks from the dome's summit.
Tioga Road and Tuolumne public corridor day
Hot Creek Geological Area
Feel the warmth of natural steam nearby.
Mammoth Lakes public landscape day
Laws Railroad Museum and Historic Site
Explore preserved trains and buildings from the Owens Valley's past.
Bishop and Owens Valley public day
Owens Lake
Observe the stark beauty of the dry lakebed under the vast desert sky.
Lone Pine and Alabama Hills public day
Zabriskie Point
Panoramic views of weathered canyons stretch before you under vast skies.
Death Valley paved-overlooks day
Yosemite Falls
Feel the mist and hear the thunderous roar of one of the world's tallest waterfalls.
Yosemite Valley public circuit day
Cathedral Lakes
Ascend to tranquil alpine lakes surrounded by soaring granite cliffs and meadows.
Tioga Road and Tuolumne public corridor day

Choose your length

6-day plan13 stops · 13.4 h transit2.2 stops/day · 2.2 h transit/daySee the full plan →

When to go

Best months: June, September, October

Tioga Road and the Eastern Sierra crossing are normally in season, while Death Valley requires a paved-road, vehicle-based heat plan. Exact pass, fire, flood and temperature conditions can invalidate the route and must be rechecked.

See the month-by-month breakdown →

Similar journeys

Plan your own version →