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Yosemite to Death Valley — a 6-Day Plan You Can Actually Drive
The 6-day version for May: every day fits real transit, opening hours and daylight. Prefer more or fewer days? 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
Day 4 Bishop → Mammoth Lakes
🌡 -4.7–32.7°C · 🌧 ~2 rain days · ☀ 14.0h light
10:00
Backcountry Camping
Experience tranquil nature in remote camps.
90 min · Mammoth Lakes
11:30
Mammoth Lakes Post Office
50 min · Mammoth Lakes
12:20
Black Sheep Coffee Roasterscoffee & bakes
60 min · Bishop
Overnight: Bishop
e.g. Wayfinder Bishop · Vagabond Inn Bishop
Day 5 Death Valley
🌡 5.2–42.6°C · 🌧 ~1 rain days · ☀ 13.9h light
13:09
Mosaic Canyonhikingmuseums & heritage
Slick, marbled rock walls enclose you in this narrow, winding canyon.
50 min · Death Valley
13:59
Zabriskie Pointhiking
Panoramic views of weathered canyons stretch before you under vast skies.
50 min · Death Valley
14:49
Darwin Fallswaterfalls
A graceful 15-foot waterfall cascades down into a tranquil pool.
50 min · Death Valley
15:39
Titus Canyonhiking
Drive through a narrow, deep canyon with spectacular rock formations.
50 min · Death Valley
16:29
Furnace Creek Visitor Centermuseums & heritage
Get tailored park advice and discover hidden gems from friendly rangers.
50 min · Death Valley
Day 6 Around Death Valley
🌡 5.2–42.6°C · 🌧 ~1 rain days · ☀ 13.9h light
09:00
Artist's Palettehiking
Marvel at mineral-stained rocks in vivid hues resembling an artist’s palette.
50 min · Death Valley
09:50
Badwater Basinhiking
Walk on vast salt flats at North America's lowest point, surrounded by surreal stillness.
50 min · Death Valley
10:40
Mustard Canyonhiking
Hike through narrow walls to a brilliant canyon view, ladders included.
50 min · Death Valley
11:30
Natural Bridgehiking
A stunning natural bridge arches dramatically over a narrow canyon.
50 min · Death Valley
12:20
Marble Canyonhiking
Marble walls tower above as you hike through a narrow, sculpted canyon.
50 min · Death Valley
13:10
Stovepipe Wellshistory & sagas
50 min · Death Valley
14:00
The Inn at Death Valley Dining Room
Savor elegant, upscale cuisine in Death Valley's most refined restaurant.
60 min · Death Valley