Ariana_Wang

We are a party of six people, with two 9-year old boys. First time drive in US. We are planning to drive from Yosemite to Las Vegas in one day. Is it adviseable? We have another plan initially --- drive from Yosemite to SFO, then fly to Las Vegas. Which way is better?

Thanks in advance.

janisj

That is a terrible one-day drive -especially for a large group stuck in a car together. It will take a minimum of 9 hours - and likely more - and that is w/o stops via the fastest route. So basically a 2 day drive.

But going back to SF and flying won't be all that much better time wise. Yosemite to SFO is about a 4.5 hour drive (4 if you are very lucky) and w/ returning the rental car and checking in you are talking about more than 7 hours, plus the flight time. But 4+ hours in a car would be easier on the group than 9 hours in the car.

You really should plan on taking 2 full days and drive - there are several good places to stop/stay over between Yosemite and Las Vegas.

tomfuller

Allegiant air flies from Fresno to Las Vegas 4 days per week.
The fares can't be beat. http://www.allegiantair.com/aaIndex.php
Would it work to fly to LV first and see the Grand Canyon and return to LV and then fly to Fresno to go to Yosemite?

Tomsd

We drove from Yo (left early and had breakfast in Tuoloumne Meadows http://www.yosemitepark.com/tuolumne-meadows-lodge.aspx ) - with 4 people in the car. We even stopped briefly in the Visitor's center in Death Valley and then on to Vegas - and made it in 8 hours or so, including stops (it's about 360 miles) That included having my teen-age niece along - who liked it.

However - not sure if Tioga Pass will be open when you arrive? If you have to go via Bakersfield - that is a couple hours longer - so you might consider driving back to SF and flying from there to Vegas if your family doesn't like long rides.

Tomsd

Here is where we had a tasty breakfast in Toulumne Meadows, right next to the store/gas station, on the main road.

Tuolumne Meadows Grill: Summer only. Adjacent to the Tuolumne Meadows Store on Tioga Road. Summer only. Grilled food to go for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Suzie

Tioga Pass will assuradly be open this year by the end of May. The plowing has already progressed beyond Olmsted Point. There's just not alot of snow this year. After htey do repairs to the road they will open it.

Poeple who predict this sort of thing are thinking Tioga Pass will open in early May this year.

You really should think about staying overnight in Bishop or Lone Pine unless you want your entire day to be spent in the car.

janisj

Let's put it this way - It is a two-day drive for sensible people

. . . Or a 1-dayer for sadomasochists . . .

Allegient would be awfully expensive for six - plus it charges for everything from booking fees to luggage to seat selection. But it would save you hours in a car.