delph17

Just looking into visiting Yosemite later this year.I will be travelling from NYC and was wondering if Lake Tahoe to Yosemite would be an alternative to flying to San Fran or Fresno via LA.
Any tips on this drive from Lake Tahoe ?
Many thanks,
Angie

Suzie

If you go while Tioga Pass is open the drive down 395 to Lee Vining is about 2.5 hours. The drive down to the valley will vary depending on how many times you are compelled to pull over to admire the view but it could take as little as 1.5 hours or much more. This entry to Yosemite is by far the most spectacular.

delph17

Thanks for the quick reply,
we hope to travel Sept, would it be open then ?
what accommodation would you rec coming from the north. I had looked at Big Creek inn near Fish camp in the south
we will probably stay in the area for 3 or 4 nights, any thoughts ?
Lake Tahoe place to stay would be appreciated (not into casinos, into luxury b&bs)
Again thanks,
Angie

utahtea

LA to Yosemite would be the longest at a little over 300 miles and at least 6 hours of driving time.

SF to Yosemite is about 185 miles and depending on the Bay Area traffic will take about 4 - 4 1/2 hours coming in on Hwy 120.

Lake Tahoe to Yosemite, as Suzie has mentioned above, is also about 185 miles and I came up with about 4 1/2 hours of driving. This would be my choice if Tioga Pass is open. It opens sometime during the month of May or June each summer and will close sometime in October. If you are traveling between those times then I would go Tioga Pass. This will be a lot of mountain driving, but VERY scenic.

On the way there you pass the road to Bodie State Historical Park. This is one of the best ghost towns I've ever been to. Well worth the short drive. You will drive right by Mono Lake and this route will also take you thought the high country of Yosemite so you wouldn't have to make a special trip to see it.

Utahtea

utahtea

We must have been posting at the same time. Tioga Pass will should be open in September. The earliest it has closed in the last 24 years was mid-October.

http://www.nps.gov/yose/trip/tioga.htm


We always camp, so I have no experience with lodging, but I can tell you that it's better to stay in Yosemite Valley. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION. I would check to see if you can get a room in Yosemite Valley. Think about it....walking outside and seeing beautiful granite mountains! I will warn you that by September many of the waterfalls could be nill to dry.

Utahtea

Suzie

I would not stay in Fish Camp on the first night coming from Tahoe to Yosemite. After you reach the Valley it's still a very winding drive to Fish Camp at the south entrance. I'd go for a stay at the Lodge. If your dates are not available today you should check back often to see if cancellations have created vacancies. If you can't get in the Valley anywhere you might want to try for the Yosemite View which is just 2.5 miles outside the park near the valley. The drive is very easy in and out of the park on 140. The entrance fee is good for 7 days so save your receipt. Though Fish Camp is close to Wawona and the Mariposa Grove of Redwoods you seriously don't want to do that drive after you have come from Tahoe.

J_Correa

I agree with staying in the valley or at El Portal. Even though there aren't any luxury B&Bs, you can't beat the location.

Suzie

Forgot to respond to your Tahoe Lodging request. I love Tahoein September. It's so pretty and much quieter. Here are some loding that I really like:

Black Bear Inn - Though it is in south lake tahoe right on Ski RUn Blvd. That time of year it's pretty quiet. It also puts you in a great spot to enjoy dinner at Evans or Cafe Fiore for a great meal. Just up the street from Riva Grill which has a nice view for a Wet Woody and maybe a bite in the afternoon. Grab a sandwich at eh Yellow Submarine before you go out for the day.

Black Bear Inn- tahoeblackbear.com/
Cafe Fiore- cafefiore.com
Evans- evanstahoe.com
Riva Grill- rivagrill.com
Yellow Submarine- on Tallac right off Lake tahoe Blvd

If you prefer west shore:

Norfolk Woods Inn in Tahoma - Great breakfast and Dinner.
http://www.norfolkwoods.com/

Closer to Tahoe City Cheney House
http://www.chaneyhouse.com/