Lake Tahoe to Yosemite
 

Hi, I am traveling to South Lake Tahoe for a week April 28th to May 5th. In an earlier posting, I heard that the drive to Yosemite NP would take around 4 1/2 hours since the Tioga Pass is closed until Memorial Day. When I spoke to someone at the lodge in Yosemite, they told me the drive was more like 8 hours. Could that be right? I could handle a 5 hour drive, but not sure 8 hours there and back is worth it for this trip. We are flying round-trip into Reno so it's too late to change our flights. Thanks for any help.....Lori

Maybe their last trip was via covered wagon. ;)

It should take about 3.5 hours from South Lake Tahoe to Groveland or the Big Oak Flat entrance. A that time of year the scenery will be beautiful. Take 89 out of Myers to 88 west to 49 (sometimes it's both 108 and 49) south to 120. I always take Old Priest Grade but some people don't like it so they take the regular. Your choice.

Big Oak Flat Entrance to the Valley is about 45 minutes. So about 4.5 hours should get you all the way from SLT to Yosemite Valley.

How long from SLT when Tioga Pass is open? Curious for trip in August. Thanks. 5OHS

Thanks, Suzie...that makes me feel better. Maybe they were stopping to take a lot of pictures and hit a lot of bathrooms!

When we drive SLT to Mammoth Lakes in teh summer it's pretty fast at just under 3 hours. Lee Vining is about 30 minutes north of Mammoth so I'd say maybe a little less than 2.5 hours. The drive over Tioga Pass from Lee Vining to Yosemite Valley is at least 90 minutes and maybe even as long as 2 hours due to slow traffic and frequent stops to look at all the sights!!!