Tahoe to Yosemite
 

How long does it take to drive from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite National Park?

We left the yosemite exit at tioga pass around noon and stopped and ate at a town near Mono Lake and a side trip to see mono take tufas (about a little more than 3 hours) got to Lake Tahoe at sunset (around 5:45 or so.) So I would say 2 and 1/2 hours?

Ok, I was corrected by my companion to say really more than 3 from the tioga pass exit. There was another pass (really cool though) after mono lake (can't remember the name). We stopped a few times to take photos too though. I guess it would be fair to say 2 1/2 without any stops waht so ever and going fairly fast.

When are you going? If the Tioga road isn't opened yet, it's going to take a lot longer to go around the other way.

Depending on the time of year you plan on traveling, the Tioga pass could be closed. Be sure to check before you start out if you plan on taking that route.

If you are able use the eastern entrance to Yosemite known as Tioga Pass the drive will be short and easy. I always divide the driving times so you can get a better idea of what to expect. South Lake Tahoe to Lee Vining is 2.5 hours.

Now Lee Vining to Yosemite Valley? Impossible to determine because you should stop alot on the way, like at Olmsted Point, Tenaya Lake, Tuolumne Meadows and on and on. If you crazy kids want to drive straight through it's just under 2 hours into the valley.

If you are not able to use Tioga Pass then you should take 89 when you get to Meyers and then turn right onto 88 and go toward Jackson where you will pick up 49. Later you'll get to 120 which will take you into the park. This drive will take just under 5 hours.