where to go between vegas and yosemite?
Jul 20th, 2006, 11:23 PM
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where to go between vegas and yosemite?
does anyone have any suggestions for an overnight stay somewhere between vegas and yosemite? we plan to leave vegas tomorrow around 3pm. we'd prefer to be closer to yosemite than vegas as this is our next stop on our road trip. we are two 20somethings on a road trip and we love hiking and the outdoors but also appreciate a nice hotel!
Jul 20th, 2006, 11:54 PM
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We did something similar in 1998(but in September). We left Vegas and visited and stayed in the Death valley(Stove pipe wells). The next day we went on to Yosemite staying first in Mammoth lakes and then over the Tioga pass to Mariposa.Greetings from Belgium. PAul
Jul 21st, 2006, 12:49 AM
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Don't stay in Death Valley this time of year. If you have a decent car with air conditioning or you can drive through, just bring plenty of water and turn off the air conditioning when you head up the slopes out of the valley.
then head up the magnificent Owens Valley, you can overnight in any one of three or four small towns--Lone Pine, Big Pine, Independence, Bishop--or even at Mammoth Lakes. You should probably call ahead before you leave Vegas and see where you can get a room. There are campgrounds on the roads up into the eastern Sierra, and around Mammoth there are some undeveloped campgrounds (just open space with a pit toilet, basically, you can camp for free, or sleep in your car--near an obsidian dome--get a Forest Service map at Lone Pine's multi-agency office if you want to try this).
On the east side of Yosemite is Lee Vining, you might even make it that far. Whatever, I recommend a stop at Mono Lake before heading into Yosemite.
then head up the magnificent Owens Valley, you can overnight in any one of three or four small towns--Lone Pine, Big Pine, Independence, Bishop--or even at Mammoth Lakes. You should probably call ahead before you leave Vegas and see where you can get a room. There are campgrounds on the roads up into the eastern Sierra, and around Mammoth there are some undeveloped campgrounds (just open space with a pit toilet, basically, you can camp for free, or sleep in your car--near an obsidian dome--get a Forest Service map at Lone Pine's multi-agency office if you want to try this).
On the east side of Yosemite is Lee Vining, you might even make it that far. Whatever, I recommend a stop at Mono Lake before heading into Yosemite.
Jul 21st, 2006, 12:56 AM
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If your car is prone to overheating, well you probably wouldn't have made it to Vegas in the first place, but don't try Death Valley. If you do go through DV, take like ten gallons of water and a couple of space blankets or at least something you can set up for shade. IF you break down stay with the car, do not try to walk for help, this is how you end up dead in Death Valley.
Jul 21st, 2006, 07:57 AM
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The fastest route and not a bad drive would be to take Hwy 95 to Tonopah, NV. This is 210 miles. There is lodging in Tonopah, but can't recommend anything because we always camp.
The next day take Hwy 6 to Benton, CA and then Hwy 120 into Yosemite. This is a beautiful drive!! It's 145 miles from Tonopah to the east entrance station of Yosemite and 205 miles to Yosemite Valley.
If you are coming up 395 it's a 100 miles longer and then I'd stay in either Barstow 155 miles, Independence 325 miles or Bishop 370 miles. Total miles this route will be 508.
Hwy 395 is a scenic drive in the morning and afternoon. By evening the sun is setting and it's hard to see the beautiful mountains.
Utahtea
The next day take Hwy 6 to Benton, CA and then Hwy 120 into Yosemite. This is a beautiful drive!! It's 145 miles from Tonopah to the east entrance station of Yosemite and 205 miles to Yosemite Valley.
If you are coming up 395 it's a 100 miles longer and then I'd stay in either Barstow 155 miles, Independence 325 miles or Bishop 370 miles. Total miles this route will be 508.
Hwy 395 is a scenic drive in the morning and afternoon. By evening the sun is setting and it's hard to see the beautiful mountains.
Utahtea
