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Start / endStopsHalfway
LA to Yosemite: the drive
The drive from Los Angeles to Yosemite National Park covers 310 miles (499 km) and takes about 5 hr 30 min without stops, mostly on CA-99, CA-41 and I-5.
It's doable in one day, but with fuel, food and a couple of stops plan on roughly 7 hrs door to door.
We found 3 worthwhile stops within about 25 miles of the route, including Fort Tejon State Historic Park, Forestiere Underground Gardens and Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias.
| Main roads | Approx. miles |
|---|---|
| CA-99 | 132 |
| CA-41 | 62 |
| I-5 | 29 |
| Wawona Road | 27 |
Best time to go: May to October. Tioga Road (the eastern entrance) is usually closed from November to late May or June.
Best stops between LA and Yosemite
- 1
Fort Tejon State Historic Park
An 1850s US Army dragoon post in a shady oak grove right beside I-5 on the Grapevine. A calm break before or after the climb over the Tejon Pass.
Photo: Yellowute at English Wikipedia · Public domain - 2
Forestiere Underground Gardens
A Sicilian immigrant hand-dug this cool network of tunnels, courtyards and fruit trees under Fresno over 40 years. Tours run seasonally.
Photo: Carol M. Highsmith · Public domain
Near Yosemite
- 3
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
Yosemite's largest sequoia grove, home of the Grizzly Giant, just inside the south entrance. A free shuttle runs from the welcome plaza in season.
Where to stay in Yosemite Valley / El Portal
Half Dome, El Capitan and some of the tallest waterfalls in North America, best in late spring. Yosemite Valley / El Portal is the closest town with lodging. Rooms near national parks sell out in peak season, so book early.
Map not loading? See places to stay near Yosemite Valley / El Portal →
Renting a car for this trip
Most travelers fly into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and pick up a car there. Booking a round trip from the same airport is usually much cheaper than a one-way rental. A mid-size car is fine for all paved roads on this route. You only need an SUV for the optional dirt-road detours.
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LA to Yosemite road trip FAQ
How long is the drive from Los Angeles to Yosemite National Park?
About 5 hr 30 min without stops for 310 miles via CA-99, CA-41 and I-5. With breaks for fuel and food, allow around 7 hrs.
What is the halfway point between LA and Yosemite?
Delano, CA is about halfway, roughly 155 miles from each end. It's a good place for fuel and a meal.
Can you drive from LA to Yosemite in one day?
Yes. At 5 hr 30 min of driving it's a comfortable one-day trip. Leave early so you arrive with daylight to spare.
What are the best stops between LA and Yosemite?
Top stops include Fort Tejon State Historic Park, Forestiere Underground Gardens and Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. See the full list with detour times above.
How much does gas cost from LA to Yosemite?
About $40 one way in a car that gets 28 mpg with gas at $3.60 a gallon. Use the calculator on this page to plug in your own car and prices.
When is the best time to visit Yosemite?
May to October. Tioga Road (the eastern entrance) is usually closed from November to late May or June.
Route calculated from OpenStreetMap data and checked 2026-11-09. Drive times assume normal traffic and no stops.
