Route map
Start / endStopsHalfway
San Francisco to Yosemite: the drive
The drive from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park covers 188 miles (303 km) and takes about 4 hrs without stops, mostly on CA-120, I-580 and CA-108.
It's an easy drive that leaves plenty of time to explore along the way. Allow about 5 hr 15 min with breaks.
We found 3 worthwhile stops within about 25 miles of the route, including Columbia State Historic Park, Groveland and Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias.
| Main roads | Approx. miles |
|---|---|
| CA-120 | 67 |
| I-580 | 45 |
| CA-108 | 25 |
| Big Oak Flat Road | 18 |
| I-205 | 15 |
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 San Francisco and Yosemite
- 1
Columbia State Historic Park
A car-free gold-rush town with stagecoach rides, gold panning and an 1850s saloon, near Sonora.
Photo: Chris Krylov · CC BY 3.0 - 2
Groveland
A gold-rush town on CA-120 with the 1850s Iron Door Saloon, and the last easy food and fuel before Yosemite's Big Oak Flat entrance.
Photo: Almonroth · CC BY-SA 3.0
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 San Francisco International Airport (SFO) 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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Trip cost calculator
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San Francisco to Yosemite road trip FAQ
How long is the drive from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park?
About 4 hrs without stops for 188 miles via CA-120, I-580 and CA-108. With breaks for fuel and food, allow around 5 hr 15 min.
What is the halfway point between San Francisco and Yosemite?
Oakdale, CA is about halfway, roughly 94 miles from each end. It's a good place for fuel and a meal.
Can you drive from San Francisco to Yosemite in one day?
Yes. At 4 hrs of driving it's a comfortable one-day trip. Leave early so you arrive with daylight to spare.
What are the best stops between San Francisco and Yosemite?
Top stops include Columbia State Historic Park, Groveland and Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. See the full list with detour times above.
How much does gas cost from San Francisco to Yosemite?
About $24 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.
