This beautiful meadow that runs along the Tuolumne River gives you great views of the Cathedral Range, Lembert Dome, and Mount Dana. Yosemite-National-Park and Las-Vegas are both in the same time zone America/Los_Angeles. Casino inside for your convenience. If you're driving in fall, you may want to spend some time hiking in the area too. For when nature calls and you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the Strip, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is a beautiful spot just 25 minutes west of Las Vegas. You can even boat and swim in the lake! Must see, must walk through. You'll definitely want to spend a moment taking in El Capitan (a 3,000-foot monolith in the heart of the park) from the meadow. The two-story Spanish Colonial and Mission Revival mansion is an architectural gem. But hold on, this isnt a golf course, but a rough bumpy field. The wine tasting was informative and plenty (dont forget to tip). It's easy to fly into and car rentals can be picked up at the airport and traffic isn't as congested as it is in Los Angeles. The Tioga Road (Highway 120) is one of the highest in the States, stretching out above the Valley, and treating visitors to awe-inspiring views of mountains and glittering lakes. First off, Mono Lake is old. One part of the lake is on a slope so you might need snow shoes or spikes to get around it. This route comes with a serious caveat - you can only enter Yosemite from the east (via Tioga Pass) between May and November. And if you want to take even longer, you could do this as a day trip from Las Vegas (itinerary available here). Take a few minutes to enjoy the view, stretch your legs, and grab a bite to eat. You will want to bring your camera and take plenty of photos of the stunning scenery. The main entrance has a visitor center and a cost that requires a reservation. My 5 year old went with us but got quite tired on the return trip and I did carry him on my back a bit. . Love the old buildings, trucks, and other items from years ago. Vegas may be known for its lavish casinos, spas, resorts, and nightclubs, but theres so much more to do in Las Vegas besides spending money, gambling, and partying. Great little museum exhibits on the region and wildlife! Lee Canyon is SO convenient and close to "the strip". The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes was one of our favorite memories from Death Valley National Park. To go back, follow the bus maps and walking to the bus stop 10 (shorter than go back to bus stop 9), and there is a small shop to buy water, ice cream. The route passes through Death Valley, Inyo National Forest, and Mammoth Lakes, or via Bakersfield and past Sequoia and Sierra National Forests. I highly recommend this winery/restaurant. We used to live in the area but each time we go back to Vegas for a visit, we stay here. That is how the name was coined. First: dont trust google maps. In the northern region of the park, an hour from Furnace Creek, you will discover the relatively young 2,100 year old Ubehebe Crater. "All the snow will stay up in the mountains, but most mountain areas should . You can take a bus from Yosemite National Park to Las Vegas via Yosemite Valley Visitors Center, Merced Transpo, Merced Bus Stop, and Bakersfield in around 15h 15m. 1. If you're looking to do a spot of camping, Death Valley's Furnace Creek Visitor Center is the place to go. Both Lake Ellery and Tioga Lake were iced over.. I gave 4 stars because, there should be other rentals equipments available. There are no trails that take you further into the Golf Course, though none are needed. Yosemite Falls is covered behind a sign marking the water level of the 1997 flood in Yosemite National Park, Calif., as seen on Jan. 7, 2017. Everything is within reach. Many stops and parking lots along the scenic drive for photo opportunities. You could also take the U.S. 95 to the U.S. 6, or the western route, which cuts through Death Valley. Around 30 miles of incredible hiking trails, mountain biking, and rock climbing up the stunning faces of deep red Aztec sandstone cliffs make Red Rock Canyon, Nevadas first National Conservation Area, hugely popular with Vegas visitors who want to take time out from the gaming tables. This route trades the Sierras for a series of beautiful forests and some larger cities, so think of it as a comparably scenic alternative. Nestled between the Sierra Nevada to the west and the White Mountains to the east, Bishop is the largest town in the Owens Valley. Although it's hard to quantify, getting from Las Vegas to Yosemite National Park is just as much of an adventure as the park itself, if not more. Cool spot at the gateway to Death Valley. You will be able to see the dunes before even getting inside the parking lot, as they are quite massive, some around 150ft! Flight time: 31 minutes. Explore the parks beautiful salt pans, sand dunes, Badwater Basin, Furnace Creek Visitor Center for camping, and more during your stop at Death Valley. Planning travel has actually been fun instead of tedious because of this app. For a bird's-eye view, take the short, steep. Mammoth Mountain is a huge draw for the area, and people come from all over the world to hit the slopes here. Wildlife-viewing refuge with more than 24,000 acres of boardwalk-accessible wetlands & desert. A two-mile stretch of blooming fields and the Tuolumne River with the backdrop of rising peaks, the overall serenity of the place touches you. With jagged peaks of rock salt that not even the devil would be able to play golf on, this enormous expanse of earth is fun to explore but just careful not to fall over. A stop at the Furnace Creek Visitor Centre is a must do, to learn about the fascinating history, landscape, people and animals of Death Valley. The dunes are located closest to the Stovepipe Wells Village and cover 14 square miles of the park!. To visit some of the earth's oldest living things, budget a half-day for the thrilling drive up to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. You can easily do an hour adventure by walking a half hour out and then turn around and come back to your car. There are also a number of outlets operating in the area, making Barstow an ideal stop for visitors who want a more diverse shopping experience than the historically-oriented one Calico provides. Beautiful hotel and casino indeed. 17 minutes off the main route, 66% of way to Las Vegas. Once you reach the Parks entrance road, its over 10 miles of dusty unpaved road. Only have a limited selection of table games is my only complaint. You can see the dunes from the parking lot, or you can do some hiking through them (beware that hiking through sand is much more difficult than hiking on solid earth!). Loved seeing all the buildings and exhibits. Like, those tubs you slide down the snow with. Never knew what as Tufa was before! Your plane flies much faster than a car, so the flight time is about 1/5th of the time it would take to drive. Or do I need to map this out from town/landmark to town/landmark youve mentioned? The cheapest way to get from New Jersey to Yosemite National Park costs only $456, and the quickest way takes just 13 hours. The oldest tree Methuselah is around 4700 years old. Free Wi-Fi is offered. If you're planning to go to Las Vegas, you can easily head to California's Sierra Nevada mountains. Where Is Disneyland In California? We're doing a month long trip and this was the stretch we weren't going to. Nonstop drive: 366 miles or 589 km Driving time: 6 hours, 7 minutes Realistically, you'll probably want to add a buffer for rest stops, gas, or food along the way. Driving to Yosemite through Ashford Junction will take you past another California natural landmark: Death Valley. It's also convenient that you'll be passing through Bakersfield and Fresno, giving you some stopovers if the weather catches you off-guard. How far is Yosemite National Park from Las Vegas and the way long will the street trip take? You can drive from Yosemite National Park to Las Vegas. You can read about our visit to the Fresno Zoo here. We had to ventured over to experience the winery as we were so close. After this, you can finally begin your Yosemite journey at Tuolumne Meadows, the eastern section of the park known for its grassy flats surrounded by granite domes. The trees are awesome. And because changes in elevation also bring changes in temperatures, be sure to pack layers so that youre prepared for any type of weather. The snow here is not always powdery but I believe they make their own snow. People love visiting Death Valley National Park and Mammoth Lakes, among others. 11 National Parks Near Las Vegas To Visit This Year There are several trails through the area, all offering great views of the amazing layers and bands of color. Formed over 2,000 years ago, the Ubehebe Crater is 600 feet deep and half a mile across. Time your trip to Tuolumne Meadows carefullythis 8,600-foot high area is accessible only from June to October. Once you veer off the Las Vegas Strip, youll get a chance to really see what this city has to offer. Tuolumne is filled with grassy fields and clear alpine lakes. If you are planning a road trip, you might also want to calculate the total driving time from . Seriously, this app does it all! The road stretches along the southern edge of the meadow and is the only road that crosses the High Sierra. Vast area of mountain-fringed sand dunes reaching 100 ft. & a prime spot for sand-boarding. Mesquite Sand Dunes is another prime spot for photography and for a good reason the beautiful sand formations, along with the surreal mountain rangers surrounding the dunes give a lot of different photographic opportunities. The most accessible dunes in Death Valley are an undulating sea of sand rising up to 100ft high next to the highway near Stovepipe Wells Village. Be rady for the heat and the sun. This volcanic crater is 600 feet deep and half a mile across. After tasting the wines we went into their restaurant for dinner. The street experience from Las Vegas to Yosemite National Park can be completed in approximately 6 hours 20 minutes and covers round 370 miles. Tours are available of the inside, or you can simply wander around and take it all in on your own. If youre looking for a spot to eat after your lake adventure, we lovedEpic Cafe, serving up hearty soups, filling salads, and warm paninis. 120). All of the wines that we tasted were unique, tasty, choices, but the two grown on the property were my personal favorites. Good food, nice staff and reasonable prices. The exhibit at the visitors center is informative and boasts beautiful views. Scott spent all of the money living the high life before all investors but one pulled out when he produced not a single ounce of ore. With a salinity level overthreetimes that of the ocean, Mono Lake has become a very unique environment, supporting a diverse collection of wildlife. There are campgrounds and cabins surrounding the lake too, something were definitely coming back for next time! For roughly 16 miles on the June Lake Loop, the road winds past a series of glacial lakes, all backdropped by scraggly peaks that reach up towards the skies. Getting to Yosemite From the South Los Angeles area Distance: 313 mi / 504 km Time: 6 hours Take I-5 north (or I-405 north to I-5) to Highway 99 north to Highway 41 north (Fresno) into Yosemite National Park. There are a few different ways to experience Big Pine Lakes, either as aday hikeor as anovernight camping trip. Visited in March, it was already springtime in California, there was snow and it was beautiful. If you are limited on time and need to pick just one, opt for South Lake or Lake Sabrina (with boat rentals, a cafe, and a store). This spot is in the middle of the park and easily accessible from the road. Tioga Road is the only road in this region that cuts across the Sierra Nevada mountain range and connects Yosemite with Mammoth. If youre going to be stopping here for the night, do not miss theSkyline Drive-In Theater! The next destination is the Furnace Creek Visitor Center which opens at 8 am in the morning. Especially being born and raised in Las Vegas (where the light pollution is one of the worst in the world), I was SO impressed!! But it also makes it a little hard to hike up the hole. Highway monitors list the pass's openings and closings on their website so that drivers can plan their trips appropriately. It is in the Bullfrog Hills, about 120 miles northwest of Las Vegas, near the eastern boundary of Death Valley National Park. Located off Highway 190 in the center of the park, the dunes are easy to reach. Limits are pretty low, but was able to win a bit. Show only these on map. Distance from Las Vegas: 370 miles, 5.5-6 hour drive . Ubehebe Crater is a massive 600 foot-deep, half-mile-wide volcanic crater thats about an hour north of the Furnace Creek Visitor Center. It's only a short distance between the trailhead and one of the most popular bathing sites made possible by the hot spring, but there are several other locations to be found by hiking around the area which is also the best way to explore the topography and understand the curious geology. They relax briefly on the nearly empty patio. The falls are very beautiful. Don't do that. Unsubscribe at any time. The entrance to the sandy road that leads to Devils Golf Courseis on Badwater Road between the entry and exit of the Artist circular road. Incredible Sight to watch. Is the scenic route marked the whole way so I stay on course? See the Grand Canyon, lively Flagstaff, rich history, and more. This attraction is out of the way, about 1 hour and 15 minutes (61 miles) one way. Many people know of Mammoth for its world-class skiing and snowboarding during the wintertime. There is a lot of gravel on the path going down, making it a lot easier to hike down to the bottom of the crater. This is a very good half day trip. Such a cool spot that visitors can view from the parking area. The area attracts over a million visitors annually, thanks to its proximity to Las Vegas, with more and more coming each year as word of the beauty of Red Rock starts to spread. This railroad and Old West museum recreates the village of Laws, an important stop on the route of the Slim Princess, a narrow-gauge train that hauled freight and passengers across the Owens Valley for nearly 80 years. Once in Fresno, take State Route 41 north and pass Sierra National Forest, and you'll soon pass through Oakhurst and Fish Camp, one of the entrances to Yosemite National Park. Did not hear or see one jackpot in our stay here. At Barstow, get on US Route 58 and follow it all the way to Bakersfield. Best in the morning or evening. photo: Steve Dunleavy, This was our last point traveling on 120. It was formed when gases and magma built up and then exploded all over the surrounding desert floor. There are plenty! Enjoy this peaceful Yosemite time. If youre looking for something a bit more active, Bakersfield is also home to several parks and recreation areas, such as Hart Park and Panorama Bluffs. Use this post to create your custom Las Vegas to Yosemite itinerary, and youll be ready to hit the open road and enjoy the journey! These also the most accessible sand dunes in the national park, situated just off of Highway 190, a couple of miles east of Stovepipe Wells. Its home to the lowest point of elevation in North America, and its also the site of thehottest temperature recordedon the continent. from the sculptures to the abandoned town walking distance up the road. Ramah Tour & Travel on Instagram: "Sudah lihat IG Story Ramah dari It has 30 miles of stunning hiking trails, biking paths, and rock climbing spots amongst the deep red Aztec sandstone cliffs. Natural wonder with red rocks draws those looking to hike, rock climb or go for a scenic drive. Definitely don't wear your favorite shoes lol. You can catch unique views of Cathedral Peak, Pothole Dome and Lembert Dome alongside the Tuolumne River Bridge and Tuolumne pools. Simply breathtaking!! The largest of these, Ubehebe Crater, is a sight to behold, at half a mile across and 600 feet deep. Can You Swim In Florida In the Wintertime? Mountains surround this scenic lake known for its turquoise water, trout fishing & storied past. This place is only 22 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip, a beautiful place for families to enjoy the desert of Nevada. Clothing is optional here. There is an entrance fee to be paid here and with surety grab the map of the park from here. Formed between 2000 & 7000 years ago, this large crater was created by large steam eruptions. Two best hotel place to stay (expensive) are next to this location. We came in at 6:30 so parking wasn't a problem and it was actually a bit chilly. Between two national parks, multiple national monument sites, vista points . I-15 and CA-58 this is the longer route that avoids Tioga Pass; takes you west of the Sierra Nevadas via the central valley. It is a must stop if driving by. Speaking of, Scottys Castle is another place I would certainly recommend checking out for some great photographic opportunities. A huge volcanic crater half a mile wide and 600 feet deep was created by steam and gas explosions in the Northwest of Death Valley. Tuolumne Meadows is home to some of the most enchanting landscapes in Yosemite National Park. Funky, free sculpture park in the desert featuring 7 offbeat works by Belgian artists & a gift shop. Calm and serene. Its a big park and it gets very hot make sure to take plenty of water and snacks if you plan to stay all day. Gorgeous place to see , with a very short hike to get to the falls. From Badwater Basin, we drove to the Devils Golf Course, a hostile rocky and salty landscape that would prove difficult even for walking. When you get to the end, scale the wall for an amazing view of the entire Las Vegas Valley. Dress, Shoes, And Other Tips By Season]? Badwater Basin- the lowest point in the US- is one of the busiest spots, most popular places in Death Valley National Park. Here's the quick answer if you are able to make this entire trip by car without stopping. Some popular activities around Bishop include bouldering, hiking, mountain biking, and off-roading. Mariposa Grove, while not at the heart of Yosemite, is home to one of its most impressive natural features: the Giant Sequoias. My best friend had her fair share of laughs. Death Valley National Park is only a 2-hour drive from Las Vegas and on the way to Yosemite. For a slower-paced visit to the famous national park, take a two-day tour. After Fresno, you'll be knocking on Yosemite's front door. It is amazing!!! Its a maar volcanic crater that formed when hot magma came into contact with groundwater, which led to a giant steam explosion and a large debris field of cinder all around. In terms of elevation, it is important to know that youll experience some pretty drastic elevation changes (an example would be from Lee Vining to Yosemite via Tioga Pass), so make sure your car is capable of accelerating and braking without any issues. Bonnie Springs Ranch Old Nevada Western Town, For the budget-friendly traveler who doesnt mind roughing it, Id recommend trying to snag a. 1. Driving from Yosemite National Park to Las Vegas should take you 8 hrs 16 mins in normal traffic. Rooms were old and in need of some maintenance and updating. Luxury Meets Disney Magic: Inside the $109,995 Private Jet Adventure! It can be a bit of a travel day coming from the east coast but now you can fly directly into mammoth saving you the drive from Reno. 12 Best National Parks to Visit from Las Vegas - Nature Near Vegas On the Eastern Sierra, scenic U.S. 395 leads north almost to the Nevada border, and road-trippers can take forested Highway 89 west to its junction with U.S. 50 to continue to South Lake Tahoe. The area contains various trails, ranging from easy walks around the park to more challenging hikes leading up to the hills. Scenic, unique place, and beautiful at sunset and for stargazing. Going north from here, you'll be passing directly through Fresno, and just past Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Be cautious walking closer to the formations, the ground is like quick sand and slippery, lots of flying bugs. And guess what? During the summer/fall seasons, I highly recommend getting out on the water one way or another! Located in the high sierras, Tuolumne Meadows is a beautiful location that sadly doesnt get the attention that Yosemite Valley does. Distance between Pahrump, NV and Yosemite National Park, CA Convenient parking. Nice rooms. The one investor remaining Albert M Johnson became enamored with Death Valley and the two men became lifelong friends. The halfway point is Escalon, CA. Have plenty of water and NEVER leave the road/trail-it is called Death Valley for a reason! Needless to say, the family had an unbelievable time that will never be forgotten seeing that summer skiing is pretty rare! Would recommend coming an hour or two before sunset, exploring/playing on the dunes and then watching sunset there. The beautiful scenery and striking rock formations of Red Rock Canyon create the ideal environment for a host of fun outdoor activities. The Big Pine Lakes trail is a loop trail, beginning at Big Pine Creek Campground and working its way back into the Sierra Nevadas, covering 15-16 miles of distance in the form of a loop trail. Your trip begins in Las Vegas, Nevada. Definitely a must see attraction if you want to get-away from Las Vegas and see something different and unique. This post may contain affiliate links. That's because, come November, snow begins to accumulate on the road, making it impassable. You will find the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes beside the road just before Stovepipe Wells. Thehike to Big Pine Lakes is easily one of the best day hikes in all of California. Whether youre looking to gamble, drink, or just relax in the desert sun, Pahrump has something for everyone. I've seen people go down (down the hills and down on their face) using skim boards, boogie boards, surf boards, trash bags, snow sleds, skis-just anything and everything they can think of! You will remember the moment in your whole life. Offering a chance to visit a massive volcanic crater in the middle of the desert, the Ubehebe and Little Hebe Crater Trail is a great choice for geology lovers everywhere. So if you want to get inside the drug-induced, mind-altered head space of Raoul Duke (Johnny Depps character), head here. If you are visiting from the other states, you won't believe Vegas has a good amount of snow!Not really having a variety of slopes but definitely decent grade and quality slopes. No traffic, spectacular view and snow everywhere. Depending on your route, the trip can be between roughly 330 and 560 miles long. The most exciting attraction in Fresno, however, is the Fresno Chaffe Zoo. Both for the temperature and the light. Visitors Ctr is awesome, beautifully designed and full of cool info. The marina is closed for the season. The hike down is around 500 feet down. This site and app let me do all the planning for our 15 day trip in a little over 6 hours! Not only was she knowledgeable about the food served in the restaurant but she was filled with fun information about the Pahrump area. This is around the corner from Scottys Castle and is available for photography. Visit this vast area of shifting sands at sunrise to witness the light and shade that accentuates the contours of the dunes. An Epic 2 Days in Yosemite - Perfect for First-Timers! The largest crater of the national park is about 600 feet deep and 1/2 mile across. Published: Apr. Why? I recommend visiting Death Valley on your way, arriving at Yosemite from Death Valley the next day. On this alternative winter route, Bakersfield is just about the midpoint between Las Vegas and Yosemite National Park. Just outside the Death Valley eastern park boundary (about 35 miles from Furnace Creek), Rhyolite epitomizes the hurly-burly, boom-and-bust story of Western gold-rush mining towns in the early 1900s; it had 8000 Just a few remnants of its glory days can be found in this once booming mining town, including a 3 story bank, jail and train station. Great preview tour! Recommended option Bus, train, drive Take the bus from Las Vegas to Bakersfield For the most up-to-date road conditions, check the NPS websiteif theres a Tioga Pass road closure, its usually posted at the top of the page. This one percent is spread across five different dune areas, of which the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are the most well-known. We were fortunate enough for a worker to show us how the mining mill works. Here, you'll be able to settle in at a luxury resort or in a nestled cabin and still reach Yosemite within 18 minutes. Jack Sawyer road is a mostly dirt road but is easy to traverse. The area is full of photo-worthy natural beauty and rugged red rock formations. After exploring the beautiful property, you can further unwind with a massage at the spa, have a traditional meal at the on-site restaurant, enjoy a drink before bed at the bar, or even try your hand at golf or a variety of other sports and activities. If the views of Temple Crag and the surrounding mountain ranges dont take your breath away, the color of the bright, turquoise lakes will. For a truly out-of-this-world experience, a visit to the incredible Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes ought to be on your list. If you come from the south to visit the Artists Palette, you could unwittingly overlook this location. You can hike into the center, but note that the steep climb out is much more difficult than the climb in! Located in the Mojave Desert of Nevada, the red sandstone-covered Red Rock Canyon is one of the most visited sunrise spots in Las Vegas due to its beauty. Just as you are leaving Las Vegas, take a slight detour to the out-of-this-world gorgeous Red Rock Canyon. Iron oxide accumulated throughout these rocks over centuries and will give your photos a bright orange element. Yosemite Valley closing 4/28/23. Numerous trails lead to these scenic falls within the lush forests of the Ansel Adams Wilderness. On the left, you see the route that takes you west of the Sierra Nevada. Easily plan for a hour here, or more. Having visited both places, the California version does pale in comparison to Wyoming's but the hike to the Devil's Postpile is great. You will love to spend around 2 hours here. There are also a few short trails to hike around the spring if you prefer that as an alternative. These hexagonal rock formations are crazy to see as well as crazier that is natural. Hiking through sand can be difficult, so make sure to plan accordingly, especially if youre wanting to walk out towards some of the taller dunes. Another weird and wonderful creation by mother nature in Death Valley National Park is the Devils Golf Course. Pretty cool place. Much easier to climb then Kelsi Dunes. Located in the Stovepipe Wells Village area, the dunes feature seemingly endless mounds of sand backed by rugged mountains. So if Tioga Pass is closed, what should you do to get from Las Vegas to Yosemite? The most accessible sand dunes are the Mesquite Dunes in Stovepipe Wells. This is a must-stop place before you head out exploring the dry desert. You wont be paying a cent more, but in the event of a sale, the small affiliate commission I receive will help keep this blog running/pumping out useful and free content. This museum is one of the best antique museums we've ever been to. Ashford Junction, once upon a time, was one of the most active railroad towns operating in California. A lot of that has to do with the world-class resorts, the best one being The Inn at Death Valley. A little off the beaten path but well worth the effort. Yosemite National Park Day Trip: 13 Unmissable Things To See. Weve stayed at Aliante many times. Weathered buildings sit frozen in time on a dusty, windswept plain. These dunes are the best known and easiest to visit in the national park. Mesquite Sand Dunes is another prime spot for photography and for a good reason the beautiful sand formations, along with the surreal mountain rangers surrounding the dunes give a lot of different photographic opportunities. You can check out the affiliated website for additional information. Sandstone rock formations tower over the desert landscape. Be sure to head here in the spring when the grasses are green and full. The Mesquite Sand Dunes are a central attraction of Death Valley and is located only a few kilometers outside of Stovepipe Wells. The trails are groomed and fairly flat. Next time we will be prepared to stay the whole day, with skiing equipments and skiing attire.. (KFSN, MERCED COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE, MARIPOSA COUNTY . Spend some time exploring the meadows below, or continue along the road and cut through the mountains at Tioga Pass. By the way, had a small issue with a steak, was resolved immediately and made us a customer for life. This is(was) a great place to get away for a few hours, the restaurant was pretty good with decent prices, the jewel of their menu was most definitely the bison steak and the bison burger, not always available but worth the trip to find out.
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