Drive corridor · sweet spot
Los Angeles to Yosemite NP road trip: 7 stops worth the detour
Los Angeles, CA → Yosemite NP, CA. Ranked detours with honest +N min estimates — then open a pre-filled plan door when you're ready to drive it.
Worth the detour
Stops along the drive
4 stops · 3 hidden
- The Elderberry House+2 minDining · CA
Oakhurst's top-rated fine-dining destination plating seasonal French-inspired cuisine from local farms harvesting exclusively for its kitchen. Order: Tasting menu.
- Cedar House Restaurant+30 minDining · CA
El Portal favorite along Highway 140 near Yosemite's Arch Rock entrance, best known for its classic fish and chips. Order: Fish and chips.
- Cathedral Lakes (Tuolumne)+54 minHikes · CA
a high-country classic below Cathedral Peak
- Tuolumne Meadows Grill+58 minDining · CA
A seasonal high-country grill stop on Tioga Road, valuable precisely because services are scarce between Lee Vining and Yosemite Valley.
Explore more
State hubs & places
Where to stay
Where to stay along this drive
Hotels, cabins, and rentals close to the action — compare and book for your trip.
At the destination: Yosemite NP →
We may earn a commission from bookings made through this link — at no extra cost to you.
FAQ
Before you go
- How long is the drive from Los Angeles to Yosemite NP?
About 6 hr 6 min and 311 mi of road driving, before any detours.
- What are the best stops between Los Angeles and Yosemite NP?
Top ranked stops include The Elderberry House, Yosemite National Park, Watts Towers. Each stop shows an honest +N min detour estimate from the main drive.
- Can I plan this drive in Roamward?
Yes — open the pre-filled From→To planner for Los Angeles to Yosemite NP, pick a detour budget, and save the trip.
Paper backup
Glovebox note
Dead zones happen. Plan this corridor, then use Print glovebox sheet on the trip page for a paper itinerary with coordinates — no signal required. Start here: pre-filled From→To door.