Yosemite to Lake Tahoe Road Trip

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If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, a road trip from Yosemite National Park to Lake Tahoe is the perfect excursion. The journey will take you through some of Northern California and Northern Nevada’s most beautiful scenery.

Highway 395, along the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, has plenty of opportunities for exploring, hiking, camping, and fishing.

I’ll show you where to see alpine lakes, salt water lakes, ghost towns, hot springs, and more!

So pack your sense of adventure and hit the open road!

How Far is Lake Tahoe From Yosemite?

Driving from the Yosemite National Park east entrance, the Tioga Pass Entrance, to the east shore of Lake Tahoe, is 125 miles via Highway 395. 

The drive should take you about 2.5 hours, if the roads are clear of hazards, and you only stop for gas.

If you are leaving from Yosemite Valley, you will need to add another 1.5 hours to account for the drive from the Valley to the east gate, via Tuolumne Meadows.  As I have always mentioned, Yosemite high country is my favorite, so I highly recommend taking this route if you have the time.

Best Scenic Route from Yosemite to Lake Tahoe

The most scenic route from Yosemite National Park to Lake Tahoe is via Highway 120 to Highway 395, along the Eastern Sierra corridor. 

In this blog post, I’ll give you all the information you need to make your journey as exciting and adventurous as you’d like.  There are multiple options for stopping points along 395, and I’ve broken them out into 8 sections.

8 Stops from Yosemite East Entrance to East Shore of Lake Tahoe

1. Lee Vining and Mono Lake

• Distance: 13 Miles – Tioga Pass Entrance to Lee Vining
• Gas / Food: Mobil Gas / Whoa Nellie Deli at intersection of SR-120 and Highway 395 is a must.  The restaurant is inside the Mobil Gas Station, and is a classic Eastern Sierra stop off. Great food, grass picnic area, amazing views, live music on some weekends, and the perfect Yosemite vibes.

Leaving Yosemite National Park, via the Tioga Pass Entrance, routes you down State Route 120 to Highway 395.  After descending the stunningly steep and beautiful SR-120, you will arrive at the intersection of Highway 395.  

Take the road north, and you are on your way!

Lee Vining is a small town straight ahead.  The town is situated at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountains and is bordered by Mono Lake to the east. 

The town of Lee Vining was originally founded as a stopover for miners traveling to and from Bodie, California (more info below – stop off #2) and was later named after John D. Lee Vining, who established a stagecoach station in the area. These days, Lee Vining is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, due to its proximity to Yosemite National Park.

Mono Lake is a saline soda lake and is one of the oldest lakes in North America.  The lake was formed about 760,000 years ago, and has no outlet – water can only leave the lake via evaporation or seepage.  

As a result, the lake is incredibly salty and has a high concentration of minerals. These minerals give the lake its distinct appearance and make it hospitable to unique organisms, such as brine shrimp. The shrimp then attract migrating and rare birds, which in turn attracts bird watchers and ornithologists (one of my ornithologist friends comes here annually for rare sightings and research).

The lake’s shores are also home to tufa towers, which are calcium-carbonate spires that form when freshwater springs mix with saltwater from the lake. 

The towers are an incredible sight and one of the main reasons why Mono Lake is such a popular destination for photographers.

2. Bodie State Historic Park

• Distance:   31 miles – Lee Vining to Bodie State Historic Park.  18 miles to Bodie turn off CA-270 E  (13 more miles to the park).
• Gas / Food:  There are no gas stations or services inside the park, so make sure you fill up your tank before you go.

Leaving Lee Vining, head north along Highway 395 and turn-off for Bodie Historic State Park on the east side. The route to the state park is about 30 minutes, and completely worth it!

Bodie began as a small mining camp in 1859 after gold was discovered in Mono Lake.  Around 8,000 people eventually lived here, and the town was notoriously known for lawlessness, with gambling, murder, and prostitution being commonplace. The real wild west!

However, by 1914, the gold rush had come to an end and Bodie began its slow decline. By 1940, the population had dwindled to just 200 people, and now is a real life ghost town.

Upon entering the park, you can explore the abandoned buildings on foot, and get a taste of what life was like in a wild west gold town. 

The park is maintained in a state of “arrested decay” and features many well-preserved buildings from the town’s heyday in the late 1800s. You can see original furnishings and artifacts in the buildings, many of which are still standing, and get a solid glimpse into the life and times of a western gold rush town.

I drove past this turn off countless times over the years, and was so glad when I finally made a point to take the time and visit. Bodie is one of the best-preserved ghost towns in the American West. 

3. Bridgeport and Buckeye Hot Springs (and Twin Lakes)

• Distance:  7 miles – Bodie turn off to Bridgeport
• Gas / Food: Bridgeport has 2 gas stations, a small general store, and a few cafés and restaurants.  The gas tends to be the most expensive here! If you can wait until you get to Minden or Gardnerville, you will save quite a bit of money.

The small town of Bridgeport is the perfect base camp for exploring hot springs, ranches, and alpine lakes. Nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, this quaint town has stunning views and easy access to all the best that the region has to offer. 

Located 10 miles from Bridgeport are Twin Lakes. These two alpine lakes are the perfect place to go for a swim, fish for trout, or just sit back and take in the scenery.  The basin also provides access to the remote northern section of Yosemite, via strenuous hiking trails, with the infamous Sawtooth Ridge in the horizon.

The Buckeye Hot Springs can be accessed via the Buckeye Road off Twin Lakes Road, or Buckeye Rd off Highway 395.  These natural hot springs are not far from the road, and pour right into the creek.  A perfect combination if you get too hot and need to cool off. 

If you want to extend your trip, an easy overnight camp spot is the Honeymoon Flat Campground along Robinson Creek.  I have camped here a few times and have never had an issue getting a spot. The campgrounds right at Twin Lakes do book up in advance, and this is a great alternative.  

Backpacking in this area is also quite noteworthy.  The Buckeye Canyon trail, just past Buckeye Hot Springs, into the Hoover Wilderness provides some dramatic granite backdrops and Aspen filled meadows.

4. West Walker River and Walker

• Distance:  31 miles – Bridgeport to Walker
• Gas /Food:  1 gas station, 1 coffee shop, and a couple burger joints – Walker Burger is the classic stop along 395 and Mountain View Barbecue is another highly rated spot.

In the rugged canyon of the Sierra Nevada, a little river known as the West Walker River flows through the small town of Walker, CA. Flowing for about 67 miles from its headwaters near Sonora Pass, the West Walker is one of many rivers originating from the Sierra Nevada.

The river is home to an array of fish and is a favorite spot for many anglers.  I have quite a few friends that make this a regular stop.  

The lower section of the West Walker River, between Bridgeport Reservoir and canyon dam, boasts mostly rainbow trout with an occasional brown trout. 

As you move upstream towards Lyons Creek confluence, you’ll start to find a mix of brook, brown, and rainbow trout. After passing through alpine meadows and lakes, anglers can expect to find mostly brook trout until reaching Sonora pass.

As always, whenever visiting and fishing any river, it is important to check fishing regulations as they are constantly changing in order to maintain a healthy ecosystem.

If you are not into fishing, there are many public access points along the river right off of the Highway. 

The town of Walker is quite small, and you will be through it before you know it.  However, don’t let the tiny town feel keep you from stopping.  Walker Burger, Mountain View Barbeque, and Walker Coffee Company are all great spots depending on your craving. 

All in all, this area is perfect for an outdoor adventurer looking for a place to stop off and fish, or grab a bite to eat.

5. Topaz Lake

• Distance:  16 miles – Walker, CA to Topaz Lake, NV
• Gas / Food:  1 gas station, 1 café

Once you leave Walker, you will be heading for the Nevada State Line, crossing the border right as you are entering the Topaz Lake area. 

Topaz Lake is a man-made reservoir created in 1913. Its name is derived from the nearby town of Topaz, which was named after the gemstone that was found in the area in the late 1800s. 

Today, Topaz Lake is a popular recreation spot for locals and tourists alike. There are numerous campgrounds and RV parks located around the lake, as well as several day-use areas where you can picnic and swim.

Fishing is a popular activity here, as the lake is home to rainbow and brown trout and due to the size of the lake, many prefer fishing from boats.  Since the lake is located in both California and Nevada, a fishing license from either state will work.  

In addition to fishing, there are plenty of opportunities for swimming, hiking, bird watching, and gambling.  Yes, since you crossed into Nevada, there is a small casino.

6. Gardnerville and Minden

• Distance:  26 miles – Topaz Lake, NV to Gardnerville, NV
• Gas / Food:  Plenty of options for gas in Gardnerville, and the prices are often some of the best – fill up here!  As for food, there is an array of choices.

WORD OF WARNING – DO NOT SPEED THROUGH THESE TOWNS!!  JUST DON’T.  

The speed limit feels painfully slow, because it is, but just set it on cruise control and breathe.  I’ve driven through this town countless times and have seen way way too many people get tickets – including myself.

Tucked away in the mountains of Northern Nevada and the Carson Valley, are the charming towns of Gardnerville and Minden. The 2 towns blend into the next, so I’ve included them together. 

The towns are located on the banks of the Carson River and are surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. The main activities in the area include hiking, fishing, and biking. 

There are also several great restaurants and cafes, and Walker Coffee Company is highly suggested.  The folks working here are friendly, there is ample space inside and out, and the food and drinks are great.  A great stop if you need a kick of caffeine.

7. Carson City

• Distance:  16 miles – Gardnerville, NV to Carson City, NV (city center)
• Gas / Food: If you have a Costco membership, the Costco gas station right before the corner of the US-50 West and Highway 395.  You will also find Trader Joe’s, Target, etc.  A great place to stock up if you are staying in Tahoe for a period of time. 

The turn to Lake Tahoe is before you get to the city center of Carson City. 

If you have the time, head in to Carson City for a look around. This is the capital of Nevada and has plenty of history for those interested. 

The area started to boom after the 1859 Comstock Lode gold discovery, and became the capital in 1861. The town was name after Kit Carson, a frontiersman who was active in the west during the mid-19th century.  

A great place to get an overarching understanding of the area is the Nevada State Museum.  The museum is full of exhibits on the state’s history, including the mining industry and the Carson City Mint.

8. Lake Tahoe East Shore

• Distance:  10 miles – Highway 395 turnoff to US-50 West to the East Shore intersection of NV-28
• Gas / Food – no real stopping points

The following directions are to the NV-28 and US-50 intersection.  It is here you will either continue on US-50 and head into South Lake Tahoe.  Or, turn onto NV-28 and head north to Incline Village, NV.

Keep in mind, the lake is 70 miles in circumference, and there is a difference between North Lake Tahoe and South Lake Tahoe.  That info is for a more in depth post.  

The purpose of this post is to get you to Tahoe, and now the next adventure begins!

Lake Tahoe’s East Shore is one of the most beautiful places on earth.  The beaches are more shallow, and the crystal-clear water and towering pines are like no other.

I lived in Tahoe for 2 decades, and there is a reason I stayed for so long.  The outdoor recreation options are endless, the water is magical, and the blue sky seems to go on forever. 

Two highlights of the east shore are Sand Harbor – a Nevada State Park, and the Flume Trail.  

Sand Harbor is a mecca for swimming, kayaking, and lounging, as well as Shakespeare on the Lake in the summer.  If you are a mountain biker, the Flume Trail is world-class!  14 miles, views of Tahoe that are hard to believe, and a time you will never forget.

Summary

If you’re looking for a road trip adventure to Lake Tahoe, or simply want to explore some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, be sure to check out Highway 395. The 8 scenic stops we’ve highlighted will leave you wanting more, and we guarantee that you won’t be disappointed with the natural beauty of eastern California and northern Nevada. 

Before You Go…

If you are looking to spend a bit more time on the east side, and near Lee Vining, be sure read more:

Lee Vining CA Ultimate Outdoor Guide

Related Posts:

Which Entrance To Yosemite is Best?

Top 10 Best Viewpoints in Yosemite National Park