A Day Trip from Mammoth Lakes to Yosemite

Mammoth Lakes may be known for its skiing and winter adventures, but summer in Mammoth is just as spectacular. Summer brings endless sunshine for mountain adventures and re-opens our access road to Yosemite National Park. A day trip from Mammoth Lakes to Yosemite is the perfect way to kick off summer and spend time at one of the most treasured national parks in the country. Yosemite is less than an hour away when you take Tioga Pass State Highway 120 starting in early summer. Snowcreek Resort is an excellent basecamp for your outdoor adventures. Visit the iconic trails and landmarks of Yosemite during your California summer vacation.

How to Access Yosemite from Mammoth Lakes

The only way to get from Mammoth Lakes to Yosemite is to take Tioga Road, Highway 120. The heavy snowpack on this route means that the road isn’t cleared for public access until late May or early June. This date is different every year, so make sure you read the plowing update before making any plans. If you prefer to take a bus to the park, you can use the Yosemite Area Regional Transit  (YARTS) transportation instead.

You will also need to make an advanced reservation for your visit from May 20th through September 30th. Learn more about entrance reservations here. 

Things to Do in Yosemite National Park

There are endless things to do and see during your trip to Yosemite. The park’s most popular area, Yosemite Valley, is easily accessible from Mammoth. Witness cascading waterfalls, granite cliffs, canyons, and giant sequoias at this awe-inspiring national park.

• Yosemite Valley offers views of iconic landmarks like Half Dome, which reaches 5,000 feet above the valley! The hike to the top is strenuous, so most people take in the views from nearby trails. If you are interested in similar views of granite cliffs from an accessible route, we recommend Sentinel Dome Trail.

• There are several waterfall hikes to choose from in Yosemite Valley. Witness North America’s tallest waterfall on the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail or see the falls from above with the Upper Yosemite Falls Trail. Discover even more waterfalls with the Bridalveil Fall Trail or Vernal Fall & Nevada Fall Trails.

• Walk amongst giant sequoias at Mariposa Grove off of Wawona Road. There are 500 mature sequoias here that have been standing in California for thousands of years. See these magnificent giants for yourself during your day trip from Mammoth Lakes to Yosemite.

• Hiking is just the beginning of Yosemite’s adventures. Spend your time biking through the valley, rafting the Merced River, or fishing for trout.

Make the Trip from Mammoth Lakes to Yosemite!

Mammoth Lakes is the perfect destination for summer adventures in California. Besides all the outdoor activities around town, we are also a short drive away from beautiful Yosemite. Plan a day trip from Mammoth Lakes to Yosemite and discover the top attractions and landmarks in the park. Afterward, Snowcreek Resort is the ideal destination to unwind with your family in a spacious vacation rental. We represent a wide variety of properties that can accommodate any group vacationing in Mammoth Lakes.