Lake Tahoe to Death Valley via Yosemite
United States
California's greatest single road trip, from the alpine clarity of Lake Tahoe through Yosemite's granite cathedral valley, over the 3,031m Tioga Pass into the Eastern Sierra's high desert, past the tufa towers of Mono Lake, and down through the Alabama Hills below Whitney to Death Valley's salt pan 86 metres below sea level. The full geological range of the American West in one drive.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- South Lake Tahoe
North America's largest alpine lake sits at 1,897m, 505m deep with water clarity to 30m. Emerald Bay and the Rubicon Trail define the route's crystalline starting point.
- Yosemite Valley
El Capitan and Half Dome's 1km granite walls frame a meadow valley. Yosemite Falls drops 739m in three tiers, the tallest waterfall in North America.
- Tuolumne Meadows
The Sierra Nevada's largest subalpine meadow at 2,621m, ringed by granite domes. The Tuolumne River braids through wildflower grasslands before the climb to Tioga Pass.
- Tioga Pass
At 3,031m the highest paved Sierra crossing, open only May to November. The road drops steeply east into the Great Basin's high desert immediately beyond the gate.
- Mono Lake
A 760,000-year-old saline lake three times saltier than the ocean. Calcium carbonate tufa towers emerge from its surface; two million migratory birds stop here annually.
- Bishop
The Eastern Sierra's main hub, flanked by the White Mountains and the Sierra crest. The Buttermilk boulders and ancient bristlecone pines lie within an hour of town.
- Alabama Hills
Rounded orange granite boulders below 4,421m Mt Whitney, used as Western film sets for a century. Mobius Arch frames Whitney's summit in a single stone window.
- Badwater Basin
At -86m the lowest point in North America, a vast salt polygon flat ringed by 3,000m peaks. Zabriskie Point and Artist's Palette complete the most extreme California finale.
Where to Eat
- The Restaurant at Convict LakeAmerican
Fine dining with mountain views, offering steaks and seafood in a rustic lodge setting.
- Erick Schat's BakkeryBakery
Famous for its sheepherder bread and a variety of pastries, this bakery is a must-stop in Bishop.
- Whoa Nellie DeliEclectic
Unexpected gourmet meals inside a gas station, featuring fish tacos and live music.
- The Stove RestaurantAmerican
Cozy spot known for hearty breakfasts and homestyle cooking in Mammoth Lakes.
Things to Do
- Devils Postpile National MonumentNational Monument
Marvel at the unique basalt column formations and hike to the nearby Rainbow Falls.
- Ancient Bristlecone Pine ForestNature Reserve
Home to some of the world's oldest trees, offering scenic hikes and panoramic views.
- Manzanar National Historic SiteHistoric Site
Explore the history of Japanese American internment during World War II through exhibits and preserved structures.
- Mammoth MountainSki Resort
Year-round destination for skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, and scenic gondola rides.
Travel advisory
Tioga Pass (Highway 120) typically closes from November through late May and should be confirmed open before planning this itinerary. Death Valley summer temperatures regularly exceed 50 degrees Celsius, so travel between June and September requires extra water, a checked radiator, and driving the valley floor during early morning or evening only.