The iconic national parks in California’s High Sierra might be the primary reason to visit—but the region’s landscape is ideally suited for the perfect California road trip. Instead of taking the fast lane straight to your destination, take the opportunity to see the Golden State’s beauty along its winding, scenic byways. To help you make the most of your adventure, we’ve put together an itinerary that starts in San Francisco, meanders through historic Gold Rush towns, climbs into the dramatic Eastern Sierra, and finishes in Yosemite, one of the crown jewels of the Sierra. Then, it’s back to SF to wrap up your journey.
Day 1: California’s Wine & Big Trees
SFO to Murphys
Travel Time: 2 hours 43 minutes – 144 Miles
Head east through Central California and kick off your road trip adventure by hitting Highway 4, winding your way into the foothills of the Sierra. If you’re feeling hungry, make sure to stop in Murphys, often voted one of the coolest small towns in America. With over two dozen wine tasting rooms and a variety of restaurants ranging from fine dining to casual eats, you’ll find plenty to satisfy your cravings.
Calaveras Big Trees State Park
Travel Time: 20 minutes – 15 Miles
As you continue your journey, climb higher to the gateway of the Ebbetts Pass Scenic Byway and Calaveras Big Trees State Park. This is where European immigrants first encountered the awe-inspiring Giant Sequoias. Towering up to 325 feet tall and spanning 33 feet in diameter, these massive trees are the largest living things on Earth!
For the adventurous: If you’ve got the time and the spirit of adventure, continue east and explore the Ebbetts Pass Scenic Byway. This hidden gem, often called ‘California’s Alps,’ offers some of the state’s best-kept secrets. You’ll find peaceful outdoor escapes, from mountain biking trails around Bear Valley to pristine alpine lakes perfect for fishing. It’s the ideal place to immerse yourself in nature and unwind.
Burgers and Crafts in Sonora
Travel Time: 49 minutes – 32 Miles
Now that you’ve worked up an appetite, take a tasty journey along the Craft Burger Trail, featuring seven different restaurants in Tuolumne County with their own creative takes on the classic burger. Not a burger fan? No worries! Stop by El Arroyo for three different taco options daily, like their mouthwatering barbacoa tacos. Or indulge in Mediterranean flavors at Yianni’s Bar & Grill. Sonora has a wide variety of dining options to satisfy whatever you’re craving.
Day 2: Gold Rush & Natural Wonders
Columbia State Historic Park
Travel Time: 9 minutes – 4.4 Miles
Waking up in the heart of “Mother Lode Country,” you’re surrounded by the rock deposits that sparked the California Gold Rush. Head over to Columbia State Historic Park for a taste of what life was like in a booming gold rush town—and maybe even try your hand at gold panning. Be sure to stop by the St. Charles Saloon, where your kids can sip on an authentic sarsaparilla while you kick back with a cold pint of beer in a true historic saloon.
1897 Historic Railtown
Travel Time: 15 minutes – 7 Miles
The gold rush brought wealth and a construction boom that helped usher in the Golden Age of Railroading. To support this growth, a railroad hub was built near the town of Jamestown, now home to the 1897 Historic Railtown State Park. Explore a working roundhouse and get a glimpse of “The Movie Railroad”—a spot made famous by its vintage trains and picturesque property, which have been featured in hundreds of movies and TV shows.
Columns of the Giants
Travel Time: 1 hr 13 minutes – 55 miles
After you’ve gotten your fill of Gold Rush history, it’s time to head east and begin the ascent into the mighty High Sierra. The Sierra Nevada were shaped by both volcanic activity and glaciers, resulting in some truly impressive geological wonders like the Columns of the Giants. These unique, hexagonal basalt rock formations were sculpted over time by ancient glaciers into stunning shapes. They’re one of those sights you really have to see to fully appreciate.
Kennedy Meadows (Sonora Pass)
Travel Time: 8 minutes – 5 miles
Continue eastward to Kennedy Meadows where you’ll have your first chance to embrace John Muir’s wisdom and make sure “a few trails are in dirt.” If you’re looking to take it easy, enjoy the serene alpine landscape along the Middle Fork of the Stanislaus River. But if you’re up for a challenge, tackle the seven-mile hike with 1,660 feet of elevation gain to reach one of the High Sierra’s shimmering alpine lake jewels—Relief Reservoir. Trust us, the view is well worth the effort.
Stay in Bridgeport
Travel Time: 1 hr – 42 miles
You’ve crossed over the towering peaks of the Sierra Nevada and into the heart of the Eastern Sierra. Bridgeport may be small, but it’s full of hidden gems. Just ten miles west, you’ll find Twin Lakes, where the state’s record brown trout was caught. In town, be sure to check out the second-oldest continuously used courthouse, featuring beautiful Italian architecture. Don’t forget to stop by the Bridgeport Inn, where Mark Twain stayed on his way to the bustling boomtown of Bodie. After a day of exploring, Big Meadow Brewing is the perfect spot to unwind—and it’s one of the stops along the Eastern Sierra Ale Trail.
Day 3: Ghost Towns & Otherworldly Sights
Bodie State Historic Park
Travel Time: 1 hr – 36 miles
Mining brought boom-and-bust towns throughout the Sierra Nevada, and none showcases this history better than California’s official ghost town—Bodie. Since the General Store closed in 1912, the town, with its 200 abandoned buildings, has been frozen in “arrested decay,” offering a rare glimpse into what an authentic ghost town looks like.
Mono Lake
Travel Time: 50 minutes – 23 miles
As you descend into the valley that holds Mono Lake, it feels like you’ve been transported to another world. From a distance, the ancient lake is 2.5 times saltier and 80 times more alkaline than the ocean and might appear “desolate,” but as you get closer, its immense biodiversity comes into view. Alkali flies, brine shrimp, underwater tufa towers, and nesting birds—this place is teeming with life.
For the adventurous: The Mono Lake Committee offers canoe and kayak naturalist tours on weekends through early September, providing a unique perspective on the lake’s geology and history.
Tour June Lake Loop
Travel Time: 18 minutes – 16 miles
The Eastern Sierra is packed with stunning scenery, but if there’s one detour every visitor should make, it’s the June Lake Loop. This 15-mile drive circles a chain of fish-filled lakes, all tucked into a steep, horseshoe-shaped canyon that feels straight out of the Swiss Alps. Along the way, you’ll discover world-class road cycling, fishing, hiking, boating, horseback riding, camping, and possibly the most creative brewery you’ve ever visited – June Lake Brewing.
Devils Postpile and Pedaling Mayhem
Travel Time: 22 minutes – 20 miles
Mammoth is famous for its skiing and snowboarding, but its summers are just as incredible—and arguably offer even more outdoor adventures. Take the shuttle from the Mammoth Adventure Center to explore Devils Postpile National Monument, where nature has sculpted stone columns that resemble a perfectly stacked pile of lumber, as if made by giants. And don’t miss the breathtaking 101-foot Rainbow Falls while you’re there.
For the adventurous: Mammoth Mountain’s Bike Park has been pushing the limits since the ’80s and remains one of the best in the country. With 80 miles of lift-accessed singletrack, there’s something for everyone—from the adrenaline-pumping Bullet, complete with high bridges and tabletops, to more family-friendly trails for a relaxing ride.
Day 4: Ancient Trees & Big Whopping Fish
Crowley Lake
Travel Time: 16 minutes – 15 miles
Fishing in the Eastern Sierra is more than just a hobby – it’s a way of life. The landscape is filled with alpine lakes, streams, and rivers, all brimming with fish. Crowley Lake, in particular, stands out as one of the best stillwater trout fisheries in the country. You can easily pull right up to the shoreline and start casting. And even if you’re not into fishing, Crowley Lake offers a glimpse into the quirky wonders of the High Sierra, like the stunning Crowley Columns.
Ancient Bristlecone
Travel Time: 1 hr 39 minutes – 68 miles
High up at nearly 11,000 feet in a quiet corner of California, you’ll find the Ancient Bristlecone Pine – considered the oldest non-clonal living things on Earth. Some of these remarkable trees are over 4,000 years old!
As you make your way down, be sure to stop at the scenic Sierra View overlook, just 2 miles below the Schulman Grove Visitor Center. This spot offers an unforgettable view of the Eastern Sierra and the town of Bishop below.
Stay in Bishop
Travel Time: 1 hr – 38 miles
Nestled in the heart of one of the least populated areas in California and the entire lower 48, Bishop strikes the perfect balance between a tight-knit community offering global cuisines and easy access to the great outdoors. With 99% of the land surrounding Bishop being public, it’s also a gateway to two of America’s most iconic national parks.
For the adventurous: Bishop and its vast backyard are all about exploration, and one of the best ways to dive in is by taking the Bishop Big Loop Auto Tour. This 62-mile route, a mix of paved and dirt roads, is the perfect introduction to what Bishop and the surrounding landscape have to offer. While you could zip through it in an hour, it’s best enjoyed at a slower pace, giving yourself a full day to truly soak it all in.
Day 5: Touring Yosemite’s Crown
Be aware that if you visit Yosemite National Park during peak times, a reservation may be required. Visit the National Park Service’s website for more details. Also, be aware Tioga Pass closes for winter and doesn’t open until May or even later. Visit the National Park Service’s website for the latest road opening dates.
Whoa Nellie Deli
Travel Time: 1 hr 5 minutes – 64 miles
Just because you’re in the mountains doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice good eats. Case in point—Whoa Nellie Deli. As you wind your way up from the salty shores of Mono Lake toward the eastern entrance of Yosemite National Park, you’ll stumble upon this unexpected treasure. Tucked inside a gas station, it’s a full-blown culinary oasis dishing out five-star fare with a side of Sierra views.
Tuolumne Meadows
Travel Time: 32 minutes – 19 miles
From there, the adventure kicks up a notch. Crossing Tioga Pass, you officially enter Yosemite—and this is where the landscape gets wild. Towering peaks, dramatic cliffs, and some of the most rugged terrain in the park greet you, including Cathedral Peak, one of the four summits every mountain lover should lay eyes on.
And let’s talk wildflowers. Thanks to the Sierra Nevada’s massive elevation gain in such a short distance, it boasts one of the longest wildflower seasons in the country. By summer, the upper reaches of Yosemite are just beginning to explode in color. Tuolumne Meadows is the crown jewel—an alpine paradise that comes alive in a sea of blooms.
For the adventurous:
If you’ve ever wanted to dip your toes into backpacking, summer in the Sierra Nevada serves up the perfect recipe for beginner-friendly adventures. Thanks to mostly mellow weather and stunning alpine scenery, it’s hard to beat. One of the best intro routes? The twelve-mile out-and-back to Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp. Sure, you could push it as a tough day hike, but it really shines as an overnight trip—ideal for first-time backpackers looking to ease into the experience.
Olmsted Point
Travel Time: 19 minutes – 11 miles
Named after Frederick Law Olmsted—widely considered the father of landscape architecture and a key player alongside John Muir in protecting Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Big Tree Grove—this spot is more than just a scenic stop. From Olmsted Point, you’ll catch your first jaw-dropping glimpse of Yosemite Valley and the dramatic backside of Half Dome. It’s a perfect mix of history, views, and that classic Sierra magic.
Stay in Yosemite Valley or Historic Towns
Travel Time: 1 hr 15 minutes – 46 miles
Whether you’re looking for convenience or local charm, Yosemite offers options. Staying inside the park gives you easy access to attractions and activities. Prefer a cultural experience? Stay just outside in historic towns like Mariposa—home to unique stays—often at a more affordable price.
Day 6: Yosemite’s A-Listers
Start Early With Glacier Point Tour
Travel Time: 19 minutes – 8 miles
If you’re visiting in the summer months, do yourself a favor—start your day early. Kick things off by grabbing a seat on the guided bus tour that departs from Yosemite Valley Lodge. Your destination? One of the most iconic viewpoints in the entire park: Glacier Point. Perched over 3,000 feet above the valley floor, this spot delivers a panoramic view that’ll leave you speechless—Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and the entire valley laid out below like a postcard come to life. If hiking is your jam, depart the bus at Glacier Point and take the world-class 8.5-mile-long Panorama Trail back to Yosemite Valley.
See the A-Listers
Travel Time: 19 minutes – 8 miles
Just 7½ miles long and 2 ¼ miles wide, Yosemite Valley packs in the park’s highest concentration of A-list icons—Half Dome, El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks, epic waterfalls and Mirror Lake, all within easy reach. And if you time it right, especially in spring and early summer, you’ll catch Yosemite in full waterfall mode.
Leave The Car, Take (or rent) The Bike
With so many jaw-dropping sights packed into a small area, the best way to explore Yosemite Valley is by foot or bike. And luckily, the park has one of the High Sierra’s premier paved paths: the Yosemite Valley multi-use trail system. Stretching over 12 miles, this scenic route connects you to all the major trailheads—and even spots like Mirror Lake—with ease.
Mariposa Grove
Travel Time: 60 minutes – 34 miles
As if the jaw-dropping beauty of Yosemite Valley wasn’t enough, the park is also home to some of the largest living organisms on Earth—the legendary Giant Sequoias. Yosemite has three sequoia groves, but the crown jewel is the Mariposa Grove. It’s the biggest of the bunch, with over 500 mature giants that will leave you in absolute awe. To help preserve this natural wonder, access is now available via a free shuttle that runs between the Mariposa Grove Welcome Center and the grove itself. For more details and other awesome adventures in the area, check out this great article by Visit Yosemite-Madera County.
Stay in Bass Lake
Travel Time: 27 minutes – 17 miles
Cap off your Yosemite adventure with a night at Bass Lake, often nicknamed the “Mini Lake Tahoe.” This chill mountain lake is the perfect place to unwind. Grab dinner at one of the lakeside spots offering multi-million dollar views and drool-worthy dishes—like the juicy burgers at Miller’s Landing Resort.
Still got some energy to burn? Hop on a board or kayak and catch golden hour with a sunset paddle. It’s no surprise Sunset Magazine named Bass Lake one of the “West’s Best Lakes.” Once you’re out there, you’ll see why.
Day 7: Heart of the Sierra
History in Mariposa
Travel Time: 35 minutes – 28 miles
After breakfast, take a laid-back stroll down the main drag of historic Mariposa, a classic Gold Rush town that oozes charm. Want to really grasp the scale of Yosemite’s granite giants? Swing by the Yosemite Climbing Museum, where the evolution of climbing in the park comes to life—from dirtbag beginnings to modern-day legends.
Craving more history? Mosey over to the Mariposa Museum & History Center—a spot the Smithsonian once called “the best little museum of its size west of the Mississippi.” And don’t miss the California State Mining and Mineral Museum, where you can dive into the region’s rich geologic past. The highlight? The legendary 13.8-pound Fricot Nugget—one of the largest remaining pieces of crystalline gold ever found.
Drive to SFO
Travel Time: 2 hr 47 minutes – 169 miles
Author: Alex Silgalis
Alex founded Local Freshies® in 2014 to be the #1 website providing the “local scoop” on where to eat, drink & play in mountain towns throughout North America. When he’s not writing and executing marketing strategies for small businesses & agencies, he’s in search of the deepest snow in the winter and tackiest dirt in the summer.
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