The Golden State is arguably one of the best places in the United States, quite possibly the world, to go on a road trip. Its lofty peaks reaching up to 14,000 feet in elevation. Deep canyons carved by glaciers. High alpine wildflower meadows down to golden desert landscapes. All this within such a short distance, it must be seen to really appreciate. This 7-day itinerary gives you the chance to see the highlights of the High Sierra and experience the “wilder” side of California. Starting from SF to Yosemite to Lake Tahoe and back to San Francisco.
Day 1
SFO to Oakhurst
Travel Time: 4 hours – 200 Miles
After gathering your things, it’s time to head east into the foothills of the mighty Sierra Nevada. If you have kids or are a history buff, a stop at the Fossil Discovery Center is a must. This museum, located at the site of one of North America’s largest fossil finds from the last ice age, showcases some of the 15,000 fossils discovered there.
For another fascinating experience, continue higher into the mountains to the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad. This gives you a chance to catch a ride on the oldest operating Three-Truck Narrow Gauge Shay steam locomotive. Along the one-hour journey, you’ll hear stories of the railroad during the 19th Century, the trees, and the wildlife.
If you prefer some lake time to unwind, set off for a paddle on one of Sunset Magazine’s “West’s Best Lakes” – Bass Lake. Then decide whether to spend the night at what has been nicknamed the “Mini Lake Tahoe” – Bass Lake, or base yourself in the quaint town of Oakhurst.
For the adventurous: Go on a guided mountain biking adventure in the mountains surrounding Bass Lake with Pedal Forward Bikes.
Day 2
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
Travel Time: 60 minutes – 20 miles
The next morning, it’s time to head into Yosemite National Park! It’s fitting that you’ll take the same road that early visitors, including Teddy Roosevelt, traveled. After passing the entrance, you’ll arrive at the historic enclave of Wawona. Here, you can visit the Wawona Hotel and the Yosemite History Center, which features a collection of historic buildings from Yosemite’s past.
Near the Wawona settlement, fans of Indiana Jones’ “Temple of Doom” shouldn’t miss the chance to reenact the swinging bridge scene with a short hike to Wawona’s Swinging Bridge.
Next, explore one of the park’s major highlights – the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. This grove is home to 500 magnificent trees, some as old as 2,000 years!
Yosemite Valley
Travel Time: 60 minutes – 30 miles
After you’ve gotten your fill on the largest trees in the world, continue your descent into the heart of the park – Yosemite Valley. This is where John Muir stayed during the fall of 1869 and said it was, “Nature’s landscape garden, at once beautiful and sublime.” Stroll the Yosemite Valley and immerse yourself in the roar of its most famous waterfalls and the bounty of its glistening granite walls. Then take a birds-eye view in the valley from one of the most famous vistas: Glacier Point. Due to its popularity, the best way to enjoy it in summer is by booking a spot on the guided bus that leaves from the Yosemite Valley Lodge. Get inspired to capture Yosemite in your own way by strolling through the most iconic Yosemite photographer’s gallery – Ansel Adams.
For the adventurous: For a full day adventure, consider climbing from the valley floor all the way up 3,200 vertical feet to Glacier Point.
Mariposa
Travel Time: 70 minutes – 43 miles
For your evening’s accommodations, exit the park and head to the historic town of Mariposa. Give yourself enough time to stroll the main thoroughfare and pick up a gift for a friend or family. If you’re up for it, get an appreciation of the big walls of Yosemite by visiting the Yosemite Climbing Museum which visually showcases the history of rock climbing in the park from its humble beginnings.
Day 3 (Summer/Early Fall Option)
A good example of the dramatic landscape and climate in the High Sierra is the contrast between the foothills and the high country. While the cities in the foothills rarely see snowfall, even in the coldest winter months, the high elevations of the Sierra can be blanketed in snow. Many mountain passes, like Tioga Pass, remain closed until June or later. Always check road conditions before venturing into the high country.
Lee Vining
Travel Time: 2 hr 45 minutes – 105 miles
After confirming that Tioga Pass is open and enjoying a hearty breakfast, it’s time to head back into Yosemite. But instead of revisiting the valley, continue your ascent into the high country. While most visitors spend their entire time in the valley, the park’s upper elevations are just as dramatic and worth exploring. This is where you’ll find the highest peaks and most rugged terrain, including the iconic Cathedral Peak and the eyepopping beauty of Tenaya Lake.
As you summit Tioga Pass and begin your descent, take note that this is the HIGHEST pass in the Sierra Nevada, standing at an impressive 9,944 feet above sea level. As you wind your way down, the landscape quickly transitions into the high desert. On this side of the Sierra, you’ll encounter Mono Lake, one of the oldest lakes in the Western Hemisphere. Its otherworldly landscape, featuring limestone tufa towers, is more reminiscent of a sci-fi flick than Earth.
Bodie
Travel Time: 55 minutes – 31 miles
Continue onward to California’s official ghost town, Bodie State Historic Park. A classic “boom town”, more than 10,000 people lived here during the 1870s and 80s, producing more than $35 million worth of gold. When the last resident left in 1912, the town was in a state of “arrested decay.”
Then rest your soul for the night as so many other visitors had on their way to and from Bodie including Mark Twain at the historic Bridgeport Inn.
Day 3 (Spring/Winter Option)
If you’re visiting during the spring or winter, Tioga Pass is most likely closed. The best way to get to Lake Tahoe then is by heading north via Highway 49. The quaint scenic byway weaves its way through charming historic towns and scenic foothills of the Sierra that were forged from the Gold Rush.
Columbia State Historic Park
Travel Time: 1 hr – 60 miles
From Mariposa, your first stop is to the Columbia State Historic Park. This fully restored town provides the opportunity to see what a Gold Rush town was like as if it were yesterday including no cars! Catch a ride on an authentic stagecoach, pan for gold just like the original “49ers”, or post up for a refreshing pint of sarsaparilla in a Western-style saloon.
Angels Camp
Travel Time: 30 minutes – 17 miles
Mount up and continue north to the home of “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County”, written by Mark Twain. Take in one of the most picturesque downtowns your eyes will ever see. Stroll along the main street or venture out to New Melones Lake for hiking, mountain biking, & even amazing fishing. Or head underground into California’s first show cave and the state’s longest cavern system.
Mokelumne Hill
Travel Time: 30 minutes – 21 miles
Continuing with the Gold Rush theme, head to your final destination for the day—the charming town of Mokelumne Hill. During the mid-to-late 1800’s throughout the Gold Rush, this town was the main trading center for the region. Now a designated California historical landmark, Mokelumne Hill is filled with historic buildings, including Hotel Leger, one of the oldest inns in the state. Here, you can spend the night and enjoy a sip of whiskey in a saloon that once entertained Wild West figures like Black Bart.
For the golf fanatic: Within a 45-mile radius, you’ll find five of Northern California’s finest golf courses, each ranked alongside the most iconic in the state.
Day 4
South Lake Tahoe
Travel Time: 2 hrs – 100 miles
After getting your fill of the Wild West, it’s time to ascend into the angelic beauty of the Lake Tahoe region. Start with a leisurely brunch at the Cajun-inspired Toulouse inside the Station House Inn. For a more budget-friendly meal, consider visiting the Driftwood Café or Red Hut.
Next, book a spot on the M.S. Dixie II to get up close and personal with Tahoe’s crowning jewel—Emerald Bay. Then, board the Heavenly Gondola, which climbs over 9,000 feet above sea level in under twenty minutes. From its high point, you’re given breathtaking bird’s-eye views of the entire lake and its surrounding peaks.
Now that you’ve worked up an appetite, enjoy dinner in the Libation Lodge at South Lake Brewing, just a short walk from the gondola.
Great sunset hike: If you feel the need to stretch your legs, take in one of the Sierra Nevada’s famous sunsets by strolling over to the Van Sickle Bi-state Park which is a short walk from the casino corridor.
Day 5
A trip to Lake Tahoe isn’t complete without spending some time at the beach. Rent a bike or E-bike and explore one of the most scenic paved bike paths in the region – Pope-Baldwin Beach Bike Trail. It easily connects you to Pope, Kiva, and Baldwin Beaches. If you’d rather skip the beach, head up to Angora Lakes, nestled among lofty peaks, and try their famous lemonade made from spring water.
Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park
Travel Time: 45 minutes – 21 miles
Circling your way around the western shore of Lake Tahoe, make a stop at the Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park. Catch a glimpse of a by-gone era of summer retreats from the early 20th century by touring the Hellman-Ehrman Mansion. Or enjoy a bit of Tahoe’s natural beauty by hiking through the tall evergreens on the Dolder Nature Trail.
Tahoe City
Travel Time: 20 minutes – 10 miles
When you arrive in Tahoe City, stop by the North Lake Tahoe Visitor Center to get activity recommendations from local experts. Don’t miss the UC Davis interactive exhibits inside, where you can learn about the Tahoe environment, watershed, and what makes Tahoe special.
After enjoying a delicious meal with lakefront views at Za’s Lakefront or Jake’s on the Lake, take a stroll along the Commons Beach lakeside trail and enjoy the beach too. Every Wednesday night during the summer, Commons Beach hosts a movie night under the stars. Then lay your head to rest at Granlibakken Lodge, which showcases Tahoe City’s century-old heritage along with modern amenities. If you prefer to be in the social hub of Tahoe City, consider booking a stay at Basecamp.
Day 6
Tahoe Vista/Kings Beach
Travel Time: 20 minutes – 10 miles
Start the day off right with a bit of beach time at Kings Beach State Recreation Area. For those who are adventurous, get a close-up view of one of the world’s purest large lakes with a full moon tour from Tahoe Adventure Company or a transparent kayak tour with Wild Society.
For a different perspective of North America’s largest alpine lake, embark on a cruise through Tahoe Sailing Charters or set off on a short but rewarding hike to the top of the Stateline Fire Lookout for stunning views of the area. Then finish your day with dinner at Jason’s Beachside Grille. If you’re there on a summer Friday night, don’t miss North Tahoe’s music series starting at 6:30 pm.
The Tahoe Vista/Kings Beach area offers the largest selection of lodging options in the region. Stay in a cozy B&B or settle along the shores of Lake Tahoe at the charming Cedar Glen Lodge or Firelite Lodge. Or, head to your next day’s adventure by staying in the peaceful Northstar Village or the iconic Everline Lodge, which sit at the base of the ski slopes at Palisades Tahoe.
Day 7
Truckee
Travel Time: 20 minutes – 13 miles
Due to Truckee’s central location on roads, rails, and trails, at its soul it’s a key gateway to the Sierra. Discover its rich history by visiting the Donner Memorial State Park and museum. Here, you can learn about its connections to the transcontinental railroad, pioneer history, the Donner Party, and so much more. Then wander through the historic downtown district filled with a myriad of shops containing locally made items and eateries showcasing the region’s bounty. Tour its many breweries. Embrace the inclusive outdoor lifestyle by exploring its paved paths and dirt trails.
For the adventurous: Consider trying your hand at rock climbing by booking a guide to enjoy the high-quality granite above Donner Lake, which features routes perfect for families, friends, and groups.
SFO
Travel Time: 3 hours – 186 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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