Los Angeles to San Francisco: Through the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains
Los Angeles to San Francisco: Through the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains
If you’re a lover of national parks and mountains, then a Los Angeles to San Francisco road trip through the Sierra Nevada mountains is a bucket list adventure waiting for you.
From wandering among the giant sequoias to exploring glacier-carved domes and peaks to getting sprayed by waterfalls, these Sierra road trip options are the way to explore California!
Travel Time from Los Angeles to San Francisco via the Sierra Nevada
There are a few options for traveling through the Sierra Nevada mountains on a Los Angeles to San Francisco road trip.
The western route runs along the western side of the Sierra, and takes twelve hours or 580 miles. This route goes through Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite National Parks.
The Eastern Route
The eastern route up the Sierra from Escape Camper Vans in Los Angeles to Escape Camper Vans in San Francisco has two options. If you’re traveling from late summer through fall, you can take the route that crosses back over the Sierra through Tioga Pass in Yosemite National Park. This route takes eleven and a half hours and is 550 miles.
If Tioga Pass is closed, commonly from early winter to early summer, then you’ll have to cross back over the Sierra Nevada mountains near Lake Tahoe. This route also takes eleven and a half hours and is 550 miles.
Best Time of Year for a Sierra Road Trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco
A Los Angeles to San Francisco road trip via the Sierra Nevada mountains is beautiful at any time of year. However, each season offers different experiences. The western and eastern routes through the Sierra are accessible year-round unless snow is too heavy, causing road closures. Depending on what your interests are, it can affect when you choose to travel.
Summer
Summer is a great time to road trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco, whether you choose the route up the Eastern Sierra or the western route. By summer all roads are generally open. Temperatures are comfortable, and summer brings plenty of sun!
In early summer, there might be snow on trails at high elevations, but that quickly melts as temperatures rise. Of course, summer is the busiest time to road trip throughout California so plan for crowds and start your days early.
Fall
Fall is also a great time to road trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco through the Sierra Nevada mountains. By fall, snow from the previous season has melted, and park roads are open Of course, fall means cooler temperatures which occasionally means an early-season snowstorm that can temporarily close roads.
Fall also brings plenty of changing leaves and fewer crowds than summer. However, traveling in the fall, you risk hitting fire season.
Winter
If you love snow then you should go on a road trip through the Sierra in the winter. It’s the least crowded time of year to travel in California. In winter, it’s important to consider the weather and road conditions. It gets cold with temperatures dropping below freezing and once winter really starts, so does the snow.
Winter is a great time to visit the Sierra if you love skiing or snowboarding however, many park roads become inaccessible. Expect snow on both routes, especially in the Eastern Sierra as this route reaches higher elevations.
Spring
Spring is another great time to travel from Los Angeles to San Francisco up through the Sierra. Temperatures warm and wildflowers begin to bloom. Spring is less crowded than summer and waterfalls roar as snow begins to melt.
Slowly melting snow throughout the spring means roads remain closed at higher elevations. This can impact your trip and which trails you choose to hike.
Preparation for a Los Angeles to San Francisco Road Trip through the Sierra
After choosing whether you want to road trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco via the western or eastern route it’s important to look into some logistics. These are some tips to help your trip run smoothly!
Reserve Campsites in Advance
Spring to fall is a popular time to road trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco which means that campgrounds quickly fill up. Book your campsites as far in advance as possible. Reservations become available up to five months out depending on the campground.
Check the Weather & Road Conditions
Weather is constantly changing in the mountains and with that, so are road conditions. Before you head out, check each national park’s website to see if any road closures are in effect. Check Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park conditions here. Check Yosemite conditions here.
Tioga Pass Road in Yosemite National Park is the most significant road that can affect your route. You don’t have to worry about Tioga Pass if traveling the western route. If you’re traveling the Eastern Route you can only cut over the Sierra through Yosemite when Tioga Pass Road is open, usually from summer to fall. When it’s covered in snow you’ll have to take a longer route back that runs south of Lake Tahoe, usually from winter to early summer.
Download Offline Maps
Driving from Los Angeles to San Francisco via the Sierra Nevada mountains puts you out of cell coverage for several stretches of the trip. Download offline maps before you head out so you can always access directions on your route. Also, pick up a California state road map for backup.
It’s also nice to download offline hiking trails before you head out. AllTrails is a great option for this.
Fuel Up
Stretches of both the eastern and western routes that explore the Sierra have remote stretches. Fill up your tank before entering a national park and as frequently as possible. Try to refill your tank before it’s halfway empty.
Bring a Rechargeable Battery Pack
You’re going to want to charge your electronics while traveling. You can only charge your devices in the van while the Escape Camper Vans are running so it’s nice to have a rechargeable battery pack to keep your devices going, especially at night.
Pack Layers
From the coastal cities to the high mountains, temperature varies drastically. In the mountains, the temperature changes from day to night and can vary by 30 degrees. Layers of clothing are the best way to dress to stay comfortable while exploring.
Always pack a rain/wind shell, a puffy jacket, and a thin base layer. If visiting in the cooler months pack a fleece layer too.
Purchase an America the Beautiful Pass
This Sierra road trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco passes through many national parks. Each national park costs $30 – $35 per vehicle to enter for up to a week. Save money by purchasing an America the Beautiful National Parks Pass for $80. This pass covers the entrance fee into all US national parks, monuments, and recreation areas.
Purchase the pass at the entrance kiosk of the first park you visit or as an extra accessory from Escape Camper Vans.
Understand Bear Country Regulations
All of the Sierra Nevada mountains lay in Bear Country. Proper food storage is essential to reduce the risk of bears’ interactions with humans. All campgrounds in the Sierra have bear lockers where you must store your food at night. Never leave any food unattended whether it’s daytime or nighttime.
Understand Altitude
When visiting the Sierra Nevada mountains on your Los Angeles to San Francisco road trip you’ll be traveling from sea level to 7000+ feet in elevation. The Eastern Sierra route reaches over 8,000 feet at points. It’s common to feel mild symptoms of altitude such as shortness of breath, a headache, dizziness, and difficulty sleeping.
When heading to these higher altitude destinations from sea level, give yourself time to acclimate. If you plan to hike, spend at least a day or two getting used to the altitude first.
Obey Campfire Restrictions
Campfire regulations are often in place throughout the Sierra Nevada because the risk of wildfires is so high. All visitors must obey all campfire restrictions when in place—failing to do so results in large fines and potential jail time.
Regulations are posted on the entrance board of every campground and are strictly enforced by rangers.
Reservations
Yosemite National Park requires reservations to enter the park throughout certain periods of the summer and other busy times throughout the year. Check online for the most up-to-date information about when reservations are required.
Eastern Sierra Road Trip Stops
The Eastern Sierra route from Los Angeles to San Francisco takes roadtrippers along Highway 395, one of the most scenic highways in California. You’ll start by driving through the high desert with massive peaks to the west before entering the forest then alpine as you explore higher into the mountains.
Cute towns with cafes, restaurants, and shops serve as a launching point for the mountains where you can hike, relax by a lake, or take a scenic drive.
Days 1 & 2: Lone Pine
Lone Pine is the first small town you’ll hit on your way up the Eastern Sierra. It’s about three hours from Escape Camper Vans in Los Angeles. Historically, it was an old Wild West town where many movies were filmed. Today it’s a popular spot for outdoor recreation in the Mount Whitney and Alabama Hills area.
Giant granite boulders of every shape and size consume the landscape at Alabama Hills National Recreation Area. Then the High Sierra peaks make up the background. The views are stunning throughout Alabama Hills. Whether you drive the old, dirt Movie Road or go on a short hike, you won’t be disappointed visiting this Eastern Sierra highlight.
Whitney Portal is the launching point to hike up to Mount Whitney, the highest point in the US outside of Alaska. Mount Whitney stands 14,505 feet tall. Drive up the curvy narrow road to Whitney Portal to take in views looking down on the Owens Valley where Lone Pine lies. You can also hike around the Whitney Portal Area but permits are required if you hike above 10,000 feet.
Many classic Wild West movies were filmed right in the town of Lone Pine and off Old Movie Road in Alabama Hills National Recreation Area. Django, Iron Man, Cisco Kid and Lady, and Bengal Lancer are a few. Learn about the history and heritage of these films at the Museum of Western Film History. It’s the only Western Film Museum in the US!
Tuttle Creek Campground is a BLM campground in Lone Pine. It’s a year-round campground with first-come, first-served sites. Campsites have picnic tables, fire pits, toilets, and potable water available seasonally.
Diaz Lake Campground is located just south of Lone Pine off Highway 395. Sites have tables, fire rings, vault toilets, and water. Diaz Lake Campground also has amenities for picnicking, boating, play equipment, swimming, and fishing.
Portuguese Joe Campground is located in Lone Pine on Whitney Portal Road. It’s a basic campground with potable water, grills, tables, and vault toilets.
Mt Whitney Restaurant is the classic stop after finishing a long hike or on a road trip. It’s said to have the best burgers in town and a variety of other dishes in the traditional American diner with an easygoing, friendly atmosphere.
Vibras Juice Bar is the most refreshing place to stop when passing through Lone Pine, especially during the heat of the summer. Enjoy a delicious acai bowl, smoothie, coffee, or fresh juice. Vibras Juice Bar also serves some breakfast and lunch dishes and bakery items.
Merry Go Round wins the most unique atmosphere among all restaurants in Lone Pine. It’s a Chinese and American comfort food restaurant served in a round venue modeled like a merry-go-round!
Days 2 & 3: Bishop
About an hour north of Lone Pine is a slightly larger town, Bishop. Bishop is another gateway town to the Eastern Sierra. About twenty miles west of town up some steep and windy roads, you’ll reach alpine lakes that are the launching point for many hikes. Bishop is also known for its hot springs and quaint downtown.
The Eastern Sierra is known for its geothermal activity which means: Hot Springs! Keough’s Hot Spring is an established hot spring pool where visitors can relax and soak while taking in the benefits of the hot spring minerals.
If you head west from the town of Bishop and climb almost 6,000 feet in elevation you’ll eventually arrive at Lake Sabrina. It’s a High Sierra reservoir and lake with a dock and cafe. Many hiking trails start from here!
Rock Creek is a canyon located up Rock Creek Road between Bishop and Mammoth. Spend some time hiking the trails up here to enjoy classic Eastern Sierra views with sites of 13,000-foot peaks and multiple lakes.
Located right in the town of Bishop, Brown’s Town Campground is a privately owned tent and RV camping resort with 150 shaded campsites, hot showers, water, coin-op laundry, a camp store, and a cafe. Brown’s Town Campgrounds are open from March through November with reservations needed from April through October.
Pleasant Valley Campground is located just north of Bishop off 395. There are 75 sites here with vault toilets, grills, fire rings, potable water, and tables. Reservations are available from November through May. From June to October the campground is first-come, first-served.
Horton Creek Campground is a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land campground located just outside of Bishop. It has 49 first-come, first-served sites open from May to October. Horton Creek Campground has potable water, bathrooms, fire pits, and picnic tables.
Erick Schat’s Bakery is THE bakery of Bishop. It’s a European-style bakery with everything you can imagine from deli sandwiches and specialty loaves of bread to delicious pastries and cakes. By midday the line to just get into the bakery wraps around the building so avoid the crowds by stopping by early!
Grab a delicious Mexican meal at Amigos Mexican Restaurant located right on the main street in Bishop. Enjoy classic Mexican dishes for a great price and large portion sizes.
Whiskey Creek is your best option for fine dining in Bishop. This country inn was built in 1924 and serves classic American eats and has a full bar. Seafood, Angus steaks, healthy bowls, and sandwiches are some of the options that make up the menu.
Days 3 & 4: Mammoth Lakes
Continuing another forty-five minutes north of Bishop you’ll rise from the high desert and climb into the pine forests as you reach Mammoth Lakes. Famous for the countless number of lakes surrounding the area, the large ski resort Mammoth Mountain, and other unique geologic sites, you can’t miss Mammoth when driving the eastern route on a Los Angeles to San Francisco road trip.
The Mammoth Lakes Basin is where Mammoth gets its name. Twin Lakes, Lake Mary, Lake George, Horseshoe Lake, and Lake Mamie are all accessible by road. Many other lakes are just a short hike beyond. Take a stroll or bike ride along the Lakes Basin Path or go for a dip to cool off in the summer!
If you love skiing or snowboarding then you should visit Mammoth in the winter. Mammoth Mountain is the highest ski resort in California meaning the snow lasts for a while. It’s known to stay open until at least the end of May, sometimes into July during a big snow year!
Check out the turquoise-blue water and High Sierra peaks at Convict Lake. This picturesque lake is about 20 minutes from Mammoth Lakes and is one of the most easily accessible alpine lakes to observe the classic Eastern Sierra landscape. There’s a 2.5-mile, fairly flat trail that loops around the lake. Convict Lake is also a popular spot for fishing and renting a pontoon boat in the summertime.
Devils Postpile National Monument protects a unique geological formation: Devils Postpile. It’s a fine example of 60-foot basalt columns formed by volcanic activity over the past 100,000 years.
Also in Devil’s Postpile National Monument is the 101-foot-tall Rainbow Falls. There are a couple of short to medium-length hikes in the national monument. You must take the Reds Meadow/Devils Postpile Shuttle to explore the area.
Mono Lake is a large saline soda lake located just north of Mammoth Lakes right off Highway 395. It’s famously known for its calcium-limestone tufa columns that rise out of the water with the dramatic Sierra skyline filling the horizon. Stop by and go on a short walk to check out this picturesque Sierra landscape.
Twin Lakes Campground is a forest service campground located among the pines next to Twin Lakes. From the campground, you’ll have stunning views of the Lakes Basin. Twin Lakes Campground is open seasonally when clear of snow. It has potable water, toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables.
Mammoth Mountain RV Park & Campground is a large campground located within walking distance from many restaurants, shops, and the two large grocery stores in town. It’s open year-round and has potable water, toilets, hot showers, fire grates, and picnic tables.
Lake Mary Campground is located alongside Lake Mary, one of the beautiful lakes in the Lakes Basin. It has flushing toilets, potable water, fire grates, and picnic tables. Lake Mary Campground is an active bear area so all food must be stored in bear boxes.
Mammoth Brewing Company is a family-friendly brewery located right next to Mammoth Village. It services all of its own brewed beers and has a diverse food menu. Dining upstairs has plenty of space to host large groups and the outside dining has many picnic tables and occasional live music and events.
If you’re craving some greens then Elixir Superfood & Juice is the place to grab a bite. Choose a bowl from varying cuisines or customize your own. Elixir also has many fresh juices and vegan and gluten-free desserts.
Petra’s Bistro & Wine Bar is a great option for upscale dining in Mammoth. With a large wine list and a cozy fire, you’ll enjoy this lovable restaurant. It’s located in the Alpenhof Lodge just across from the Village Gondola that runs up Mammoth Mountain.
Days 5 & 6: Yosemite National Park via Tioga Pass (Summer-Fall)
If you’re traveling the Eastern Sierra route from Los Angeles to San Francisco then at some point you’re going to need to cut back over the mountains to reach San Francisco. The shortest way to do so is by driving the scenic Tioga Pass Road through Yosemite National Park.
Tioga Pass Road is only open when clear of snow. It usually opens sometime in late spring to early summer and generally closes in late fall. So keep that in mind when choosing what route you plan to take. If you’re exploring the east side during the winter then follow the Lake Tahoe winter option listed below.
Services are limited along Tioga Pass Road. Use the camping and restaurant suggestions listed for Yosemite Valley.
Tuolumne Meadows is a large, high-elevation meadow located off Tioga Pass Road in Yosemite’s High Country. Walking the trails through Tuolumne Meadows is stunning. The Tuolumne River flows through and jagged Sierra peaks and rounded domes are visible in every direction.
Tenaya Lake is the largest lake in Yosemite National Park. This alpine lake sits at 8,150 feet and is surrounded by peaks and domes that were carved out by glaciers. Over millions of years, Tenaya Lake remains today. Have a picnic or go for a swim in Tenaya Lake in the summertime.
Olmsted Point is another stunning, drive-up viewpoint in Yosemite National Park featuring views from the north of the park. From Olmsted Point, you’ll look out at Clouds Rest and Half Dome. You’ll see where Tenaya Canyon begins to run down to the valley. You can also see Tenaya Lake from here.
Upper, Lower, and North Pines Campgrounds are three campgrounds all next to each other in Yosemite Valley. They offer the best camping location in the park meaning they book up early. Reservations are released 5 months in advance on the 15th of the month.
Campgrounds have potable water and flushing toilets. All three campgrounds are located a short walk from Curry Village where there are restaurants, gift shops, and showers. Upper Pines Campground is open year-round. Lower and North Pines are open from mid-April through September.
Wawona Campground is located in the southwest part of Yosemite off Highway 41. It’s one of the first campgrounds you’ll reach when entering the park from Kings Canyon National Park. Wawona Campground is open year-round and has potable water and flushing toilets. The campground is located near the Wawona Visitor Center and market.
Hodgdon Meadow Campground is located off Highway 120 near the northeast entrance into Yosemite National Park. It’s open year-round, has potable water, and flushing toilets. The drive from Hodgdon Meadow Campground to Yosemite Valley is about forty minutes.
There’s nothing better than pizza and a beer after a long day of hiking. Head to Curry Village Pizza Patio and Bar for just that. Pizzas are BIG here so you’re sure to leave full. If pizza isn’t your thing there is a large dining hall next door with a variety of meal options.
The Ahwahnee Dining Room and Bar offers the most upscale dining experience in Yosemite National Park. Look out at stunning views of Half Dome while dining here for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Reservations are highly recommended for dinner. Dress is casual for breakfast and lunch but dinner has a business casual dress code.
Base Camp Eatery is a casual dining establishment next to Yosemite Valley Lodge. Choose from burgers and pizza to salads and “home-style” dinners. Base Camp Eatery is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Days 5 & 6: South Lake Tahoe (Winter-Spring)
When traveling up through the Eastern Sierra in the winter you’ll have to cross over the Sierra north of Tioga Pass. The best route is driving through South Lake Tahoe so you can see another California wonder: Lake Tahoe!
If you’re a skier you can go skiing right at Heavenly Ski Resort in town! Or you can take the gondola up and dine in Heavenly Village. Either way, the impressive sites of Lake Tahoe should not be missed.
El Dorado Beach is a sandy public beach in South Lake Tahoe. If you happen to visit in the summer it’s a great spot for picnics, BBQs, swimming, and launching your boat. In the winter walk the snowy beach for stunning lake views!
Heavenly Village is the large shopping and dining area right on the California-Nevada state line just a mile back from Lake Tahoe. Wander around the shops and grab a meal at any time of day. Or take a picturesque scenic gondola ride up to the top of Heavenly Mountain. If you’re a skier or snowboarder visiting in the winter, hop in line right in Heavenly Village to ski Heavenly Mountain!
Emerald Bay State Park is located on the southwest side of Lake Tahoe, about thirty minutes from South Lake Tahoe. It’s one of the most photographed spots around the lake. The emerald-green waters of the bay join Lake Tahoe in the distance.
Emerald Bay is not accessible when the road is closed for snow but it usually opens in early spring. Snap photos at pull-offs as you drive into Emerald Bay or walk down to the beach and enjoy the area.
City of Lake Tahoe Campground by the Lake is a seasonal campground open from April to October. It is within walking distance of Lake Tahoe. Amenities include toilets, potable water, picnic tables, and fire grates.
Tahoe Valley Campground is a large campground with 415 sites located a short drive from Lake Tahoe. The campground is open year-round and has flushing toilets, potable water, picnic tables, and fire pits. There is also a heated pool, general store, tennis courts, laundry, and showers available.
Fallen Leaf Campground is located next to Fallen Leaf Lake near Emerald Bay. It’s usually open from mid-May to mid-November. Fallen Leaf Campground has toilets, potable water, fire grates, and picnic tables. Many hiking trails start right from the campground.
1001 Heavenly Village Way #2b, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
California Burger Company is a hip tavern in Heavenly Village where you can enjoy gourmet natural burgers, rotating draft beers, and whiskey! California Burger Company has TVs, outdoor seating, fire pits, and live music.
1001 Heavenly Village Way, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Enjoy Latin American drinks and cuisine at Azul-Latin Kitchen located in South Lake Tahoe. From craft cocktails to family-friendly dining there’s something for all diners here. Azul-Latin Kitchen has indoor dining and an outdoor patio with fire pits.
1001 Heavenly Village Way #1a, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Enjoy a delicious breakfast or lunch in Lake Tahoe at Driftwood Cafe. It’s a family-friendly restaurant serving locally roasted coffee, classic comfort food, and homemade soup.
Why Rent a Camper Van for a Los Angeles to San Francisco road trip via the Sierra?
There are so many places to explore throughout the Sierra from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Because of this, you’ll want to travel comfortably. So choose an Escape Camper Van for your home on wheels. Camper vans are easy to drive, mobile, and compact. There are even a bunch of extra accessories you can purchase to upgrade your experience!
A camper van is far better than renting an RV because with a campervan you don’t need electric or sewer hookups or RV-specific campsites. And on those windy roads through the mountains, it’s not very fun driving a massive RV up tiny narrow roads.
Reserve with Escape Campervans for your Los Angeles to San Francisco Road Trip through the Sierra
If you’re going to be road-tripping for a week then you want to be comfortable and an Escape Camper van offers just that. With a convenient Escape Camper van pick-up location in Los Angeles and a drop-off location in San Francisco, this road trip is just waiting to happen.
So book your flight, reserve your camper, and pack your bags because you’re about to head out on the California road trip of a lifetime.
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