Best route from Death Valley to Fish Camp (Yosemite)

Question

Hi, will be driving from Death Valley (most likely The Ranch) to Tenaya Lodge, Fishcamp this summer.

I've put the route into a planner, and it's taking me south down then through Bakersfield and Fresno and then onto Fish Camp

Is there any reason heading north and going via Lone Pine, Big Pine etc and then onto the Tioga Road is not an option?

I'm guessing it's not giving me this route as its winter time and the Tioga Road is part closed?

Also is this journey doable in one go (whichever route I take, or is it advisable to stop somewhere?

Answer

Driving from Death Valley (The Ranch) to Tenaya Lodge in Fish Camp offers two main route options, each with pros and cons. The route planners usually default to the southern route via Bakersfield and Fresno because it is the most reliable and fully paved route year-round.

Taking the northern route via Lone Pine, Big Pine, and then Tioga Road (Highway 120) is only possible when Tioga Road is open. Tioga Road is a high-elevation mountain pass that is closed in winter and early spring due to snow, typically opening around late May to early June depending on snow conditions. Since you mentioned summer, this route should be open, and it is indeed a scenic and shorter drive than the southern route.

Southern route (Bakersfield → Fresno → Fish Camp): Longer in miles and time, but fully reliable and open year-round.
Northern route (Lone Pine → Big Pine → Tioga Road → Yosemite Valley → Fish Camp): Much more scenic, passes through the Eastern Sierra and Tioga Pass, shorter in distance, but limited to when the road is open in summer.

As for whether this journey is doable in one go, it depends on your preference for driving versus sightseeing. Driving time estimates:

Southern route: Approximately 6.5–7.5 hours without stops.
Northern route via Tioga Road: Approximately 5–6 hours without stops, but highly dependent on traffic and potential delays within Yosemite Valley, especially in summer.

If you want a more relaxed trip with opportunities to stop for photos or short hikes, consider breaking the drive with a stop in:

Lone Pine – visit the Alabama Hills for scenic rock formations.
Lee Vining – near Mono Lake, which is a great photo opportunity and a chance to stretch your legs.
Oakhurst or Fresno – if taking the southern route and prefer a more leisurely arrival.

Overall, if traveling in summer and Tioga Road is open, the northern route via Lone Pine and Tioga Road is highly recommended for the scenery and shorter drive. Make sure to check current Tioga Road conditions and Yosemite traffic reports before departure. Allow extra time for park entrance, stops, and possible congestion, especially near Yosemite Valley.

Best route from Death Valley to Fish Camp (Yosemite)

More California (CA) Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions