LAX to Yosemite

Question

Hello! We are travelling from Australia (via Hawaii so won’t be jet lagged) next week and would love some insight into our planned route from LAX to Rush Creek Lodge. We will get our car from LAX and plan to drive to Bakersfield, wake up early and visit the Trail of 100 Giants, then continue on to Rush Creek Lodge for 2 nights (short visit, but all the time we have before heading back to Vegas) Is Bakersfield a sensible stopover? Are the roads highways or country roads around Rush Creek? Is it sensible to do the trail of 100 giants at this time of year? Also I can’t seem to book a pass into Yosemite national park, is it ok to just turn up at the gates? Any tips etc very much appreciated, we will be travelling with 3C.

Answer

Your planned route from LAX to Rush Creek Lodge is generally sensible, but there are a few points worth considering to make your trip smoother and more enjoyable.

Stopping in Bakersfield for the night is practical if you want to break up the drive, especially since the trip from LAX to Rush Creek Lodge is quite long. Bakersfield is mostly a highway city with plenty of hotels, restaurants, and fuel stops. It allows you to get an early start to reach the Trail of 100 Giants before continuing toward Rush Creek.

The roads around Rush Creek Lodge and in the surrounding areas are a mix of highways and smaller mountain roads. From Bakersfield, you will be on U.S. Highway 395 and other main roads for most of the journey. Near Rush Creek Lodge, roads may be narrower, winding, and with limited shoulder space, but they are paved and well-maintained. In April, snow is possible in higher elevations, so check local conditions and weather before departing.

The Trail of 100 Giants, located in Sequoia National Forest, is generally accessible in April. Some higher elevation trails can still have snow, but this trail is lower in elevation and often snow-free by late spring. Always check recent trail conditions and road access as winter closures may still be in effect in certain areas.

Regarding Yosemite National Park passes, the current system allows visitors to pay entry at the park entrance without a prior reservation for most dates, especially outside the peak summer season. You can purchase a park pass at the entrance station, which is valid for 7 days. Reservations are typically required only for peak summer months or specific entry routes like Tioga Pass. Since you are traveling next week, you should be fine to purchase the pass on arrival.

Additional tips for your trip:

Plan your departure from LAX early to avoid Los Angeles traffic. Traffic can be heavy, even on weekends, so leaving early gives you a more relaxed drive.
Check road conditions on U.S. 395 and Highway 120/41 near Yosemite. Winter snow or spring runoff can sometimes affect road accessibility.
Carry snacks, water, and basic supplies, especially since stretches of road between towns can be long with limited services.
If you have a GPS or maps app, double-check routes as some mountain roads have fewer cell service areas.
At Rush Creek Lodge, enjoy the scenic setting, and check if they have shuttle or information on nearby short hikes that are family-friendly for 3C.

Overall, your plan is reasonable. Bakersfield is a practical stop, the Trail of 100 Giants is suitable for this time of year, and Yosemite park passes can be obtained on arrival. Allow extra time for driving in mountain areas and enjoy the scenery along the way.