California/Arizona 16 days - Yosemite & Mammoth timings

Question

Hello.

I am planning a South West roadtrip with my family - 2 adults and 4 big kids - 20,18,16 & 13 - at the end of July/beginning of August.

We fly into San Francisco on the 27 July and leave from LAX on the 12th of August.

So far I have only booked SF hotel and a hire car (to be collected as we leave SF and returned to LAX).

Plan is as follows:

27/28/29 July (3 nights) SF

30/31 July (2 nights) MONTEREY/PACIFIC GROVE

1,2 August (2 nights) YOSEMITE (or 1 night Yosemite then 1 night Mammoth) *** OR ONE MORE NIGHT HERE? (3 August)

4 August (1 night) DEATH VALLEY

5 & 6 August (2 nights) LAS VEGAS

7 August (1 night) GRAND CANYON SOUTH RIM

8 August (1 night) stopover en route to L.A. JOSHUA TREE/PIONEERTOWN/INDIO

9, 10, 11 August (3 nights) L.A.

12 August fly LAX- LHR midday

My questions for you fabulous experts are:

1) We have one night to account for - I have currently bracketed in Yosemite/Mammoth. Is this where you would put it? Maybe I should add one more day to the Pacific Coast?

2) Yosemite. I have park entrance reservation but no accomodation yet. There is nothing in the official lodging, of course. I am looking at staying in a cabin in West Yosemite. If we do this, would you spend two nights here, or one night and then move on in the morning, drive through the park and explore for one day, and then head out East that evening towards Mammoth. OR would you spend a second night in West Yosemite - which would mean looping back for the evening.

3) Mammoth. There is a music and beer festival that weekend. Will that matter? It looks fun, but tickets are expensive (when x6!) any idea how this will impact our time in Mammoth?

4) Suggestions on where to stay in or near Death Valley?

5) And any suggestions on where best to break the journey for the night between GCanyon and L.A - I am thinking Joshua Tree/Indio/Pioneertown - any ideas?

Thanks so much for reading. Really appreciate any input.

Answer

Your Southwest road trip plan is ambitious but definitely doable. Here’s a detailed breakdown and suggestions based on timing, family dynamics, and practicality for a family of 6 with older kids:

1) Allocating the “extra night”:

The extra night could either go on the Pacific Coast (Monterey/Pacific Grove) or in the Yosemite/Mammoth area. Adding a night to the Pacific Coast allows a more relaxed schedule, maybe exploring Big Sur, Bixby Bridge, and Carmel-by-the-Sea. However, if you want to explore Yosemite thoroughly, the extra night there is valuable, as Yosemite deserves more than just a quick visit.
Recommendation: Place the extra night in Yosemite if you want to enjoy the valley, short hikes, and avoid rushing through the park.

2) Yosemite timing:

If you stay in West Yosemite (e.g., Wawona or nearby cabins), two nights is ideal. This allows arrival, an afternoon/evening exploration, a full day in the park (Valley, waterfalls, Glacier Point), and then a morning departure toward Mammoth.
Alternatively, one night in Yosemite and one night in Mammoth works if you want to experience both areas, but the drive east through Tioga Pass can be long, especially with stops at Tuolumne Meadows, Olmsted Point, and Tenaya Lake.
Recommendation: Two nights in Yosemite is less rushed, especially with six people, and allows you to fully enjoy the park.

3) Mammoth timing and festival:

The music and beer festival will draw crowds and likely increase hotel rates. Traffic within Mammoth may be heavier, and parking harder to find. However, it also adds a fun local vibe if your family is interested.
Consider whether attending the festival is worth the added cost and potential hassle. If not, plan your visit around general sightseeing: Lake Mary, Twin Lakes, Mammoth Mountain Scenic Gondola.

4) Death Valley accommodations:

Furnace Creek is central with the Oasis at Death Valley and Ranch options. It’s convenient for seeing Badwater Basin, Zabriskie Point, and Dante’s View.
Stovepipe Wells or Panamint Springs are alternatives if you prefer a quieter, more remote stay.
Tip: Book early, as accommodations inside Death Valley are limited and fill quickly in summer.

5) Stopover between Grand Canyon and L.A.:

Joshua Tree is a great option for scenic beauty, quirky towns (Pioneertown), and short hikes. Staying in Joshua Tree or nearby Twentynine Palms works.
Indio/Palm Springs is easier for hotels and dining, especially with kids, but less scenic.
Pioneertown offers a unique Old West vibe, but limited accommodation. You might combine a Joshua Tree stay with a short stop at Pioneertown for photography or lunch.

Additional tips:

Drive times can be longer in summer due to traffic and sightseeing stops. Factor in flexibility.
Yosemite and Death Valley can get hot in late July/early August. Bring sun protection and plan hikes in the morning or late afternoon.
Book all accommodations as early as possible, particularly Yosemite, Death Valley, and Mammoth during festival weekends.

Summary Recommendation:

Stay 2 nights in Yosemite (West Yosemite cabins), explore the park fully.
Consider skipping Mammoth festival unless tickets and accommodations are manageable.
Stay in Furnace Creek or Stovepipe Wells for Death Valley.
Stopover in Joshua Tree or Twentynine Palms for the night between Grand Canyon and L.A.
Extra night on the Pacific Coast is optional but may be less critical than Yosemite time.

This schedule balances sightseeing with driving, keeps the teens engaged, and ensures you don’t feel rushed through Yosemite and other key areas.