Yosemite to Reno via Sonora Pass

Question

I am doing a Reno Yosemite Reno. I will be getting to Village via Tioga Pass but would like to take an alternate route back.

I have two nights to get from the Village to the Reno Airport, but the last night I would be staying at an hotel near the airport due to the early flight.

Itinerary options and suggestions? Which highway should I take?

Thanks!

Answer

That’s a great plan — taking Sonora Pass can make for a very scenic and memorable route back from Yosemite to Reno. Given you’ve got two nights, here are several itinerary options, plus pros, cautions, and route-suggestions.

Key Considerations Before You Go

Seasonality: Sonora Pass (CA 108) is a high mountain pass (elevation ~9,624 ft). It typically closes for winter, so make sure it’s open when you plan to travel.
Road Difficulty: The road over Sonora Pass is steep, narrow, and winding, with long stretches of up to 8% grade. It’s not ideal for very large or heavy vehicles, or drivers uncomfortable with mountain driving.
Fuel and Services: As with many Sierra routes, services may be limited. The NPS notes that in some parts around Yosemite gas is limited.
Scenic Value: The drive over SR 108 (Sonora Pass) offers dramatic alpine scenery, deep forests, rocky summits, and great viewpoints.

Two-Night Itinerary Options (Yosemite Village → Reno)

Here are a few possible ways to structure your trip, depending on how much driving and sightseeing you want to do.

Option A: Direct but Scenic Mountain Route
- Day 1: Depart from Yosemite Village via Tioga Road (if open) or the park’s east exit toward Lee Vining → head north on US 395 → then west on CA 108 (Sonora Pass) into the Sierra foothills.
- Stay overnight in a small mountain town like Sonora or Jamestown (or other foothill communities) for a relaxed evening.
- Day 2: From Sonora, drive west/north-west via CA 49 or other scenic Sierra roads → then head north/northwest toward Reno (either linking back to US 395 or via other highways depending on your route). Spend the night near Reno or in a smaller town just outside, so it’s easy to make your early morning flight.
Option B: Slow and Very Scenic (More Time in the Sierra)
- Day 1: Exit Yosemite → drive to Kennedy Meadows via Sonora Pass → spend time exploring the high Sierra, do a short hike, enjoy mountain vistas.
- Stay near a forest lodge / mountain campground (if available) or in a nearby Sierra town.
- Day 2: Continue west over Sonora Pass → descend into the foothills → then drive north or west (for example, via CA 49 or CA 70) toward areas that eventually lead to Reno (you might use US 395 for part of the trip). Then overnight near Reno.
Option C: Mixed Route (Mountain + Valley Roads)
- Day 1: Leave Yosemite, head toward Sonora or Tuolumne Meadows (depending on pass status), then take CA 108 for part of the way.”
- Descend the pass and then switch to a lower-elevation highway or valley road — for instance, you could connect to CA 49 or CA 70, both of which offer scenic, less alpine terrain. CA 70 (Feather River Canyon) is very scenic.
- Day 2: From those foothill roads, make your way north/northwest into Nevada (likely rejoining US 395 at some point) → then finish the drive to Reno, staying near Reno your last night.

Which Highways to Take & Why

CA 108 (Sonora Pass): This is your main “alternate mountain pass” route. It’s the most direct alpine route west-to-east or east-to-west once you leave Yosemite’s eastern side.
US 395: After descending Sonora Pass, you will likely connect to US 395, which runs north-south along the eastern Sierra. It’s a major artery and can take you north towards Reno.
CA 70 (Feather River Canyon): If you want a very scenic, more relaxed mountain drive (less steep than Sonora Pass), consider linking from the foothills to SR 70 to travel through the Feather River Canyon.

Risks / Trade-offs to Be Aware Of

Mountain driving means longer travel time even if the distance isn’t that large — switchbacks, slow grades, and narrow sections can slow you down.
If the pass is not open (or opens late), you’ll need an alternate route. Make sure to check Caltrans / NPS road conditions before departing.
Weather in the Sierra can change quickly, especially at high elevation: afternoon thunderstorms, or even residual snow in shoulder seasons, are possible.
Fuel and lodging in the high Sierra may be limited. Plan your stops in advance.
If you’re doing this as a “scenic day drive,” be cautious of fatigue — mountain driving is more demanding than highway driving.

Why This Is a Great Route (If Conditions Allow)

Taking Sonora Pass (CA 108) gives you a completely different perspective compared to more common Yosemite exits. You’ll get:

High alpine vistas, rocky ridgelines, and dramatic mountains.
A sense of remoteness and the feeling of crossing a real mountain divide, which is more “adventure” than a standard highway drive.
A gradual descent into the Eastern Sierra, where you can enjoy smaller towns, valleys, and eventually the wide-open spaces heading north to Reno.

Suggested Stops / Highlights Along the Way

Kennedy Meadows – A beautiful, remote place tucked into the western side of Sonora Pass. Great for a rest or short hike.
Sonora – After descending, this historic Gold Rush town makes a good overnight or lunch stop.
Foothill Scenic Roads – Once you’re off the pass, consider taking some of the smaller roads through the Sierra foothills (CA 49, CA 70) for charm, quiet, and great photo opportunities.

Final Recommendation

If your goal is to make the most of your two nights and you love mountain scenery, Option A or B (via Sonora Pass) is the way to go. It’s scenic, memorable, and gives you a sense of real Sierra wilderness. If you prefer a slightly less intense route or want to avoid very narrow mountain driving, Option C — mixing mountain and valley roads — could be a better balance.

Make sure to: