Las Vegas to Yosemite

Question

Hello, I was hoping someone might be able to advise me.

Next month we’ll be doing a road trip through California, Nevada and Arizona. We’ve planned almost everything, except for the route between Las Vegas and the Yosemite area.

We’re planning to leave Las Vegas around 8am and only need to arrive in Oakhurst (where we’ll be staying) by around 8pm. Google Maps suggests taking the fastest route via the I-15, but I was wondering if there’s an alternative route that would take us through Death Valley National Park? I realise we don’t have a huge amount of time, but it might be worth the detour to get a feel for the park and catch a few of its highlights.

There are four of us who can drive, so the distance itself isn’t a concern.

What would you recommend?

Answer

Driving from Las Vegas to Yosemite National Park and staying in Oakhurst gives you some flexibility in choosing your route, but including Death Valley National Park as a detour will add a significant amount of time and mileage. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you decide.

Option 1: Fastest Route (I-15 → CA-58 → CA-41)

This route is the most straightforward and will allow you to comfortably reach Oakhurst by evening without feeling rushed. Google Maps estimates around 7.5–8 hours of driving (about 450 miles), depending on traffic and stops.

Las Vegas → Barstow via I-15 north (approx. 2.5 hours)
Barstow → Bakersfield via CA-58 west (approx. 3.5 hours)
Bakersfield → Oakhurst via CA-41 north (approx. 3 hours)

This route passes through some scenic areas, including the Tehachapi Mountains and Sierra Nevada foothills, but it doesn’t include Death Valley. It’s safer for timing and fuel availability, especially in August when Death Valley temperatures are extremely high.

Option 2: Detour via Death Valley National Park

If you want to experience Death Valley, you can take a detour that goes through the park. Keep in mind that in mid-summer, temperatures can exceed 115°F (46°C), and services inside the park are limited. This detour adds at least 3–4 hours of driving, making it a full-day journey of roughly 12–13 hours including stops.

Las Vegas → Beatty, NV (about 2 hours)
Beatty → Furnace Creek/Badwater Basin (1–1.5 hours)
Death Valley sightseeing (1–2 hours for major spots like Zabriskie Point, Badwater Basin, Dante’s View)
Exit via CA-190 west → CA-136 → US-395 north → CA-120 west to Oakhurst (approx. 6–7 hours)

This route is very scenic, offering unique desert landscapes and iconic spots in Death Valley, but it is a long day and can be physically challenging due to heat and limited shade. If you choose this option, make sure your car is in good condition, carry plenty of water, and start very early.

Recommendations

If your priority is reaching Oakhurst comfortably by 8pm and avoiding extreme heat, stick with the fastest route via I-15.
If seeing Death Valley is a must, consider leaving Las Vegas earlier (6–7am) and be prepared for a long driving day, possibly cutting short some stops in Yosemite foothills on arrival.
Check current road conditions and park alerts for Death Valley; some roads or areas may be affected by heat or maintenance.
Fuel up in Beatty or Furnace Creek; gas stations inside Death Valley are limited and expensive.

Overall, for a relaxed start to your Yosemite adventure, the I-15 route is recommended. If you’re keen on experiencing the desert landscapes and willing to trade comfort and timing for scenery, the Death Valley detour is feasible with careful planning.

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