fall trip

Question

5 Day trip travelling from South Tahoe through Yosemite with final destination of Las Vegas. Planning to travel Tioga Pass to Yosemite Valley and then either through Sequoia or back to east side and through Death Valley. Any suggestions of highlights and where to stay?

Answer

For a 5-day fall trip from South Tahoe through Yosemite to Las Vegas, you can enjoy a mix of high alpine scenery, iconic valley views, and desert landscapes. Traveling Tioga Pass in the fall can be spectacular with fall colors, but keep in mind that Tioga Pass sometimes closes due to early snow, so always check road conditions before departure.

Highlights along the route:

Tioga Pass and Tuolumne Meadows: Scenic high-country views, wildflower meadows, and quiet trails. Stops like Olmsted Point provide dramatic vistas of the valley below.
Yosemite Valley: Must-see landmarks include El Capitan, Half Dome, Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite Falls, and Tunnel View. Fall crowds are lighter than summer, making photography and short walks more enjoyable.
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias: Located near the south entrance of Yosemite. This is an excellent stop if you want to experience the giant sequoias without going into Sequoia National Park.
Optional Sequoia National Park detour: If you want more sequoias and forested landscapes, head south to Sequoia NP and visit the General Sherman Tree and Crescent Meadow. This adds more driving but offers a unique contrast from Yosemite.
Death Valley National Park: If returning via the east side, stop at Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Badwater Basin (lowest point in North America), Zabriskie Point, and Dante’s View. Fall temperatures are more moderate than summer, making it feasible for sightseeing.

Accommodation suggestions:

Yosemite Valley Lodging: Yosemite Valley Lodge or Curry Village for convenient access to valley highlights. For a cozier experience, consider Big Trees Lodge near the south entrance.
Tuolumne Meadows area: Tuolumne Meadows Lodge (if open) or nearby campgrounds if you prefer more rustic accommodations.
Sequoia NP: Wuksachi Lodge is a centrally located option for easy access to the Giant Forest and other attractions.
En route to Las Vegas: Consider staying in Lone Pine or Death Valley Junction if you take the east side route. These make for shorter driving days and convenient access to key Death Valley viewpoints.

Additional tips:

Start early in the mornings to enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer crowds at major viewpoints.
Bring layers; Yosemite Valley can be warm during the day but chilly in the mornings and evenings, especially in fall.
Gas up whenever possible, as stations are limited in and around national parks.
Plan for at least one long driving day if you combine Tioga Pass, Yosemite Valley, and either Sequoia or Death Valley.

In summary, a recommended route is South Tahoe → Tioga Pass → Yosemite Valley → optional Mariposa Grove → either Sequoia NP or east side route through Death Valley → Las Vegas. This balances sightseeing, driving, and fall foliage opportunities while covering iconic California landscapes.

fall trip

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