Places to stay between Vegas and Yosemite

Question

Hi there,

We will be travelling from Vegas to Yosemite in October, but want to break the drive up - where would be a good place to stop for a night? We are thinking of planning as if Tioga Pass is closed - just in case.

Thank you!

Answer

Driving from Las Vegas to Yosemite is a long trip—roughly 7-8 hours without stops—so breaking it up with an overnight stay is a smart idea, especially in October when the Tioga Pass might be closed due to early snow. If Tioga Pass is closed, the most common route would be via US-395 along the eastern Sierra Nevada, which offers scenic drives and several towns suitable for a comfortable overnight stop.

Here are some good options along US-395, roughly midway between Vegas and Yosemite:

Bishop, CA: About 4.5 hours from Las Vegas, Bishop is a small town with plenty of hotels, motels, and some charming bed-and-breakfast options. It’s a convenient stop before heading into the Sierra Nevada. While in Bishop, you can stretch your legs with a visit to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest or enjoy a meal at one of the local diners.
Mammoth Lakes, CA: Roughly 5 hours from Las Vegas, Mammoth Lakes is a resort town with a variety of lodging options, from cozy cabins to larger hotels. Even if you’re not skiing, the area is stunning in October with fall colors and quieter crowds. Mammoth Lakes is also a good launching point to explore Mono Lake or the surrounding high country.
Lee Vining, CA: About 5.5-6 hours from Vegas, Lee Vining is a small town near the eastern entrance of Yosemite (via Tioga Pass when open) and Mono Lake. If you plan to try Tioga Pass but want a flexible option in case it’s closed, Lee Vining makes a strategic overnight stop. Accommodations are limited but functional.

If Tioga Pass is closed, your route will continue south on US-395 to enter Yosemite from the Big Oak Flat or Arch Rock entrance (via CA-120 west). Another option is to stop further south to minimize long driving segments the next day.

Mammoth Lakes or Bishop: These remain strong options since the next day’s drive to Yosemite will be manageable, and both towns have decent dining and lodging.
Bridgeport, CA: A quieter town north of Lee Vining, it’s small but scenic and offers simple accommodations. Good if you want a quieter night before entering the park area.

In summary, if you want a mix of convenience, dining, and lodging options, Bishop or Mammoth Lakes are your best bets. Lee Vining is ideal if you want to be closest to the eastern park entrance for an early start. Make reservations in advance, as October can still be busy with fall visitors, and check road conditions for any early snow closures.