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Dreaming of your next California adventure? A San Francisco to Yosemite road trip might just be your perfect vibe. Think Gold Rush history, rolling vineyards, charming small towns and the jaw-dropping beauty of Yosemite National Park waiting at the end of the drive.

Once you see it, you’ll understand the hype.

Our itinerary is packed with legendary stops and hidden gems between the Bay and the park, plus all the most iconic sites within Yosemite. The drive from San Francisco to Yosemite isn’t too long, so take your time exploring the route. We promise there’s plenty worth pulling over for.

Best Time for a Road Trip​ from San Francisco, CA to Yosemite

Best Time for a Road Trip​ from San Francisco, CA to Yosemite

The areas between San Francisco and Yosemite rarely see extreme winter weather. However, once you enter the park, you can expect snow in the winter. So, depending on the time of year you visit, there are a few factors to consider.

• Spring (April to June):​ The rolling hills in counties between SF and Yosemite are at their greenest during the spring. You might also catch wildflowers blooming in Yosemite. Plus, the park’s waterfalls tend to be at their fullest this time of year, just after the winter snow has melted off, making it an ideal time for those visiting for the water features. The mild weather makes for comfortable outdoor excursions. As a bonus, you’ll skip the summer crowds.
• Summer (July to September): Summer is peak tourist season in Yosemite, which means you can expect more crowds at popular sites, longer lines getting into the park and higher hotel prices. Still, summer in the park has its appeal. Longer days facilitate more hiking. Plus, you can catch charming festivals in the gateway communities. Book accommodations early, and visit the main attractions during off-peak hours to avoid congestion.
• Fall (October to November): The fall foliage in Yosemite attracts photographers and nature enthusiasts from around the world. If you want to see the leaves changing colors, fall is the time to go. The snow hasn’t arrived yet, so you can still enjoy most outdoor activities, and the summer crowds have left, creating a peaceful park experience. 
• Winter (December to March): Yosemite does get snow in the winter. However, some travelers visit explicitly to see the powder-covered park. Winter brings an undeniable peace and tranquility. You can enjoy cozy meals in the charming gateway communities or try snow sports, like cross-country skiing or ice skating at the Yosemite Valley ice rink. Just be sure to check the roads before you go — winter weather can lead to closures. And take a vehicle capable of driving in the snow.

Every season in Yosemite and the nearby Central Valley brings its unique beauty. Deciding what types of activities you’d like to engage in and sights you’d like to see can influence when you visit the region.

Navigating the ​Drive From San Francisco To Yosemite

Ready to start planning your trip? The drive from San Francisco to Yosemite is pleasant and easy. This roughly 170-mile trip takes around 3 hours, one way. It’s relatively straightforward, but we recommend taking a few detours to soak in the Central Valley. Here are tips to keep in mind that can eliminate common road trip hang-ups and ensure an enjoyable experience.

Choosing the Right Route​

You’ll have 2 main routes to choose from: Highway 120 or Highway 140. Highway 140 is known as the “All-Season Highway” because of its gentle curves and lower elevation (which means fewer snow-related road closures). Highway 120 is the most direct route, and some say the most scenic. However, it will take you up steeper inclines, and you can face winter road closures. So, the time of year you visit might influence which route you take.

Avoiding Peak Traffic Times​

Yosemite Park’s peak hours (especially during the summer) are between 9 am and 5 pm. So, to avoid the crowds, consider getting an early start (around 6 am) or waiting until the early evening. The good news is that, during the summer, days are long, so you can still enjoy several hours of sunlight if you arrive in the evening. As for traffic on the highway, Highways 120 and 140 tend to see congestion between roughly 7 am and 9 am, and again between 4:30 pm and 6:30 pm on weekdays. Consider trekking from San Francisco to Yosemite in the middle of the day to avoid delays.

Pack Physical Maps​

It’s a good idea to pack a variety of paper maps for this trip. While navigation apps are helpful, cell service is famously bad within Yosemite. You can also face dead zones in more remote parts of the route between San Francisco and the park. 

We recommend taking our Road Atlas and National Park guide to easily navigate Yosemite. It’s packed with insights, from trailheads to lodges and points of interest for all of America’s 63 National Parks. Our California state road map, with its clearly indicated highways and county boundaries, can help you find your way from San Francisco to Yosemite.

Your 3-Day Road Trip Itinerary​ for the San Francisco to Yosemite Drive

The route from San Francisco to Yosemite is variety-packed, with everything from charming small towns to majestic landscapes. We’ve created a 3-day itinerary that covers the highlights, so you’ll know where to pull over for an unforgettable road trip. Our itinerary has you following Highway 120 on the way to Yosemite, and Highway 140 driving back from Yosemite to San Francisco.

Day 1: San Francisco to Groveland​

Leave the bustling city streets of San Francisco in the rearview mirror and make your first stop in Oakdale. Known as “The Cowboy Capital of the World,” Oakdale has a history steeped in ranching and rodeo culture — it was the site of the inaugural rodeo in the Western U.S. Visit the Cowboy Museum to explore genuine artifacts and photographs that give you a taste of real cowboy life in the 19th and early 20th centuries. 

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, chow down at Backwood Burgers, where an extensive menu of specialty burgers and comfort food sides awaits you. (P.S., they have a Beyond Meat patty for vegetarians.) 

Take a slight, but worth-it detour to Jamestown. This former Gold Rush town is home to the Railtown 1897 State Historic Park, where you’ll find a locomotive repair facility operating since 1897. The repair shop and some of the vintage train cars found there have appeared in several major films, including “High Noon” and Clint Eastwood’s “Unforgiven.” While you’re in Jamestown, enjoy a picnic at the Red Hills Recreational Management Area. This is a perfect place to see the wildflowers bloom in the spring.

From Jamestown, you’re a short distance from Sonora, another influential town in California’s Gold Rush. Its downtown contains many historic buildings, like the Sonora Opera Hall and Courthouse Square.

Looking for a warm-up park before exploring the behemoth that is Yosemite? Stop by Columbia State Historic Park. This National Historic Landmark District contains nearly 30 well-preserved buildings from the California Gold Rush. Its main street hosts merchants selling everything from coffee to candles, as well as a historic saloon.

Next, make your way back down to Highway 120 and continue on to the charming town of Groveland. Estimated drive time: 38 minutes.

Day 2: Groveland to Yosemite National Park​

Before entering the park, a stop in Groveland is well worth your while. This endearing town is a short drive from Yosemite’s north entrance and home to California’s longest operating saloon, the Iron Door Saloon. Open since 1852, the watering hole’s walls are lined with photos of historic figures, like the founder of the Sierra Club and famous stagecoach robbers. Serving up American fare like chicken fried steaks and cobb salads, the Iron Door Saloon is a great place for a hearty meal. 

Don’t miss a visit to the Groveland Yosemite Gateway Museum, where you’ll learn about the area's history, including the indigenous tribes and the California Gold Rush. 

Want to get a good night’s rest before venturing into Yosemite National Park? Book a stay at Yosemite International Hostel in Groveland. It has a common-use kitchen for cooking up a big breakfast before heading into the park, and large rooms for groups. If you’re looking to camp, there are several affordable sites near Groveland, including Sweetwater Campground and Diamond Gulch (the latter sits on an active cattle ranch).

Next stop: the national park that inspired this entire trip, Yosemite. Estimated drive time: 30 minutes.

Day 3: Exploring Yosemite and Return to San Francisco​

You’ve reached the gates of Yosemite. Coming from Route 120, you’ll enter at the Big Oak Flat Entrance. Be prepared to pay the $35 per-vehicle fee. Then, head into Yosemite Valley. Pull over to stretch your legs at Bridalveil Falls — the trailhead is just off Big Oak Flat Road. It’s a short hike that will take you to views of one of the most famous waterfalls in the park. 

Continue into the valley, park your car, hop out and explore the sights on foot or by bicycle. From the Valley, you’ll see some of the park’s most iconic landmarks, including El Capitan, known for attracting ambitious rock climbers, and Half Dome, a quartz dome with a unique shape. 

Stop into the Yosemite Museum and explore exhibits dedicated to the culture and history of the Ahwahnechee tribe that once inhabited the region. Join a ranger-led tour focused on photography, nature or history. Speaking of photography, don’t miss the Ansel Adams Gallery, which contains works by the famous photographer as well as others who have been inspired by the park’s beauty.

Enjoy a stroll around Mirror Lake, known for its crystal clear waters and picture-perfect reflections of the surrounding granite cliffs. As the sun begins to set, head over to Glacier Point, the ideal spot for stargazing. Sitting at 7,214 feet elevation, Glacier Point is one of the highest elevation spots you can visit in the park. However, keep in mind it’s often seasonally closed from November through late May. 

Discover many more tips on how to visit Yosemite, with our in-depth itinerary for those hoping to spend more time exploring this national treasure.

It’s time to head back to San Francisco. Estimated drive time: 3 hours and 15 minutes.

Heading Home: Yosemite National Park to San Francisco

The fun isn’t done just because you’ve left the park. There are plenty of landmarks and character-filled towns to explore on your way from Yosemite Park to San Francisco.

If you exit via the Arch Rock Entrance (along Highway 140), you’ll soon arrive in Mariposa, a peaceful town with additional Gold Rush history. The Mariposa Museum & History Center contains exhibits showcasing the rich history of Mariposa County, including Native American culture, the Gold Rush and even the Spanish settlements. 

Grab a bite at Little Shop of Ramen to slurp up an affordable bowl of handmade noodles. Feeling thirsty? Head to Sierra Cider, an apple orchard just outside of town that uses sustainable practices to make delicious libations. 

 Next, head down to Catheys Valley, an idyllic countryside in the Sierra foothills, perfect for a picnic or a stroll. This is another prime spot for witnessing the wildflowers bloom. Next, wind your way back up to Turlock, a charming town with various local shops and well-maintained parks. While you’re there, stop in the Carnegie Arts Center, a delightful art center inside a historic building.

If you have time, spend an afternoon in Livermore. Known for its breathtaking vineyards, it’s the optimal spot to enjoy a moment in nature before heading back into San Francisco. Retzlaff Vineyards, with its organic wines and beautifully manicured grounds, is also well worth a visit.

Essential Packing List for Your San Francisco to Yosemite National Park Road Trip​

Our road trip combines stops that are active and leisurely. So, your packing list will be as diverse as this itinerary. Here is our suggested list of essentials:

• Outdoor Gear: A lightweight backpack will come in handy for hiking. If you plan on camping, pack a sleeping bag, portable stove and bear-safe food storage (this one is required in the park). Bring good hiking boots, too. Bug spray is also crucial for spring/summer. If visiting in shoulder seasons, pack tire chains or check rental policies.
• Clothing: It’s a good idea to pack layers, especially for Yosemite Park, where temperatures can fluctuate between highs and lows on the same day. Bring a windbreaker, hoodie, rain jacket (seasonal dependent) and plenty of fresh socks.
• Travel Essentials: Minimize your plastic use by packing a reusable water bottle and washable camping silverware. Pack plenty of sunscreen. Consider a power bank for charging devices while on the trails. A first-aid kit is essential, particularly for active travelers.
• Paper maps. Get carsick looking at your phone in the car? Pack paper maps instead. Our San Francisco paper map can come in handy for discovering points of interest in the Bay Area when you’re back in the city. Pack a road atlas for a big-picture look at the state. Our 2026 road atlas contains detailed maps of 50 American cities, including San Francisco.

You can consider the time of year you’ll take this trip and adjust your packing list accordingly.

Budget-Friendly Travel Tips​

It’s easy to pull off a San Francisco to Yosemite road trip on a budget. You just need to plan wisely and make some strategic choices. Here are some tips for stretching your travel funds:

• Rent a hybrid or EV to save on fuel costs
• Bring a camper to avoid paying for hotels
• Split Airbnbs 
• Make breakfast and dinner at your rental
• Stay in a hostel for hotel-esque convenience at a low cost
• Pack food for the park (Yosemite’s on-site markets are expensive)
• Use gas apps like GasBuddy and Upside to find affordable fuel

These tips can help your adventure money go further, so you can start planning for your next big road trip.

Plan Your Road Trip From San Francisco To Yosemite National Park with Rand McNally Maps

The region of the Central Valley between San Francisco and Yosemite is breathtaking. It has almost as many memorable sights as Yosemite Park itself, so don’t rush the trip. Enjoy the journey to Yosemite as much as the destination with our dynamic itinerary, packed with culture, history and natural beauty. 

If you want to be spontaneous and add some extra stops, take a look at one of our road atlases. You’ll get a birds-eye view of the area you’re exploring, and can select other unique pit stops along the way.

FAQs: San Francisco to Yosemite Road Trip

Want to learn more about the road to Yosemite from SF? Find useful insights below.

Is the drive from San Francisco to Yosemite scenic?

Yes, the drive from San Francisco to Yosemite is stunning. Whichever route you take — Highway 120 or Highway 140 — you’ll witness natural beauty and pass through picturesque towns.

Can you do Yosemite in a day from San Francisco?

The drive from San Francisco to Yosemite is only a few hours. If you get an early start, you could do the whole round trip in a day, but we suggest taking a few days to soak it up so you’ll also have time for the high country and hiking.

What is the best way to make the Yosemite drive from San Francisco?

If you want the most direct route, Route 120 is best. However, if you’re more comfortable with lower elevations, Route 140 is the better choice.