Road-tripping from Los Angeles to Yellowstone? You’re in for quite a ride! The route is a ticket to some of the most jaw-dropping scenery in the United States, and includes stops at icons like Zion, Grand Teton, Yosemite, Sequoia, and, of course, Yellowstone itself. There are plenty of epic national park road trips in North America, but in our opinion, this one rivals the best of them.
Planning an LA to Yellowstone road trip requires upfront planning and logistical considerations. Numbers need to be crunched, routes plotted, lodging booked (often well in advance), and weather considered depending on the season. In this post, we’ve covered all the essentials, from road trip highlights to itinerary options and lodging and tour recommendations.
Road Trip Los Angeles to Yellowstone
Table of Contents
- Interactive Road Trip Map
- LA to Yellowstone Itinerary Options
- How to Use This Guide
- Best Time for LA to Yellowstone
- Road Trip Stops
LA to Yellowstone Road Trip Map
Copy as a new map in Google and add your own points of interest to customize it and make it your own!
How far is Los Angeles from Yellowstone? FAR! Taking the most direct route, LA is 1,013 miles (1,630 km) from Yellowstone National Park and requires more than 15 hours of drive time. For the fastest journey, take the I-15 North to Idaho Falls and then merge onto the US-20 East, following it all the way into West Yellowstone.
However, if you’re going to drive all that way without stopping along the way, you’re much better off flying (in our humble opinion). Luckily, for those who want to hit the open road, there are a TON of awesome stops between LA and Yellowstone—and that’s where this itinerary comes in!
Other road trips you might like:
- Seattle to Yellowstone Road Trip
- California National Park Road Trip
- Utah National Park Road Trip
- LA to Grand Canyon Road Trip
- Denver to Grand Canyon Road Trip
LA to Yellowstone Itinerary Options
10-Day, 2-Week, and 3-Week Los Angeles to Yellowstone Road Trip Itinerary Options
Los Angeles to Yellowstone 3-Week Itinerary
- Los Angeles, CA – 1-2 nights, road trip starting point
- Las Vegas, NV – 2 nights, 4.5-hour drive from LA to Las Vegas
- Zion National Park, UT – 2-3 nights, 2.5-hour drive from Las Vegas to Zion
- Bryce Canyon National Park, UT – 2 nights, 2-hour drive from Zion to Bryce Canyon
- Park City, UT – 1 -2 nights; 4.5-hour drive from Bryce Canyon to Park City
- Grand Teton National Park – 2-3 nights, 4.5-hour drive from Park City to Grand Teton
- Yellowstone National Park – 3-4 nights, 2.5 hours from Grand Teton to West Yellowstone
- Craters of the Moon, ID – 1 night, 3-hour drive from West Yellowstone to Craters of the Moon
- Reno, NV – 1 night, 6.5-hour drive from Twin Falls to Reno
- Yosemite National Park, CA – 3-4 nights, 4.5-hour drive from Reno to Yosemite
- Sequoia National Park, CA – 2-3 nights, 2.5-hour drive from Yosemite to Sequoia
- Los Angeles, CA – 3.5-hour drive from Sequoia to Los Angeles
Los Angeles to Yellowstone 2-Week Itinerary
- Los Angeles, CA – 1 night, road trip starting point
- Zion National Park, UT – 2-3 nights, 6.5-hour drive from LA to Zion
- Grand Teton National Park – 2-3 nights, 8-hour drive from Zion to Grand Teton
- Yellowstone National Park – 3-4 nights, 2.5 hours from Grand Teton to West Yellowstone
- Craters of the Moon, ID – 1 night, 3-hour drive from West Yellowstone to Craters of the Moon
- Reno, NV – 1 night, 6.5-hour drive from Twin Falls to Reno
- Yosemite National Park, CA – 3-4 nights, 4.5-hour drive from Reno to Yosemite
- Los Angeles, CA – 5-hour drive from Yosemite to Los Angeles
LA to Yellowstone 10-Day Itinerary
- Los Angeles, CA – 1 night, road trip starting point
- Zion National Park, UT – 2 nights, 6.5-hour drive from LA to Zion
- Grand Teton National Park – 3 nights, 8-hour drive from Zion to Grand Teton
- Yellowstone National Park – 4 nights, 2.5 hours from Grand Teton to West Yellowstone
- Los Angeles, CA – Fly back to Los Angeles from West Yellowstone or Bozeman
How To Use This Road Trip Guide
This Los Angeles to Yellowstone road trip itinerary is meant to serve as a guide that can be customized to your budget, timeframe, and travel preferences. We recommend at least three weeks to complete the route in full (four weeks would be better). However, we know that three weeks can be hard to come by, so we’ve included less extensive 10-day and 2-week itinerary options.
If you have less than ten days for your LA to Yellowstone road trip, your best bet is to fly into West Yellowstone, Bozeman, or Salt Lake City and rent a car. On the flip side, if you have more than three weeks to spare, add a night wherever you please, combine this route with a Yellowstone to Seattle road trip, or spend more time road-tripping through Utah.
Best Time For An LA to Yellowstone Trip
The best time to road trip from Los Angeles to Yellowstone tends to be late Spring (late April to May) or early Fall (September to early October). These months bring moderate weather, manageable crowds, and the best Yellowstone wildlife viewing. In Yellowstone, late Spring is best for spotting bears, bison, and elk calves, while early Fall brings the elk rut and beautiful autumn landscapes.
Summer is the most popular time to visit due to schools being closed. Road-trippers traveling between June and August should prepare for crowds and warm weather. To beat the heat (and the masses), start your days early and relax at your accommodation in the afternoons. Aim to book accommodation as far in advance as possible to avoid disappointment (up to 12 months).
Winter is cold and brings icy conditions. Road and trail closures are all but guaranteed. That said, if you’re adequately prepared and know what you’re getting yourself into, it can be an absolutely beautiful time to visit the national parks. The Utah portion of this itinerary is very manageable during winter, and Park City makes for a great ski stopover. Las Vegas is also lovely in winter.
LA to Yellowstone Road Trip Stops
Los Angeles, CA
1-2 nights; Road Trip Starting Point
Contributed by LA Local, Alanna of Periodic Adventures
Los Angeles hardly needs an introduction. While it’s known for big attractions, Hollywood glam, and stunning beaches, the city is also one of the most diverse, with stellar restaurants, underrated gems, and an outpouring of passion for the arts.
Things to Do in Los Angeles
Don’t miss icons like the Griffith Observatory (guided tour options), where La La Land was filmed, Disneyland and California Adventure Parks for the ultimate fun-filled day, and the Santa Monica Pier, known for its amusement park and people-watching.
But where Los Angeles really shines is in its lesser-known activities. For example, the Avila Adobe in historic Olvera Street is the city’s oldest home and is free to visit. Angels Flight Railway is the world’s shortest railway, costing a whopping $1 to ride each way. And you can’t forget about The Getty’s often skipped sister museum, The Getty Villa, which houses ancient Greek and Roman art in a classic Roman summer home (closed temporarily as of early 2025 due to fire damage).
Finally, outdoor enthusiasts will love the hiking surrounding Los Angeles. The state parks in Malibu have many trails that provide stunning ocean views. Or, opt for a classic, the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook Trail, which promises a one-of-a-kind view of downtown Los Angeles and its surrounding mountains. It’s especially wonderful after it rains when the mountains become snow-capped!
LA Insider Tip From A Local
Since Los Angeles has some of the best food in the United States, you can visit multiple restaurants in one go by visiting its markets. The Original Farmers Market is a favorite, with staples including Nonna’s Empanadas and Littlejohn’s English Toffee. Grand Central Market has incredible options, too, including Donut Man, with its iconic strawberry-filled donut, as seen in the TV shows You, Sarita’s Pupuseria, and DTLA Cheese!
Where to Stay in Los Angeles
For an iconic stay in Los Angeles (and a hefty splurge), consider a historic property like the Beverly Hills Hotel, once frequented by Hollywood stars like Elizabeth Taylor, Humphrey Bogart, and Marilyn Monroe. To be central in the city with easy Metro access, stay near the Mid-Wilshire area. Kimpton The Hotel Wilshire is an excellent option with rooftop pool access and city views! PodShare is best as far as hostels go, where you can snag a single bed for under $100.
In terms of vacation rentals, we love this stylish 1-bedroom loft in the heart of Downtown and this budget-friendly studio in the Arts District (both include free parking!).
Las Vegas, NV
2 nights; 4.5-hour drive from Los Angeles to Las Vegas
Experienced by Hannah Falkosky of Plate & Compass
After heading out of LA, take a few nights to enjoy the bright lights, nightlife, shopping, gambling, award-winning shows, and insanely good culinary scene in Las Vegas. The city is best known for the Las Vegas Strip, but there are plenty of things to do both on and off The Strip to relax or live it up!
Things to Do in Las Vegas
If you want to soak up the outdoors, head to Red Rock Canyon, just 25 minutes west of The Strip. There are several great hiking trails, including Calico View, Red Spring, and Kraft Mountain Trailhead. Or head east to the famous Hoover Dam for views of the Colorado River and Lake Mead.
Of course, you can test your odds at any of the 65 casinos in Las Vegas. Each resort on The Strip offers something unique, from the French-themed Paris Hotel to Excalibur’s medieval styling or The Venetian’s grand canals. Check out the flamingos at the Flamingo before taking a 30-minute ride on the LINQ High Roller, which tops out at a whopping 550 feet off the ground.
You could spend your two full days checking out the resorts and award-winning restaurants of celebrity chefs like Gordon Ramsey, Roy Choi, Martha Stewart, Guy Fieri, and Bobby Flay. If you snag reservations in advance, you just might be able to try Gordon Ramsey’s infamous Beef Wellington and delightful Sticky Toffee Pudding at Hell’s Kitchen.
Vegas Insider Tip
If you’re really looking for something unique, check out the views from Legacy Club Cocktail Bar on the 60th floor of the Circa Hotel. Trust me, the sunset hour view is stunning! While visiting the Fremont Street area, you can also catch the Viva Vision Light Show, which takes place under the 130,000-square-foot canopy on Fremont Street.
Where to Stay in Las Vegas
My favorite place to stay in Las Vegas is the Virgin Hotel, which is just east of The Strip. This hotel offers all the luxury of a 4-star resort, with a sandy beach pool, stellar restaurants, and corner rooms with an incredible view. It’s also close enough to hop in an Uber and spend the evening on The Strip.
On The Strip, top choices include the Wynn, Bellagio, NoMad, ARIA Resort, and The Venetian. Treasure Island is an awesome pick for families traveling with kids.
Zion National Park, UT
2-3 nights; 2.5-hour drive from Las Vegas to Zion National Park
Experienced by Catherine Xu of Day Trip Nomad
Zion National Park is located in southwest Utah and will undoubtedly be one of the most dramatic stops on your road trip from Los Angeles to Yellowstone. With its sandstone cliffs colored from cream to pink to red, Zion warrants at least two full days of outdoor adventure.
Things to Do in Zion National Park
You cannot talk about Zion without mentioning one of the most epic (and dangerous!) hikes in America, Angel’s Landing. Due to its challenging ascent with harrowing drops on each side, it’s not for the faint of heart, but the view from the top is nothing short of jaw-dropping. Since 2022, Angel’s Landing has required a permit for anyone wanting to hike past Scout’s Lookout. Go in early Spring or late Fall for the best chances at winning the permit lottery.
In the afternoon, go for a less strenuous hike, like the Emerald Pools Trail, which takes you to the park’s lower, middle, and upper pools.
Another iconic Zion hike is The Narrows. Hiking through the Narrows is a unique experience, as the Virgin River serves as the trail, and hikers sometimes wade in water up to their waists. The towering canyon walls cast large shadows while the sun reflects areas of fiery red. To tackle this hike, rent waterproof gear from Zion Outfitter in Springdale. Just note that the hike is not always open (especially in Spring) due to high water levels or possible flash floods.
Take a scenic drive or a jeep tour through East Zion to see places like Checkerboard Mesa and the Canyon Overlook for a more relaxed but equally breathtaking option.
Zion Insider Tip
Due to crowds and limited in-park parking, Zion’s main canyon can only be accessed by shuttle bus from March to November (unless you’re staying at Zion Lodge). Shuttles are free and uber convenient, stopping every few minutes at numerous points inside the park and in nearby Springdale.
Where to Stay Near Zion
Zion Lodge is your only option if you want to stay inside the park. There are also two campgrounds right on the park border. Alternatively, the charming town of Springdale is located just outside the South Entrance to the park. It offers a variety of accommodations and plenty of restaurants, shops, and outfitters. Zion is one of the only locations where visitors often prefer to stay outside the park.
For more options on where to stay in and near Zion, check out our meticulously curated Zion Lodging and Zion Glamping guides.
Bryce Canyon, UT
2 nights; 2-hour drive from Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon
Experienced by Janae of Adventures With TuckNae
Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the most well-known Utah national parks because of its unique hoodoo rock formations. If hiking amongst hoodoos is anywhere on your bucket list, then Bryce Canyon should be on your travel radar!
Things to Do in Bryce Canyon
The most popular thing to do in Bryce Canyon National Park is hiking. There are a variety of trails suitable for most hiking levels. Some of the best are the Wall Street and Queens Garden Loop Trail (3.2 miles) and the Bristlecone Loop Trail (1 mile).
If you want to make your visit to Bryce Canyon extra memorable, consider taking a horseback riding tour of the park. There are also quite a few lookout points that you can stop at as you drive through Bryce Canyon. Many of them feature gorgeous views of the hoodoos, but each has a different perspective and is equally stunning.
For a more off-beat option, head to Mossy Cave Waterfall, one of the best waterfalls in Southern Utah. It’s in a lesser-visited part of the park, but definitely worth a stop.
Bryce Canyon Insider Tip
Remember to stop at the Visitor Center on your way into the park. You can grab a map to help plan your day, use the clean restrooms, and learn more about the area’s history through a variety of educational and informational displays.
Where to Stay Near Bryce Canyon
If you’d like to stay in the park, consider booking a room at the Lodge at Bryce Canyon, open seasonally between late March and mid-November. There are also two campgrounds in the park: North Campground (open year-round) and Sunset Campground (open seasonally).
For lodging outside the park, Bryce Canyon City and Tropic are two good areas to base yourself. Our favorite is the Best Western Plus Grand Hotel, just three minutes from the park entrance.
Park City, UT
1-2 nights, 4.5-hour drive from Bryce Canyon National Park to Park City
Experienced by Elizabeth of Tall Adventure Fam
There are so many amazing places to explore in Utah, and Park City is one of them. Nestled in the Rocky Mountains not far from Salt Lake City, Park City is known for skiing in the winter and upscale outdoor escapes in the summer.
Things to Do in Park City
Park City offers a variety of activities that make it a perfect stop on a road trip from LA to Yellowstone. The most unique thing to do is visit Utah Olympic Park. Tube down ski jumps where records were made, ride the Alpine coaster, conquer the rope course, or bobsled down the track.
Main Street in Park City is the perfect place to stroll and shop —or window shop if that’s more your style. There are so many fun stores and unique things to buy.
Next, enjoy the beauty of the mountains by taking a lift to the top. Once you get off the lift, you can explore the many trails or just relax and enjoy the fresh air. Multiple lifts depart at different points around Park City, so it is easy to access them from wherever you’re staying.
Park City Insider Tip
Park City is an expensive place to stay, but it’s beautiful and worth it if you want to splurge a little bit. If you’re trying to stick to a budget, stay in Salt Lake City and drive up the canyon to explore Park City for the day before continuing north towards Yellowstone.
Where to Stay in Park City
Hotel Park City is a stunning ski lodge with luxurious rooms and impressive views. It’s located right on the Park City Golf Club and is a fantastic place to stay. For a more budget-friendly option, try Best Western Plus Landmark Inn.
For those wanting to self-cater, we love this one-bedroom mountain modern condo and this two-bedroom condo sleeping up to six.
Grand Teton National Park, WY
2-3 nights, 4.5-hour drive from Park City to Grand Teton National Park
Experienced by Gabi Robledo of Nomads With A Purpose
Known for its majestic mountain peaks, pristine alpine lakes, and abundant wildlife, Grand Teton National Park offers bucket-list-worthy views and an incredible playground for hikers who want to venture into epic mountainscapes.
Things to Do in Grand Teton
You can’t visit Grand Teton without hitting the trails. For one of the coolest hiking experiences, ride the ferry across Jenny Lake (it offers an awesome perspective of the mountains!) and hike up Cascade Canyon (9.1-mile out-and-back). Though long, it’s relatively non-strenuous.
For those seeking a more epic adventure, head off the beaten path to Delta Lake (a 7.4-mile out-and-back hike), an iconic emerald blue lake beneath the Grand Teton. And, for the most advanced hiker, don’t miss the hike up the Middle Teton (an epic 13-mile out-and-back trail with some class 3 scrambling) or the famous backpacking circuit Paintbrush to Cascade Canyon Loop.
If you instead came for relaxation, soak in the panoramic vistas of the Teton Range from Colter Bay’s lakeshore. And, as you cruise north along the scenic byway, be sure to stop at the best viewpoints, such as Snake River Overlook, Oxbow Bend, Schwabacher Landing, or Mormon Row, to take in the park’s stunning landscapes.
Grand Teton Insider Tip
Grand Teton spans a vast area, with approximately an hour’s drive from Jackson to Jenny Lake, another hour to Colter Bay, and nearly two more hours to Old Faithful in Yellowstone. People who are on a road trip from Grand Teton to Yellowstone tend to underestimate how much driving this is, so give yourself enough time. This is also why it’s ideal to stay near Colter Bay to break up the drive.
Where to Stay Near Grand Teton
My go-to camping spot in Grand Teton National Park is Colter Bay Campground. It offers 350 tent and RV sites without hookups (though some allow generators). Colter Bay also has an RV resort with full hookups, but reservations are hard to secure.
For non-camping accommodations, Jackson Lake Lodge and Colter Bay Village are best for the ultimate national park experience. If park accommodations are unavailable, spend one or two nights in Jackson and another at Heart Six Ranch.
If you’re on a budget, camping or self-catering outside the park is the way to go (lodging in Jackson is unbelievably pricey). Our vote goes to this two-bedroom condo minutes from the park or this three-bedroom condo in Jackson.
Yellowstone National Park
3-4 nights, 2.5 hours from Grand Teton National Park to Yellowstone West Entrance
Experienced by Samantha Oppenheimer of Find Love and Travel
The first national park in the U.S., Yellowstone, was established in 1872 and has wowed visitors since its inception. It offers something for everyone, with waterfalls, geothermal activity, mountains, and abundant wildlife. In fact, Yellowstone is home to the largest bison population on public land.
Things to Do in Yellowstone
With tons of activities and hiking trails, you can stay busy in Yellowstone for months, but if this is your first time visiting, there are some top attractions you simply can’t miss.
This includes visiting the world’s most famous geyser, Old Faithful. Known to erupt every one to two hours, you can grab a bite to eat or enjoy an ice cream while you wait. There are also several hiking trails in the area. Predictions on the next eruption are available at the Visitor Center.
You also won’t want to miss Grand Prismatic Spring, located at the Midway Geyser Basin. It’s one of the largest hot springs in the world and shows off vibrant hues of gold, orange, and blue. It’s awe-inspiring to see as you walk along the boardwalk. For a birds-eye view, hike up to the Grand Prismatic Springs Overlook. The trailhead starts at Fairy Falls Parking Lot and is about a half-mile each way.
Don’t miss out on the Upper and Lower Falls near Canyon Village for incredible waterfalls. The views along Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone are spectacular and require very little effort to enjoy (though you can hike along the rim or down into the canyon if you’d like!).
Lastly, if you’re looking for the best wildlife viewing, head to Lamar Valley, which is on the upper loop. You’ll often spot large herds of Yellowstone Bison and, depending on the season, wolves and bears.
Yellowstone Insider Tips
- Because the park has limited cell reception, buying or printing a paper map or downloading an offline map is helpful.
- When planning your itinerary, I recommend doing the lower loop first, as there are more “top” attractions, and then the upper loop after.
- Start your day when the park first opens and plan for delays. Always double-check the National Park Website for current road and weather conditions.
- Animals can also cause “traffic jams,” and parking at attractions may take a little patience.
Where to Stay In Yellowstone
Staying inside Yellowstone National Park requires planning (or luck if you can snag a last-minute cancellation!). During peak season, lodges, cabins, and campsites book out up to 12 months in advance. Old Faithful Inn and Canyon Lodge and Cabins are the most popular. However, if you’d rather stay outside the park, the most used entrance is West Yellowstone. Elkhorn Cabins and Inn is a great mid-range option, and Bar N Ranch is perfect if you want to channel your inner Dutton.
For those on the hunt for a vacation rental, this two-bedroom condo sleeps up to six (located just one block from the park entrance!) and offers great value, as does this cozy home, sleeping up to eight. For large groups, we couldn’t not include this four-bedroom cabin on the Madison River.
Still stumped? Our Yellowstone Lodging Guide covers every single lodging and camping option inside the park, as well as top-rated accommodations in nearby West Yellowstone and Gardiner. Our Yellowstone Glamping Guide highlights all of the best glamping options near the park.
Craters of the Moon, ID
Day Trip En Route to Twin Falls, 3-hour drive from West Yellowstone to Craters of the Moon
Experienced by Lori Blalock of Southerner Says
Craters of the Moon National Monument (and Preserve) is a unique, lesser-visited national park unit in Idaho’s Snake River Plain. Lying on what’s called the Great Rift of Idaho (a 52-mile-long chain of deep cracks in the earth), Craters of the Moon is full of lava flows, lava cones, tubes, and caves.
Things to Do at Craters of the Moon
Craters of the Moon National Monument encompasses a relatively large area. Still, the main section, best for casual adventurers, is fairly compact and can be explored in a day or two. Start with the Robert Limbert Visitor Center to learn more about this part of Idaho, watch the park film, and purchase a new stamp for those national park passport books. Engage the whole family by enrolling children in fun Junior Ranger activities. As always, rangers are on hand to answer any questions, help plan daily activities, and offer suggestions.
Next, don’t miss the seven-mile Park Scenic Loop. Most of the viewpoints and short hikes in Craters of the Moon National Monument can be enjoyed from this picturesque route. Highlights are the Snow Cone Trail to see splatter cones; Triple Twisted Tree, which helps date the park’s age; and Inferno Cone, a walkable, tall cinder cone with a 500-foot elevation gain for unparalleled views of the surrounding area.
Craters of the Moon Insider Tip
While Craters of the Moon National Monument is the star of the show in this part of Idaho, the quirky, small town of Arco, Idaho, 18 miles away, is also worthy of a visit. Interestingly, Arco was the first town in the world to receive electricity powered by nuclear energy. The Idaho Science Center tells the story of this unique achievement.
Where to Stay Near Craters of the Moon
Since Craters of the Moon is a remote national park, spending the night in the park, or as close as possible, is a good idea. Plus, it’s a chance to experience sunset and the brilliant night skies of an International Dark Sky Park. The park’s Lava Flow Campground offers 42 first-come, first-served campsites in a unique setting on one of the lava flows.
For non-campers, the KOA in Arco has cabins in addition to RV and tent sites, and there are a couple of modest hotels in Arco. Alternatively, drive a bit further and overnight in Twin Falls.
Reno, NV
1 night, 6.5-hour drive from Twin Falls to Reno
Experienced by Jenna Becker of Up and Away Magazine
Known as the “Biggest Little City In The World,” Reno sits on the Nevada-California border, making for the perfect stopover between Yellowstone and Yosemite. The city is packed with resorts, casinos, and restaurants and is known for its affordability, often called the “poor man’s Vegas.”
Things to Do in Reno
If you’re just overnighting in Reno en route to Yosemite, searching for a restaurant and hitting up a slot machine or two may be the gist of your plans. The Oyster and Sushi Bar on the Sky Terrace of the Atlantis Casino Resort is a favorite as far as eats go. However, Roxy at Eldorado Resort takes the cake if you’re looking for a good steakhouse and La Strada has fantastic Italian (also at Eldorado). For a less resort-centric experience, Anna’s Taqueria has some of the best street tacos in Nevada.
The best places to gamble are the Atlantis, Peppermill, and Eldorado Resorts and Casinos.
For those with a bit more time to spare, Reno is home to the National Automobile Museum, housing more than 200 antique and collector cars. Or, escape the glitz and glam by heading to the Truckee River Walk, offering beautiful scenery and a totally different perspective of the area.
Reno Insider Tip
Families with kids will love The Discovery – a hands-on science center with ever-changing exhibitions. It’s a great place to let little legs get out their wiggles before the car ride to Yosemite.
Where to Stay in Reno
The Atlantis Casino Resort and Spa offers the quintessential Reno resort experience. It’s affordable (you can often snag a room for under $100!), highly rated, and home to the only Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star-rated spa in northern Nevada.
If you’d prefer not to step foot in a casino, The Jesse is a stunning boutique option (and it’s pet-friendly!), or, for families, this four-bedroom luxury home is within walking distance of both the river and The Discovery Museum.
Yosemite National Park, CA
3-4 nights, 4.5-hour drive from Reno to Yosemite
Experienced by Taryn Shorr-Mckee of Chasing Trail
Arguably just as iconic as Yellowstone, Yosemite National Park is a mecca for hikers, climbers, and backpackers. The park is world-famous for its towering granite rock formations and waterfalls. Still, there are plenty of opportunities to get well off the beaten path, too.
Things to Do in Yosemite
It sounds cliche, but there’s truly no shortage of things to do and see in Yosemite. Avid outdoor enthusiasts will be in paradise, but even more casual adventurers will find plenty to fall in love with.
You’ll want to hit the major highlights during a shorter trip, especially as a first-timer. Begin with a visit to Tunnel View, the viewpoint made famous by Ansel Adams. If you can time it right, this is a spectacular sunset spot. Next, head down into Yosemite Valley to marvel at 2,425-foot Yosemite Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the world. When it’s really flowing, you can see it from anywhere in the Valley, but you can also get up close on a short trail near Yosemite Valley Lodge.
Speaking of short hikes, there are several easy options you can fit into even a short trip. The best include Bridalveil Fall, Mirror Lake, and Cook’s Meadow Loop, which takes you around the valley floor. If you prefer to explore on two wheels, you can rent bicycles from several places in the Valley between March and October.
If you plan well in advance, you could also spend a full day hiking up Half Dome. This involves winning a permit in the Half Dome lottery and a nearly 20-mile hike, so it certainly isn’t a casual adventure, but it’s well worth the effort.
Depending on the time of year, you may also have the opportunity to enjoy seasonal experiences. In the summer, discover hidden swimming holes and explore areas of the park only accessible during warmer months, such as Tioga Pass and Glacier Point. Spring brings roaring waterfalls and raging rivers. Fall offers a feast for the eyes as the park’s foliage transforms into vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges. When snow starts to fall, embrace Yosemite’s winter wonderland by ice skating, snowshoeing, or skiing. Some years, you can also witness the mesmerizing Firefall phenomenon in February, when the setting sun illuminates Horsetail Fall, creating the illusion of flowing lava.
Yosemite Insider Tip
Regardless of how you spend your days in Yosemite, don’t miss refueling at the Curry Village Pizza Patio. Grab a freshly made pizza and a beer (or cocktails from Bar 1899, right next door) and enjoy it al fresco. The specialty pizzas are fantastic, but the Half Dome is life-changing.
Where to Stay in Yosemite
Because of the park’s vast size, the best place to stay is in Yosemite Valley itself. Valley lodging comes with a higher price tag, but it will drastically reduce the time you spend driving in and out of the park each day. Plus, seeing Yosemite Falls or Half Dome right from your room is unforgettable!
Yosemite Valley offers a wide range of accommodations, from campsites to rustic tent cabins in Curry Village to the luxurious and historic Ahwahnee Hotel. Yosemite Valley Lodge provides the best middle-of-the-road accommodation, plus it’s open year-round and has on-site dining options.
For more Yosemite accommodation options, check out our detailed Yosemite Lodging Guide or head over to our Yosemite Glamping Guide, our Best Yosemite Cabins list, or our Pet-Friendly Yosemite Cabins round-up. Can you tell we love Yosemite?
Sequoia National Park, CA
2-3 Nights, 2.5-hour drive from Yosemite to Sequoia National Park
Experienced by Francesca of Homeroom Travel
Sequoia National Park is known for its giant sequoia trees (the largest in the world!), fantastic hiking trails, and abundant wildlife. With over 8,000 giant sequoias in the park, you’ll not want to miss the spectacular views.
Things to Do in Sequoia National Park
The General Sherman Tree Trail is easily the most popular in the park. Visitors can walk this easy one-mile loop to see the largest sequoia tree in the world by volume (a true giant amongst giants!). Tack on the Congress Trail to the General Sherman Tree Trail if you’d like; a 2.7-mile loop trail showcasing more amazing sequoias (the two trails link up). Also, don’t miss the Giant Forest Museum.
Moro Rock is another park favorite. It offers some of the best views in Sequoia, but you have to be willing to climb the 350 steps to the top! Other fun stops include Tunnel Log, Crystal Cave (though it will remain closed in 2024), the Big Trees Trail (a short loop that circles an open meadow), and Tokopah Falls (a 3.4-mile out-and-back riverside hike departing from Lodgepole Campground).
Sequoia Insider Tip
The hikes in the park range from easy to strenuous, so be aware of what trail you go on. You will want an early start to beat the crowds, especially during the peak summer season.
Also, be aware that Sequoia is black bear country. Always store your food in the provided bear lockers when camping, and ensure you don’t leave anything scented in your vehicle (even things like gum, chapstick, or toothpaste). Bears have a keen sense of smell and frequently break into cars.
Where to Stay in Sequoia National Park
Both camping and formal lodging are available in the park. Wuksachi Lodge is located in the popular Giant Forest section of the park and is typically open year-round, while John Muir Lodge and Cabins are in nearby Grant Grove in the Kings Canyon section of the park. Lodgepole is the most popular campground, although Azalea and Sunset are also great options.
Our Sequoia Lodging Guide has every lodging option in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (including accommodation and camping in more remote sections of the park).
Back to Los Angeles
3.5-hour drive from Sequoia National Park to Los Angeles
Browse more national park road trip guides
All photos courtesy of hotel, booking, or information sites
Up and Away Magazine is reader-supported. This means that when you make a booking via one of our affiliate links, we earn a commission at absolutely no additional cost to you. In this way, we are able to bring you content for free. Your continued support is greatly appreciated. Adventure on!
