Sierra Nevada Road Trip Itinerary
The Sierra Nevada Road Trip is a great way to experience the beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in the United States. Starting in Sacramento, the journey takes you through Lake Tahoe, Lone Pine, Three Rivers, and Lakeshore, ending back in Sacramento after a total of 1891km. This trip will take approximately nine days to complete, but it is well worth the time. The best time of year to take this road trip is during the summer months, when the mountains are lush and green, and the days are long and warm. Driving through the Sierra Nevada, you will experience breathtaking views, including crystal-clear lakes, forests, and meadows. The roads are in good condition and suitable for any driver. The trip can be done on a moderate budget and is sure to create memories that will last a lifetime.
9
number of days
1,891 km
route length
fair
budget
family
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on the right
traffic direction
low
accident level
START
Sacramento
Distance 1,891 km
Driving time 26.9 h
Pace: fast
567.3 kWh
Airports
SMF
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Sacramento, the capital of California, is a great starting point for a road trip called "Sierra Nevada Road Trip". The city is home to many attractions, including the State Capitol, Old Sacramento and the California State Railroad Museum. The Crocker Art Museum, one of the oldest art museums in the West, also offers a great collection of art and artifacts. Nature lovers can explore the American River Parkway, a 24-mile stretch of trails and parks along the American River. For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is the Sacramento International Airport (SMF). Car rentals are available at this airport, making it easy to start your road trip. During your stay, be sure to visit some of the many shops, restaurants and bars in the downtown area. For a unique experience, take a ride on the Sacramento RiverTrain, an excursion train that takes passengers along the Sacramento River. Sacramento is an ideal destination for a Sierra Nevada Road Trip, offering plenty of attractions, activities and opportunities to explore.
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Sacramento
- Lake Tahoe
Distance 194 km
Driving time 2.2 h
Pace: fast
58.3 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you looking for an amazing road trip experience? Look no further than the Sacramento to Lake Tahoe route! This scenic drive is only 121 miles long and can be completed in less than 3 hours, making it the perfect day trip.
The journey begins in Sacramento, the capital of California, where you can explore the city’s many historical sites. From there, you’ll drive through the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains, where you’ll have the opportunity to take in stunning views of the lake and the surrounding area.
Once you reach Lake Tahoe, you can explore the area’s many attractions, including the picturesque Emerald Bay, the historic Vikingsholm Castle, and the renowned ski resorts. You can also enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and fishing.
It’s easy to see why this route is so popular. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day trip or an action-packed adventure, this route has something for everyone. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your Sacramento to Lake Tahoe road trip today!
Remember, for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary of this stage.
Lake Tahoe - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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2
Lake Tahoe
- Mammoth Lakes
Distance 292 km
Driving time 3.9 h
Pace: fast
87.7 kWh
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip? Start your journey in the beautiful Lake Tahoe and drive through the stunning Mono Lake with its peculiar tufa towers and its unique bird colonies. Enjoy the picturesque landscapes of the Sierra Nevada mountains. This 182mi journey will take you less than 4 hours and will end in Mammoth Lakes. Along the way, you can visit the Mono Lake Visitor Center and learn about the history and ecology of the area. You can also take a hike to the South Tufa area and explore the unique formations of tufa towers. Don't forget to take some pictures of the breathtaking views of Mono Lake. Finally, you will reach Mammoth Lakes and you can explore the unique natural attractions such as Hot Creek Geological Site and Mammoth Lakes Basin. Make sure to take your time and enjoy the amazing views of the Sierra Nevada mountains. More information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and hit the road!
Mammoth Lakes - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
Mammoth Lakes - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wallpaperflare
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3
Mammoth Lakes
- Lone Pine
Distance 161 km
Driving time 1.8 h
Pace: fast
48.2 kWh
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Welcome road-trippers to one of the most exciting stages of your tour! This 100 mi journey takes you from Mammoth Lakes to Lone Pine, and can be completed in fewer than 2 hours.
Start your journey in Mammoth Lakes, a great destination for outdoor activities. From fishing to skiing, Mammoth Lakes has it all. Don't miss the chance to explore the Mammoth Lakes Basin and its beautiful trails.
As you drive to Lone Pine, you will be mesmerized by the incredible views of the Eastern Sierra Nevada mountain range. Stop in Olancha, a small town in the Owens Valley, to admire the stunning views of the Sierra Nevada.
In Lone Pine, explore Alabama Hills, a unique landscape of rocks and boulders. Visit the Lone Pine Film History Museum and learn about the many movies that were filmed in this area.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Lone Pine - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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4
Lone Pine
- Lake Isabella
Distance 190 km
Driving time 2.1 h
Pace: fast
56.9 kWh
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Welcome to the Lone Pine - Lake Isabella road trip stage! This is one of the most spectacular stages of the larger tour, with a total distance of 118mi and a driving time of fewer than 3 hours.
The stage starts in Lone Pine, a small town located in the Owens Valley of California. Here, you can visit the Alabama Hills, a range of rounded rock formations, and the Lone Pine Film History Museum, which celebrates the contribution of the area to the movie industry.
The next stop is the ghost town of Cerro Gordo, a former silver mining town that has been abandoned since the 1940s. Here, you can explore the ruins of the old buildings and admire the views of the Inyo Mountains.
Further along the route, you’ll come to the town of Olancha, where you can visit the Fossil Falls, a unique landscape of rocks, sand, and lava.
The last stop of the stage is Lake Isabella, a popular recreational area surrounded by the Sequoia National Forest. Here, you can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, such as fishing, boating, and swimming.
For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the “Itinerary” of this stage. Have a great trip!
Lake Isabella - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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5
Lake Isabella
- Sequoia N.P.
- Three Rivers
Distance 180 km
Driving time 2.4 h
Pace: fast
53.9 kWh
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Are you looking for an exciting road trip? Look no further! Starting in the beautiful Lake Isabella, United States, this 112 mi journey will take you less than 3 hours to complete. The first stop of this amazing trip is the Sequoia National Park. Here, you can explore the stunning landscapes, take a hike through the majestic Giant Forest, or even climb up the Moro Rock for a breathtaking view.
Next, you will be heading to Three Rivers. This charming town is situated at the entrance of the park and offers plenty of activities for the whole family. Take your time to enjoy a picnic by the river, go on a horseback riding tour, or visit the Foothills Visitor Center to learn more about the area.
If you want to learn more about the attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. Have a safe and enjoyable trip!
Three Rivers - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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6
Three Rivers
- Kings Canyon N.P.
- Fresno
Distance 300 km
Driving time 5.3 h
Pace: modest
78.0 kWh
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Start your road trip in Three Rivers, a small town located in the heart of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. From here, you will drive through Kings Canyon National Park, one of the most beautiful parks in the US. The park is known for its deep gorges, lush forests, and spectacular views. Along the way, you can admire the majestic peaks of the Sierra Nevada, the grandeur of the Kings River, and the magnificent Sequoia trees. You will also have the chance to visit the General Grant Grove, where you can see the General Grant Tree, the second largest tree in the world.
Continue your journey to Fresno, located 186 miles away from Three Rivers. It will take you fewer than 6 hours to get there, so make sure to take your time and enjoy the scenery. On the way, you can also make a stop at Hume Lake, a picturesque lake surrounded by pine trees and granite cliffs. Once you arrive in Fresno, you can explore the city's vibrant culture, vibrant arts scene, and diverse cuisine.
This is one of the stages of a larger tour. More information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the “Itinerary” of this stage. So, plan your trip, pack your bags, and hit the road for an unforgettable adventure!
Fresno - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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7
Fresno
- Lakeshore
Distance 111 km
Driving time 1.7 h
Pace: fast
33.3 kWh
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Welcome to the Fresno-Lakeshore road trip stage! This scenic journey is part of a larger tour, and it offers a great opportunity to explore the best of these two regions. Starting in Fresno, you can explore the wonders of the Forestiere Underground Gardens, an incredible oasis of underground tunnels and courtyards. Then, you can visit the Fresno Art Museum, a great place to learn about the art and culture of the region.
Afterwards, you can drive 69 miles (in fewer than 2 hours) to Lakeshore and enjoy the beauty of the lake and the surrounding nature. Here, you can go for a hike in the Lakeshore National Forest and admire the wildlife, or you can explore the unique geological formations of the Lakeshore Natural Bridge.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. We hope you have a great time exploring Fresno and Lakeshore!
Lakeshore - United States - North America - Road Trip - Pikist
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8
Lakeshore
- Yosemite N.P.
Distance 178 km
Driving time 3.1 h
Pace: modest
46.2 kWh
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Are you ready for a thrilling 110mi road trip between Lakeshore and Yosemite National Park? With a driving time of fewer than 4 hours, this is the perfect opportunity to explore the beauty of the United States!
Start your journey in Lakeshore and make sure to visit the beautiful Lakeshore Beach, where you can relax and take in the stunning views of Lake Michigan. You can also take a stroll in the Lakeshore Park and admire the amazing array of trees and flowers.
Continue your journey to Yosemite National Park and discover the incredible attractions of this incredible area. Visit the Yosemite Valley, home to some of the most iconic landmarks, such as El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls. You can also explore the Mariposa Grove and admire the majestic Giant Sequoias.
For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check the “Itinerary” of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready to explore the beauty of Lakeshore and Yosemite National Park!
Yosemite N.P. - United States - North America - Road Trip - www.wallpaperflare.com
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9
Yosemite N.P.
- Sacramento
Distance 285 km
Driving time 4.4 h
Pace: fast
85.6 kWh
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Are you ready for an unforgettable road trip from Yosemite National Park to Sacramento? This 177-mile journey will take you less than 5 hours and will take you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the United States.
Start your journey in Yosemite National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore its breathtaking granite cliffs, giant sequoia groves, and waterfalls. Don't forget to take a moment to appreciate the spectacular views of Half Dome and El Capitan.
Continue your journey to Mariposa, the county seat of Mariposa County, and visit its many historical sites. Make sure to visit the Mariposa Museum and History Center, where you can learn about the area's rich history.
Before you reach your final destination, don't forget to stop in Placerville, a charming and historic gold rush town. Here, you can explore the ruins of the old Hangtown, take a stroll through the downtown area, and visit the El Dorado County Historical Museum.
Finally, you will reach your destination - Sacramento, the capital of California. Here, you can explore the historic Old Sacramento, visit the California State Capitol, and take a ride on the Sacramento RiverTrain.
As you plan your trip, remember that more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready for an unforgettable road trip from Yosemite National Park to Sacramento!
Sacramento - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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Sacramento
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Wrapping up the Sierra Nevada Road Trip, Sacramento awaits. This vibrant and diverse city is the perfect end to any road trip.
Sacramento has a range of attractions, from the California State Capitol Museum to the Old Sacramento State Historic Park. Take a stroll along the Sacramento River and enjoy the local wildlife, or take a bike ride along the 32-mile long American River Bike Trail.
For those looking for a more interactive experience, Sacramento offers a range of activities for all ages. With its family-friendly museums and galleries, as well as a range of outdoor activities such as kayaking, paddle-boarding and horseback riding, there’s something for everyone.
For those looking to explore further, Sacramento is the perfect base to explore the surrounding area. Located within an hours drive of San Francisco, Lake Tahoe and the Napa Valley, there’s plenty to explore and discover.
For those travelling by air, Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is the closest international airport, located just 10 miles from downtown.
Sacramento is the perfect end to the Sierra Nevada Road Trip, offering something for everyone. From museums and galleries to outdoor activities, Sacramento is the perfect place to end a road trip.
Sierra Nevada Road Trip at a glance
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Start:
Sacramento
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End:
Sacramento
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Distance:
1,891 km
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Stay:
9 days
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Getting there:
Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
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When to drive:
May, June, July, August, September, October
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Embark on a spectacular journey through the Sierra Nevada, a mountain range celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity. This Road Trip, extending over 1,891 km (1,175 miles), starts and concludes in Sacramento, the vibrant capital city of California. Within approximately nine days, travelers can explore the diverse array of natural wonders, cultural sites, and outdoor adventures that the Sierra Nevada has to offer.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Lake Tahoe: This alpine lake is famed for its crystal-clear waters and is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts year-round. In the winter, it's a skiing paradise, while the summer months offer excellent hiking, boating, and cycling opportunities.
- Lone Pine: This charming town is the gateway to Mount Whitney, the tallest peak in the contiguous United States at 14,505 feet (4,421 meters). Nearby, the Alabama Hills feature unique rock formations and have served as a filming location for numerous movies.
- Three Rivers: Situated at the entrance of Sequoia National Park, this community is the perfect starting point for adventures among the world's largest trees, including the General Sherman Tree, the most massive known living single-stem tree on Earth.
- Lakeshore: Nestled beside Huntington Lake, Lakeshore provides access to the scenic beauty and recreational activities within the Sierra National Forest, including fishing, hiking, and camping amidst stunning mountain vistas.
Best Time to Go:
The optimal period to undertake the Sierra Nevada Road Trip is during the summer months when the region comes to life with verdant meadows, wildflower blooms, and accessible trails. The warm weather and extended daylight hours allow for a fuller exploration of the natural splendor.
Potential Risks:
- The mountainous terrain can experience sudden weather shifts, which may result in challenging driving conditions, particularly outside the summer season.
- Frequent wildlife crossings necessitate careful driving to ensure the safety of both animals and travelers.
- Visitors may encounter altitude sickness in higher elevation areas; it's advisable to acclimate gradually and stay hydrated.
Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:
- The Sierra Nevada stretches across a vast expanse, primarily in California, with a smaller portion in Nevada, illustrating the scale of this grand mountain range.
- Besides housing Mount Whitney, it's also the source of the renowned Yosemite Valley and the ancient Bristlecone Pines, some of the oldest living trees in the world.
- The region is a hotspot for biodiversity, with habitats ranging from arid deserts to lush forests, supporting an array of wildlife including the American black bear, mountain lions, and the rare Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep.
- Recreational activities are abundant, from winter sports at world-class ski resorts to water sports on serene lakes, making it a year-round destination for adventure seekers.
A good choice for:
The Sierra Nevada Road Trip offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with nature, indulge in outdoor recreation, and discover the awe-inspiring beauty of one of America's most iconic mountain ranges. It's a journey that blends the thrill of exploration with the serenity of the great outdoors, catering to nature lovers, photographers, and anyone with a spirit for adventure.
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