If you’re planning a trip to San Francisco, why not hire a car and take a road trip? Here’s how to plan a San Francisco to Yosemite Road Trip.
The drive from San Francisco to Yosemite isn’t exactly a long one, covering 168 miles and taking just over 3 hours to complete non-stop. But, like any good adventure, it’s a journey that offers up a few good places to stop along the way. And for travellers hiring a campervan out of San Francisco, the route detailed below gives you a direct, well-signed, and easy-to-follow trip without any need to double back.
San Francisco to Livermore
Leaving San Francisco, you’ll head east across the Bay Bridge before cutting through the East Bay. After around 45 minutes, you’ll arrive in Livermore, and this is the first place you’ll pull over and spend some time exploring.
Livermore’s downtown area is filled with cafes and grocery stores, so it’s a good idea to stock up on your supplies before heading out on the road again. Also, if you have time (and we highly recommend making it), a short stop at a local park or winery gives you the perfect opportunity to stretch your legs without having to venture out on day-long hikes.
Livermore to Groveland
From Livermore, the drive continues east through the Central Valley before climbing into the foothills. Groveland is about 2 hours on the road, and it’s one of those small towns that you can easily go straight through without knowing what treasures it holds.
The most popular of these is The Iron Door Saloon, often noted as California’s oldest continuously operating saloon, and definitely the first place you should visit once you’ve parked your campervan. Or, for something a little more outdoorsy, Pine Mountain Lake is less than 10 minutes from Groveland and has plenty of short walks and quiet viewpoints.
Groveland to Yosemite National Park
From Groveland, it’s a half-hour drive to Yosemite National Park’s Big Oak Flat Entrance. The road climbs steadily through the forest here, and once you’re inside the park, Yosemite Valley is the first thing that greets you.
Pullouts along the road here give you a chance to take in some stellar views of El Capitan and Bridalveil Falls. There are also short walks along the route to Lower Yosemite Fall or along the valley floor, providing close-up views without requiring longer treks or venturing into remote areas.
Exploring Yosemite Valley
Having made your way through the Big Oak Flat Entrance and stopping for the views, you can now head onto the loop road, moving at your own pace and stopping wherever the scenery draws you in.
Tunnel View is one of the most iconic overlooks along the loop road, while Cook’s Meadow has flat paths with wide views of Half Dome. Both are, understandably, busy spots, but each has quiet areas that let you step away from the crowd and take it all in.
Honorable Mention: Tuolumne Meadows
If you have the time, continue east from Yosemite Valley toward Tuolumne Meadows. This section of the park sits at high elevation, which means it may be closed during the winter months and early spring, but when it is open, you’ll have the opportunity to explore meadows and granite domes, accompanied by views across the river and grasslands.
Tips for Solo Travellers
Plan Around Seasonal Access
If you’re traveling solo, it’s worth checking road access before you leave San Francisco. Yosemite’s higher elevations are affected by snow for a large portion of the year, and that means routes like Tioga Road to Tuolumne Meadows are usually closed. If they are, you should stick to Yosemite Valley, where you’ll still find plenty to see without the risk of getting stuck or having to unnecessarily backtrack.
Stick to Well-Traveled Areas
Areas like Yosemite Valley, Tunnel View, and Lower Yosemite Fall have clear signage, frequent pullouts, and a steady flow of other visitors. This makes it easy to explore if you’re traveling alone, and the confidence that if something goes wrong, there’s likely to be somebody else around to help you out.
It’s All About Timing
One of the best things about solo travel on this route is that you’re able to step away from the crowds. Early mornings and late afternoons tend to be quieter, particularly at the overlooks and along valley paths. However, it’s still a good idea to stay near central areas where possible, as that means you’re never too far from facilities or help from other travellers if needed. Happy road tripping!
