# Death Valley to Yosemite on the Eastern Sierra

> 4-day road trip of about 595 km (370 mi) with 6 stops, from Las Vegas to Upper Pines Campground. About 6 h 36 min of driving in total.

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/guides/eastern-sierra/

**At a glance:** 4-day road trip of about 595 km (370 mi) with 6 stops, from Las Vegas to Upper Pines Campground. About 6 h 36 min of driving in total. From the lowest point in North America to granite walls, by way of tufa towers.

| | |
|---|---|
| Distance | 595 km (370 mi) |
| Driving | 6 h 36 min |
| Suggested days | 4 |
| Stops | 6 |
| Route | Las Vegas → Upper Pines Campground |
| States | NV, CA |
| Updated | May 9, 2026 |

## Route description

Leave Las Vegas west via Pahrump into Death Valley National Park and drive down to Badwater Basin, 282 feet below sea level and the lowest point in North America, where the salt flats crack into hexagons. In summer avoid the middle of the day, carry plenty of water and fill the tank before entering the park.

Leave the park west on CA-190 over the Panamint Range and down to US-395 near Lone Pine. The highway then runs north through the Owens Valley with the steep eastern face of the Sierra Nevada rising to the west, past Independence to Bishop, a good place to stock up.

North of Bishop the road climbs into higher, cooler country toward Mono Lake, where limestone tufa towers that formed underwater now stand along the shore of an ancient salt lake; come at sunrise. From Lee Vining, Tioga Road (CA-120) climbs over Tioga Pass into Yosemite, but it is closed in winter, usually from November until late May or June.

In Yosemite Valley, Tunnel View on Wawona Road frames El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall and Half Dome in one view, and it is the first sight of the valley for anyone arriving from the south. Upper Pines Campground, the largest in the valley, sits beneath Half Dome, but reservations open months ahead and go fast. In summer, also check whether a park entry reservation is required.

## Stop-by-stop itinerary

1. **Las Vegas** (NV)
2. **Badwater Basin** (Death Valley, CA): At 282 feet below sea level, it is the lowest point in North America. The salt flats crack into hexagons. Avoid midday in summer.
3. **Bishop** (CA)
4. **Mono Lake Tufa** (Lee Vining, CA): Limestone towers that formed underwater and now stand along the shore of an ancient salt lake. Come at sunrise.
5. **Tunnel View, Yosemite** (Yosemite Valley, CA): El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall and Half Dome in one frame. It is the first view of the valley when you arrive on Wawona Road.
6. **Upper Pines Campground** (Yosemite Valley, CA): The largest campground in Yosemite Valley, under Half Dome. Reservations open months ahead and go fast.

## FAQs

**How long is Death Valley to Yosemite on the Eastern Sierra?**
4-day road trip of about 595 km (370 mi) with 6 stops, from Las Vegas to Upper Pines Campground. About 6 h 36 min of driving in total.

**How many days do you need for Death Valley to Yosemite on the Eastern Sierra?**
We suggest 4 days: about 6 h 36 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.

**Where does Death Valley to Yosemite on the Eastern Sierra start and end?**
It starts in Las Vegas and ends in Upper Pines Campground.

**Which states does Death Valley to Yosemite on the Eastern Sierra pass through?**
Nevada and California.