📷 Photo by Taisia Karaseva on UnsplashSequoia and Yosemite
The largest tree on Earth, then Yosemite Valley through the gold country town of Mariposa.
- Distance
- approx. 348 km (216 mi)
- Driving
- 3 h 52 min
- Suggested days
- 4
- Stops
- 5
- States
- CA
- Best time to go
- April–May and September–October
- Tolls and vignettes
- None expected
- Updated
- August 29, 2026
At a glance: 4-day road trip of about 348 km (216 mi) with 5 stops, from Fresno to Tunnel View, Yosemite. About 3 h 52 min of driving in total. Best time to go: April–May and September–October. No toll roads expected for a car.
More road trips in California · More road trips from Fresno
Photos along the route
Route description
From Fresno, head south and east through Visalia and the orange groves of the San Joaquin Valley, then take CA-198 into the foothills to Three Rivers, the gateway town to Sequoia National Park.
From Three Rivers, the Generals Highway climbs steeply through many switchbacks into Sequoia National Park, and vehicles over 22 feet are advised not to drive the section between Potwisha and the Giant Forest Museum. The General Sherman Tree, the largest living tree on Earth by volume, is a short walk from its parking area in the Giant Forest.
Follow the Generals Highway north to Grant Grove and CA-180 back down toward Fresno, then take CA-41 north to Oakhurst and CA-49 to Mariposa, an old gold country town with a historic courthouse. From there, CA-140 follows the Merced River canyon into Yosemite Valley.
Tunnel View, on Wawona Road just above the valley floor, frames El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall and Half Dome in one view. In summer, check whether Yosemite requires an entry reservation, and book valley campgrounds months ahead. In winter, chains may be required on the mountain roads of both parks.
Which stops are on Sequoia and Yosemite?
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Fresno
CA - 2103 km
Three Rivers
CA - 325 km
General Sherman Tree
NatureThree Rivers, CAThe largest living tree on Earth by volume, a giant sequoia in the Giant Forest.
- 4177 km
Mariposa
CA - 543 km
Tunnel View, Yosemite
ViewsYosemite Valley, CAEl Capitan, Bridalveil Fall and Half Dome in one frame. It is the first view of the valley when you arrive on Wawona Road.
How do you drive Sequoia and Yosemite in 4 days?
4 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Fresno → Three Rivers · 64 mi · 1 h 08 minOvernight nearby, for example: Three Rivers Hideaway (2 mi); Sequoia RV Ranch (2 mi).
- Day 2: Three Rivers → General Sherman Tree · 16 mi · 0 h 17 minOvernight nearby, for example: Sunset Campground (16 mi); Azalea Campground (16 mi).
- Day 3: General Sherman Tree → Mariposa · 110 mi · 1 h 58 minOvernight nearby, for example: Indian Flat RV Park (14 mi); Wildhaven Yosemite Glamping (1 mi).
- Day 4: Mariposa → Tunnel View, Yosemite · 27 mi · 0 h 29 minOvernight nearby, for example: Indian Flat RV Park (10 mi); Hodgdon Meadow Campground (12 mi).
When is the best time for Sequoia and Yosemite?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and November. Hot in July. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
More routes for the best months
Practical guides for this route
Photo by Malivez on UnsplashDriving in the US: The Rules European Visitors Most Often Get Wrong at the Wheel
Photo by Aleksandr Dalakian on UnsplashFuel, Tolls and Distances: Practical US Driving Math for Motorhome and Camper Travelers
Photo by Tracy Zhang on UnsplashUS national parks: entry fees, passes and reservations in plain terms
Themes
Plan this route for your vehicle
Scout adapts this route to your vehicle, your days and your budget.
FAQs
How long is Sequoia and Yosemite?
4-day road trip of about 348 km (216 mi) with 5 stops, from Fresno to Tunnel View, Yosemite. About 3 h 52 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Sequoia and Yosemite?
We suggest 4 days: about 3 h 52 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Sequoia and Yosemite start and end?
It starts in Fresno and ends in Tunnel View, Yosemite.
Which states does Sequoia and Yosemite pass through?
California.
Where can you camp along Sequoia and Yosemite?
OpenStreetMap lists 81 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 19 mi of the stops on this route. For example: Indian Flat RV Park, Sunset Campground and Azalea Campground.
More like this
© Marty Aligata · CC BY-SA 4.0Kings Canyon Scenic Byway and the Giant Forest
© Dietmar Rabich · CC BY-SA 4.0Yosemite end to end: sequoias, Glacier Point and Tioga Road
© Jarek Tuszyński · CC BY-SA 3.0