San Francisco to Yosemite to Las Vegas

[essexgirl]

Hiya everyone, I'm a first timer on this site and could do with some help. We are coming to San Francisco (1st time for that too) beginning of October and planning to drive to Las Vegas. The distance between SF and LV is about 570 miles, averaging say 50mph = 11-12 hours. We would love to go via the Yosemite National Park. I understand it is about 4 hours to Yosemite from SF. However, the visitor centre at Yosemite advise that from the park to Vegas is 8-10 hours. On the map, Yosemite looks enroute to Vegas. I can't seem to get a clear picture of driving times. Can anyone help me please? I know that here in England we are ALWAYS caught out by distances in the States, so if anyone can give me a hand, I would really appreciate it. Thank you everyone

[Mark Sedenquist]

Hiya everyone, I'm a first timer on this site and could do with some help.

Welcome to the Forum!

We are coming to San Francisco (1st time for that too) beginning of October and planning to drive to Las Vegas. The distance between SF and LV is about 570 miles, averaging say 50mph = 11-12 hours. We would love to go via the Yosemite National Park. I understand it is about 4 hours to Yosemite from SF.

Yes, it is about 260 miles by the most direct route and depending upon traffic and how often you stop for sightseeing, should take 4-5 hours.

However, the visitor centre at Yosemite advise that from the park to Vegas is 8-10 hours. On the map, Yosemite looks enroute to Vegas. I can't seem to get a clear picture of driving times.

It is, but the shortest possible distance is about 360 miles and the fastest possible drive would be 7-1/2 hours. Now, if you were to stop and sightsee on the way and/or go by way of Death Valley that leg of your journey would easily exceed ten hours. Here is an article that an editor of RTA took between San Francisco and Las Vegas last fall.

Also be sure to look at the other threads on this subject on the bottom of this page.

Mark

[essexgirl]

Thanks mark. Feeling a bit overwhelmed by the sheer size already. Wish I have 2 months and not 2 weeks for this trip. Anyway, many thanks again.

[Janet712]

Hi, Essex Girl. I'm an American living in Henley-on-Thames (OXON) and I'm also planning a trip to Yosemite for late September. I note that the hotels in the park are booking up VERY quickly. Probably something around the park will be good -- I HOPE!

I would also like to offer a suggestion for your Las Vegas trip. The Grand Canyon is only a 3-hour drive away. One day when you're bored of the Strip, you could mosey over to the Big Ditch??? Just a thought.

Cheerio and have a marvelous trip.

Janet

[Southwest Dave]

Hello Janet and welcome to R.T.A.

Thanks for coming on board and offering the info, although I notice that essexgirls trip was in 2005 ;o)

To guarantee a place inside the park it is best to book in advance if this is possible, but as you say there are options outside.

Small world, I am from Sussex and was in Henley a few weeks ago.

I hope you have a great trip, Yosemite is one of my favorite places and can't wait to get back there!

[Midwest Michael]

I would also like to offer a suggestion for your Las Vegas trip. The Grand Canyon is only a 3-hour drive away. One day when you're bored of the Strip, you could mosey over to the Big Ditch??? Just a thought.

Actually, its a pretty solid 5 hour trip each way from the Grand Canyon to the Strip. That distance also makes it very difficult to see the canyon as a "mosey" trip, you really need do an overnight to make the trip worthwhile.

Having said that, there are plenty of attractions that are a easy day trip away from the strip.

[raph]

I note that the hotels in the park are booking up VERY quickly. Probably something around the park will be good -- I HOPE!

Personnally I booked a hotel in June Lake, pretty much just outside the park. I went through there last year on the SF to Vegas segment of my trip and I absolutely fell in love with the place. I plan to make it my "HQ" this year while I spend the week hiking in the park itself next month.