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Okay, let’s set the scene: you’re scrolling through your phone (again), mentally swapping LA’s bumper-to-bumper grind for Yosemite’s granite giants and pine-scented air. But here’s the catch: how do you get there? Road trip? Bus? Plane? Train?
Maybe even a combo platter of all four? Let’s cut through the noise and break down every option. No fluff, just straight-up pros, cons, and insider tips to help you pick the best way to turn “I wish” into “Let’s go.”
The Great Debate: What’s Your Yosemite Vibe?
First, ask yourself: Are you here for the journey or the destination?
- Road Trip Warriors: Craving pit stops at weird roadside attractions and epic playlists?
- Chill Travelers: Want to nap, read, or stare out a window while someone drives?
- Time-Crunched Explorers: Need to max out park time and minimize transit hours?
No judgment here. Let’s match your vibe to the perfect route.
Route 1: The Classic (Highway 99)
Miles: ~300
Time: 5–6 hours (if you resist stopping, which you won’t).
Cost: Gas ($60–80 round trip), snacks, and maybe a burger at Bravo Farms in Traver (their jalapeño poppers are legendary).
Views & Stops:
- Shields Date Garden (Indio): Detour 1.5 hours southeast off Highway 99 for date shakes and a kitschy garden with statues renaming The Song of Songs. Yes, it’s random, but it’s worth it.
- “Old Car Home” (Tulare): A graveyard of vintage cars off Highway 99 near Tulare. Perfect for moody photos or pretending you’re in a post-apocalyptic movie.
- Fresno’s Fruit Stands: Stock up on Central Valley peaches or almonds. Pro tip: “Try before you buy” is the law here.
Best for: First-timers, families, or anyone who thinks road trips need a side of quirky.
Highway 99, Los Angeles to Yosemite
Route 2: The Scenic Detour (Highway 395)
Miles: ~400
Time: 7–8 hours (but double it if you stop at every vista).
Cost: Gas ($90–110) + $20 for that “I Heart 395” sticker you’ll impulse-buy in Lone Pine.
Views & Stops:
- Alabama Hills: Instagram’s favorite rocks. Park your car, hike for 10 minutes, and boom, you’re in a Star Wars scene.
- Mammoth Lakes: Grab a latte at Stellar Brew and pretend you’re a local ski bum (even in July).
- Manzanar National Historic Site: A sobering but essential stop to learn about WWII Japanese-American internment camps.
- Bishop’s Erick Schat’s Bakkery: A mandatory stop for fresh rye bread, sheepherder’s coffee, and people-watching.
- Mono Lake: Walk the boardwalks to see alien-like tufa towers. Bonus: The salty air will make your hair huge.
Best for: Photographers, adventurers, and anyone who thinks “longer drive means better stories.”
Alabama Hills, Los Angeles to Yosemite National Park
2. Bus Life: Kick Back and Let Someone Else Drive
No car? No problem. Companies like Greyhound and Amtrak Thruway run buses from LA to Merced or Fresno, where you’ll transfer to YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transportation) into the park.
- Cost: 50–50–80 one-way (bus + YARTS).
- Time: 8–10 hours (bring snacks and a good book).
- Perks: Zero stress, free Wi-Fi (sometimes), and guilt-free nap time.
- Cons: Limited schedules, and you’ll miss quirky roadside stops.
Best for: Solo travelers, budget backpackers, or anyone who’d rather binge Netflix than navigate mountain roads.
Bus from Los Angeles to Yosemite National Park
3. Train + Shuttle: Slow Travel with Sierra Views
The Vibe: If you’re the type who thinks getting there should feel like part of the vacation (hello, legroom, and zero traffic jams), this retro-style combo is your jam.
How It Works:
I. Amtrak’s San Joaquin Train:
- Route: LA Union Station → Merced
- Time: 6–7 hours
- Cost: 30–60 one-way (Pro tip: Book early for deals!)
- Perks: Spacious seats, café car snacks, and Central Valley views that turn golden at sunset.
II. Switch to YARTS Shuttle:
- Route: Merced → Yosemite Valley
- Time: 2 hours
- Cost: 15–20 one-way
- Perks: Guides often share park trivia, and you’ll get first dibs on spotting deer from your window.
Total Cost: 45–80 one-way (way cheaper than gas + parking!)
Total Time: 8–9 hours (but you’ll relax for once).
Why You’ll Love It:
- No driving stress: Read, nap, or stare at cows grazing in the valley.
- Eco-friendly: Trains emit ⅓ less CO2 than cars.
- Secret Bonus: Amtrak’s “Pacific Parlour Car“ has wine tastings on select routes. Cheers to that!
Best for: Romantics, retirees, or anyone who thinks “slow travel“ is a flex, not a flaw.
4. Fly + Drive: For the “Time Is Money“ Crowd
If you’re short on time, fly into Fresno Yosemite International (1.5-hour flight, 150-150-300 round trip) or Mammoth Lakes Airport (seasonal flights). From there, rent a car or grab a shuttle:
- Fresno to Yosemite: 1.5-hour drive.
- Mammoth Lakes to Yosemite: 2 hours (Tioga Pass open summer/fall only).
Cost: Flights + rental car/shuttle = 300-300-500+.
Time: 4–5 hours door-to-door.
Best for: Weekend warriors, business travelers squeezing in a nature fix, or folks who hate long drives.
5. Yosemite View Lodge Transportation: Staying Nearby?
If you’re bunking at Yosemite View Lodge (just outside the park’s Arch Rock entrance), you’ve got options:
- Shuttle Service: Free seasonal shuttles run to Yosemite Valley.
- Bike Rentals: Cruise along the Merced River for a car-free day.
- Walk: Some trailheads are a 10-minute stroll from the lodge.
Pro Tip: Book a riverside room. Fall asleep to the sound of water rushing over rocks.
The Verdict: Which Route Wins?
Let’s get real: There’s no “best“ way—just the best way for you.
Q: How far is Mariposa from Yosemite National Park?
A: About 45 minutes by car (35 miles)! It’s one of the closest gateway towns to Yosemite Valley, so you’re neighbors with Half Dome.
Q: Can I take a shuttle from Mariposa to Yosemite?
A: Absolutely! YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transportation) runs daily shuttles from Mariposa to Yosemite Valley (1 hour, ~$10 one-way). Check schedules. Some routes stop at iconic spots like Tunnel View or Bridalveil Fall.
Q: What’s the best scenic drive from Mariposa to Yosemite?
A: Highway 140 (the “All-Weather Highway”) winds along the Merced River, with cliffs and pine forests out your window. Look for El Portal, a tiny riverside town perfect for a coffee pit stop.
Q: Is Mariposa worth a stop, or should I drive through?
A: Don’t skip it! The Mariposa Museum & History Center is a gold rush gem.
