CALIFORNIA · PLACES & PERSPECTIVES
The Sierra Nevada
Choose the eastern or western side before planning your route
The Sierra Nevada is a major mountain range of eastern California, extending into Nevada. Its granite landscapes, forests and high country include very different visitor regions. Yosemite’s western approaches, the Eastern Sierra along US 395 and the Lake Tahoe area each deserve their own route planning.
The eastern side: valley bases and high-country views
Bishop and the Mono Lake area provide starting points along US 395. Side roads climb toward mountain lakes and trailheads, often with seasonal limitations. A valley base can work well for several outings, but elevation gain and driving time matter more than straight-line distance.
The western side: distinct park approaches
Merced is one possible gateway toward Yosemite from the Central Valley. Other roads serve other parts of the range. Select the park entrance and overnight base together; a hotel on the opposite side of the mountains may involve a very long journey if a pass is closed.
MAKE IT YOUR JOURNEY
Plan your visit
Build a route around roads that are open for your dates. Tioga Road through Yosemite is seasonal and is not a reliable winter crossing. Check park entry arrangements, snow conditions and trail notices separately. Leave time to adjust to elevation and avoid planning a long mountain drive after an ambitious day on foot.