What Are the Best Route Options from LA to San Francisco?

Your route choice depends on your preferences and when you're traveling. Both options deliver unforgettable scenery, but they're designed for different seasons and travel styles.

Sequoia First Route (590 miles): Perfect for spring travel when you want to avoid closed mountain passes. You'll start among the giant sequoias at 6,400 feet, then head to Yosemite Valley. The dramatic switchbacks on CA-198 into Sequoia offer stunning Kaweah River canyon views. Plus, you won't stress about Tioga Pass being open, as this route doesn't depend on it.

Advantages:

• Shorter first-day drive, 230 miles vs. 310 miles
• Natural progression from lower to higher elevations
• Less critical whether Tioga Pass is closed

Best For: Spring travelers, families, first-time visitors, April, May, and June.

Yosemite First Route (730 miles): Ideal for summer and fall when Tioga Pass is open, and you're ready for high alpine adventure. The longer first-day drive gets you into Yosemite Valley sooner, giving you more time at Half Dome and El Capitan.

Advantages:

• Tioga Pass reliably open for high country access
• Experience Tuolumne Meadows and alpine scenery
• Cooler temperatures at elevation before descending to Sequoia

Best For: Summer and fall travelers, photographers, experienced hikers, July, August, September, and October.

How Does the Weather Change Along This Route?

Averages are for June-September travel. Pack layers: mountain temperatures can swing 30-40°F between day and night. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer at high elevations.

7-Day Itinerary: Sequoia First Route

Day 1: Los Angeles to Sequoia National Park

Distance: 230 miles | Time: 4-5 hours

Start by picking up your El Monte RV from our Los Angeles location. After the thorough orientation, hit the road mid-morning to avoid traffic. Take I-5 North to CA-99 North, then exit onto CA-198 East toward Sequoia National Park.

The final stretch climbs steeply with tight curves and canyon views. Fuel and buy groceries in Three Rivers before entering the park.

Upon arrival at Lodgepole Campground, set up your RV. Store all food in the provided bear-proof lockers. Spend the evening taking a short walk through the Giant Forest area to catch your first glimpse of massive sequoia trees backlit by sunset.

Campground: Lodgepole Campground | Reservations: Recreation.gov

Day 2: Sequoia National Park

Arrive early at the General Sherman Tree to beat crowds and walk the Congress Trail past the massive sequoias. Climb Moro Rock's stone steps for sweeping views of the Great Western Divide and Central Valley. In the afternoon, loop Crescent Meadow, known as the “gem of the Sierra,” before returning to camp.

Day 3: Kings Canyon National Park

Distance: 60 miles round trip

Drive the Generals Highway to see the General Grant Tree and nearby historic sites. Continue the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway into Cedar Grove, descending into one of North America's deepest canyons along the Kings River.

Optional: Hike the easy Zumwalt Meadow loop or the longer Mist Falls Trail. Expect granite walls, rushing water, and fewer crowds than Yosemite.

Day 4: Sequoia to Yosemite National Park

Distance: 165 miles | Time: 3-4 hours

Break camp and take the CA-180 to Fresno, then CA-41 into Yosemite National Park. Stock up on fuel and groceries in Oakhurst before prices rise inside the park. Stop at Tunnel View for the classic panorama of El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Half Dome. Check into Upper Pines Campground and spend the evening in the valley, enjoying sunset reflections along the Merced River.

Campground: Upper Pines Campground

Day 5: Yosemite Valley

Start early at Lower Yosemite Falls or El Capitan Meadow for golden light and lighter crowds. Walk or bike to Bridalveil Fall, Valley View, and other scenic stops. Hike Lower Yosemite Falls Trail, a 1-mile loop, or challenge yourself with Upper Yosemite Falls, a 7.2-mile hike, or simply watch climbers on El Capitan through binoculars. End the day at Sentinel Bridge for sunset views of Half Dome, then relax back at camp.

Day 6: Yosemite High Country

If Tioga Pass is open, drive CA-120 to Olmsted Point, Tuolumne Meadows, and Tenaya Lake for alpine scenery, wildflowers, and short hikes.

If Tioga Pass is closed, head to Glacier Point for dramatic overlooks 3,000 feet above the valley and hikes to Sentinel Dome or Taft Point. Either route offers cooler temperatures, wide-open views, and a different perspective from the valley floor.

Conditions can change quickly, even in early summer, due to snow, ice, or storm damage. Always check the current road status and chain controls on the official Yosemite Road Conditions page before planning your route.

Day 7: Yosemite to San Francisco

Distance: 195 miles | Time: 4-5 hours

Catch one last sunrise, break camp, and dump tanks before departure. Exit via CA-140 through the Merced River canyon for an easy, RV-friendly route. Then continue west through the Central Valley to I-580/I-80 and the Bay Bridge. Return your RV at our San Francisco location and wrap up your journey after nearly 600 miles of mountains, forests, and unforgettable national park scenery.

Will Tioga Pass Be Open When We Go?

Tioga Pass, CA-120 East, provides access to Yosemite's high country at 9,943 feet.

Typical Opening: Late May to early June

Typical Closure: October to November, after the first major snowfall

Travel Timing Impact

April-May: Pass is closed. Use CA-41 or CA-140 to access Yosemite Valley only. Sequoia-first route recommended.

June-September: Pass is open. Full access to Tuolumne Meadows and high country. Either route works well.

October-November: Early October pass is usually open; late October has closure risk. Monitor weather and have backup plans.

Alternative Routes if Closed:

• CA-41 North, Wawona Road, from Fresno
• CA-140, El Portal Road, via Mariposa. Most reliable year-round
• CA-120 West, Big Oak Flat Road

Where Should I Camp Near Yosemite and Sequoia?

Book 4-6 months in advance through Recreation.gov for peak season, May-September.

Yosemite National Park Campgrounds

Upper Pines Campground

• Location: Yosemite Valley
• RV Limit: 35 feet
• Amenities: Flush toilets, water, dump station
• Best For: Central valley access

Wawona Campground

• Location: South near Mariposa Grove
• RV Limit: 35 feet
• Best For: Quieter experience, giant sequoias

Tuolumne Meadows Campground

• Location: High country, Tioga Road
• RV Limit: 35 feet
• Season: Late June-September
• Best For: Alpine scenery, cooler temperatures

Sequoia & Kings Canyon Campgrounds

Lodgepole Campground

• Location: Near Giant Forest
• RV Limit: 42 feet
• Amenities: Flush toilets, showers, camp store, dump station
• Best For: Central location, General Sherman Tree access

Azalea Campground

• Location: Grant Grove area
• RV Limit: 30 feet
• Best For: Year-round camping, first-come, first-served

Campground Booking

National park campgrounds operate on a strict reservation system. Mark your calendar: reservations open exactly 4 months in advance at 7 AM Pacific. Be logged into Recreation.gov and ready to click. Popular campgrounds like Upper Pines and Lodgepole fill within minutes, sometimes seconds, of becoming available.

Consider booking midweek dates, Tuesday-Thursday, if weekend sites are full. Some campgrounds reserve a portion of sites for first-come, first-served availability, but arriving early, by 8 AM, is essential during peak season.

Private Campgrounds (Full Hookups)

If national park campgrounds are fully booked, private options provide full hookups with water, electric, and sewer connections. These campgrounds typically offer additional amenities like Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and camp stores.

• Yosemite Lakes RV Resort - Groveland, 25 miles from the park
• Lemon Cove / Sequoia RV Park - Lemon Cove, 20 miles from Sequoia

Which RV Class is Best for This Mountain Route?

Recommended: Class C, 25-32 feet

• Fits campground limits, 35-42 feet at most sites
• Easier on switchbacks and mountain roads
• Balances comfort and maneuverability

What About Extras?

El Monte RVs offer everything you need to enjoy your road trip, but consider travel extras that allow for a more comfortable journey:

• Convenience Kits: Chairs, table, cookware, dishes
• GPS Navigation: Essential due to limited cell service in parks

View all extras: Travel Extras

What About Long-Term Rentals?

28+ Day Rentals Include:

• Up to 1,500 miles monthly
• Unlimited generator use, free
• Reduced daily rates

Important Policies:

• Insurance required, not included in long-term rates
• Refundable security deposit required
• Same-location return, unless arranged otherwise

Learn more: Long-Term RV Rental | Rental Deals

What Safety Tips Should I Know?

Mountain Driving

California's mountain roads require different driving techniques than freeway travel. Use lower gears, 2nd or 3rd, on steep descents, and stop periodically if brakes feel hot or smell burnt. Take it slowly and use pullouts to let traffic pass.

Fuel planning is critical since gas stations are sparse in mountain areas. Fill up before entering parks, as they charge premium prices and often have lines during peak season.

Altitude Awareness

Elevations range from sea level to 9,943 feet at the Tioga Pass summit. Rapid altitude changes can cause shortness of breath, headaches, and fatigue. Allow time to acclimatize, stay hydrated, and avoid overexerting yourself immediately upon arrival.

Bear Safety

Both parks are active bear habitats. Store all food and scented items in bear-proof lockers provided at campgrounds. Never leave food in your RV unattended. Keep at least 50 yards of distance if you see a bear.

Emergency Contacts

• Yosemite: 911 or (209) 379-1992
• Sequoia/Kings Canyon: 911 or (559) 565-3341

Frequently Asked Questions About This LA to SF RV Trip

Is Tioga Pass open year-round?

No, Tioga Pass is typically closed in May due to snow at 9,943 feet. The pass usually opens in late May or early June after snowplows complete clearing. Access Yosemite via CA-41, South Entrance, or CA-140, Mariposa entrance, instead. Check current status at Yosemite Road Conditions.

Do I need to reserve campgrounds in advance for this trip?

Yes, reservations are essential during peak season, May-September. Upper Pines in Yosemite and Lodgepole in Sequoia fill within minutes on Recreation.gov. Reservations open 4 months in advance at 7 AM Pacific Time. Create your account early and save payment information.

Can I park a 35-foot RV at Yosemite and Sequoia campgrounds?

Yes, a 35-foot RV fits at Upper Pines, Yosemite, with a 35-foot limit, and Lodgepole, Sequoia, with a 42-foot limit. However, Azalea and Dorst Creek have 30-foot limits. Know your El Monte RV rental total length, including rear bumper, before booking.

How much does it cost to enter Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks?

No, entry is not free for Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks. A Standard Entrance Pass at either park is $35 for U.S. residents. Non-U.S. residents must pay a $100 per person fee in addition to the standard entrance pass fee. The America the Beautiful Annual Pass costs $80 for U.S. residents and $250 for non-U.S. residents, and covers all U.S. national parks for 12 months.

Is generator use included with my El Monte RV rental?

Yes, generator use is unlimited and included free with all El Monte RV rentals. Both Yosemite and Sequoia campgrounds offer no electrical hookups, so you'll need the generator to power air conditioning, heating, refrigerator, and outlets without restrictions or additional fees.

Are dogs allowed on this RV trip?

Yes, dogs are allowed at most campgrounds on leash, with a 6-foot maximum leash length, but they're not permitted on any park trails. You cannot leave dogs unattended in your RV. Because of these limits and wildlife concerns, consider whether pet travel is practical for you.

Will I encounter bears at campgrounds?

Yes, both parks are active bear habitats. Store all food and scented items in bear-proof lockers provided at campsites, never in your RV. Improper storage results in fines up to $5,000. If you see a bear, make noise, back away slowly while facing it, and report the sighting to rangers.

Where should I fuel up before entering the parks?

Yes, fuel up before entering both parks. Fill your tank in Visalia or Three Rivers before Sequoia, and Oakhurst or Mariposa before Yosemite. Stations inside parks are limited and expensive. Class C RVs get 8-12 MPG. Budget $200-$300 for the 590-730 mile trip.

What happens if my RV breaks down in a national park?

Contact El Monte RV's 24/7 roadside assistance using the number in your rental documents. For emergencies, call 911. Parks have limited cell service, so drive to the nearest visitor center if the issue is non-urgent. Carry emergency supplies including water, a flashlight, a first aid kit, and a physical map.