Phoenix to Yosemite Road Trip – 6‑Day Scenic Adventure

Day 1: Phoenix → Lake Havasu City → Needles

Morning: Depart Phoenix early and cruise north on I‑10 toward Lake Havasu City. Stop at the iconic London Bridge for photos and a quick coffee by the water.

Afternoon: Continue east on US‑95, crossing the Colorado River at Needles, CA. Enjoy the desert vistas and stretch at the Colorado River Landing park.

Evening: Check into the Best Western Plus Needles Inn for a comfortable night’s rest and dine at a local diner.

Day 2: Needles → Oatman → Lone Pine → Bishop

Morning: Drive north on US‑395, entering the Mojave Desert and the historic mining town of Oatman, where wild burros roam the streets.

Afternoon: Proceed to Lone Pine and explore the striking Alabama Hills, famous for its rock formations and movie backdrops.

Evening: Arrive in Bishop and settle into the Best Western Bishop Creek Lodge, enjoying a sunset view over the Sierra Nevada foothills.

Day 3: Bishop → Mono Lake → Mammoth Lakes

Morning: Head north on US‑395 to the surreal shoreline of Mono Lake, marveling at the tufa towers and birdlife.

Afternoon: Continue up to Mammoth Lakes, stopping at the scenic Hot Creek Geological Site for a short hike.

Evening: Check into the Westin Resort at Mammoth Mountain and enjoy dinner in the town’s lively Main Street.

Day 4: Mammoth Lakes → Tioga Pass → Yosemite Valley

Morning: Drive east on CA‑120, crossing the breathtaking Tioga Pass, the highest paved mountain pass in the Sierra Nevada.

Afternoon: Descend into Yosemite National Park, stopping at Olmsted Point for panoramic views of the valley.

Evening: Check into Yosemite Valley Lodge near the base of Yosemite Falls and relax with a park‑approved dinner.

Day 5: Full Day in Yosemite

Morning: Hike to the base of Yosemite Falls and wander through the meadow of Happy Isles.

Afternoon: Drive up to Glacier Point for sweeping vistas of El Capitan and Half Dome, then descend to the Mariposa Grove to walk among ancient giant sequoias.

Evening: Return to the lodge, enjoy a starlit walk along the Merced River, and savor a final dinner in the park.

Day 6: Yosemite → Bass Lake → Phoenix

Morning: Exit the park via CA‑41 and take US‑395 south, making a quick stop at the tranquil Bass Lake for a lakeside brunch.

Afternoon: Continue the drive through the high desert, passing the historic town of Lee Vining before re‑entering US‑395 southbound.

Evening: Arrive back in Phoenix, drop off the rental car, and reflect on the unforgettable road trip.

Time and Cost Estimates

• London Bridge (Lake Havasu) – 1 hour, $5 parking
• Colorado River Landing (Needles) – 0.5 hour, free
• Oatman Historic District – 1 hour, free
• Alabama Hills – 2 hours, free
• Mono Lake Tufa Tour – 1.5 hours, $12 entry
• Hot Creek Geological Site – 1 hour, free
• Tioga Pass Scenic Drive – 2 hours, $10 park fee
• Olmsted Point – 0.5 hour, free
• Yosemite National Park Entrance – 2 days, $35 per vehicle
• Yosemite Falls Hike – 2 hours, free
• Glacier Point – 1.5 hours, free
• Mariposa Grove – 2 hours, $5 shuttle
• Bass Lake Brunch – 1 hour, $20
• Accommodation (6 nights total) – 6 nights, $1,200
• Fuel (≈1,200 mi) – 2 days, $180

Total Estimated Cost: $1,474

Tips

If you have an extra day, consider adding a night in Lake Tahoe after Day 4 for alpine lake scenery, or extend your stay in Yosemite to explore the high country (Tuolumne Meadows). To shorten the trip, skip the Mono Lake stop and combine Day 3’s drive directly to Yosemite, reducing one overnight stay and saving roughly $200 on lodging.