Petaluma → Sonora → Bridgeport → Mono Lake → Lundy Canyon → Yosemite (3‑Night Camping)

Day 1: Petaluma to Sonora

Morning: Depart Petaluma early and head east on I‑80, enjoying the rolling vineyards of the North Bay. The drive to Sonora takes about 2.5 hours, with a quick stop at a scenic overlook for photos.

Afternoon: Arrive in historic Sonora and wander its Gold Rush‑era downtown, visiting boutique shops and the Sonora Museum. Grab a hearty lunch at a local café before checking in to the campsite.

Evening: Set up camp at Sonora Creek RV Park, where fire pits are available. Relax with a short stroll along the nearby creek and enjoy a starlit dinner.

Day 2: Sonora to Bridgeport

Morning: Pack up and drive north‑east toward the Sierra foothills, crossing the beautiful Lake Tahoe basin on the way. The route offers panoramic mountain vistas perfect for quick photo stops.

Afternoon: Reach Bridgeport and explore the Bridgeport Reservoir with its sparkling waters and fishing pier. Visit the Bridgeport Museum to learn about the town’s mining heritage.

Evening: Pitch your tent at Bridgeport RV Park, taking advantage of the quiet, high‑altitude setting. A campfire dinner under the clear night sky caps the day.

Day 3: Bridgeport – Mono Lake – Lundy Canyon

Morning: Depart Bridgeport early for the striking Mono Lake, a 30‑minute drive that passes dramatic alpine scenery. Arrive to see the famous tufa tower formations rising from the saline water.

Afternoon: Walk the Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve boardwalk, learning about its unique ecology. Continue onward to the trailhead of Lundy Canyon, a hidden gem in the Sierra.

Evening: Set up camp at the designated Lundy Canyon campsite, nestled among pine forest. Enjoy a quiet evening of stargazing and the distant sound of waterfalls.

Day 4: Lundy Canyon to Yosemite

Morning: Hike the Lundy Canyon Trail to the beautiful Lundy Falls, a 2‑hour round‑trip that offers lush meadows and cascading water. Bring a packed breakfast to enjoy on the trail.

Afternoon: Drive south to Yosemite National Park, entering through the Tioga Pass (season‑dependent). After the entrance, head toward Yosemite Valley for iconic vistas.

Evening: Camp at the Yosemite Valley Campground (or a nearby reservation), securing a spot near the Merced River. Unwind with a sunset view of El Capitan and a campfire (where permitted).

Day 5: Yosemite to Petaluma

Morning: Catch the sunrise at Glacier Point, offering panoramic views of the valley, Half Dome, and the High Sierra. Take a short walk along the viewpoint trail before packing up.

Afternoon: Begin the return journey, retracing the Tioga Pass and stopping for a quick lunch in Mariposa. The drive back to Petaluma takes roughly 4 hours.

Evening: Arrive back in Petaluma, unload gear, and reflect on the adventure over a relaxed dinner at home.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Fuel (≈ 450 mi total) – 8 hours – $120
• Sonora Creek RV Park – 1 night – $30
• Bridgeport RV Park – 1 night – $30
• Mono Lake Tufa Reserve parking – 2 hours – $10
• Lundy Canyon campsite – 1 night – $25
• Yosemite Valley campground – 1 night – $36
• Yosemite National Park entrance fee – 2 days – $35
• Food & supplies – 5 days – $150
• Total Estimated Cost: $436

Tips

If you have extra time, add a full day in Lundy Canyon to explore additional loops and the nearby May Lake trail, or extend your stay in Yosemite for sunrise hikes at Half Dome. To shorten the trip, skip Lundy Canyon and head straight from Mono Lake to Yosemite, which reduces one night of camping and saves about $55 in campsite fees.