LA to Mammoth to Yosemite

The correct way to visit Yosemite.

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How did we get here?

Many of my childhood memories reside in the town of Mammoth Lakes. Many winter ski/snowboard trips. Many summers spent there hiking, golfing, enjoying the mountains. Pizza at Giovanni's. Dessert at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. I. LOVE. Mammoth. If you google map the best route to the famed Yosemite it takes you through...Fresno. Yikes. Sure that might be the shortest route but you miss out on oh so much.

The drive to Mammoth takes you along the Eastern side of the Sierra Nevada's through the Owens River Valley. You get to stop in quaint, charming as heck towns like Lone Pine, Independence and of course Bishop where you must stop at Schat's Bakery for a fresh sandwich and so many great sweets. Every time I go back there I try something new + the cheese rolls (they are a must).

In Mammoth you have plenty of choices when it comes to accomadations. Hotels, hostels and campgrounds. Take your pick! The local Vons is a great place to stock up on groceries if you're going to be camping the next few days, and I highly recommend a picnic for what comes next.

After you depart Mammoth for Yosemite, you'll be taken through the utterly jaw-dropping Tioga Pass. Pristine lakes, towering mountains, meadows and streams oh my! That picnic you prepared for? I recommend stopping at Tenaya Lake (seen pictured above). The last time I went this route, there was bad construction, we were crawling along Tioga Rd. and I just had to turn off and strech the legs and the first stop was Tenaya Lake...yes, this perfect picnic happened by accident. So many folks are in a hurry to get to the famous 7 square miles of Yosemite Valley that only makes up 1% of the National Park. Tenaya Lake, Tuolomne Meadows, these areas can be easily missed.

Got questions? Reach out anytime at wayfindersgo@gmail.com. Let’s start mapping out your next great adventure.