Is this 3.5-day road trip from SF to Las Vegas (via Yosemite, Mono Lake, and Death Valley) the ultimate California photo-op?
From granite peaks and alpine meadows to salt flats and desert arches, this 3.5-day road trip packs in some of California’s most iconic and underrated photo stops.
Planning a road trip from San Francisco to Las Vegas this summer? Here’s a 3.5-day route that packs in some of the most photogenic and geologically unique destinations in California — from granite peaks and wildflower-filled meadows to alien salt flats and desert arches. This itinerary is ideal for a Friday afternoon departure and a Monday afternoon arrival in Vegas, making it a long weekend trip that feels way more expansive than just a few days off.
It’s designed to take full advantage of mid to late July conditions, with long golden hours, clear mountain passes, and high-alpine meadows at their peak. We’ve also added optional notes on moving-water wild trout fishing opportunities for those looking to pack a rod alongside their camera.
🗓️ Day 1 – Friday Afternoon: Bay Area to Yosemite by Sunset
Catch golden hour at one the United States' most iconic National Parks.
- Drive time: ~4–5 hours
- Recommended departure: Between 12:30–2:00 PM
Key Photo Stops:
- Tunnel View – Iconic panoramic view of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall.
- Glacier Point or Taft Point – Choose your own sunset: panoramic grandeur or cliffside drama.
Where to Stay:
- Inside Yosemite (ideal but tough to book)
- El Portal or Oakhurst (easier lodging access)
Trout Fishing Alert:
- Merced River (lower valley) has wild rainbow and brown trout, accessible from pullouts near Valley View. Catch and release only inside the park.
🗓️ Day 2 – Saturday: Yosemite to Mono Lake via Tioga Pass
Cross the Sierra crest, photograph Yosemite’s quieter high country, and finish with sunset at Mono Lake.
- Drive time: ~3.5 hours (plus photo stops and breaks)
Key Photo Stops:
- Valley View (early morning) – Calm conditions can create stunning water reflections.
- Tuolumne Meadows – At peak wildflower bloom in July; perfect light all day.
- Ellery Lake (Tioga Pass descent) – Roadside alpine lake with deep blue hues.
- Mono Lake South Tufa – Surreal tufa towers and pastel sunsets.
Where to Stay:
- Lee Vining (closest to Mono Lake)
- June Lake (more charming; adds time but worth it)
Trout Fishing Options:
- Dana Fork of the Tuolumne River near Tuolumne Meadows: holds wild brook and rainbow trout. Accessible from meadows via short trail.
- Lee Vining Creek: wild brown trout and rainbows in upper stretches near Tioga Pass turnoff.
🗓️ Day 3 – Sunday: Mono Lake to Lone Pine via June Lake and Mammoth
Catch dramatic Eastern Sierra lakes in the morning, and arrive at Alabama Hills for golden hour.
- Drive time: ~3.5–4 hours with photo stops.
Key Photo Stops:
- June Lake Loop (Gull or Silver Lake) – Morning reflection shots with mountain backdrops.
- Convict Lake – Short walk for jaw-dropping lake/mountain compositions.
- Hot Creek Geological Site (optional) – Steaming volcanic creek in a dramatic canyon.
- Alabama Hills (Mobius Arch) – Sunset photography framed by Mt. Whitney.
Where to Stay:
- Lone Pine (gateway to Whitney and Alabama Hills)
Trout Fishing Options:
- Hot Creek (if you stop): one of California’s best wild trout streams; strictly catch-and-release, barbless only.
- Upper Owens River: accessible off Benton Crossing Rd near Mammoth. Wild browns and rainbows in a meadow setting.
🗓️ Day 4 – Monday Morning: Lone Pine to Las Vegas via Death Valley
Early light in Death Valley (if tolerable), then drive to Vegas by mid-afternoon.
- Drive time: ~5–6 hours.
Optional Photo Stops (early morning only — due to heat):
- Zabriskie Point – Dramatic sunrise over sculpted badlands.
- Badwater Basin – Salt flat patterns below sea level.
- Artist’s Palette – Short scenic detour for pastel-toned hills.
Alternative Route (if skipping Death Valley):
Take Hwy 190 → 127 → 160, or detour through Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area for another unique landscape closer to Vegas.
Trout Fishing?
- ❌ No trout fishing here — Death Valley is all salt and sand.
Summary Route Overview
| Day | Route | Photo Highlights | Wild Trout Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday | SF → Yosemite | Tunnel View, Glacier Point | Merced River (Valley) |
| Saturday | Yosemite → Mono Lake | Tuolumne Meadows, South Tufa | Dana Fork, Lee Vining Creek |
| Sunday | Mono Lake → Lone Pine | June Lake Loop, Convict Lake, Alabama Hills | Hot Creek, Upper Owens River |
| Monday | Lone Pine → Vegas | Zabriskie Point, Badwater Basin (optional) | None |
Final Tips for This Trip
- Pack layers: Even in July, Yosemite mornings and high elevations can be chilly.
- Get an early start daily: Lighting is better and you’ll avoid crowds and midday heat.
- Bring a tripod: Especially helpful at sunrise/sunset and Mono Lake.
- For anglers: Follow all California DFW regulations — many wild trout streams are barbless, artificial-only, and catch-and-release.
