Exhilarating mountain highways loaded with scenic viewpoints are part of the adventure of driving from Northern California to Mammoth Lakes. But traveling over Sierra Nevada passes to this quaint mountain town changes drastically from summer to winter due to snow, so be sure to check road conditions and closures before you plan your drive. Once the winter’s snow melts in late May to early June (although sometimes as late as July), many of the high-alpine passes that cross the Sierra Nevada Mountains open for travel. Each route has its own distinct natural beauty that begs to be explored. With several options on hand, you may want to consider taking a different route home so you can see more of the area.
Driving to Mammoth Lakes via Hwy. 120
California Hwy. 120 (Tioga Pass) through Yosemite National Park is the quickest and arguably the most scenic route connecting Northern California to Mammoth Lakes. This highway links the awe-inspiring Yosemite National Park with the Eastern Sierra region via Tioga Pass, which is the highest highway pass in California. Along the way, Hwy. 120 skirts majestic mountains of light-colored granite. Once it merges with Hwy. 395 on the east side, travelers are greeted with the serene waters of the ecologically unique Mono Lake. With dozens of educational and interpretive stops, this is an unforgettable route for a family adventure.
On average and depending on traffic, you should expect this trip to take around six hours from San Francisco. Many services are available, although amenities are limited in Yosemite National Park. Once in the Eastern Sierra, the small hamlet of Lee Vining at the base of Tioga Pass has a wide variety of eateries and from here, Mammoth Lakes is less than 30 minutes away.
Driving to Mammoth Lakes via Hwy. 108
California Hwy. 108 (Sonora Pass) connects Northern California with Mammoth Lakes via a smooth and gently winding road that climbs through the enchanting forests of Gold Country and descends within a broad, glacially-carved valley. During the fall, the eastern portion of this highway explodes in a dazzling array of golden yellows as thousands of quaking aspens begin shedding their leaves in preparation for winter. Trout fishermen will find some of the best fishing in the state along SR 108, as this is the headwaters of the famous Walker River and home to some unbelievably large fish. Limited services are available over Sonora Pass and the often-forgotten highway is a great choice during busy weekends. This is an easy drive in the summer, taking around six and a half hours to get to Mammoth Lakes from the San Francisco.
