Yosemite Entrances Nearest to Lake Tahoe

Driving from Tahoe to Yosemite

Yosemite National Park and Lake Tahoe are ~175 miles apart. The closest park entrances by road:

1. Tioga Pass Entrance (Hwy 120 East) – ~70 miles from South Lake Tahoe; often closed Nov–May due to snow. Drive ~2.5+ hrs when open.
2. Big Oak Flat Entrance (Hwy 120 West) – ~100 miles; usually open year‑round; ~2.5 hrs.
3. Hetch Hetchy Entrance (Hwy 120) – ~100 miles; slightly longer drive through park.

Seasonal Advice

• Summer/fall: Tioga Pass is fastest and most scenic.
• Winter/spring: Use Big Oak Flat or Arch Rock (Hwy 140) via Merced.
• Always check NPS road conditions before departure.