Bakersfield to Yosemite National Park: Mileage & Routes

Shortest: ~145 mi (233 km), 3–3.5 hrs via CA-99 N → CA-41 N (Fresno → Wawona entrance).

Three Main Routes

Route	Distance	Time	Notes
CA-99 N → CA-41 N	145 mi	3:15	Most direct; South Entrance (Wawona).
CA-99 N → CA-120 E	160 mi	3:30	Big Oak Flat Entrance; less mountain driving.
I-5 N → CA-152 E → CA-99 N → CA-41 N	175 mi	3:45	Via Pacheco Pass; scenic but slower.

Nov–Apr: CA-41 & CA-120 often require chains; Tioga Pass (CA-120 east of park) closed.
Summer weekends: Entry reservations required (recreation.gov); arrive before 7 am or after 4 pm.
Fuel: Fill in Fresno or Oakhurst — none in park.

If visiting Mariposa Grove (giant sequoias), CA-41 route drops you at South Entrance — closest access.

State & National Parks