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Drive from Napa Valley to Las Vegas

On 5th of July we will drive to Las Vegas, leaving the Napa Valley area (maybe Sonoma Coast area). We want to take the scenic route, so crossing the west side of Yosemite etc, and not driving only on highways (the I5). From Sacaramento we can opt for the 395 or 95, it is about the same amount of travel time. Assuming the 395 would be the most scenic ? And wanting to do an overnight stay in about the middle of the route; so around the Mammoth Lakes area.

Any thoughts on the above, sounds about right ? Or will it be extremely crowdy in the 4th of July weekend on these roads ? And the I5 will not be so scenic, right ?

Any thoughts/suggestions on a nice, special, authentic overnight stay in that area ? We do like luxury, but can enjoy something cozy and authentic (and we have Vegas afterwards ;-) !).

Your plan to drive from Napa Valley to Las Vegas via the west side of Yosemite and then US-395 is a great choice for scenery, especially if you want to avoid the monotony of I-5. I-5 is the faster, more direct route but it’s mostly flat agricultural land with limited views, so for a scenic, memorable drive, avoiding it makes sense.

Using Highway 395 along the eastern Sierra offers incredible vistas, including the Sierra Nevada mountains, Mono Lake, and numerous high desert landscapes. The road can be busy during the 4th of July weekend, particularly near popular stops like Yosemite, Mammoth Lakes, and Mono Lake, so an early start will help avoid some of the congestion.

Suggested itinerary and notes:

  • Depart Napa/Sonoma area early, perhaps around 6–7 a.m., to give yourself plenty of daylight and avoid peak traffic around Sacramento and Yosemite entrances.
  • Drive through Yosemite’s west side (Highway 140 or 120 depending on conditions). Even if you only briefly stop for viewpoints, the scenery is spectacular with rivers, waterfalls, and mountain vistas.
  • Continue to Highway 395 along the eastern Sierra. This is a very scenic drive, with fewer crowds than Yosemite Valley itself. You’ll pass Mono Lake, June Lake Loop, and numerous high mountain viewpoints.
  • Plan an overnight stay around Mammoth Lakes, which is roughly halfway. This area has many options from cozy cabins to more luxurious resorts.

Recommended accommodations near Mammoth Lakes:

  • The Westin Monache Resort – luxury condos with mountain views, great for relaxing after a day of driving.
  • Mammoth Mountain Inn – ski resort vibe but open year-round, convenient location near gondolas and lake viewpoints.

Tips for the drive:

  • Gas up early; some stretches of 395 have limited services.
  • Consider timing your Yosemite and June Lake stops mid-morning or mid-afternoon to avoid peak parking crowds.
  • Even though it’s July, higher elevations (Mammoth, Tioga Pass area) can still be cooler, so pack layers.
  • Traffic will be heavier than normal due to the holiday weekend, but the 395 is generally less congested than I-5 in terms of scenery, so the trade-off is worth it.

After Mammoth Lakes, continue south along 395 through Bishop, Lone Pine, and into the desert valleys before connecting to US-95 to Las Vegas. This route maximizes scenic mountain and desert variety while avoiding long stretches of highway monotony.

Overall, your plan sounds excellent for a mix of luxury and authentic scenic experience, with Mammoth Lakes as the ideal overnight midpoint. Just prepare for the holiday weekend crowds and start early to make the most of the sights.

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