Ely NV to Oakhurst CA Road Trip Guide

The drive from Ely, Nevada to Oakhurst, California covers roughly 535 miles across the Great Basin and the Sierra Nevada. The route uses US-6, US-95, US-6 again, and CA-120 through Yosemite National Park. A key fact: the section from Tonopah to Bishop crosses the historic 'Lincoln Highway' alignment, one of America's first transcontinental roads. The drive takes about 9–10 hours without major stops, but plan for 12–14 hours with breaks. This guide covers how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities for this specific route.

The route transitions from high desert sagebrush to alpine forests. You'll pass through tiny towns like Warm Springs, Goldfield, and Lee Vining. The elevation climbs from 6,000 ft in Ely to over 9,900 ft at Tioga Pass in Yosemite. The road is two-lane for most of the way, with occasional passing lanes. Gas stations can be sparse, especially between Tonopah and Bishop (about 150 miles). Plan fuel stops in Ely, Tonopah, and Bishop.

Fuel availability is the biggest concern. From Ely to Oakhurst, there are long stretches without services. The longest gap is between Tonopah and Bishop (159 miles) with only a small station at Boundary Peak (unreliable). Fill up in Tonopah and Bishop. After Bishop, the next reliable gas is Mammoth Lakes (45 miles) and Lee Vining (20 miles more). Oakhurst has multiple stations.

• Ely: Several stations, including Chevron and Sinclair.
• Currant: One station (check hours).
• Tonopah: Stations on US-6, open 24h.
• Goldfield: Occasional station, may be closed.
• Bishop: Many stations, competitive prices.
• Mammoth Lakes: Multiple, but higher prices.
• Lee Vining: Station near CA-120 junction.
• Oakhurst: Several, near CA-41.

Road quality varies. US-6 from Ely to Tonopah is well-maintained two-lane highway. US-95 from Tonopah to Coaldale Junction is good. US-6 from Coaldale to Bishop has some rough patches but is generally good. CA-120 through Yosemite is winding and narrow; Tioga Pass opens late May to early November. In winter, the pass closes, and you must take CA-88 or I-80. Check Caltrans for conditions.

This route showcases extreme diversity. From the Great Basin desert with its sagebrush and mountain ranges to the alpine Sierra Nevada. Key landscapes include the Lunar Crater Volcanic Field (off US-6 near Warm Springs), the ancient bristlecone pines at Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest (near Bishop), and the dramatic Sierra crest via Tioga Pass. The Mono Lake tufa formations are a must-see.

• Lunar Crater Volcanic Field: A volcanic cone accessible by gravel road (4WD advised).
• Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest: Home to Methuselah, a 4,800+ year old tree. Short hike.
• Mono Lake: Alkaline lake with tufa towers. South Tufa area is easy to reach.
• Yosemite National Park (Tioga Road): Granite domes, waterfalls, meadows. Note entrance fee required.
• Ghost towns: Goldfield and Bodie (Bodie is off US-395, a bit out of way but worth detour).

Local commerce is sparse. Tonopah has the historic Mizpah Hotel and a few casinos. Bishop offers gear shops and restaurants. Lee Vining has cafes and a visitor center. Oakhurst is a gateway to Yosemite with groceries, lodging, and restaurants.

Safety considerations: Watch for wildlife (mule deer, cattle) especially at dawn and dusk. Cell service is spotty; download offline maps. Carry water, snacks, blankets, and a first aid kit. The road can be lonely; tow service may take hours. Plan rest stops every 2 hours.

• Fatigue management: Rest areas exist but are basic. Best stops: Ely (rest area near town), Tonopah Station (casino with coffee), Bishop (Sierra Vista rest area), Lee Vining (Mono Lake viewpoint), Tuolumne Meadows (Yosemite).
• Family suitability: Kids might enjoy the mining museum in Ely, the Bristlecone forest, Mono Lake's strange water, and Yosemite's sights. Long drives; bring entertainment.
• Pet-friendly: Many rest stops allow pets. Yosemite allows leashed pets on paved trails only. Hotels in Oakhurst are often pet-friendly.

Hidden off-route spots: Visit the Hot Creek Geological Site near Mammoth (boardwalks over boiling springs). The ghost town of Bodie (off US-395, 13 miles east of Bridgeport) is a well-preserved gold rush town. The Black Rock Desert (north of US-6 near Gerlach) is remote but unique for Burning Man remnants (check access). For a short detour, take the 'Grand View' overlook on CA-120 for a panoramic Sierra view.