The open road takes on a different feeling when long stretches of landscape invite travelers to slow down and notice the quiet details around them. Desert basins, empty valleys, and wide skies create a sense of space that makes each mile feel calm and reflective.
Across eastern California, stories from another era appear in scattered settlements and weathered buildings that hint at life during the frontier years. The scenery shifts between rugged mountains, remote desert roads, and quiet natural corners that add a sense of discovery to the drive.
As the journey approaches Yosemite National Park, desert refuges, abandoned towns, and steaming hot springs come into view. The stops below highlight the places that bring this unique route to life and introduce the destinations featured in this listicle road trip guide.
1. Las Vegas
Las Vegas is famed for its bright lights, glitzy casinos, and “anything goes” attitude. There’s no better place to take in a show, take a gamble, or relax in luxury.
Home to some of the most recognizable entertainment venues in the world, Las Vegas is also home to plenty of interesting museums, shopping, and exceptional dining.
And during any time of the year, there is always something to do in this city. Las Vegas has hundreds of hotels, restaurants, bars, golf courses, and more.
The Mob Museum and The Neon Museum are two of the oldest attractions in the city, and both are fun for all ages. The Mob Museum features exhibits that explore the history, origins, and operations of the Mafia. The Neon Museum contains vintage neon signs, some of which date back to the 1930s.
2. Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge is located in the Mojave Desert, This hidden gem is around 100 miles northwest of Las Vegas, Nevada.
This desert landscape is home to hundreds of plant and animal species with around 30 of those species that you can’t find anywhere else in the world!
These kinds of species are known as endemic species and you’ll find the highest amount of these species right here! The must-see things here are the Crystal Springs, the Longstreet Cabin, and the Devil’s Hole.
The Crystal Springs powers out 2800 gallons of water per minute! And the Devil’s hole goes as deep as 500 feet and the bottom of the hole cannot be seen!
Also, observe desert fish that is as old as when mammoths sipped water from these springs and fossil water that’s from ice melted from the last Ice Age.
Highly recommend visiting this internationally known wetland with beautiful springs to adore among the dry desert environment.
Need help planning a trip here? Grab our free 3-day Yosemite National Park itinerary. Reach out for a custom itinerary that fits your needs.
3. Death Valley Junction or Amargosa
A longer detour but a worthful one – the Death Valley Junction aka Amargosa. If you’re looking to stay overnight at a ghost town but try the Amargosa Opera House and Hotel!
Built in the 1920s, this hotel has 16 rooms and is painted with murals by artist Marta Becket.
With its rich history, the Amargosa Opera House and Hotel are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
With temperatures reaching 120ËšF in the summer, the best time to visit would be between November and April.
Camping is also available at the Amargosa Campground for at most a two-night stay with a suggested $8 donation.
4. Beatty
Take in the views of the Bare Mountain Range as you enter through Beatty, a small town on your road trip to Yosemite.
In this town, you can visit the Beatty Museum and Historical Society to learn more about the town’s mining history and its admission is free.
But you definitely need to check out the Goldwell Open Air Museum that’s a couple of miles away from the center of Beatty.
This outdoor museum is free as well and consists of 7 cool sculptures created by a group of Belgian artists. You must snap a shot of one of the exhibits that recreated “The Last Supper” painting but in sculpture form.
5. Rhyolite
A short detour from Beatty, stop by Rhyolite, a ghost town that was once a gold-mining town in the 1900s.
This also used to be a Hollywood movie set! Rhyolite is mostly in ruins with abandoned homes, an old railroad depot, an old general store, and other buildings but yet it’s a sight to see.
Make sure to stop by at Tom Kelly’s Bottle House constructed with glass bottles. You can also keep driving on this road and it’ll take you to Death Valley National Park – if you want to check out a viewpoint or two in this park.
6. Goldfield
This quirky, historic mining town is full of interesting sights, from abandoned buildings to old mining equipment. There are also some fun roadside attractions, like the International Car Forest of the Last Church, featuring graffiti-covered cars stacked in creative formations.
7. Boundary Peak Wilderness
Right off Highway 6, you’ll pass near the Boundary Peak Wilderness, where Nevada’s tallest peak stands. While hiking to the peak itself may be time-consuming, the area offers breathtaking desert and mountain views, making it a great place to stop and take in the scenery.
8. Benton Hot Springs
The main attraction in Benton is the Benton Hot Springs, a historic hot spring resort where you can relax in natural mineral hot tubs while enjoying stunning views of the surrounding mountains and desert.
It’s a great place to take a break and soak in the peaceful, remote setting. You can reserve a private hot tub, or even stay overnight at the Benton Hot Springs Inn if you have time.
9. Lee Vining
Lee Vining is the perfect little town to stop by on your way to Yosemite. Nestled right by Mono Lake, it’s a great spot to take in those surreal tufa towers. While the town is small, there are many charming diners, local motels, and unbeatable views of the Sierra Nevada.
If you’ve got time, stop by the Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center to learn about the lake’s fascinating ecosystem before heading into Yosemite via Tioga Pass.
Read More From Bae Area and Beyond
35 Best Viewpoints In Yosemite
Need help planning a trip? We can help plan your dream road trip in California!
Follow our California experiences: Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok
