DIRECTIONS & TRANSPORTATION
Evergreen Lodge is easy to find
GETTING TO THE EVERGREEN
We are located on the western border of Yosemite off Highway 120. This highway offers convenient access to the lodge from the Bay Area and all parts of California. Highway 120 also offers easy access to Yosemite Valley, Tuolumne Meadows and the rest of Yosemite.
Please note that driving apps and GPS navigation systems can at times be unreliable in our area, as can cell phone service. If you have any questions about the best route to Evergreen Lodge, please see the detailed driving directions at the bottom of this page or call/email us before your trip. We wouldn’t want you to get lost or waste valuable vacation time trying to find us!
Remember that when road tripping through the great outdoors it’s best to keep plenty of water in the car and keep your gas tank fueled up. Approaching the Evergreen from the west the closest gas can be found just before you enter the town of Groveland (30 miles from the Lodge). To the east of the Evergreen, you’ll find gasoline at Yosemite Lakes (13 miles) and Crane Flat (15 miles).
High speed EV Charging stations can be found in nearby Groveland and Buck Meadows. In addition, we have two Level 2 chargers at Evergreen Lodge.
SEASONAL CLOSURE OF TIOGA PASS
Please note that Tioga Pass, located on CA-120 on the EAST SIDE of Yosemite National Park (near the Nevada border) closes each winter. While closing and opening dates vary from year to year, Tioga Pass typically closes in mid to late November and reopens in mid-May. This closure does not affect travelers coming from the west (e.g. Bay Area, Los Angeles, Sacramento, etc.). During winter months, guests traveling from the east side of the Sierras will need to cross the mountains either north or south of the Park. You can use this link to see the history of opening and closing dates for the Tioga Road and visit the National Park Service Current Conditions page for current status.
AIRPORTS
There are a variety of commercial airports serving the region. Public transportation is available in some areas (such as Amtrak rail service and YARTS bus service), however, you will need a car to get to the Evergreen Lodge.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Service for many major airlines
170 miles west of the Evergreen
Approximately 3.5-hour drive
Oakland International Airport (OAK)
Service for many major airlines
155 miles west of Evergreen
Approximately 3-hour drive
San Jose International Airport (SJC)
Service for many major airlines
160 miles west of Evergreen
Approximately 3.5-hour drive
Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
Service for many major airlines
160 miles north of Evergreen
Approximately 3-hour drive
Merced Regional Airport (MCE)
Daily commercial service to/from Los Angeles on Great Lakes Airlines
95 miles southwest of Rush Creek
2-hour drive
Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH)
Serving the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego through Alaska Airlines
100 miles southeast of Evergreen
Approximately 2.5-hour drive (route closed in winter)
Fresno-Yosemite International Airport (FAT)
Service for several major commercial airlines
135 miles south of the Evergreen
Approximately 3-hour drive
DETAILED DRIVING DIRECTIONS
From the San Francisco Bay Area
Drive time: 3 - 3.5 hours
From downtown San Francisco, take I-80 East across the Bay Bridge. After the bridge, merge onto I-580 East. Continue for about 45 miles then merge onto I-205 East towards Tracy/Stockton. At the junction of I-205 East and I-5 North, take CA-120 East and follow signs to Manteca.
At Manteca, take CA-99 North and exit immediately to stay on CA-120 East. Continue on CA-120 East to Oakdale (note that CA-120 makes a left-hand turn in the middle of Oakdale). 26 miles beyond Oakdale, turn right at Yosemite Junction and continue on CA-120 East through Groveland.
Half a mile before the entrance to Yosemite (22 miles beyond Groveland), take a left on Evergreen Road and continue for 7 miles. Those last 7 miles on Evergreen Road include some of the nicest scenery around, so go slowly and enjoy. You’ll also see reforestation in progress as areas affected by the Rim Fire of 2013 are undergoing recovery. We’ll be on the left. Just look for the Big Burl Sign on the left, you can’t miss us!
From the Sacramento area
Drive time: 3 hours
Take CA-99 South to Manteca. Exit onto CA-120 East and begin following the “San Francisco Bay Area” directions above.
From the Los Angeles (or Fresno) area
Drive time: 5.5 - 6 hours
Recommended Route
Take I-5 North to CA-99 North. In Merced, take exit 187A, then turn right onto G Street which becomes Snelling Rd. After 16 miles, turn right onto CA-59. After 1.5 Miles turn Left onto J-59 towards Sonora. Follow J-59 for 26 miles and turn right onto CA-120. After 3.5 Miles turn right to stay on CA-120. Follow CA-120 for 40 miles and take a left on Evergreen Road. Continue for 7 miles. Just look for the Big Burl Sign on the left, you can’t miss us!
Highway Route
Take I-5 North or CA-99 North. Exit at signs for CA-120 East. Continue on CA-120 East to Oakdale (note that CA-120 makes a left-hand turn in the middle of Oakdale). 26 miles beyond Oakdale, turn right at Yosemite Junction and continue on CA-120 East through Groveland. 22 miles beyond Groveland, take a left on Evergreen Road and continue for 7 miles. Just look for the Big Burl Sign on the left, you can’t miss us!
Scenic Route through Yosemite Valley
Take CA-99 North towards Fresno, then take CA-41 North into the south entrance of Yosemite National Park. Unless you have a national parks pass, there will be a $25 or $30 entry fee that will cover trips into the park for your vehicle for seven days. Head North on CA-41 through the Park, and follow signs for Yosemite Valley destinations. Once you enter the Valley, take this opportunity to enjoy the scenic views of Half Dome, El Capitan and some of the tallest waterfalls in the world. When you’re ready to head to the lodge, follow the signs to CA-120 West. Stay on CA-120 until you exit Yosemite National Park. 1/2 mile after exiting Yosemite, take a right on Evergreen Road and continue for 7 miles. Just look for the Big Burl Sign on the left, you can’t miss us!
From the Lake Tahoe area
Drive time: 4 - 4.5 hours
Take CA-89 South to I-395 South. Make a right onto CA-120 West and enter Yosemite National Park (note that Tioga Pass located on CA-120 closes each winter – please see below). Continue to Crane Flat and make a right following the signs towards San Francisco. Exit the Park.
1/2 mile after exiting Yosemite, take a right on Evergreen Road and continue for 7 miles. Just look for the Big Burl Sign on the left, you can’t miss us!
From Mammoth Lakes
Drive time: 2.5 hours
Take I-395 North. Make a left onto CA-120 West and begin following the “Lake Tahoe Area” directions above.