Depending on snow conditions, it usually closes in November for the winter and spring. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-113526477', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Yosemite before (from SF, then out towards Death Valley) and remember some of the driving in to be quite hair-raising, with sheer drops/a lack of barriers, tight turns, sharp inclines etc (it was back in 2014 so think I came in via Old Priest Grade Road). *Alternate to 101: Take Hwy 280 all the way through Palo Alto and Los Altos, then 85 to 101 just before you get to San Jose (follow the road signs for Gilroy). This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in New Zealand. Driving through Yosemite can be an amazing experience. Death Valley is 225 miles and 4-hour and 15 minutes away (depending on where in Death Valley you are). The towns 1854 courthouse is the oldest continuously operating courthouse west of the Rockies, and the Smithsonian Institute has named the Mariposa Museum and History Center one of the best small museums in America. There is a collection of cabins, hotels and bed and breakfasts in Midpines. The stations has maps and sells books. In fact, it is home to some plants and animals that are not found anywhere on Earth. 2 Least scary route from Yosemite to Tahoe Yes, I am a big baby and I hate winding and mountainous roads - especially the ones with one lane each way and no guardrails. More so, this campground is an ideal area to hike and enjoy the Earths largest trees in the Mariposa Grove. We are planning a trip in either August or September from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? With that in mind what is best way to get to it from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Answer 1 of 8: I've driven into Yosemite before (from SF, then out towards Death Valley) and remember some of the driving in to be quite hair-raising, with sheer drops/a lack of barriers, tight turns, sharp inclines etc (it was back in 2014 so think I came in. This road returns to some private residences before reaching the trailhead for Chilnualna Falls. I came to post the same but youre already covered. Google Maps sends me on the 580, 205 and 120 to Manteca, then 99 and changing onto 140 at Merced.. With that in mind what is best way to get to it from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? You do not have to cross the Bay Bridge, which makes you hostage to any accident, breakdown, or other condition on the bridge that can (and sometimes does) cause long delays. Which is the most cooperative country in the world? From this entrance, you have easy access to the Yosemite Valley via Big Oak Flat Road. I hear you, driving with others is an option. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. The journey begins in Fresno and then takes you through the lovely vineyards and tasting rooms of theMadera Wine Trail. You do not have to cross the Bay Bridge, which makes you hostage to any accident, breakdown, or other condition on the bridge that can (and sometimes does) cause long delays. Will I need tire chains to visit in winter? It's pretty easy to avoid Old Priest if you stay on the main road. Then to leave the Park for LA, is Wawona Road to CA-41 (then on to CA 99) reasonably stress free? Theyre simple to locate. Buy gas and groceries there, because (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? This post has been removed at the author's request. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. You'll get used to driving on these types of roads eventually. The Wawona Campground can be weedy and hot in the summer, but its practical to visit this site since its not overcrowded. That would be the New Priest Grade on 120. Ive never been there so I dont know. What can I do in fall, winter, or spring? Hey, it's ok. To enter through the Big Oak Flat Entrance, you will take I-580 east to I-205 east to Highway 120 east via Manteca, Calif. Mariposa Museum & History Center. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-113548034', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');San Francisco if staying in Foresta? Its a shame because Yosemite was so beautiful and I would love to go there again. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. But either is probably not ideal for people who look down a mountain into the ravine and feel their stomach lurch. Its home to the legendary engine No. If you drive 80 to north lake tahoe you. *Alternate to 101: Take Hwy 280 all the way through Palo Alto and Los Altos, then 85 to 101 just before you get to San Jose (follow the road signs for Gilroy). Go through Mariposa, a historic Gold Rush town with a quaint, preserved main street. Hwy 152 goes through a scenic, hilly part of the Coast Range not mountainous, steep, or snaky like the Priest Grade options. We were planning on driving 120 but if 140 is better I would like to know. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-55236805', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Las Vegas through Death Valley to Yosemite, then on to Monterey and San Francisco. I was nervous myself driving west to east. Since 1981, a mandatory shuttle services has been operating in the valley. What is the best month to visit Yosemite? Can I take a tour into the Park or a tour while I'm in the Park? San Francisco to Yosemite Road Trip Distance: 180-200 miles depending on the city Time: ~4 hours Directions: San Francisco to Yosemite Valley via HWY 120 Oakland to Yosemite Valley via HWY 120 San Jose to Yosemite Valley via HWY 120 Maybe I watched too many action movies growing up but I have a deathly fear of getting bumped right over the edge. 2020 GPS Tour Guide Inc All Rights Reserved. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-113529499', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');San Jose to Gilroy*, Hwy 152 east through Los Baos, and follow your map directions through Merced to 140. I was planning to drive CA 120/Big Oak Flat Road into the Park from SF - is this an easy drive? 1 Is the drive from San Francisco to Yosemite scary? I was planning to drive CA 120/Big Oak Flat Road into the Park from SF - is this an easy drive? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-113528449', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Yosemite Valley has no gas and expensive groceries. Dont believe everything Google tells you. But I thought . However, the worst thing you will encounter is being stuck behind a super slow vacation recreational vehicle). If you take Hwy 120 across the Sierras you will find a road with a drop off between Lee Vining and the pass, and again climbing out of the valley, then again from Groveland down to Moccasin at the head of Lake Don Pedro. Hi again Leslie just ask on your thread. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-113526595', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Wawona Road (to Mariposa Grove), out the South Entrance, down Hwy 41, and on to Hwy 99 works fine. Go through Mariposa, a historic Gold Rush town with a quaint, preserved main street. This area is confusing, so your best bet is to follow the signs to your destination. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-113526595', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Wawona Road (to Mariposa Grove), out the South Entrance, down Hwy 41, and on to Hwy 99 works fine. If so, head to Yosemite from the eastern side of the park via the Tioga Pass Entrance. I would have loved to see more like the Sequoias. Google Maps sends me on the 580, 205 and 120 to Manteca, then 99 and changing onto 140 at Merced. You can make a reservation at recreation.gov. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Campground. What is the best month to visit Yosemite? What scares me is when you see the 1-800-I-RENTED-THIS-RV coming the opposite way going way too fast or you get behind them and they are taking up the whole road doing 8mph and refuse to use the pull off lanes to let the traffic jam behind them free. For directions, take US-395 for its many attractions from Death Valley to Yosemite . So if you love fishing or youre just starting out, it might have What Is The Best Bait For California Halibut. Whats wrong with the drive? Check out this footbridge past Wapama Falls in northwest Yosemite. What can I do in fall, winter, or spring? Home to a little more than 200 residents, you wont find a Holiday Inn or Dennys here. So yeah this trip to Yosemite was insane and so beautiful! The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Unsubscribe anytime by clicking the link at the bottom of your email. This year I am driving family from San Francisco to Yosemite Valley Lodge, and then from YVL to Santa Monica and have a few questions about making the drives less terrifying! If you visit Yosemite while the higher country is still snowbound, hiking here may be accessible. Taking this route is a real treat for the senses, because it will offer you a breathtaking drive over the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. How do I get to Yosemite using public transportation? Avoid the OLD Priest Grade road at all costs. This tunnel offers a panoramic view of Yosemite Valley, including Half Dome, El Capitan, and Bridalveil Falls. more, Yosemite National Park Destination Experts. The drive was so anxiety inducing. 28 Steam Engine Train is quite the attraction. Two of the largest waterfalls in North America are here, flowing from a thousand feet up over granite. (Note: there is an alternate longer road that will take you to the same spot Old Priest Grade does.) Thank you PacificNWFamily, ALTippet and Frisco_Roadrunner really, really helpful and I definitely think 140 is the way to go. However, summers can be extremely hot here due to the low elevation. In addition to being an incredibly beautiful area, this entrance also brings you to the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir that supplies 2.4 million residents and businesses in San Francisco with water. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. I seriously almost asked someone to back the truck up for me. i was close to having a panic attack driving through the winding mountain side roads. I've driven into (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Nonetheless, Wawona road is not scary. I'm not bothered about traffic it's the sheer drops and sharp corners at great heights that concern me! Nonetheless, you will be fascinated by its view as it will take you through the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Due to this, you can enjoy the regions beauty in and around Yosemite National Park from the comfort of your vehicle. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 10 ephemeral waterfalls appear in Yosemite after Calif Press J to jump to the feed. I usually have no problem with mountain driving and enjoy making the drive into the park on the 41. Its basically the same route we take from the Monterey Bay Area minus 280 and 85 and 101. Nonetheless, If youre wondering, is it safe to drive to Yosemite? But either is probably not ideal for people who look down a mountain into the ravine and feel their stomach lurch. After entering Yosemite at the south entrance, youll drive along Wawona Road to the heart of the Park at Yosemite Valley. I was nervous myself driving west to east. Hwy 140 was highly recommended. When your vision is limited by your headlights, speed is not your friend. Oh well - it only makes arriving that much better. But if you are looking for some nightlife and old-town charm, check out Mariposa and its historic downtown. Inhabited for more than 6,000 years, the Hetch Hetchy Valley was home to Native Americans until the 1850s when settlers arrived in the area. Fear not, go for it! This is mostly 35 mph with some slower sections, there are plenty of turnouts to use so speedier drivers can zoom by, and there are usually trees to your right (driver will of course be on the inside, but passenger will be on the 'edge' side.). Sandwiched between the park and Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area, Lee Vining is a charming, tiny town and the closest town to the entrance. Sorry to hijack this thread but what is the best way to enter driving from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? A great tool for visitors, encouraging them to learn more, explore further and return. You don't have to walk tothe edge. Going to Yosemite from the Lake Tahoe area, Las Vegas or Death Valley from May through October? Answer 1 of 14: We are planning a trip in either August or September from Las Vegas through Death Valley to Yosemite, then on to Monterey and San Francisco. There is another entrance to the park atTioga Pass, which is located on the eastern end of Highway 120. link to What Is The Best Bait For California Halibut. Youll find a collection of restaurants and lodges to stay. 1. Highway 120 is mostly straight or gently curving, except for the 8 mile Priest Grade ascent which will gain over 1,000 feet of elevation in 8.5 miles. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in New Zealand. It from ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad through the winding mountain side roads Sequoias. With mountain driving and enjoy the Earths largest trees in the United States the Earths largest trees in the ``. 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