Farther south is the Mammoth Lakes area, filled with beautiful lakes, a historic mining town and the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area and Bike Park. I found that a mild stimulant before driving helps a lot. IMHO, the only really scary drive around Yosemite is the road down from the Tioga Pass Entrance to Lee Vining. Buy gas and groceries there, because (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? California Highway 41 is the main route towards Yosemite National Park, and its southern entrance is known as the Wawona Road. Its not worth the anxiety. Google Maps sends me on the 580, 205 and 120 to Manteca, then 99 and changing onto 140 at Merced.. Enjoyed by travelers who prefer to set their own pace and itinerary on vacation, but enjoy a fun, informative and educational guided experience. Reno is about 140 miles and about a 3-hour drive away from this entrance. Can you power Arduino Mega with 9V battery? Go through Mariposa, a historic Gold Rush town with a quaint, preserved main street. (Photo courtesy Yosemite Sugar Pine Railroad), The sun sets over Tenaya Lake off Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park. Download a GyPSy Guide Driving Tour App for Yosemite National Park Its Like Having A Tour Guide in the Car. Halibut fishing in the San Francisco Bay Area has been spectacular over the last few years and 2022 has been by far the best. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Highway 140 will also take you through Midpines Summit and the mining towns of Sherlock, Whitlock and Colorado. 10 ephemeral waterfalls appear in Yosemite after Calif Press J to jump to the feed. Exceptions are granted only to those who have a parking placard for walking disability, have vehicles transporting livestock, have an inflated float tube or non-motorized vessel for use on lakes, hunters transporting weapons or game and those staying overnight at Reds Meadow Resort or a developed campground. My opinion is that the best route is Hwy 140 to the Arch Rock Entrance. Hi again Leslie just ask on your thread. A great tool for visitors, encouraging them to learn more, explore further and return. Although it has steep portions, it only has a grade of eight percent lower than the average, unlike other routes. You don't have to walk tothe edge. This route also keeps you in the San Joaquin Valley for a long, long time, and it is not an especially exciting or interesting route. It's all about acclimation- if you've not driven on mountain roads a lot, they seem very intimidating and scary. Reno is about 140 miles and about a 3-hour drive away from this entrance. If you want to visit more places like this or visit Yosemite again, I'd recommend practicing on curvy, hilly roads to go to some day hike areas. What can I do in fall, winter, or spring? Welcome to the California Outdoors! Which entrance to Yosemite is least crowded? The first community you will reach is Catheys Valley. (Note: there is an alternate longer road that will take you to the same spot Old Priest Grade does.) However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Browse through this article to get viable information if youre planning to visit Yosemite Valley and what route should be avoided or chosen. 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! Along the way, you will pass Tuolumne Meadows before reaching the Tioga Pass Entrance all the way on the east side of the park. Hwy 152 goes through a scenic, hilly part of the Coast Range not mountainous, steep, or snaky like the Priest Grade options. Hi again Leslie just ask on your thread. There are surreal natural rock formations within the lake called the Tufa Towers that look like strange giant chess pieces shaped by the wind. 41. :) How much of a chicken. Am I correct in assuming NEW Priest Grade Road is less hairy than OLD Priest Grade Road? To me, it feels like less work. The last few miles of the road to the point make Hwy 120 seem like a walk in the park. Hoffmanns Summit in Yosemite National Park. 2 Where should I stop between San Francisco and Yosemite? But there is NO change in hell that I will ever take that driver back up there. 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. Instead, take Hwy 101 through (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Im pretty sure I was going 15mph under the speed limit or something. But lots of people have no problem. What is a good route to travel to Yosemite from Las Vegas? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Leaving via 140 is nice too. We were planning on driving 120 but if 140 is better I would like to know. If you want, you can exit that way as well. I'm not bothered about traffic it's the sheer drops and sharp corners at great heights that concern me! And you are also on the mountain side going east to west. I was planning to drive CA 120/Big Oak Flat Road into the Park from SF - is this an easy drive? The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. This scenic route skirts around the Northern edge of Mariposa County and passes through the lovely towns of Buck Meadows andGroveland. Youll find a collection of restaurants and lodges to stay. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-113529200', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');San Francisco (I'm picking up hire car in Fisherman's Wharf)? The drive was so anxiety inducing. Ridiculously scary Abandoned Ledge Trail in Yosemite 197,560 views Oct 18, 2019 2.2K Dislike Share Save Tech Madic 465 subscribers I found and hiked the ledge trail from Curry village in. 3 Is the drive from San Francisco to Yosemite pretty? A lot of people make their way there every year. Mile 17.2 - Glacier Point Road. Especially, the ones willing to return. I hear you, driving with others is an option. Will I need tire chains to visit in winter? 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.). 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. Dont believe everything Google tells you. 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). She had to stop and wait for me several times because I drove so slow. Driving very slowly is probably what help prevent this panic attack. Several historic structures still stand and have been turned into restaurants, shops and bars. More so, the road has the standard lines that will assist you in staying safe in your lane. Although I want to see the sights,I really hate heights and driving where there are steep drop offs to the side.Is it possible for a chicken to do this trip with her eyes open?? Can I take a tour into the Park or a tour while I'm in the Park? But either is probably not ideal for people who look down a mountain into the ravine and feel their stomach lurch. 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Hong Kong. But if you're including Mariposa Grove in your itinerary, then (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Alternatively, you may use, Yosemite National Park Hotels and Places to Stay. Sorry to hijack this thread but what is the best way to enter driving 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. What countries have transitioned most to renewable energy? More so, this campground is an ideal area to hike and enjoy the Earths largest trees in the Mariposa Grove. Let's Summarize: Death Valley to Yosemite Road Trip How To Get There By car, it takes 249 miles (less or more depending on where you're staying in Death Valley). Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. To me, it feels like less work. The legendary saloon opened its doors in 1852. There are other reasonable options leaving the Park, especially if you want to see Giant Sequoias. 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. While you are there, I recommend that you hike at least to the bridge below Vernal Fall. Yosemite National Park was pretty cool. 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.). Unfortunately, we got there kind of late that all we had time for was to see the lower falls. The road which emerges from the Wawona Tunnel presents the initial view of Yosemite Valley, dubbed as the Tunnel View. Taking this route is a real treat for the senses, because it will offer you a breathtaking drive over the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Lower than other areas in the park and much less crowded, this area has a long hiking season from early spring through fall. Its usually not crowded during early mornings. Which airport is best for a Yosemite vacation? Going downhill on Hwy 120 from Groveland is okay since you are on the inside :-) The steep part is quite short, about 6 miles I belive. It provides the lowest altitude approach, which means it's often the best year-round highway to travel on. You may also stop in Lee Vining for a view of Mono Lake, a salty remnant of an ancient sea. It does not store any personal data. My opinion is that the best route is Hwy 140 to the Arch Rock Entrance. Is the drive from San Francisco to Yosemite pretty? Hwy 140 was highly recommended. Yes, it's very steep, but it doesn't have those 60-65 hairpin turns that the new road does. You can choose your entrance based on your starting point, the likelihood youll run into crowds or because of the attractions along the way. All you have to do is drive, listen and soak in the scenery. You'll get used to driving on these types of roads eventually. 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. How do I get to Yosemite using public transportation? Unsubscribe anytime by clicking the link at the bottom of your email. You can get there by using Highway 395. I do like the meandering river and canyon. Driving through Yosemite can be an amazing experience. In fact, it is home to some plants and animals that are not found anywhere on Earth. But there is NO change in hell that I will ever take that driver back up there. If you visited the giant sequoias in Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon previously, this is the way that you would be approaching. If you like driving yourself when you go sightseeing,GyPSy Guide Driving Tour Appsallow you to enjoy a guided tour experience while remaining totally independent. I also vote for 140. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-113527132', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Yosemite, I found myself taking SR 140 more and more. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Go through Mariposa, a historic Gold Rush town with a quaint, preserved main street. Where are the Yosemite National Park traveler articles? If you want to visit Yosemite and avoid the crowds, taking the Tioga Pass is the best way to go. (Photo by, supplies 2.4 million residents and businesses in San Francisco with water, 3 Places to Learn About Chinese History in Yosemite, Hike to May Lake and Mt. But I thought . And you cannot pass through town without stopping at the Iron Door Saloon, the oldest continuously operating saloon in the state. I would have loved to see more like the Sequoias. Death Valley is 225 miles and 4-hour and 15 minutes away (depending on where in Death Valley you are). But either is probably not ideal for people who look down a mountain into the ravine and feel their stomach lurch. 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.). Unlike some other dangerous roads in the country, it is paved, making it far less frightening than a dirt path strewn with slippery rocks. Check out this footbridge past Wapama Falls in northwest Yosemite. The road is high above the valley below so for less than a mile the person on the passenger side may feel a bit uncomfortable if they choose to look down. Are lanthanum and actinium in the D or f-block? One time I was driving down a dirt road with no way to turn around and I had to back up my truck with my friends letting me know whether or not I was going to go over the edge. You may be wondering what is the best bait to catch halibut? Mariposa is the largest of the three with the most services. With that in mind what is best way to get to it from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Over the last 20 years of visiting (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Our guides have created tours that highlight the very best Yosemite National Park. We are planning a trip in either August or September from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? There are no guard rails for most of the drive, so its a thousand-foot drop down the mountainside if you go off the road. Because it is a drinking water source, the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir is off limits for swimming or boating. Which airport is best for a Yosemite vacation? Then to leave the Park for LA, is Wawona Road to CA-41 (then on to CA 99) reasonably stress free? This is a very scenic route to Yosemite and probably gives you the most impressive way to enter the park. When your vision is limited by your headlights, speed is not your friend. i was close to having a panic attack driving through the winding mountain side roads. Highway 120 will be the best way to approach Yosemite if you are coming from the big cities of San Francisco or Sacramento and their major airports. EL Portal is home to National Park Service employee housing, administrative offices and two nonprofits: Naturebridge and Yosemite Conservancy. I bet everyone wants another itinerary question See All Yosemite National Park Conversations, Overnight stop needed between Las Vegas and Yosemite. Lets take a look at the options for making the drive so that you can plan out your Yosemite road trip. Its basically the same route we take from the Monterey Bay Area minus 280 and 85 and 101. Get inspired with tips about where to go and what to see on your national park vacation, delivered right to your inbox. Tioga Road is closed November through May. Hwy 140 follows the Merced River and is pretty gentle. I agree the SR140 is easier to drive than SR120. I've taken both multiple times, and I personally prefer Old. 4 What is the best month to visit Yosemite National Park? We are planning a trip in either August or September from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? How do I get to Yosemite using public transportation? Youll be in the San Joaquin Valley for a shorter time, and after Merced you start ascending the Sierra Nevada foothills which are mild in this area. Go through Mariposa, a historic Gold Rush town with a quaint, preserved main street. 4) Little Yosemite Valley Trail. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Access it via 120 and by Evergreen Road. Least scary route in and out of Yosemite Valley. I fear you may faint going the other direction. A 3-hour drive away from this Entrance plants and animals that are not found anywhere on Earth road does )! Operating Saloon in the Park from SF - is this an easy drive plants and that... Making the drive least scary drive to yosemite San Francisco Bay Area has a Grade of eight percent lower than the average unlike... August or September from ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad the road to the point make Hwy 120 seem like walk..., winter, or spring the mining towns of Buck Meadows andGroveland slowly is probably not ideal for who... New road does. and Yosemite the average, unlike other routes best route is Hwy 140 follows Merced! Is the drive from San Francisco to Yosemite using public transportation only used. Also take you to the same route we take from the Monterey Bay Area has long! 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