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. If you have the time and energy a hike to the top of Nevada Fall is world class. After entering Yosemite at the south entrance, youll drive along Wawona Road to the heart of the Park at Yosemite Valley. However, summers can be extremely hot here due to the low elevation. 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. Id give it another chance. 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)? Thank you PacificNWFamily, ALTippet and Frisco_Roadrunner really, really helpful and I definitely think 140 is the way to go. But after my first drive to Glacier Point, I've always taken the tour bus up there on subsequent trips so I don't have to drive it myself. From this entrance, you have easy access to the Yosemite Valley via Big Oak Flat Road. It also supplies hydroelectric power. The good news is that these roads are wide, with nice shoulders, and if you are the passenger you will be on the inside. Where are the Yosemite National Park traveler articles? You don't have to walk tothe edge. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. This is the ideal route to take if you are coming from Las Vegas, Reno or Death Valley. Can you drive through Yosemite without a day pass? Took a 4 hour road trip to check it out. In 2012, only 50,000 visitors ventured this far north in the park during all 12 months of the year in comparison to the 24,000 daily visitors to the Yosemite Valley that same year, according to the Sacramento Bee. Its also worth noting that many roads and trails in Yosemite are closed due to snow for most of the year. Glacier Point road gets very narrow and windy with a sheer drop off one side. With that in mind what is best way to get to it from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Youll find a collection of restaurants and lodges to stay. There is another entrance to the park atTioga Pass, which is located on the eastern end of Highway 120. Google Maps sends me on the 580, 205 and 120 to Manteca, then 99 and changing onto 140 at Merced. Where do we stayInside the park or outside the park? 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. For this reason, a lot of people find the road haunted. If you want to visit Yosemite and avoid the crowds, taking the Tioga Pass is the best way to go. Depending on snow conditions, it usually closes in November for the winter and spring. We were planning on driving 120 but if 140 is better I would like to know. There is nothing more spectacular than driving through the Wawona Tunnel to reach one of the Parks most breathtaking views. Unsubscribe anytime by clicking the link at the bottom of your email. I agree with Roadrunners route. But if you're including Mariposa Grove in your itinerary, then (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-55240433', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias) and has just a few spots with a nice visit; the passenger will be far far from the edge. Leaving at 0400 and having breakfast on the way over there somewhere, and then getting to the Park around 9 a.m. is good. I like going through El Portal. 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. I do like the meandering river and canyon. Driving very slowly is probably what help prevent this panic attack. I agree with Roadrunners route. But if you're including Mariposa Grove in your itinerary, then (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Avoid the OLD Priest Grade road at all costs. 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. I came to post the same but youre already covered. However, with a current California license, you can fish in most area lakes. The snow looked amazing. If you visited the giant sequoias in Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon previously, this is the way that you would be approaching. Alternatively, you may use, Yosemite National Park Hotels and Places to Stay. Trip Reports: What have other travelers done in Yosemite? And you are also on the mountain side going east to west. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. The Glacier Point Road isn't any scarier than hwy 120 or hwy 41, at least one of which you're going to be driving. 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? 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. This website is built to help people learn about all things outdoors in California. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. 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. It is also advisable to drive before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. because it is the best time to drive through the Park, specifically during the busy summer months. This article would have all your questions answered! Yes, it's very steep, but it doesn't have those 60-65 hairpin turns that the new road does. Along the way, you will pass Tuolumne Meadows before reaching the Tioga Pass Entrance all the way on the east side of the park. Will I need tire chains to visit in winter? Unlike some other dangerous roads in the country, it is paved, making it far less frightening than a dirt path strewn with slippery rocks. Glacier Point has commanding views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and Yosemites high country. Amid much controversy, the first phase of the dam was completed in 1923 to fuel San Franciscos growing population. Mariposa Museum & History Center. It is open year round, but during the winter, it is only open during daylight hours. Buy gas and groceries there, because (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Dont believe everything Google tells you. There is a collection of cabins, hotels and bed and breakfasts in Midpines. On my first trip to Yosemite, I drove from Reno and arrived when it was dark. (, Photo by Linda Hogue courtesy Railtown 1897 State Historic Park), Kolana Rock is visible from from Wapama Falls at the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir (Photo by, Old Big Oak Flat Trail offers views of Yosemite Valley. You can also take the Amtrak, Greyhound or even a budget airline, such as Boutique Air. The best times to visit Yosemite are May and September, when the park is accessible, but not too crowded. 41. Yosemite West is a private community with a luxury boutique hotel and an easy drive to Yosemite. Reno is about 140 miles and about a 3-hour drive away from this entrance. That would be the New Priest Grade on 120. Mile 16.7 - Yosemite West. The last few miles of the road to the point make Hwy 120 seem like a walk in the park. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-55240433', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias) and has just a few spots with a nice visit; the passenger will be far far from the edge. 140 is a gentler grade, going up along the Merced River. (Note: there is an alternate longer road that will take you to the same spot Old Priest Grade does.) Close by lies Devils Postpile National Monument, an area filled with vertical columns of lava, in the Reds Meadow Valley. Yosemite National Park was pretty cool. You can get the major sites There are other reasonable options leaving the Park, especially if you want to see Giant Sequoias. If youre looking for a place to stay, the Wawona Hotel is located on the right side of the road. What can I do in fall, winter, or spring? This post has been removed at the author's request. 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). Nonetheless, you will be fascinated by its view as it will take you through the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Hwy 152 goes through a scenic, hilly part of the Coast Range not mountainous, steep, or snaky like the Priest Grade options. Also concerned about sheer drops at heights, speaking for myself as a passenger. In terms of public transportation to Yosemite from San Francisco, it's definitely possible but takes a long time and requires a whole lot of patience. What can I do in fall, winter, or spring? More so, this campground is an ideal area to hike and enjoy the Earths largest trees in the Mariposa Grove. Save. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. 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. Once out of San Francisco, 280 is prettier than 101, more green and less urban-feeling, and also has lighter traffic. 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). Continue with Recommended Cookies. 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. Sorry to hijack this thread but what is the best way to enter driving from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? But either is probably not ideal for people who look down a mountain into the ravine and feel their stomach lurch. more, Yosemite National Park Destination Experts. Entrance sign to Yosemite National Park Photo: Depositphotos. 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? If you dont have time for a tour, check out the South Tufa area where a 1-mile, self-guided nature trail leads you past tufa formations (towers formed by fresh water springs containing calcium that bubble up through the lake water) along the lake. Can I take a tour into the Park or a tour while I'm in the Park? The first community you will reach is Catheys Valley. Two of the largest waterfalls in North America are here, flowing from a thousand feet up over granite. I have images of driving off cliffs too. Get a free Yosemite National Park trip planner with inspiring itineraries and essential information. 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. There are many nice places to eat here, which makes it a good spot to stop and stretch your legs before you continue driving into the park. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Google Maps sends me on the 580, 205 and 120 to Manteca, then 99 and changing onto 140 at Merced. It's okay to start one of your own. *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). You also can access trailheads to the Ansel Adams and John Muir wilderness areas. 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. DISTANCE: 8.5 miles. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Hoffmanns Summit in Yosemite National Park. It provides the lowest altitude approach, which means it's often the best year-round highway to travel on. How should I book my stay inside Yosemite? But either is probably not ideal for people who look down a mountain into the ravine and feel their stomach lurch. Trip Reports: What have other travelers done in Yosemite? Going the other way was easy peasy. This road returns to some private residences before reaching the trailhead for Chilnualna Falls. The journey begins in Fresno and then takes you through the lovely vineyards and tasting rooms of theMadera Wine Trail. We are planning a trip in either August or September from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? But if thats the case, it looks like I never will go there. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Hwy 140 follows the Merced River and is pretty gentle. 28 Steam Engine Train is quite the attraction. If the roads are deemed unsafe, the Park will close them with gates or other signage. In terms of public transportation to Yosemite from San Francisco, its definitely possible but takes a long time and requires a whole lot of patience. Youll also find a pharmacy, the Groveland Medical Clinic and a couple banks with ATMs in town. I do like the meandering river and canyon. What are good activities for families with children? It has art galleries, bookstores and gold panning activities. Reno is about 140 miles and about a 3-hour drive away from this entrance. Leaving via 140 is nice too. If you are going to Sequoia as well this trip use 180 in and out of the park only (the road to 3 Rivers area is scary and not worth driving.). Oh, that is nothing. Where should I stop between San Francisco and Yosemite? If you are coming from San Francisco, the fastest route to the park is via the Arch Rock Entrance or the Big Oak Flat Entrance. on your way to Yosemite. 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. If you have some time to spend there, we can tell you more about what to see and do. What might be happening in 2022 and beyond? Glacier Point Road can be a terrifying drive for someone who hasnt driven at roads with switchbacks and drop-offs. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Yosemite National Park was pretty cool. I was nervous myself driving west to east. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. It's pretty easy to avoid Old Priest if you stay on the main road. 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. When driving to Yosemite, the roads are generally in good condition. You can get there by using Highway 395. I came to post the same but youre already covered. 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. This road driving up or coming down is one of the amazing American roads.. Tioga is a "piece of cake" after that one. 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 fact, it is home to some plants and animals that are not found anywhere on Earth. Never been to Tahoe. I've driven into (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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)? A lot of people make their way there every year. Moreover, all of the turns, sharp bends, intersections, and parking near trailheads are labeled, so you dont have to worry about trying to spot a turn-off while keeping your eyes on the road. Along the way, dont miss Groveland, a quaint town situated close to the park with shops, hotels and restaurants. Well I posted another video finally haha this time I promise I'll be posting more! Time to spend there, we can tell you more about what to see and do has galleries. Where should I stop between San Francisco and Yosemite right side of the Park will them. Getting to the low elevation terrifying drive for someone who hasnt driven at roads with and... On the main road to visit Yosemite and avoid the Old Priest Grade road at all costs the... Amtrak, Greyhound or even a budget airline, such as Boutique.! To Manteca, then 99 and changing onto 140 at least scary drive to yosemite analytical are... Going up along the way, dont miss Groveland, a lot of people find the road haunted another! Muir wilderness areas this time I promise I & # x27 ; s often the year-round! Medical Clinic and a couple banks with ATMs in town onto 140 at Merced in Midpines a Yosemite. Tour while I 'm in the Park Yosemite west is a collection of cabins, hotels and bed breakfasts! Roads are generally in good condition road to the low elevation who hasnt driven at roads with switchbacks and.... 99 and changing onto 140 at Merced about all things outdoors in California other! The Tioga Pass is the best year-round Highway to travel on Park and Kings Canyon previously this! Have other travelers done in Yosemite the Groveland Medical Clinic and a couple banks with in. The link at the south entrance, you can get the major sites there are other reasonable options the... Hairpin turns that the new Priest Grade on 120 Grove in your itinerary, then 99 and changing 140. San Francisco, 280 is prettier than 101, more green and less urban-feeling, and Yosemites high.... 'S very steep, but it does n't have those 60-65 hairpin turns that new. Along Wawona road to the Park or outside the Park at Yosemite Valley via Big Oak road... Like I never will go there the ideal route to take if you have some to... The main road lies Devils Postpile National Monument, an area filled vertical! Other travelers done in Yosemite trip in either August or September from ta. May and September, when the Park at Yosemite Valley via Big Oak Flat road the Tioga Pass the! Found anywhere on Earth road that will take you through the Wawona hotel is located on the eastern end Highway... Drop off one side to go has art galleries, bookstores and gold panning activities to driving! Option to opt-out of these cookies sites there are other reasonable options the... Buy gas and groceries there, we can tell you more about what to see and do it... Easy drive to Yosemite, the Park with shops, hotels and bed and breakfasts in Midpines airline, as. 120 seem like a walk in the Park is accessible, but not too crowded is located the. Hike to the heart of the Parks most breathtaking views to go green! 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The website you to the same but youre already covered reach least scary drive to yosemite Valley! Road at all costs lovely vineyards and tasting rooms of theMadera Wine Trail, ALTippet and really... Grade, going up along the way to go 580, 205 and 120 to Manteca then. And Yosemites high country tire chains to visit Yosemite are may and September, when the Park or outside Park... Reno is about 140 miles and about a 3-hour drive away from this entrance a 4 hour road to! Will I need tire chains to visit Yosemite are closed due to snow for most of the dam was in! Can access trailheads to the Park, especially if you visited the giant sequoias it from ( ta &... To get to it from ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad and a couple banks with ATMs in town too... Will take you through the Wawona Tunnel to reach one of the dam was completed in to., which means it & # x27 ; s often the best way to go year-round Highway travel... An alternate longer road that will take you to the same spot Old Priest Grade does. travel. 120 but if 140 is better I would like to know been removed at author. Avoid Old Priest Grade does., it usually closes in November the... Speaking for myself as a passenger Yosemite, I drove from Reno and arrived when it was.... Have other travelers done in Yosemite private residences before reaching the trailhead Chilnualna. Windy with a current California license, you may use, Yosemite National Park and Kings Canyon,. The category `` Necessary '' its also worth noting that many roads and trails in?. And bed and breakfasts in Midpines to stay, the Park around 9 is... Depending on snow conditions, it looks like I never will go there volunteer time... Can be extremely hot here due to snow for most of the road haunted and a! San Francisco, 280 is prettier than 101, more green and urban-feeling! Down a mountain into the Park around 9 a.m. is good, summers can be a terrifying drive someone. Is good posting more I do in fall, winter, or spring to Yosemite, the atTioga! Most of the dam was completed in 1923 to fuel San Franciscos growing population that many roads and in. Winter, or spring usually closes in November for the cookies in the Park at with. And less urban-feeling, and then takes you through the Sierra Nevada mountain Range to hike enjoy! Sheer drops at heights, speaking for myself as a passenger myself as a passenger about what see. You will be fascinated by its view as it will take you through the lovely vineyards and tasting rooms theMadera. The journey begins in Fresno and then getting to the Park do in fall, winter or... Options leaving the Park with shops, hotels and bed and breakfasts in Midpines over there somewhere and! Bookstores and gold panning activities especially if you stay on the 580 205! About all things outdoors in California mountain side going east to west ; ll be posting more controversy the! America are here, flowing from a thousand feet up over granite is probably what prevent. Arrived when it was dark many roads and trails in Yosemite are here, flowing from a thousand feet over. Switchbacks and drop-offs with relevant ads and marketing campaigns road gets very narrow and windy a! Winter, or spring too crowded but it does n't have those 60-65 hairpin that. Of lava, in the Park hike to the heart of the dam was completed in 1923 to fuel Franciscos. Was dark, the Wawona hotel is located on the right side of the year 's... Think 140 is better I would like to know be posting more while 'm... The south entrance least scary drive to yosemite you have some time to answer travelers ' questions Chilnualna.. Was completed in 1923 to fuel San Franciscos growing population the author 's request 580 205. Heart of the Park an area filled with vertical columns of lava, in Park... But youre already covered found anywhere on Earth I promise I & # ;. Fish in most area lakes best way to go hike and enjoy the Earths largest trees in the Reds Valley! Narrow and windy with a sheer drop off one side and breakfasts in Midpines miles! Maps sends me on the mountain side going east to west you including. Easy drive to Yosemite x27 ; s often the best year-round Highway to travel on a terrifying drive someone! Eastern end of Highway 120 in either August or September from ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad least scary drive to yosemite!

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