*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). Once out of San Francisco, 280 is prettier than 101, more green and less urban-feeling, and also has lighter traffic. You can enter the Valley via Wawona Road (24.6 miles from South Entrance), El Portal Road (5 miles from Arch Rock Entrance) or Big Oak Flat Road (17.5 miles from Big Oak Flat Entrance), which merges with El Portal Road near the Valley's entrance. The drive was so anxiety inducing. 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. Yes, it's very steep, but it doesn't have those 60-65 hairpin turns that the new road does. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Unlike some other dangerous roads in the country, Glacier Point is paved, making it considerably less scary than a dirt path full of slippery rocks. Whether you are an avid halibut fisherman, like myself. All the turns or sharp bends and intersections or parking near trailheads are labelled so you don't have to worry about trying to spot a turn-off while simultaneously keeping your eyes on the road. That said, it's a good thing you didn't try to drive to Glacier Point. Lower elevation, along the river, scenic. The good news is that these roads are wide, with nice shoulders, and if you are the passenger you will be on the inside. Hwy 140 goes along the Merced River and is a beautiful scenic drive. In the summer, you can mountain bike on the hill or take a gondola ride to the mountains 11,053-foot peak to catch incredible views. Hoffmanns Summit in Yosemite National Park. Although I want to see the sights,I really hate heights and driving where there are steep drop offs to the. Where do we stayInside the park or outside the park? This drive travels from Yosemite National Park's South Entrance, through Yosemite Valley, over Tioga Pass, California's highest drivable pass, ending at the salt water Mono Lake, surrounded. This scenic route skirts around the Northern edge of Mariposa County and passes through the lovely towns of Buck Meadows andGroveland. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. From this entrance, you have easy access to the Yosemite Valley via Big Oak Flat Road. As you explore the area, youll see California black oak, incense-cedar and gray pine, as well as manzanita shrubs, which are recognizable by their red bark. That is better for you as a passenger as you are hugging the mountain side. Download a GyPSy Guide Driving Tour App for Yosemite National Park Its Like Having A Tour Guide in the Car. There are numerous driving tours in Yosemite. In fact, it is home to some plants and animals that are not found anywhere on Earth. So driving in here is unquestionably safe. Which is the most cooperative country in the world? My opinion is that the best route is Hwy 140 to the Arch Rock Entrance. I am assuming you will drive Tioga from east to west. Google Maps sends me on the 580, 205 and 120 to Manteca, then 99 and changing onto 140 at Merced.. Least scary route for someone who hates heights, Re: Least scary route for someone who hates heights, Get answers to your questions about Yosemite National Park. You may also stop in Lee Vining for a view of Mono Lake, a salty remnant of an ancient sea. Thank you PacificNWFamily, ALTippet and Frisco_Roadrunner really, really helpful and I definitely think 140 is the way to go. The first community you will reach is Catheys Valley. California Highway 41 is the main route towards Yosemite National Park, and its southern entrance is known as the Wawona Road. Theyre simple to locate. To the west of El Portal is Midpines and Mariposa. Tunnel View 1/12/23 Beautiful day in the park . What might be happening in 2022 and beyond? Nonetheless, you will be fascinated by its view as it will take you through the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. 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. This historic structure is one of the Parks few places for overnight lodging. Then to leave the Park for LA, is Wawona Road to CA-41 (then on to CA 99) reasonably stress free? I've taken both multiple times, and I personally prefer Old. If you have some time to spend there, we can tell you more about what to see and do. 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. Your heart couldn't take it. But there is NO change in hell that I will ever take that driver back up there. What is the best month to visit Yosemite? 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 someone is really worried about heights, steep grades, and tight curves, both Old Priest Grade and Hwy 120/New Priest Grade could be troublesome. 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 much of a chicken. What is the best month to visit Yosemite National Park? Browse all 20,036 Yosemite National Park topics , http://www.tripadvisor.com/help/how_to_edit_your_posts, 1/13/23 - Masks Again Required Inside Yosemite Buildings/Bus, Definitely bring tire chains this MLK Weekend 2023. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Can you power Arduino Mega with 9V battery? Campground. Its usually not crowded during early mornings. The Big Oak Flat Information Station, open May through October from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. will be on your right after you go through the entrance station. Continue with Recommended Cookies. That is better for you as a passenger as you are hugging the mountain side. I agree with Roadrunners route. A lot of people make their way there every year. This road driving up or coming down is one of the amazing American roads.. Tioga is a "piece of cake" after that one. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Sorry to hijack this thread but what is the best way to enter driving from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Browse all 20,036 Yosemite National Park topics , http://www.tripadvisor.com/help/how_to_edit_your_posts, 1/13/23 - Masks Again Required Inside Yosemite Buildings/Bus, Definitely bring tire chains this MLK Weekend 2023. Aside from this, another entrance you can take is the Hetch Hetchy entrance. With that in mind what is best way to get to it from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Enjoyed by travelers who prefer to set their own pace and itinerary on vacation, but enjoy a fun, informative and educational guided experience. Instead, take Hwy 101 through (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Your drive from Yosemite Valley to Mariposa Grove will have you on the outside lane, closer to the edge. Hwy 152 goes through a scenic, hilly part of the Coast Range not mountainous, steep, or snaky like the Priest Grade options. 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. This is the ideal route to take if you are coming from Las Vegas, Reno or Death Valley. Which airport is best for a Yosemite vacation? Alternatively, you may use, Yosemite National Park Hotels and Places to Stay. I do like the meandering river and canyon. How should I book my stay inside Yosemite? Is it worth driving from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon? If you visit Yosemite while the higher country is still snowbound, hiking here may be accessible. Took a 4 hour road trip to check it out. The legendary saloon opened its doors in 1852. Learn more. Alternatively, you may use, Yosemite National Park Hotels and Places to Stay. In the Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area, you can see remnants of ancient volcanoes surrounding Mono Lake, an inland sea that is at least 760,000 years old but has no outlet to the ocean. 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. 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)? Can I take a tour into the Park or a tour while I'm in the Park? You also can access trailheads to the Ansel Adams and John Muir wilderness areas. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Youll find some swimming holes in upper Bear Creek, and the Merced River offers great rafting, swimming and fishing opportunities. 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. It's a 4+ hour drive each way, so that will cut into your daylight hours. more, Yosemite National Park Destination Experts. Taking this route is a real treat for the senses, because it will offer you a breathtaking drive over the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. 2022 Note: In addition to your park pass, youll need a special reservation to get into Yosemite National Park this year, beginning May 20 through Sept. 30, 2022. I agree the SR140 is easier to drive than SR120. Thank you PacificNWFamily, ALTippet and Frisco_Roadrunner really, really helpful and I definitely think 140 is the way to go. This is where locally owned businesses thrive. It has art galleries, bookstores and gold panning activities. Leaving via 140 is nice too. It provides the lowest altitude approach, which means its often the best year-round highway to travel on. Thirteen miles from Fish Camp is the more bustling town of Oakhurst, which has national chain hotels and restaurants for those looking for familiar sights. 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. Closer to the park, Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in Jamestown is worth a stop. This area is confusing, so your best bet is to follow the signs to your destination. View the NPS Traffic Forecast to plan your visit to the Park during non-peak hours. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. 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. You can drive to Yosemite year-round. Remember to use the turnouts to let the faster traffic move along. To me, it feels like less work. (, 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. Get inspired with tips about where to go and what to see on your national park vacation, delivered right to your inbox. For this reason, a lot of people find the road haunted. I've taken both multiple times, and I personally prefer Old. Going to Yosemite from the Lake Tahoe area, Las Vegas or Death Valley from May through October? The first time that I visited we took 41 and I hated that. Yosemite is one of the finest corners of the world. Consider taking a bus next time. Will I need tire chains to visit in winter? They are all 100 times braver than I. On the other hand, Tioga Pass is a convenient route through one of Californias most difficult terrains. I agree with Roadrunners route. Where are the Yosemite National Park traveler articles? Best stops along Yosemite National Park to San Francisco drive. Also concerned about sheer drops at heights, speaking for myself as a passenger. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Manage Settings Dont believe everything Google tells you. 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.). Never been to Tahoe. Lets take a look at the options for making the drive so that you can plan out your Yosemite road trip. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Especially if its 140. Due to this, you can enjoy the regions beauty in and around Yosemite National Park from the comfort of your vehicle. What are good activities for families with children? You can check on current chain requirements for the following roads outside of Yosemite: Highway 41, Highway 120, Highway 140, Highway 88, and US 50. 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! This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. I agree the SR140 is easier to drive than SR120. Where do we stayInside the park or outside the park? All you have to do is drive, listen and soak in the scenery. Nonetheless, to get through the park, you just have to pay the entrance fee and enjoy the splendor of Yosemite National Park. Oh, that is nothing. Mariposa is the largest of the three with the most services. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". I was following behind my sister and she drove through it all with no problem. Over the last 20 years of visiting (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I came to post the same but youre already covered. They are windy roads, but the elevation gain isn't particularly steep . If someone is really worried about heights, steep grades, and tight curves, both Old Priest Grade and Hwy 120/New Priest Grade could be troublesome. After entering Yosemite at the south entrance, youll drive along Wawona Road to the heart of the Park at Yosemite Valley. *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). Welcome to the California Outdoors! Where should I stop between San Francisco and Yosemite? (, Photo by Kim Carroll Photography courtesy of Rush Creek Lodge), Grovelands Main Street is pictured here (Photo by, Downtown Mariposa is near the Arch Rock Entrance of Yosemite (Photo by, You can see beautiful foliage during an autumn drive on the south side of Yosemite National Park (Photo by, A ride on the Yosemite Sugar Pine Railroad is a fun way to experience an old-fashioned train. Google Maps sends me on the 580, 205 and 120 to Manteca, then 99 and changing onto 140 at Merced. But lots of people have no problem. It features people and life back in the days of the Gold Rush and late 1800s. 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. What are good activities for families with children? Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. 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 How should I book my stay inside Yosemite? Also, it has some of the Park's most beautiful views and best accommodations. We were planning on driving 120 but if 140 is better I would like to know. Browse all 20,036 Yosemite National Park topics , 1/13/23 - Masks Again Required Inside Yosemite Buildings/Bus, Definitely bring tire chains this MLK Weekend 2023. This post has been removed at the author's request. If someone is really worried about heights, steep grades, and tight curves, both Old Priest Grade and Hwy 120/New Priest Grade could be troublesome. In general, the roads are fine and worst thing you will find is being behind a super slow vacation recreational vehicle). They insisted I was fine, but my heart was racing and I almost could not do it. But if you're including Mariposa Grove in your itinerary, then (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Then to leave the Park for LA, is Wawona Road to CA-41 (then on to CA 99) reasonably stress free? We drove up there from Sacramento by way of Hwy 120 and I hated it. Thank you PacificNWFamily, ALTippet and Frisco_Roadrunner really, really helpful and I definitely think 140 is the way to go. From San Francisco to Yosemite by Organized Tour Yosemite National Park Yosemite is at least a four-hour drive from San Francisco (and can take longer with traffic), so it is not usually recommended as a day trip. Glacier Point Road can be a terrifying drive for someone who hasnt driven at roads with switchbacks and drop-offs. Dont believe everything Google tells you. Yosemite National Park was pretty cool. Which airport is best for a Yosemite vacation? Each of the four different paths to Yosemite offers its own unique charm, from wine country to Gold Rush history to beautiful high country landscapes and charming towns. Once out of San Francisco, 280 is prettier than 101, more green and less urban-feeling, and also has lighter traffic. Id rather drive to Yosemite than drive to Tahoe. more, Reply to: Least scary route in and out of Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park Destination Experts. Can I take a tour into the Park or a tour while I'm in the Park? Hwy 41 exits at the South Entrance (near (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 1. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. 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)? Will I need tire chains to visit in winter? However, this route is closed in the winter so it is only a summer option. 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). If the air is clear, this is almost as impressive as the view from Glacier Point. I am assuming you will drive Tioga from east to west. Instead, take Hwy 101 through (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I fear you may faint going the other direction. This historic Yosemite route follows the old railway tracks. Where are the Yosemite National Park traveler articles? I was planning to drive CA 120/Big Oak Flat Road into the Park from SF - is this an easy drive? This is also an excellent starting or ending point for Yosemites most popular trails, such as the Four Mile Trail and the Panorama Trail. Driving very slowly is probably what help prevent this panic attack. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in New Zealand. Hwy 140 goes along the Merced River and is a beautiful scenic drive. I was planning to drive CA 120/Big Oak Flat Road into the Park from SF - is this an easy drive? Unlike Yosemite Fall and a few other waterfalls, Bridalveil usually flows all year, albeit at much lower levels in the late summer and fall. 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.) But if you're including Mariposa Grove in your itinerary, then (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? And you cannot pass through town without stopping at the Iron Door Saloon, the oldest continuously operating saloon in the state. Sorry to hear that. May and September are the best months to visit Yosemite to avoid heavy traffic when accessible but not overcrowded. This is a very scenic route to Yosemite and probably gives you the most impressive way to enter the park. If you want, you can exit that way as well. 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. Amtrak plus yart is another option. Least scary route in and out of Yosemite Valley, Re: Least scary route in and out of Yosemite Valley, Get answers to your questions about Yosemite National Park. To me, it feels like less work. 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. 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. I came to post the same but youre already covered. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. It is very dramatic this year. 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. I cant wait for June! Located 24 miles from the Big Oak Flat Entrance, it is the largest town between the entrance and Sonora, Calif. More so, this campground is an ideal area to hike and enjoy the Earths largest trees in the Mariposa Grove. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. If you get 200 feet off a road or a trail you will have it to yourself. Over the last 20 years of visiting (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? She had to stop and wait for me several times because I drove so slow. If you have some time to spend there, we can tell you more about what to see and do. What is the best month to visit Yosemite? Its basically the same route we take from the Monterey Bay Area minus 280 and 85 and 101. It does not store any personal data. But either is probably not ideal for people who look down a mountain into the ravine and feel their stomach lurch. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. I was nervous myself driving west to east. What is a good route to travel to Yosemite from Las Vegas? I also vote for 140. Let's Summarize: Road Trip to Yosemite Here are 7 epic road trips to Yosemite that you can take: 1. It's okay to start one of your own. 4 What is the best month to visit Yosemite National Park? I like going through El Portal. Several historic structures still stand and have been turned into restaurants, shops and bars. Trip Reports: What have other travelers done in Yosemite? 10 ephemeral waterfalls appear in Yosemite after Calif Press J to jump to the feed. 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. How do I get to Yosemite using public transportation? Yosemite National Park was pretty cool. I've driven into (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? more, Yosemite National Park Destination Experts. If you want, you can exit that way as well. Driving from the Bay Area? (Photo by, The Devils Postpile National Monument is a wild sight. This post has been removed at the author's request. Many people argue about which of the two is superior, but there is no doubt that both are on the shortlist of must-see vista points around the world. 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. 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. I came to post the same but youre already covered. Its home to the legendary engine No. Because it is a drinking water source, the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir is off limits for swimming or boating. Access it via 120 and by Evergreen Road. Mile 17.2 - Glacier Point Road. I fear you may faint going the other direction. You also can reach Tioga Road, which heads farther north and east, cutting through the park. 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?? If you are a train buff, you might be interested in taking a ride on theSugar Pine Railroad a history steam locomotive that will take you on a scenic trip through the rugged pine forests. I agree with Roadrunners route. Am I correct in assuming NEW Priest Grade Road is less hairy than OLD Priest Grade Road? How do I get to Yosemite using public transportation? Check out the 1854 courthouse, which is still in use, or sample local wines and craft beers at The Alley. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Or youre just learning how to fish for halibut. To get there, follow Highway 395, turn left on Highway 120 east and follow signs to South Tufa. Id give it another chance. To give you a lay of the land, four of Yosemites entrances are located on the western side of the park while the fifth, the Tioga Pass Entrance, is on the more remote eastern side of the park. The best times to visit Yosemite are May and September, when the park is accessible, but not too crowded. I also vote for 140. This waterfall is one of the valleys crown jewels. Im a scaredy-cat who doesnt do well with roads like that. 3 that has appeared in more than 100 movies and TV shows, including Back to the Future III. It's okay to start one of your own. With that in mind what is best way to get to it from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I have images of driving off cliffs too. You can choose your entrance based on your starting point, the likelihood youll run into crowds or because of the attractions along the way. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Check out this footbridge past Wapama Falls in northwest Yosemite. Although it has steep portions, it only has a grade of eight percent lower than the average, unlike other routes. 2 Where should I stop between San Francisco and Yosemite?

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