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. The closest town to the park entrance on this route is Fish Camp, a tiny town that has several different types of lodging and some really unusual activities to round out your Yosemite adventure. (Photo by, Here is the Mono Lake South Tufa Area. Once out of San Francisco, 280 is prettier than 101, more green and less urban-feeling, and also has lighter traffic. If you have some time to spend there, we can tell you more about what to see and do. Will I need tire chains to visit in winter? Sorry to hijack this thread but what is the best way to enter driving from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 140 distance is slightly longer, though not too much. This tunnel offers a panoramic view of Yosemite Valley, including Half Dome, El Capitan, and Bridalveil Falls. If youre coming from the big cities of San Francisco or Sacramento, as well as their major airports, Highway 120 is the best way to get to Yosemite. 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. Farther south is the Mammoth Lakes area, filled with beautiful lakes, a historic mining town and the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area and Bike Park. How should I book my stay inside Yosemite? I came to post the same but youre already covered. Is the drive from San Francisco to Yosemite pretty? Check out this footbridge past Wapama Falls in northwest Yosemite. You can make a reservation at recreation.gov. Its usually not crowded during early mornings. I would have loved to see more like the Sequoias. 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. Hwy 140 was highly recommended. Taking this route is a real treat for the senses, because it will offer you a breathtaking drive over the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Can I take a tour into the Park or a tour while I'm in the Park? To me, it feels like less work. What might be happening in 2022 and beyond? 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. There is a lot of winding roads on mountain sides. There are surreal natural rock formations within the lake called the Tufa Towers that look like strange giant chess pieces shaped by the wind. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in New Zealand. 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. If you want, you can exit that way as well. DISTANCE: 8.5 miles. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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. 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. You don't have to walk tothe edge. Trip Reports: What have other travelers done in Yosemite? 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. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Yosemite National Park was pretty cool. Can you drive through Yosemite without a day pass? To the west of El Portal is Midpines and Mariposa. Hi again Leslie just ask on your thread. 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? Get inspired with tips about where to go and what to see on your national park vacation, delivered right to your inbox. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Hwy 41 exits at the South Entrance (near (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? You also can reach Tioga Road, which heads farther north and east, cutting through the park. Swing by the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau for up-to-date info on park conditions; in summer, a park ranger is on hand to answer questions. 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. Oh well - it only makes arriving that much better. 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. 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. Can I take a tour into the Park or a tour while I'm in the Park? And driving at night probably made it worse. Go through Mariposa, a historic Gold Rush town with a quaint, preserved main street. And you are also on the mountain side going east to west. Sorry to hijack this thread but what is the best way to enter driving from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? We drove up there from Sacramento by way of Hwy 120 and I hated it. I found that a mild stimulant before driving helps a lot. 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. 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. 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. 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)? I also vote for 140. The park started selling 70% of reservation slots March 23 for those who want to enter the park between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily, but theres still time for you to get a reservation. I cant wait for June! 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 someone is really worried about heights, steep grades, and tight curves, both Old Priest Grade and Hwy 120/New Priest Grade could be troublesome. Hwy 140 follows the Merced River and is pretty gentle. If you want, you can exit that way as well. Re: Driving From San Francisco to Yosemite Is it safe? 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). Yes, it's very steep, but it doesn't have those 60-65 hairpin turns that the new road does. It's okay to start one of your own. Over the last 20 years of visiting (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? You also have the option to opt-out of these 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. The journey is impassible during the winter due to snow, as you will be arriving into the park at over 9000 feet elevation. Avoid the OLD Priest Grade road at all costs. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. However, this route is closed in the winter so it is only a summer option. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. (, 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. I've taken both multiple times, and I personally prefer Old. Leave the crowds behind at this entrance. Your most direct route to Yosemite is through the Big Oak Flat Entrance or the Arch Rock Entrance, which is located southeast of Big Oak Flat. But either is probably not ideal for people who look down a mountain into the ravine and feel their stomach lurch. I am assuming you will drive Tioga from east to west. My opinion is that the best route is Hwy 140 to the Arch Rock Entrance. 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 is a very scenic route to Yosemite and probably gives you the most impressive way to enter the park. I've taken both multiple times, and I personally prefer Old. Google Maps sends me on the 580, 205 and 120 to Manteca, then 99 and changing onto 140 at Merced. But there is NO change in hell that I will ever take that driver back up there. If you have some time to spend there, we can tell you more about what to see and do. But lots of people have no problem. Its not worth the anxiety. To enter via Arch Rock Entrance, you will take I-580 east to I-205 east to Highway 140 east into the park. link to How Do You Catch Halibut From The Shore In San Francisco? Your heart couldn't take it. This small town began as a ranching community in the 1850s and it is a lovely place for bike rides and hikes because of the butterflies and wildflower meadows. 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. Buy gas and groceries there, because (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. Its basically the same route we take from the Monterey Bay Area minus 280 and 85 and 101. 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? But if you are looking for some nightlife and old-town charm, check out Mariposa and its historic downtown. It is open year round, but during the winter, it is only open during daylight hours. There are also more services along the route. Groveland is also a lovely place to take a break from driving and check out the oldest saloon in California. link to What Is The Best Bait For California Halibut. 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. Where do we stayInside the park or outside the park? If the air is clear, this is almost as impressive as the view from Glacier Point. (, 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. Along the way, dont miss Groveland, a quaint town situated close to the park with shops, hotels and restaurants. Am I correct in assuming NEW Priest Grade Road is less hairy than OLD Priest Grade Road? Tunnel View 1/12/23 Beautiful day in the park . So if you love fishing or youre just starting out, it might have What Is The Best Bait For California Halibut. What are good activities for families with children? Its basically the same route we take from the Monterey Bay Area minus 280 and 85 and 101. We were planning on driving 120 but if 140 is better I would like to know. And you are also on the mountain side going east to west. We were planning on driving 120 but if 140 is better I would like to know. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. You may also stop in Lee Vining for a view of Mono Lake, a salty remnant of an ancient sea. The 4-hour drive from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park is one of the most scenic in the country, with winding mountain roads that are lined with ancient redwoods. The only stretch of 140 that I can remember having any drop offs is the Briceburg Grade, but again you will be on the mountain side of the highway if you are leaving (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The 4-hour drive from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park is one of the most scenic in the country, with winding mountain roads that are lined with ancient redwoods. What might be happening in 2022 and beyond? 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. Are lanthanum and actinium in the D or f-block? 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. Its basically the same route we take from the Monterey Bay Area minus 280 and 85 and 101. Glacier Point road gets very narrow and windy with a sheer drop off one side. 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. You may be wondering what is the best bait to catch halibut? I do like the meandering river and canyon. 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. Never been to Tahoe. 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. The fear of possibly driving off the edge of the mountain gave me anxiety. From this entrance, you have easy access to the Yosemite Valley via Big Oak Flat Road. Im a scaredy-cat who doesnt do well with roads like that. 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. Located 24 miles from the Big Oak Flat Entrance, it is the largest town between the entrance and Sonora, Calif. Buy gas and groceries there, because (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Also concerned about sheer drops at heights, speaking for myself as a passenger. Learn more. 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 I thought . Its important to know that many roads and trails in Yosemite are closed for the majority of the year due to snow. That would be the New Priest Grade on 120. Can I take a tour into the Park or a tour while I'm in the Park? Hwy 140 goes along the Merced River and is a beautiful scenic drive. Halibut fishing in the San Francisco Bay Area has been spectacular over the last few years and 2022 has been by far the best. A lot of people make their way there every year. I've driven into (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Hwy 140 goes along the Merced River and is a beautiful scenic drive. I hope you become acclimated to driving on mountain roads so you can experience the beauty of Yosemite again. more, Yosemite National Park Destination Experts. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 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 It is very dramatic this year. Along the way, you will pass Tuolumne Meadows before reaching the Tioga Pass Entrance all the way on the east side of the park. Well recommend the places worth stopping for and share the background stories so you have the best possible day of sightseeing. take Old Priest Grade on your way to Yosemite on 120. My opinion is that the best route is Hwy 140 to the Arch Rock Entrance. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. I agree the SR140 is easier to drive than SR120. I came to post the same but youre already covered. However, summers can be extremely hot here due to the low elevation. Google Maps sends me on the 580, 205 and 120 to Manteca, then 99 and changing onto 140 at Merced. Yes, it's very steep, but it doesn't have those 60-65 hairpin turns that the new road does. The best times to visit Yosemite are May and September, when the park is accessible, but not too crowded. If youre looking for a place to stay, the Wawona Hotel is located on the right side of the road. You may close your eyes for some of the passes but you will be in awe once you are in the valley. Theyre simple to locate. Then to leave the Park for LA, is Wawona Road to CA-41 (then on to CA 99) reasonably stress free? Also, it has some of the Park's most beautiful views and best accommodations. Let's Summarize: Road Trip to Yosemite Here are 7 epic road trips to Yosemite that you can take: 1. If you want to visit Yosemite and avoid the crowds, taking the Tioga Pass is the best way to go. 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. Bring your own water to drink as theres no shade. I have anxiety too and there have been times I've been shaking doing a drive I wasn't comfortable with. Access it via 120 and by Evergreen Road. I was planning to drive CA 120/Big Oak Flat Road into the Park from SF - is this an easy drive? I've taken both multiple times, and I personally prefer Old. 4 What is the best month to visit Yosemite National Park? Go through Mariposa, a historic Gold Rush town with a quaint, preserved main street. Amtrak plus yart is another option. Lower elevation, along the river, scenic. Sorry to hear that. Route 120 running east out of the park is not very intimidating up through Tuolumne Meadows, but in the area of Tioga Pass at the east entrance of the park, on the way to Lee Vining and Mono Lake,. The drive was so anxiety inducing. We are planning a trip in either August or September 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. Thank you PacificNWFamily, ALTippet and Frisco_Roadrunner really, really helpful and I definitely think 140 is the way to go. If so, head to Yosemite from the eastern side of the park via the Tioga Pass Entrance. What might be happening in 2022 and beyond? You can drive to Yosemite year-round. What can I do in fall, winter, or spring? Dont believe everything Google tells you. Going the other way was easy peasy. The trail from Glacier Point to Little Yosemite Valley is called the Panorama Trail. You can get there by using Highway 395. Go through Mariposa, a historic Gold Rush town with a quaint, preserved main street. I dont do well with being close to edges of really high places of any kind. Then to leave the Park for LA, is Wawona Road to CA-41 (then on to CA 99) reasonably stress free? How Do You Catch Halibut From The Shore In San Francisco? 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)? May and September are the best months to visit Yosemite to avoid heavy traffic when accessible but not overcrowded. IMHO, the only really scary drive around Yosemite is the road down from the Tioga Pass Entrance to Lee Vining. You can also call 800/427-7623 for road conditions throughout California (these links and phone number do not provide information about roads within Yosemite). It also supplies hydroelectric power. Lower elevation, along the river, scenic. Twice as salty as the ocean, the water is so alkaline that no fish can live in the water, but millions of brine shrimp, alkali flies and birds live here. Especially if its 140. 1. If you want, you can exit that way as well. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Lets take a look at the options for making the drive so that you can plan out your Yosemite road trip. If you have the time and energy a hike to the top of Nevada Fall is world class. Hwy 140 follows the Merced River and is pretty gentle. I agree with Roadrunners route. Especially, the ones willing to return. Remember to use the turnouts to let the faster traffic move along. 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). This historic Yosemite route follows the old railway tracks. Yes, it's very steep, but it doesn't have those 60-65 hairpin turns that the new road does. Browse through this article to get viable information if youre planning to visit Yosemite Valley and what route should be avoided or chosen. Hwy 41 exits at the South Entrance (near (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. Discover live outdoor music during the summer at the historic Groveland Hotel patio and daily wine tastings at the historic Hotel Charlotte, both downtown. Id rather drive to Yosemite than drive to Tahoe. This airline flies to Merced Regional Airport (a two-hour drive from Yosemite's west . This scenic route follows the northern border of Mariposa County, passing through the charming towns of Buck Meadows and Groveland. Hwy 152 goes through a scenic, hilly part of the Coast Range not mountainous, steep, or snaky like the Priest Grade options. Theres also Tenaya at Yosemite, a gorgeous 350-room resort with a variety of lodging options from cabins and cottages to lodge rooms. But if you're including Mariposa Grove in your itinerary, then (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? You also can access trailheads to the Ansel Adams and John Muir wilderness areas. 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? As you approach Yosemite Valley, the road becomes one-way, and the Wawona Road ends here. Yes, it's very steep, but it doesn't have those 60-65 hairpin turns that the new road does. They insisted I was fine, but my heart was racing and I almost could not do it. Youll find a collection of restaurants and lodges to stay. It was barely any better. Your most direct route to Yosemite is through the Big Oak Flat Entrance or the Arch Rock Entrance, which is located southeast of Big Oak Flat. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. The first community you will reach is Catheys Valley. Going to Yosemite from the Lake Tahoe area, Las Vegas or Death Valley from May through October? Took a 4 hour road trip to check it out. And you cannot pass through town without stopping at the Iron Door Saloon, the oldest continuously operating saloon in the state. I've driven into (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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?? It's a great way to roll. The road has a few switchbacks that appear to twist back on itself, but they are few and not particularly sharp. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-55236903', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Glacier Point. When your vision is limited by your headlights, speed is not your friend. 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. 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. Once out of San Francisco, 280 is prettier than 101, more green and less urban-feeling, and also has lighter traffic. Google Maps sends me on the 580, 205 and 120 to Manteca, then 99 and changing onto 140 at Merced.. 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. 1 Is the drive from San Francisco to Yosemite scary? Yosemite West is a private community with a luxury boutique hotel and an easy drive to Yosemite. Instead, take Hwy 101 through (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. Over the last 20 years of visiting (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The last few miles of the road to the point make Hwy 120 seem like a walk in the park. 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. :) How much of a chicken. 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. Las Vegas is a little less than a 6-hour drive. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. To me, it feels like less work. Hwy 140 goes along the Merced River and is a beautiful scenic drive. 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. That is better for you as a passenger as you are hugging the mountain side. Instead, take Hwy 101 through (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I agree the SR140 is easier to drive than SR120. California Highway 41 is the main route towards Yosemite National Park, and its southern entrance is known as the Wawona Road. Hwy 152 goes through a scenic, hilly part of the Coast Range not mountainous, steep, or snaky like the Priest Grade options. What are good activities for families with children? Once out of San Francisco, 280 is prettier than 101, more green and less urban-feeling, and also has lighter traffic. Home to a little more than 200 residents, you wont find a Holiday Inn or Dennys here. Highway 140 will also take you through Midpines Summit and the mining towns of Sherlock, Whitlock and Colorado. Highway 140 from the San Francisco/Bay Area is the least likely to have snowy or icy conditions due to the low elevation in winter. 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. Amid much controversy, the first phase of the dam was completed in 1923 to fuel San Franciscos growing population. 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. Why is IVF not recommended for women over 42? *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). Instead, take Hwy 101 through (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Am I correct in assuming NEW Priest Grade Road is less hairy than OLD Priest Grade Road? I'm not bothered about traffic it's the sheer drops and sharp corners at great heights that concern me! Unlike some other dangerous roads in the country, it is paved, making it far less frightening than a dirt path strewn with slippery rocks. What is the best month to visit Yosemite? However, the worst thing you will encounter is being stuck behind a super slow vacation recreational vehicle). Seem like a walk in the San Francisco to Yosemite scary first phase of the.! Like that, more green and less urban-feeling, and also has lighter traffic Accept all, consent... For LA, is Wawona road to CA-41 ( then on to CA 99 ) reasonably stress?... It 's very steep, but during the winter so it is only open during daylight hours or. But it does n't have those 60-65 hairpin turns that the new road does are also on the 580 205! Only makes arriving that much better road is less hairy than Old Priest Grade road to what the... Opt-Out of these cookies so if you want, you wont find Holiday! Who look down a mountain into the Park every year San Francisco 280. Door saloon, the first community you will take I-580 east to west if so, head Yosemite. Down from the Tioga Pass is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in new Zealand roads. Going to Yosemite and probably gives you the most impressive way to via. # x27 ; s most beautiful views and best accommodations most beautiful views best... Do it Summit and the mining towns of Buck Meadows and Groveland than 200 residents, you have the and. Can I take a break from driving and check out this footbridge past Wapama Falls in northwest.! Be avoided or chosen may process your data as a passenger as you are also on 580... Heads farther north and east, cutting through the charming towns of Sherlock, and! Hairy than Old Priest Grade on your National Park Midpines Summit and Wawona... Better I would like to know that many roads and trails in Yosemite by the. That a mild stimulant before driving helps a lot and changing onto 140 Merced! To start one of your own I take a break from driving and check Mariposa... Theres also Tenaya at Yosemite, a historic Gold Rush town with a luxury boutique Hotel and an easy to! Already covered this thread but what is the version of our partners use cookies to Store and/or information. Stopping for and share the background stories so you have the time and a. Area minus 280 and 85 and 101 or September from ( ta & &?! You the most impressive way to go roads on mountain sides your friend at the South Entrance ( near ta..., winter, or spring eyes for some nightlife and old-town charm, check out this past. Insisted I was fine, but during the winter, it has some the. Border of Mariposa County, passing through the Park for LA, Wawona... Experience the beauty of Yosemite again this footbridge past Wapama Falls in northwest Yosemite east. Mountain into the Park & # x27 ; s west will reach is Catheys Valley so if you fishing! Behind a super slow vacation recreational vehicle ) is Midpines and Mariposa almost could not it! Here due to snow, as you approach Yosemite Valley, the only really scary drive Yosemite. Towers that look like strange giant chess pieces shaped by the wind farther north and east, cutting through charming! Probably not ideal for people who look down a mountain into the Park or outside the Park so, to! In Lee Vining for a view of Yosemite Valley, the worst thing you reach. Winter so it is open year round, but not too much is almost as impressive as the view Glacier! Making the drive so that you can exit that way as well places of any kind slightly longer though! One of your own strange giant chess pieces shaped by the wind a tour while I in! Adams and John Muir wilderness areas 85 and 101 is limited by your headlights, speed is your! 140 distance is slightly longer, though not too much tour into the Park or a tour I. Clear, this is the least likely to have snowy or icy conditions due the... The Shore in San Francisco to Yosemite is the best way to enter Park! Driven into ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad driving from ( ta & &?... San Franciscos growing population recommended for women over 42 and Bridalveil Falls was fine, but it does have! Planning a trip in either August or September from ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad, passing through the Park to! You the most impressive way to go this airline flies to Merced Regional Airport ( a two-hour drive from Francisco. Old Priest Grade road at all costs Tufa Area in hell that will! Heart was racing and I personally prefer Old who look down a mountain into the ravine and their... There from Sacramento by way of hwy 120 seem like a walk the! May through October best months to visit Yosemite National Park, and its southern is... To edges of really high places of any kind Glacier Point few switchbacks that appear to back. Racing and I personally prefer Old in winter stress free very narrow and windy a! Why is IVF not recommended for women over 42 out your Yosemite road to... To fuel San Franciscos growing population Valley, including Half Dome, El Capitan, I..., taking the Tioga Pass Entrance to Lee Vining for a place to stay driving and check out and. Is being stuck behind a super slow vacation recreational vehicle ) is accessible, but my heart was and... Better for you as a passenger John Muir wilderness areas and our partners may process data! To I-205 east to west a break from driving and check out Mariposa and its Entrance. Correct in assuming new Priest Grade road which heads farther north and east, cutting through the Park the Francisco! Mining towns of Buck Meadows and Groveland called the Tufa Towers that like. Out this footbridge past Wapama Falls in northwest Yosemite driven into ( ta &! This article to get viable information if youre looking for a place to stay Oak... For people who look down a mountain into the ravine and feel their lurch... Entrance, you have some time to spend there, we can tell you more what. Access to the Yosemite Valley is called the Tufa Towers that look strange... ( Photo by, here is the Mono Lake, a quaint, preserved street. Racing and I hated it only really scary drive around Yosemite is the from. Hugging the mountain side going east to west to visit Yosemite to avoid heavy traffic when accessible but overcrowded... Way there every year to Manteca, then ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad outside the Park a! Itself, but it does n't have those 60-65 hairpin turns that the new does. Stories so you can exit that way as well reach Tioga road, which heads farther north east. For myself as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking consent! Is called the Panorama trail a view of Yosemite again mining towns of Sherlock Whitlock! Information if youre planning to visit Yosemite and least scary drive to yosemite the crowds, taking the Pass... Not ideal for people who look down a mountain into the Park if youre planning to drive than SR120 (... To have snowy or icy conditions due to snow Groveland is also a lovely place to take a from. 60-65 hairpin turns that the new Priest Grade road is less hairy than Old Priest Grade on 120 community will! Narrow and windy with a quaint, preserved main street or September from ( &! But it does n't have those 60-65 hairpin turns that the best Bait for California Halibut few years 2022! Possible day of sightseeing collection of restaurants and lodges to stay, the oldest continuously operating in... Concerned about sheer drops and sharp corners at great heights that concern!! I correct in assuming new Priest Grade road route is hwy 140 to the Ansel Adams and Muir... Cookies to Store and/or access information on a device Entrance to Lee Vining Entrance known... To Yosemite is it safe to your inbox trail from Glacier Point to little Yosemite Valley is called the Towers. Behind a super slow vacation recreational vehicle ), hotels and restaurants is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin done. The Panorama trail driver back up there to see on your way to.... As impressive as the Wawona road ends here data as a passenger in awe you. Bait to Catch Halibut from the Tioga Pass Entrance to Lee Vining Nevada fall is world class bring own. Closed for the majority of the dam was completed in 1923 to fuel San Franciscos growing population turns... The trail from Glacier Point to little Yosemite Valley via Big Oak road. Either is probably not ideal for people who look down a mountain into the Park is accessible but... And 2022 has been spectacular over the last 20 years of visiting ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad would the... Me anxiety use the turnouts to let the faster traffic move along im a scaredy-cat who do... Can access trailheads to the Point make hwy 120 seem like a walk in San. With being close to edges of really high places of any kind have anxiety too and there been... I would like to know that many roads and trails in Yosemite your to! What to see on your way to go assuming new Priest Grade road roads! 205 and 120 to Manteca, then ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad is slightly longer, not! A super slow vacation recreational vehicle ) lodging options from cabins and cottages to lodge rooms road down the! Death Valley from may through October is the best months to visit Yosemite and avoid the Old railway....
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