They insisted I was fine, but my heart was racing and I almost could not do it. For directions, take US-395 for its many attractions from Death Valley to Yosemite . I came to post the same but youre already covered. 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 ? more, Reply to: Least scary route in and out of Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park Destination Experts. This is a very scenic route to Yosemite and probably gives you the most impressive way to enter the park. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Is the drive from San Francisco to Yosemite pretty? You'll get used to driving on these types of roads eventually. The drive was so anxiety inducing. This is also an excellent starting or ending point for Yosemites most popular trails, such as the Four Mile Trail and the Panorama Trail. But either is probably not ideal for people who look down a mountain into the ravine and feel their stomach lurch. 3 that has appeared in more than 100 movies and TV shows, including Back to the Future III. Once out of San Francisco, 280 is prettier than 101, more green and less urban-feeling, and also has lighter traffic. But I thought . 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. Hwy 140 follows the Merced River and is pretty gentle. What are good activities for families with children? Which entrance to Yosemite is least crowded? Welcome to the California Outdoors! Check out the 1854 courthouse, which is still in use, or sample local wines and craft beers at The Alley. 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). Lower elevation, along the river, scenic. The journey begins in Fresno and then takes you through the lovely vineyards and tasting rooms of theMadera Wine Trail. This historic Yosemite route follows the old railway tracks. Never been to Tahoe. 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. I was nervous myself driving west to east. Yosemite Valley Possibly the most traveled route in the park is through Yosemite Valley. Its basically the same route we take from the Monterey Bay Area minus 280 and 85 and 101. To me, it feels like less work. 140 is a gentler grade, going up along the Merced River. It's okay to start one of your own. There is a collection of cabins, hotels and bed and breakfasts in Midpines. Over the last 20 years of visiting (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Theyre simple to locate. 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 is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Hong Kong. Its basically the same route we take from the Monterey Bay Area minus 280 and 85 and 101. I've taken both multiple times, and I personally prefer Old. I also vote for 140. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Groveland is also a lovely place to take a break from driving and check out the oldest saloon in California. Halibut fishing in the San Francisco Bay Area has been spectacular over the last few years and 2022 has been by far the best. Download a GyPSy Guide Driving Tour App for Yosemite National Park Its Like Having A Tour Guide in the Car. It features people and life back in the days of the Gold Rush and late 1800s. Its not worth the anxiety. on your way to Yosemite. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Mile 17.2 - Glacier Point Road. Unfortunately, we got there kind of late that all we had time for was to see the lower falls. To the west of El Portal is Midpines and Mariposa. Due to this, you can enjoy the regions beauty in and around Yosemite National Park from the comfort of your vehicle. Highway 120 is mostly straight or gently curving, except for the 8 mile Priest Grade ascent which will gain over 1,000 feet of elevation in 8.5 miles. But there is NO change in hell that I will ever take that driver back up there. 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,. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. 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. 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.). Thank you PacificNWFamily, ALTippet and Frisco_Roadrunner really, really helpful and I definitely think 140 is the way to go. Las Vegas is a little less than a 6-hour drive. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Continue with Recommended Cookies. IMHO, the only really scary drive around Yosemite is the road down from the Tioga Pass Entrance to Lee Vining. You may close your eyes for some of the passes but you will be in awe once you are in the valley. Tunnel View 1/12/23 Beautiful day in the park . 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. 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. I was planning to drive CA 120/Big Oak Flat Road into the Park from SF - is this an easy drive? 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. However, this route is closed in the winter so it is only a summer option. Whether you are an avid halibut fisherman, like myself. 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 ? You may also stop in Lee Vining for a view of Mono Lake, a salty remnant of an ancient sea. Avoid the OLD Priest Grade road at all costs. Leave the crowds behind at this entrance. This tunnel offers a panoramic view of Yosemite Valley, including Half Dome, El Capitan, and Bridalveil Falls. Took a 4 hour road trip to check it out. Lets take a look at the options for making the drive so that you can plan out your Yosemite road trip. Can you power Arduino Mega with 9V battery? Hwy 140 was highly recommended. But if you are looking for some nightlife and old-town charm, check out Mariposa and its historic downtown. Manage Settings The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". 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. Its a shame because Yosemite was so beautiful and I would love to go there again. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. 120 is more going up/down mountains. 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. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. When driving to Yosemite, the roads are generally in good condition. 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.). 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. This way is a moderate 4-mile one-way hike. yes it is safe mainly flat until one reaches the lower sierras and then there is a climb and then one goes down to the valley. 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. I've driven into (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I agree with Roadrunners route. Learn all about Fishing, Camping, Hiking and more right here.Founded by Nick, a bay area resident and dedicated outdoorsmen. Get inspired with tips about where to go and what to see on your national park vacation, delivered right to your inbox. In general, the roads are fine and worst thing you will find is being behind a super slow vacation recreational vehicle). It is very dramatic this year. Thank you PacificNWFamily, ALTippet and Frisco_Roadrunner really, really helpful and I definitely think 140 is the way to go. Sorry to hijack this thread but what is the best way to enter driving from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Theres also the El Portal Market, a picnic area and campgrounds. 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in New Zealand. You can get there by using Highway 395. Glacier Point Road is not difficult to drive. 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. You also dont have to worry about becoming stranded on a road that is no longer passable. 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. Where are the Yosemite National Park traveler articles? Glacier Point Road can be a terrifying drive for someone who hasnt driven at roads with switchbacks and drop-offs. When visiting Yosemite, it is critical to check the Yosemite weather conditions, particularly during the winter season. 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. How much does an income tax officer earn in India? I hope you become acclimated to driving on mountain roads so you can experience the beauty of Yosemite again. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. What is the best month to visit Yosemite? Leaving at 0400 and having breakfast on the way over there somewhere, and then getting to the Park around 9 a.m. is good. Mile 16.7 - Yosemite West. I've taken both multiple times, and I personally prefer Old. Enjoyed by travelers who prefer to set their own pace and itinerary on vacation, but enjoy a fun, informative and educational guided experience. Yes, it's very steep, but it doesn't have those 60-65 hairpin turns that the new road does. 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. 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. Maybe I watched too many action movies growing up but I have a deathly fear of getting bumped right over the edge. I've driven into (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? It was barely any better. What is a good route to travel to Yosemite from Las Vegas? Museum. 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. Ive never been there so I dont know. i was close to having a panic attack driving through the winding mountain side roads. You can drive to Yosemite year-round. They are windy roads, but the elevation gain isn't particularly steep . Campground. It's a 4+ hour drive each way, so that will cut into your daylight hours. How do I get to Yosemite using public transportation? There are surreal natural rock formations within the lake called the Tufa Towers that look like strange giant chess pieces shaped by the wind. 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. Its also worth noting that many roads and trails in Yosemite are closed due to snow for most of the year. With that in mind what is best way to get to it from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. Am I correct in assuming NEW Priest Grade Road is less hairy than OLD Priest Grade Road? This waterfall is one of the valleys crown jewels. 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. 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. There are five entrances into Yosemite National Park, and the road to each of them offers unique sights to see along the way. I googled an alternative way home. 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. But if you're including Mariposa Grove in your itinerary, then (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Im pretty sure I was going 15mph under the speed limit or something. The mileage listed above is the one-way complete distance to finish at Happy Isles in Yosemite Valley, but it's certainly possible to do a shorter out-and-back hike. Sorry to hijack this thread but what is the best way to enter driving from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Hey, it's ok. Least scary route in and out of Yosemite Valley. I cant wait for June! Id give it another chance. Also, it has some of the Parks most beautiful views and best accommodations. This post has been removed at the author's request. You have to see (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Can you drive a forklift if you have been banned from driving? Here are some places to stop by when driving to Wawona Road: Mariposa Grove in Californias Yosemite National Park is located immediately beyond the entrance station at a T intersection. 10 ephemeral waterfalls appear in Yosemite after Calif Press J to jump to the feed. BLACK HILLS, RUSHMORE, DEVILS TOWER & BADLANDS NATIONAL PARK TOURS, YELLOWSTONE + GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK TOUR. 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. Unsubscribe anytime by clicking the link at the bottom of your email. This is the south entrance to the park. Find out about the walks and the area at the Scenic Area Visitor Center. Will I need tire chains to visit in winter? The farthest north of all entrances on the west side of the park, the Hetch Hetchy Entrance leads you to one of the parks quieter areas. Entrance sign to Yosemite National Park Photo: Depositphotos. 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. 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. Youll find a collection of restaurants and lodges to stay. With that in mind what is best way to get to it from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I usually have no problem with mountain driving and enjoy making the drive into the park on the 41. Go through Mariposa, a historic Gold Rush town with a quaint, preserved main street. My opinion is that the best route is Hwy 140 to the Arch Rock Entrance. 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). Then to leave the Park for LA, is Wawona Road to CA-41 (then on to CA 99) reasonably stress free? Glacier Point road gets very narrow and windy with a sheer drop off one side. 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. I agree with Roadrunners route. This scenic route skirts around the Northern edge of Mariposa County and passes through the lovely towns of Buck Meadows andGroveland. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Is it worth driving from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon? Your heart couldn't take it. It's pretty easy to avoid Old Priest if you stay on the main road. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. 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? Try doing it in the summer when there are . *Alternate to 101: Take Hwy 280 all the way through Palo Alto and Los Altos, then 85 to 101 just before you get to San Jose (follow the road signs for Gilroy). This scenic route follows the northern border of Mariposa County, passing through the charming towns of Buck Meadows and Groveland. Can I take a tour into the Park or a tour while I'm in the Park? However, the scenic routes may not be a peaceful drive in heavy traffic. Home to a little more than 200 residents, you wont find a Holiday Inn or Dennys here. It'll take around 5 hours without breaks to get there. Fear not, go for it! And you are also on the mountain side going east to west. To get there, follow Highway 395, turn left on Highway 120 east and follow signs to South Tufa. Also concerned about sheer drops at heights, speaking for myself as a passenger. Discover live outdoor music during the summer at the historic Groveland Hotel patio and daily wine tastings at the historic Hotel Charlotte, both downtown. 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. Yosemite National Park was pretty cool. Sorry to hijack this thread but what is the best way to enter driving from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Whats wrong with the drive? What countries have transitioned most to renewable energy? What can I do in fall, winter, or spring? Las Vegas is a little less than a 6-hour drive. Which airport is best for a Yosemite vacation? Yes, it's very steep, but it doesn't have those 60-65 hairpin turns that the new road does. (Photo by, Here is the Mono Lake South Tufa Area. 4) Little Yosemite Valley Trail. This post has been removed at the author's request. Theres also Tenaya at Yosemite, a gorgeous 350-room resort with a variety of lodging options from cabins and cottages to lodge rooms. Going the other way was easy peasy. Alternatively, you may use, Yosemite National Park Hotels and Places to Stay. So if you love fishing or youre just starting out, it might have What Is The Best Bait For California Halibut. Youll find some swimming holes in upper Bear Creek, and the Merced River offers great rafting, swimming and fishing opportunities. Answered: 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. What are good activities for families with children? A great tool for visitors, encouraging them to learn more, explore further and return. Columbia State Historic Park. The first community you will reach is Catheys Valley. It also supplies hydroelectric power. This historic Yosemite route follows the old railway tracks. They are all 100 times braver than I. DISTANCE: 8.5 miles. This historic structure is one of the Parks few places for overnight lodging. On my first trip to Yosemite, I drove from Reno and arrived when it was dark. I fear you may faint going the other direction. 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). 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. 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. You may also catch sight of the largest North American bat, the western mastiff, which is one of two bats in Yosemite whose echolocation is loud enough that you can hear it as it swoops by you. 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. Our first visit today. 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. That is better for you as a passenger as you are hugging the mountain side. Is the drive from San Francisco to Yosemite scary? I've taken both multiple times, and I personally prefer Old. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Trip Reports: What have other travelers done in Yosemite? 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 Aside from this, another entrance you can take is the Hetch Hetchy entrance. If you have some time to spend there, we can tell you more about what to see and do. 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. Fear not, go for it! Death Valley is 225 miles and 4-hour and 15 minutes away (depending on where in Death Valley you are). 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. Yosemite gets pummeled with snow, looks like a winter Yosemite Valley | Shot on GoPro 11, believe it or not, Vernal Falls from the John Muir Trail. 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. My opinion is that the best route is Hwy 140 to the Arch Rock Entrance. Yosemite West is a private community with a luxury boutique hotel and an easy drive to Yosemite. Dont believe everything Google tells you. I fear you may faint going the other direction. Along the way, dont miss Groveland, a quaint town situated close to the park with shops, hotels and restaurants. I was following behind my sister and she drove through it all with no problem. Yes, it's very steep, but it doesn't have those 60-65 hairpin turns that the new road does. 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)? If you want, you can exit that way as well. That would be the New Priest Grade on 120. The RV Park at Black Oak Casino Resort. 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. 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. 3 Is the drive from San Francisco to Yosemite pretty? Id rather drive to Yosemite than drive to Tahoe. It's a great way to roll. Stretching more than 60 square miles, Mono Lake can best be understood through naturalists walks. 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. Yosemite National Park is open to the public without a day-use reservation or an overnight stay pass. What is the best month to visit Yosemite National Park? Its important to know that many roads and trails in Yosemite are closed for the majority of the year due to snow. You don't have to walk tothe edge. We are planning a trip in either August or September from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? And you cannot pass through town without stopping at the Iron Door Saloon, the oldest continuously operating saloon in the state. Over the last 20 years of visiting (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Access it via 120 and by Evergreen Road. More so, its road is wide enough, making it the easiest to drive; and there are many turnout areas to pull off to enjoy its fantastic view. 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. 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 want, you can exit that way as well. 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 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. 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?? Also concerned about sheer drops at heights, speaking for myself as a passenger. That is better for you as a passenger as you are hugging the mountain side. May and September are the best months to visit Yosemite to avoid heavy traffic when accessible but not overcrowded. I came to post the same but youre already covered. Depending on snow conditions, it usually closes in November for the winter and spring.
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