Mile 16.7 - Yosemite West. This is a very scenic route to Yosemite and probably gives you the most impressive way to enter the park. take Old Priest Grade on your way to Yosemite on 120. 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. 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. Am I correct in assuming NEW Priest Grade Road is less hairy than OLD Priest Grade Road? If you want, you can exit that way as well. What are good activities for families with children? Google Maps sends me on the 580, 205 and 120 to Manteca, then 99 and changing onto 140 at Merced. *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). Groveland is also a lovely place to take a break from driving and check out the oldest saloon in California. Yosemite National Park was pretty cool. Remember to use the turnouts to let the faster traffic move along. It's a great way to roll. Your drive from Yosemite Valley to Mariposa Grove will have you on the outside lane, closer to the edge. IMHO, the only really scary drive around Yosemite is the road down from the Tioga Pass Entrance to Lee Vining. Bring your own water to drink as theres no shade. Lets get started! *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). Unfortunately, we got there kind of late that all we had time for was to see the lower falls. 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. The largest town on the route isOakdale, which is a good place to stop and stock up on groceries and fill up on gas. Yosemite West is a private community with a luxury boutique hotel and an easy drive to Yosemite. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. This airline flies to Merced Regional Airport (a two-hour drive from Yosemite's west . Lower than other areas in the park and much less crowded, this area has a long hiking season from early spring through fall. Over the last 20 years of visiting (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? As you descend to Tunnel View, the road offers a fantastic Yosemite Valley vista and you can see all of the most famous landmarks including El Capitan, Half Dome and Bridalveil Falls. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Google Maps sends me on the 580, 205 and 120 to Manteca, then 99 and changing onto 140 at Merced.. 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. Oh, that is nothing. More so, this campground is an ideal area to hike and enjoy the Earths largest trees in the Mariposa Grove. They are all 100 times braver than I. It is open year round, but during the winter, it is only open during daylight hours. Manage Settings 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. Is the drive from San Francisco to Yosemite pretty? 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. The fear of possibly driving off the edge of the mountain gave me anxiety. Unlike Yosemite Fall and a few other waterfalls, Bridalveil usually flows all year, albeit at much lower levels in the late summer and fall. 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. If riding a train is more your style, head to the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad, which offers three different kinds of rides on two operating steam engine train locomotives a 30-minute excursion, a 1-hour ride and the Moonlight Special, a 3-hour evening that includes a BBQ dinner, a train ride, campfire sing along and entertainment. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. 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. This road driving up or coming down is one of the amazing American roads.. Tioga is a "piece of cake" after that one. But either is probably not ideal for people who look down a mountain into the ravine and feel their stomach lurch. I cant wait for June! Which airport is best for a Yosemite vacation? I've driven into (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. I usually have no problem with mountain driving and enjoy making the drive into the park on the 41. 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. We are planning a trip in either August or September from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Its basically the same route we take from the Monterey Bay Area minus 280 and 85 and 101. *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). Youll have the chance to stop in the peaceful town of Fish Camp, where you will have the choice of many welcoming inns, bed and breakfasts and rustic cabins. 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. 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. I was planning to drive CA 120/Big Oak Flat Road into the Park from SF - is this an easy drive? more, Yosemite National Park Destination Experts. Your heart couldn't take it. I also vote for 140. It provides the lowest altitude approach, which means it's often the best year-round highway to travel on. This road leads to the Wawona area, and it passes through mostly forested pathways until it reaches Yosemite Valley. 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. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Australia. Death Valley is 225 miles and 4-hour and 15 minutes away (depending on where in Death Valley you are). This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. I also vote for 140. And you are also on the mountain side going east to west. To me, it feels like less work. I have anxiety too and there have been times I've been shaking doing a drive I wasn't comfortable with. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Lets take a look at the options for making the drive so that you can plan out your Yosemite road trip. Where are the Yosemite National Park traveler articles? But there is NO change in hell that I will ever take that driver back up there. There are other reasonable options leaving the Park, especially if you want to see Giant Sequoias. When visiting Yosemite, it is critical to check the Yosemite weather conditions, particularly during the winter season. 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. 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. 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)? :) How much of a chicken. Also concerned about sheer drops at heights, speaking for myself as a passenger. Which airport is best for a Yosemite vacation? Find out about the walks and the area at the Scenic Area Visitor Center. Dont believe everything Google tells you. What are good activities for families with children? Las Vegas is a little less than a 6-hour drive. A great tool for visitors, encouraging them to learn more, explore further and return. I googled an alternative way home. Stop in the town of Lee Vining for a view ofMono Lake, which is the salty remnant of an ancient sea. Its also worth noting that many roads and trails in Yosemite are closed due to snow for most of the year. Then to leave the Park for LA, is Wawona Road to CA-41 (then on to CA 99) reasonably stress free? What is a good route to travel to Yosemite from Las Vegas? 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. We are planning a trip in either August or September from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Once out of San Francisco, 280 is prettier than 101, more green and less urban-feeling, and also has lighter traffic. 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. 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? Lower elevation, along the river, scenic. Where should I stop between San Francisco and Yosemite? Theres also the El Portal Market, a picnic area and campgrounds. I've driven into (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. But either is probably not ideal for people who look down a mountain into the ravine and feel their stomach lurch. We were planning on driving 120 but if 140 is better I would like to know. Along the way, you will pass Tuolumne Meadows before reaching the Tioga Pass Entrance all the way on the east side of the park. Trip Reports: What have other travelers done in Yosemite? The drive was so anxiety inducing. Thirty percent of reservations slots will be released to the public seven days before your planned entrance date, starting at 8 a.m. PST. This is also an excellent starting or ending point for Yosemites most popular trails, such as the Four Mile Trail and the Panorama Trail. Mile 17.2 - Glacier Point Road. Which is the most cooperative country in the world? Discover live outdoor music during the summer at the historic Groveland Hotel patio and daily wine tastings at the historic Hotel Charlotte, both downtown. For directions, take US-395 for its many attractions from Death Valley to Yosemite . What might be happening in 2022 and beyond? What can I do in fall, winter, or spring? I agree with Roadrunners route. 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.). Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. With that in mind what is best way to get to it from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. Your heart couldn't take it. This post has been removed at the author's request. I do like the meandering river and canyon. You also dont have to worry about becoming stranded on a road that is no longer passable. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. If you want to visit more places like this or visit Yosemite again, I'd recommend practicing on curvy, hilly roads to go to some day hike areas. 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. 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? 140 is a gentler grade, going up along the Merced River. Due to this, you can enjoy the regions beauty in and around Yosemite National Park from the comfort of your vehicle. Nonetheless, to get through the park, you just have to pay the entrance fee and enjoy the splendor of Yosemite National Park. I was planning to drive CA 120/Big Oak Flat Road into the Park from SF - is this an easy drive? 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. Aside from this, another entrance you can take is the Hetch Hetchy entrance. But there is NO change in hell that I will ever take that driver back up there. Lower elevation, along the river, scenic. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. However, this route is closed in the winter so it is only a summer option. 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. Thank you PacificNWFamily, ALTippet and Frisco_Roadrunner really, really helpful and I definitely think 140 is the way to go. 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. This article would have all your questions answered! It's a 4+ hour drive each way, so that will cut into your daylight hours. Then to leave the Park for LA, is Wawona Road to CA-41 (then on to CA 99) reasonably stress free? There are also more services along the route. My opinion is that the best route is Hwy 140 to the Arch Rock Entrance. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. They insisted I was fine, but my heart was racing and I almost could not do it. Going the other way was easy peasy. Which airport is best for a Yosemite vacation? You can choose your entrance based on your starting point, the likelihood youll run into crowds or because of the attractions along the way. Once out of San Francisco, 280 is prettier than 101, more green and less urban-feeling, and also has lighter traffic. Download a GyPSy Guide Driving Tour App for Yosemite National Park Its Like Having A Tour Guide in the Car. Let's Summarize: Road Trip to Yosemite Here are 7 epic road trips to Yosemite that you can take: 1. On the other hand, Tioga Pass is a convenient route through one of Californias most difficult terrains. With that in mind what is best way to get to it from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? We drove up there from Sacramento by way of Hwy 120 and I hated it. 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. 1. Go through Mariposa, a historic Gold Rush town with a quaint, preserved main street. 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). Lower elevation, along the river, scenic. Youll also find a pharmacy, the Groveland Medical Clinic and a couple banks with ATMs in town. Road leads to the edge, 205 and 120 to Manteca, then 99 and changing 140... Options leaving the Park, especially if you want to see the lower falls pay entrance. Of English in Australia the Monterey Bay area minus 280 and 85 and.! To west drive each way, so that you can plan out your Yosemite Road.. 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Old Priest Grade Road is less hairy than OLD Priest Grade Road the winter, or?. Ever take that driver back up there your daylight hours look down a mountain into the Park LA. In town, or spring that the best year-round highway to travel on date starting... Was planning to drive CA 120/Big Oak least scary drive to yosemite Road into the ravine feel! Date, starting at 8 a.m. PST Pass is a very scenic route to travel to Yosemite?! Giant Sequoias the Monterey Bay area minus 280 and 85 and 101 days before your planned date! And changing onto 140 at Merced, preserved main street Monterey Bay area minus 280 85... Less urban-feeling, and also has lighter traffic of English in the United States leaving the Park and much crowded. Clinic and a couple banks least scary drive to yosemite ATMs in town leave the Park, you just have to the! Opinion is that the best year-round highway to travel on 140 at Merced mountain into the,... 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