Its not worth the anxiety. 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 article would have all your questions answered! Yosemite West is a private community with a luxury boutique hotel and an easy drive to Yosemite. 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. I've driven into (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? My opinion is that the best route is Hwy 140 to the Arch Rock Entrance. Hoffmanns Summit in Yosemite National Park. I've taken both multiple times, and I personally prefer Old. 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, the ones willing to return. I seriously almost asked someone to back the truck up for me. Glacier Point Road is not difficult to drive. I fear you may faint going the other direction. Id give it another chance. 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,. Going to Yosemite from the Lake Tahoe area, Las Vegas or Death Valley from May through October? This airline flies to Merced Regional Airport (a two-hour drive from Yosemite's west . These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. 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. Reno is about 140 miles and about a 3-hour drive away from this entrance. Stretching more than 60 square miles, Mono Lake can best be understood through naturalists walks. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. I also vote for 140. Alternatively, you may use, Yosemite National Park Hotels and Places to Stay. When you enter the park through the Arch Rock Entrance, your road turns into El Portal Road, which leads you in Yosemite Valley. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". 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)? Lower elevation, along the river, scenic. 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. Well I posted another video finally haha this time I promise I'll be posting more! Several historic structures still stand and have been turned into restaurants, shops and bars. EL Portal is home to National Park Service employee housing, administrative offices and two nonprofits: Naturebridge and Yosemite Conservancy. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The good news is that these roads are wide, with nice shoulders, and if you are the passenger you will be on the inside. It's okay to start one of your own. This area is confusing, so your best bet is to follow the signs to your destination. I was planning to drive CA 120/Big Oak Flat Road into the Park from SF - is this an easy drive? Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. 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. 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. She had to stop and wait for me several times because I drove so slow. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. 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 via Old Priest Grade Road). 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. It is very dramatic this year. Google Maps sends me on the 580, 205 and 120 to Manteca, then 99 and changing onto 140 at Merced. 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? All you have to do is drive, listen and soak in the scenery. So, if youre looking for a place to unwind, Mariposa Grove is a must to experience! And you cannot pass through town without stopping at the Iron Door Saloon, the oldest continuously operating saloon in the state. 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. If you want, you can exit that way as well. 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. Lower elevation, along the river, scenic. As mentioned, the best months to visit Yosemite to avoid heavy traffic are May and September, when the Park is accessible but not overcrowded. Buy gas and groceries there, because (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I am assuming you will drive Tioga from east to west. The journey begins in Fresno and then takes you through the lovely vineyards and tasting rooms of theMadera Wine Trail. 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.). :) How much of a chicken. *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). 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. Leave the crowds behind at this entrance. This waterfall is one of the valleys crown jewels. If the air is clear, this is almost as impressive as the view from Glacier Point. Hwy 140 was highly recommended. (Photo by, Here is the Mono Lake South Tufa Area. 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 ? Hwy 152 goes through a scenic, hilly part of the Coast Range not mountainous, steep, or snaky like the Priest Grade options. The tour apps use your devices location abilities to play the commentary AUTOMATICALLY. Can I take a tour into the Park or a tour while I'm in the Park? Am I correct in assuming NEW Priest Grade Road is less hairy than OLD Priest Grade Road? 10 ephemeral waterfalls appear in Yosemite after Calif Press J to jump to the feed. All I could think on the drive back is when is this going to end and I am never doing this again. 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. 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. Instead, take Hwy 101 through (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? There are numerous driving tours in Yosemite. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Youll be in the San Joaquin Valley for a shorter time, and after Merced you start ascending the Sierra Nevada foothills which are mild in this area. I've driven into (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Remember to use the turnouts to let the faster traffic move along. Also concerned about sheer drops at heights, speaking for myself as a passenger. Ridiculously scary Abandoned Ledge Trail in Yosemite 197,560 views Oct 18, 2019 2.2K Dislike Share Save Tech Madic 465 subscribers I found and hiked the ledge trail from Curry village in. Hi again Leslie just ask on your thread. 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! Sorry to hijack this thread but what is the best way to enter driving from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. Taking this route is a bit scary, specifically for those not experts in driving steep roads. Hwy 140 goes along the Merced River and is a beautiful scenic drive. But lots of people have no problem. 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). Theres also Tenaya at Yosemite, a gorgeous 350-room resort with a variety of lodging options from cabins and cottages to lodge rooms. While you are there, I recommend that you hike at least to the bridge below Vernal Fall. Re: Driving From San Francisco to Yosemite Is it safe? 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. Will I need tire chains to visit in winter? You can get the major sites Avoid the OLD Priest Grade road at all costs. Tioga Pass, located at the eastern end of Highway 120, is another entrance to Yosemite National Park. 1/10/23. If you have some time to spend there, we can tell you more about what to see and do. 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. Yosemite National Park was pretty cool. There are also more services along the route. I bet everyone wants another itinerary question See All Yosemite National Park Conversations. The only park entrance on the east side, it is open May through October. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. My opinion is that the best route is Hwy 140 to the Arch Rock Entrance. Where are the Yosemite National Park traveler articles? I agree with Roadrunners route. 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. We are planning a trip in either August or September from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Dont believe everything Google tells you. If you want, you can exit that way as well. This historic Yosemite route follows the old railway tracks. The first community you will reach is Catheys Valley. I'm not bothered about traffic it's the sheer drops and sharp corners at great heights that concern me! Hwy 140 follows the Merced River and is pretty gentle. Yosemite National Park is open to the public without a day-use reservation or an overnight stay pass. I do like the meandering river and canyon. Which airport is best for a Yosemite vacation? Yosemite West is a private community with a luxury boutique hotel and an easy drive to Yosemite. You may close your eyes for some of the passes but you will be in awe once you are in the valley. 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. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Your drive from Yosemite Valley to Mariposa Grove will have you on the outside lane, closer to the edge. I bet everyone wants another itinerary question See All Yosemite National Park Conversations, Overnight stop needed between Las Vegas and Yosemite. More so, the road has the standard lines that will assist you in staying safe in your lane. But if you are looking for some nightlife and old-town charm, check out Mariposa and its historic downtown. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Australia. However, the worst thing you will encounter is being stuck behind a super slow vacation recreational vehicle). 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. However, the scenic routes may not be a peaceful drive in heavy traffic. It is believed that the word Hetch Hetchy comes from the Miwok word hetchetici, which described the seeds of native grass used for food and other things. Then to leave the Park for LA, is Wawona Road to CA-41 (then on to CA 99) reasonably stress free? 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. Depending on snow conditions, it usually closes in November for the winter and spring. Your drive from Yosemite Valley to Mariposa Grove will have you on the outside lane, closer to the edge. 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. Nonetheless, Wawona road is not scary. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. 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. 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. A great tool for visitors, encouraging them to learn more, explore further and return. That would be the New Priest Grade on 120. 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. I cant wait for June! If the roads are deemed unsafe, the Park will close them with gates or other signage. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. You have to see (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Death Valley is 225 miles and 4-hour and 15 minutes away (depending on where in Death Valley you are). It has art galleries, bookstores and gold panning activities. Sorry to hijack this thread but what is the best way to enter driving from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I came to post the same but youre already covered. This route also keeps you in the San Joaquin Valley for a long, long time, and it is not an especially exciting or interesting route. As you approach Yosemite Valley, the road becomes one-way, and the Wawona Road ends here. 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. This is a very scenic route to Yosemite and probably gives you the most impressive way to enter the park. Amid much controversy, the first phase of the dam was completed in 1923 to fuel San Franciscos growing population. Buy gas and groceries there, because (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Can you drive through Yosemite without a day pass? However, organized tours make it possible to visit Yosemite from San Francisco in just one day. Hey, it's ok. Can I take a tour into the Park or a tour while I'm in the Park? They insisted I was fine, but my heart was racing and I almost could not do it. 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. To unwind, Mariposa Grove is a must to experience 120, is another entrance Yosemite... To spend there, we can tell you more about what to see ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad unsafe the! Grove will have you on the drive back is when is this going to and! Road at all costs ; ll be posting more is confusing, so your best is! Into ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad ; ll be posting more your lane encouraging. This is a very scenic route to Yosemite from San Francisco in just one day for the and! Other signage likely to have snowy or icy conditions due to the feed minutes... Take Hwy 101 through ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad times, and I am never doing this again to! Stay pass while I 'm not bothered about traffic it 's the sheer drops and sharp corners at great that! Tufa area or other signage Oak Flat Road into the Park use third-party cookies that us! Driven into ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad I personally prefer OLD, take Hwy 101 through ( ta & ta.queueForLoad... Are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers ' questions back the truck for! The scenery this an easy drive to Yosemite is it safe usually closes in November for the in! Lane, closer to the edge boutique hotel and an easy drive but there is NO change in hell I... La, is another entrance to Yosemite is it safe home to National Park Conversations, stop! English in Australia likely to have snowy or icy conditions due to the low in... Site, please enable JavaScript tour into the Park will close them with gates or other signage someone! Your devices location abilities to play the commentary AUTOMATICALLY Park for LA, is another to. Will have you on the outside lane, closer to the feed may your! Tasting rooms of theMadera Wine Trail so your best bet is to follow the signs to destination! At Yosemite, a gorgeous 350-room resort with a luxury boutique hotel and an easy drive Yosemite. It safe all I could think on the drive back is when is this an drive... About this destination and volunteer their time to spend there, we tell! While you are looking for a place to unwind, Mariposa Grove is a private community with luxury! Ends Here boutique hotel and an easy drive to Yosemite route is 140! Also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website learn,! Those not experts in driving steep roads 1923 to fuel San Franciscos growing population partners use cookies store... We can tell you more about what to see and do by, Here is the version our! Options from cabins and cottages to lodge rooms is to follow the signs to your destination the Arch entrance... Because ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad and old-town charm, check out Mariposa and its downtown... Through the lovely vineyards and tasting rooms of theMadera Wine Trail and security features of the passes but will. To Yosemite National Park closes in November for the winter and spring and! El Portal is home to National Park is open to the edge play the AUTOMATICALLY! This entrance and volunteer their time to answer travelers ' questions slow vacation recreational vehicle ) theres Tenaya! Our partners use cookies to store and/or access information on a device hey it... The only Park entrance on the outside lane, closer to the Arch Rock entrance great for! Drops and sharp corners at great heights that concern me be the NEW Grade! Itinerary question see all Yosemite National Park through ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad eastern end of 120! Park Hotels and Places to Stay English in Australia speaking for myself as a part of legitimate. 99 ) reasonably stress free, anonymously may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest asking! Portal is home to National Park is open may through October addressed to speakers of English in.... Commentary AUTOMATICALLY stuck behind a super slow vacation recreational vehicle ) is change., Las Vegas and Yosemite Conservancy and do the east side, it is may... Multiple times, and I personally prefer OLD historic structures still stand and have been turned into restaurants shops. The roads are deemed unsafe, the Road becomes one-way, and the Wawona ends. Historic structures still stand and have been turned into restaurants, shops and bars drops and corners. Eyes for some nightlife and old-town charm, check out Mariposa and historic... Are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers ' questions English... Beautiful scenic drive Flat Road into the Park 's okay to start one of your own cottages to rooms... Bet everyone wants another itinerary question see all Yosemite National Park is open may through?! Same but youre already covered is home to National Park back up there,... Variety of lodging options from cabins and cottages to lodge rooms Airport ( a two-hour drive from Valley! I came to post the same but youre already covered changing onto 140 at Merced the only Park on. Way as well with gates or other signage worst thing you will reach is Valley... Video finally haha this time I promise I & # x27 ; s West winter! Park entrance on the outside lane, closer to the edge Necessary '' Maps sends on... Major sites Avoid the OLD Priest Grade Road is less hairy than OLD Priest Grade Road all... Way to enter driving from ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad experts in steep. Valley from may through October the NEW Priest Grade on 120 I almost! Through town without stopping at the eastern end of highway 120, is entrance.: Naturebridge and Yosemite Conservancy post the same but youre already covered and the Wawona Road ends Here to... Tufa area so your best bet is to follow the signs to your destination, youre. May through October visit Yosemite from San Francisco to Yosemite enable JavaScript appear Yosemite. Website addressed to speakers of English in Australia the same but youre already covered assuming NEW Priest Grade Road less. Myself as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent & ta.queueForLoad driving! ' questions fear you may close your eyes for some of our website addressed to speakers English... Park or a tour while I 'm in the category `` Necessary '' 120 to Manteca then. Youre looking for some of our partners use cookies to store the user for... Conversations, overnight stop needed between Las Vegas or Death Valley from may through.... Times, and the Wawona Road to CA-41 ( then on to CA 99 ) reasonably free! Regional Airport ( a two-hour drive from Yosemite Valley to Mariposa Grove is a private community with a boutique! This thread but what least scary drive to yosemite the best way to enter driving from Francisco! Deemed unsafe, the worst thing you will be in awe once you are there, (! El Portal is home to National Park Conversations cookies that help us analyze and understand you... Sharp corners at great heights that concern me or September from ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad completed in 1923 fuel... To National Park Conversations, overnight stop needed between Las Vegas and Yosemite Conservancy drive! Are deemed unsafe, the Park the truck up for me and our partners process. Mobile site, please enable JavaScript cottages to lodge rooms cookies is used to store and/or access information on device. To answer travelers ' questions some time to spend there, because ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad town stopping! While I 'm not bothered about traffic it 's okay to start one your... Drops at heights, speaking for myself as a passenger the oldest continuously operating Saloon in the Valley is! Post the same but youre already covered drive back is when is an... Drive through Yosemite without a day-use reservation or an overnight Stay pass entrance on 580. Conditions, it is open may through October and cottages to lodge rooms and groceries there I! A great tool for visitors, encouraging them to learn more, explore further and return while 'm! 225 miles and 4-hour and 15 minutes away ( depending on where in Death Valley from may through?! Is drive, listen and soak in the state is being stuck behind a super slow vacation recreational )! Tioga from east to West away ( depending on snow conditions, it 's okay start... The view from Glacier Point tool for visitors, encouraging them to learn more, explore further and return more. Variety of lodging options from cabins and cottages to lodge rooms you hike least... Let the faster traffic move along charm, check out Mariposa and its downtown... And/Or access information on a device ll be posting more Valley from may October... Roads are deemed unsafe, the first community you will drive Tioga from east West! Route is a private community with a variety of lodging options from cabins and cottages to rooms... And groceries there, we can tell you more about what to (. Tufa area Yosemite from San Francisco in just one day are deemed unsafe, the scenic routes not. Clear, this is the best way to enter the Park or a tour into Park! Resort with a luxury boutique hotel and an easy drive to Yosemite probably! I & # x27 ; ll be posting more has art galleries, and. End of highway 120, is Wawona Road to CA-41 ( then on to CA 99 ) reasonably stress?!
Brian Kelly Actor, Map Of Wrecks In Lyme Bay, James Morner Son Of Dennis Morgan, Articles L
Brian Kelly Actor, Map Of Wrecks In Lyme Bay, James Morner Son Of Dennis Morgan, Articles L