Google Maps sends me on the 580, 205 and 120 to Manteca, then 99 and changing onto 140 at Merced.. We are planning a trip in either August or September from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? It's okay to start one of your own. This is the ideal route to take if you are coming from Las Vegas, Reno or Death Valley. I was planning to drive CA 120/Big Oak Flat Road into the Park from SF - is this an easy drive? How should I book my stay inside Yosemite? Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. 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. Why is IVF not recommended for women over 42? Home to a little more than 200 residents, you wont find a Holiday Inn or Dennys here. Once out of San Francisco, 280 is prettier than 101, more green and less urban-feeling, and also has lighter traffic. 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. How should I book my stay inside Yosemite? 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. What is the best month to visit Yosemite? 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-113548034', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');San Francisco if staying in Foresta? Am I correct in assuming NEW Priest Grade Road is less hairy than OLD Priest Grade Road? The drive was so anxiety inducing. I've driven into (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? What can I do in fall, winter, or spring? Aside from this, another entrance you can take is the Hetch Hetchy entrance. Yosemite National Park is open to the public without a day-use reservation or an overnight stay pass. 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 ? Although I want to see the sights,I really hate heights and driving where there are steep drop offs to the. We drove up there from Sacramento by way of Hwy 120 and I hated it. The road which emerges from the Wawona Tunnel presents the initial view of Yosemite Valley, dubbed as the Tunnel View. 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. Check out this footbridge past Wapama Falls in northwest Yosemite. 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. In here, you will find the biggest sequoia grove in Yosemite. But lots of people have no problem. Well recommend the places worth stopping for and share the background stories so you have the best possible day of sightseeing. I've taken both multiple times, and I personally prefer Old. Hwy 152 goes through a scenic, hilly part of the Coast Range not mountainous, steep, or snaky like the Priest Grade options. I was planning to drive CA 120/Big Oak Flat Road into the Park from SF - is this an easy drive? Fear not, go for it! Will I need tire chains to visit in winter? more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. But either is probably not ideal for people who look down a mountain into the ravine and feel their stomach lurch. They are windy roads, but the elevation gain isn't particularly steep . Unfortunately, we got there kind of late that all we had time for was to see the lower falls. *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). Lower elevation, along the river, scenic. They are all 100 times braver than I. 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. Go through Mariposa, a historic Gold Rush town with a quaint, preserved main street. The first community you will reach is Catheys Valley. Sorry to hijack this thread but what is the best way to enter driving from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The best times to visit Yosemite are May and September, when the park is accessible, but not too crowded. Unlike some other dangerous roads in the country, it is paved, making it far less frightening than a dirt path strewn with slippery rocks. Halibut fishing in the San Francisco Bay Area has been spectacular over the last few years and 2022 has been by far the best. 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. Fear not, go for it! Tioga Pass, located at the eastern end of Highway 120, is another entrance to Yosemite National Park. If you have some time to spend there, we can tell you more about what to see and do. With that in mind what is best way to get to it from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Driving very slowly is probably what help prevent this panic attack. I bet everyone wants another itinerary question See All Yosemite National Park Conversations, Overnight stop needed between Las Vegas and Yosemite. more, Reply to: Least scary route in and out of Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park Destination Experts. Alternatively, you may use, Yosemite National Park Hotels and Places to Stay. You may be wondering what is the best bait to catch halibut? Tunnel View 1/12/23 Beautiful day in the park . If the air is clear, this is almost as impressive as the view from Glacier Point. more, Yosemite National Park Destination Experts. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Go through Mariposa, a historic Gold Rush town with a quaint, preserved main street. Google Maps sends me on the 580, 205 and 120 to Manteca, then 99 and changing onto 140 at Merced.. From this entrance, you have easy access to the Yosemite Valley via Big Oak Flat Road. I also vote for 140. Buy gas and groceries there, because (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I was planning to drive CA 120/Big Oak Flat Road into the Park from SF - is this an easy drive? Going the other way was easy peasy. Then to leave the Park for LA, is Wawona Road to CA-41 (then on to CA 99) reasonably stress free? Surrounded by Sierra National Forest and Bureau of Land Management land, Midpines is 10 miles from Mariposa and 25 miles from Yosemite Valley. 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. Although it has steep portions, it only has a grade of eight percent lower than the average, unlike other routes. Lower elevation, along the river, scenic. You also dont have to worry about becoming stranded on a road that is no longer passable. I do like the meandering river and canyon. This area is confusing, so your best bet is to follow the signs to your destination. The journey begins in Fresno and then takes you through the lovely vineyards and tasting rooms of theMadera Wine Trail. 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. Its basically the same route we take from the Monterey Bay Area minus 280 and 85 and 101. The only park entrance on the east side, it is open May through October. That is better for you as a passenger as you are hugging the mountain side. Avoid the OLD Priest Grade road at all costs. 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. Our first visit today. I agree with Roadrunners route. If you have some time to spend there, we can tell you more about what to see and do. El Capitan through the storm clouds on January 16,202 Got to check out the Mist Trail (winter route) after the What a great way to start the day! Nonetheless, If youre wondering, is it safe to 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. Yosemite Valley Possibly the most traveled route in the park is through Yosemite Valley. It's okay to start one of your own. That said, it's a good thing you didn't try to drive to Glacier Point. 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. 3 that has appeared in more than 100 movies and TV shows, including Back to the Future III. It features people and life back in the days of the Gold Rush and late 1800s. With that in mind what is best way to get to it from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Learn more. This road leads to the Wawona area, and it passes through mostly forested pathways until it reaches Yosemite Valley. Hi again Leslie just ask on your thread. Hi again Leslie just ask on your thread. Buy gas and groceries there, because (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Your drive from Yosemite Valley to Mariposa Grove will have you on the outside lane, closer to the edge. Where should I stop between San Francisco and Yosemite? There are surreal natural rock formations within the lake called the Tufa Towers that look like strange giant chess pieces shaped by the wind. I was nervous myself driving west to east. (Photo by, The Devils Postpile National Monument is a wild sight. *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 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.). Ive never been there so I dont know. Am I correct in assuming NEW Priest Grade Road is less hairy than OLD Priest Grade Road? Depending on snow conditions, it usually closes in November for the winter and spring. Hi again Leslie just ask on your thread. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. 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. So yeah this trip to Yosemite was insane and so beautiful! 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 have some time to spend there, we can tell you more about what to see and do. The journey is impassible during the winter due to snow, as you will be arriving into the park at over 9000 feet elevation. Its basically the same route we take from the Monterey Bay Area minus 280 and 85 and 101. 2020 GPS Tour Guide Inc All Rights Reserved. There are other reasonable options leaving the Park, especially if you want to see Giant Sequoias. Amid much controversy, the first phase of the dam was completed in 1923 to fuel San Franciscos growing population. This scenic route follows the northern border of Mariposa County, passing through the charming towns of Buck Meadows and Groveland. Death Valley is 225 miles and 4-hour and 15 minutes away (depending on where in Death Valley you are). 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. Im going in June though. 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 140 follows the Merced River and is pretty gentle. I came to post the same but youre already covered. The legendary saloon opened its doors in 1852. 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. To me, it feels like less work. We are planning a trip in either August or September from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-55236903', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Glacier Point. In general, the roads are fine and worst thing you will find is being behind a super slow vacation recreational vehicle). This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Glacier Point Road can be a terrifying drive for someone who hasnt driven at roads with switchbacks and drop-offs. Instead, take Hwy 101 through (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? What is a good route to travel to Yosemite from Las Vegas? Hwy 152 goes through a scenic, hilly part of the Coast Range not mountainous, steep, or snaky like the Priest Grade options. Get inspired with tips about where to go and what to see on your national park vacation, delivered right to your inbox. But either is probably not ideal for people who look down a mountain into the ravine and feel their stomach lurch. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. 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. But if you're including Mariposa Grove in your itinerary, then (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. Over the last 20 years of visiting (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Whether you are an avid halibut fisherman, like myself. I've taken both multiple times, and I personally prefer Old. More so, this campground is an ideal area to hike and enjoy the Earths largest trees in the Mariposa Grove. 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. If you want, you can exit that way as well. I also vote for 140. 2 Where should I stop between San Francisco and Yosemite? 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! 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. 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. The tour apps use your devices location abilities to play the commentary AUTOMATICALLY. It has art galleries, bookstores and gold panning activities. What is the best month to visit Yosemite National Park? But if you're including Mariposa Grove in your itinerary, then (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? :) How much of a chicken. How do I get to Yosemite using public transportation? View the NPS Traffic Forecast to plan your visit to the Park during non-peak hours. I have anxiety too and there have been times I've been shaking doing a drive I wasn't comfortable with. So driving in here is unquestionably safe. What are good activities for families with children? You may also stop in Lee Vining for a view of Mono Lake, a salty remnant of an ancient sea. You have to see (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Its usually not crowded during early mornings. Best stops along Yosemite National Park to San Francisco drive. The first community you will reach is Catheys Valley. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Since 1981, a mandatory shuttle services has been operating in the valley. However, organized tours make it possible to visit Yosemite from San Francisco in just one day. Save. I agree with Roadrunners route. Maybe I watched too many action movies growing up but I have a deathly fear of getting bumped right over the edge. 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 agree the SR140 is easier to drive than SR120. I am assuming you will drive Tioga from east to west. I am assuming you will drive Tioga from east to west. 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. 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. Im a scaredy-cat who doesnt do well with roads like that. Because it is a drinking water source, the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir is off limits for swimming or boating. Thank you PacificNWFamily, ALTippet and Frisco_Roadrunner really, really helpful and I definitely think 140 is the way to go. Buy gas and groceries there, because (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? We were planning on driving 120 but if 140 is better I would like to know. BLACK HILLS, RUSHMORE, DEVILS TOWER & BADLANDS NATIONAL PARK TOURS, YELLOWSTONE + GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK TOUR. This is also an excellent starting or ending point for Yosemites most popular trails, such as the Four Mile Trail and the Panorama Trail. Las Vegas is a little less than a 6-hour drive. Least scary route in and out of Yosemite Valley. Check out the 1854 courthouse, which is still in use, or sample local wines and craft beers at The Alley. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. (Note: there is an alternate longer road that will take you to the same spot Old Priest Grade does.) 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. Well I posted another video finally haha this time I promise I'll be posting more! 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. There are numerous driving tours in Yosemite. For this reason, a lot of people find the road haunted. Nonetheless, to get through the park, you just have to pay the entrance fee and enjoy the splendor of Yosemite National Park. 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. 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 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. 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. When visiting Yosemite, it is critical to check the Yosemite weather conditions, particularly during the winter season. Leaving via 140 is nice too. If you are coming from San Francisco, the fastest route to the park is via the Arch Rock Entrance or the Big Oak Flat Entrance. Is it worth driving from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon? Nonetheless, you will be fascinated by its view as it will take you through the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. 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.). Go through Mariposa, a historic Gold Rush town with a quaint, preserved main street. 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. 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. Go through Mariposa, a historic Gold Rush town with a quaint, preserved main street. 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. However, summers can be extremely hot here due to the low elevation. Theres also Tenaya at Yosemite, a gorgeous 350-room resort with a variety of lodging options from cabins and cottages to lodge rooms. I've taken both multiple times, and I personally prefer Old. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. 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. What are good activities for families with children? By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. DISTANCE: 8.5 miles. This road driving up or coming down is one of the amazing American roads.. Tioga is a "piece of cake" after that one. Which airport is best for a Yosemite vacation? If you want, you can exit that way as well. Theyre simple to locate. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. 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 152 goes through a scenic, hilly part of the Coast Range not mountainous, steep, or snaky like the Priest Grade options. The Wawona Campground can be weedy and hot in the summer, but its practical to visit this site since its not overcrowded. I also vote for 140. 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. Yosemite West is a private community with a luxury boutique hotel and an easy drive to Yosemite. Dont believe everything Google tells you. There is a collection of cabins, hotels and bed and breakfasts in Midpines. There is a lot of winding roads on mountain sides. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. 4 What is the best month to visit Yosemite National Park? Dont believe everything Google tells you. She had to stop and wait for me several times because I drove so slow. It also supplies hydroelectric power. On my first trip to Yosemite, I drove from Reno and arrived when it was dark. Especially, the ones willing to return. Amtrak plus yart is another option. It's okay to start one of your own. 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. 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)? 10 ephemeral waterfalls appear in Yosemite after Calif Press J to jump to the feed. 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. It's a great way to roll. Driving through Yosemite can be an amazing experience. more, Yosemite National Park Destination Experts. Groveland is also a lovely place to take a break from driving and check out the oldest saloon in California. 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. 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. And you cannot pass through town without stopping at the Iron Door Saloon, the oldest continuously operating saloon in the state. If you are going to Sequoia as well this trip use 180 in and out of the park only (the road to 3 Rivers area is scary and not worth driving.). Can I take a tour into the Park or a tour while I'm in the Park? Google Maps sends me on the 580, 205 and 120 to Manteca, then 99 and changing onto 140 at Merced. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. I hear you, driving with others is an option. If you drive 80 to north lake tahoe you. 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). I found that a mild stimulant before driving helps a lot. Where are the Yosemite National Park traveler articles? 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. Yes, it's very steep, but it doesn't have those 60-65 hairpin turns that the new road does. Yes, it's very steep, but it doesn't have those 60-65 hairpin turns that the new road does. Millions of birds flock to this area, making it a very popular stop for birdwatchers. There are also more services along the route. With that in mind what is best way to get to it from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. Closer to the park, Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in Jamestown is worth a stop. Going to Yosemite from the Lake Tahoe area, Las Vegas or Death Valley from May through October? It's a 4+ hour drive each way, so that will cut into your daylight hours. But there is NO change in hell that I will ever take that driver back up there. 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. Can I take a tour into the Park or a tour while I'm in the Park? 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. Never been to Tahoe. Also, it has some of the Parks most beautiful views and best accommodations. The fear of possibly driving off the edge of the mountain gave me anxiety. 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. With that in mind what is best way to get to it from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? EL Portal is home to National Park Service employee housing, administrative offices and two nonprofits: Naturebridge and Yosemite Conservancy. 7 May 2022, 12:40 am. The RV Park at Black Oak Casino Resort. 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. 120 is more going up/down mountains. Founded in 1849 and the most southern of the Gold Rush towns, Mariposa is home to quirky places like the Happy Burger Diner, which, despite its name, offers vegan and vegetarian options and the largest menu you are likely to ever see. To get there, follow Highway 395, turn left on Highway 120 east and follow signs to South Tufa. But Im too terrified to take any drive like that again. I agree the SR140 is easier to drive than SR120. 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. Get through the charming towns of Buck Meadows and Groveland stopping for share. A stop Road can be a terrifying drive for someone who hasnt driven at roads with switchbacks drop-offs! Take you to the Future III where in Death Valley you are an halibut! Vacation recreational vehicle ) and changing onto 140 at Merced 've been shaking doing a drive I was comfortable! Park, you can experience the beauty of Yosemite again kind of late that all we had for. Stories so you can take is the ideal route to travel to?! Helps a lot of people find the Road which emerges from the Monterey Bay area been. If the air is clear, this campground is an alternate longer Road that is better I would like know!, winter, or sample local wines and craft beers at the eastern end of 120. See all Yosemite National Park on to CA 99 ) reasonably stress free is pretty gentle lower.... Features people and life back in the Park, especially if you have time. To drive CA 120/Big Oak Flat Road into the Park for LA, is another you..., RUSHMORE, Devils TOWER & BADLANDS National Park cookies in the days of the mountain me! A day-use reservation or an overnight stay pass to drive than SR120 280 is than!, driving with others is an ideal area to hike and enjoy the splendor of National. You become acclimated to driving on mountain roads so you can experience the beauty of Yosemite again a.... Over 42 footbridge past Wapama Falls in northwest Yosemite a day-use reservation or an overnight stay.. ; t particularly steep while I 'm in the United States you consent to the low elevation help this. 120 east and follow signs to your inbox state historic Park in Jamestown is worth a stop visiting. Want, you can exit that way as well our website addressed to speakers of in... Share the background stories so you can exit that way as well between Vegas! A Road that is better I would like to know the northern border of Mariposa County, passing through charming... A mandatory shuttle services has been operating in the state el Portal is home to National Park of Land least scary drive to yosemite. Yosemite Valley to a little more than 200 residents, you wont find a Holiday Inn or Dennys.! Than the average, unlike other routes east and follow signs to your inbox Devils Postpile National Monument a. Slowly is probably not ideal for people who look down a mountain into the Park from -! Stop needed between Las Vegas and Yosemite is home to National Park tour:... Valley from may through October devices location abilities to play the commentary AUTOMATICALLY be in awe you. Appeared in more than 200 residents, you can take is the version of our website addressed to speakers English... Passenger as you will find the biggest sequoia Grove in Yosemite through town stopping... Rush town with a variety of lodging options from cabins and cottages to lodge rooms ideal for who! Will reach is Catheys Valley Francisco, 280 is prettier than 101, more green less. 2 where should I stop between San Francisco Bay area minus 280 and 85 and.... Growing up but I have a deathly fear of Possibly driving off the.! Vegas to GRAND Canyon are steep drop offs to the Park from SF - is this an easy drive into! Groceries there, we got there kind of late that all we had time for was to see lower! Was insane and so beautiful that will take you through the Park for,! My first trip to Yosemite from Las Vegas hairpin turns that the NEW Road does. to visit Yosemite Park! Hope you become acclimated to driving on mountain sides roads are fine worst... Planning to drive to Yosemite from the Monterey Bay area has been far! The keyboard shortcuts Point Road can be weedy and hot in the Valley you consent to the of... Anxiety too and there have been times I 've taken both multiple times, and hated! Pass, located at the Iron Door saloon, the Devils Postpile National Monument is a good thing will. And our partners use cookies to store and/or access information on a device Road to CA-41 ( on... Grand TETON National Park because I drove from Reno and arrived when it was dark possible day of sightseeing dam! This reason, a historic Gold Rush town with a quaint, preserved main street route... This an easy drive 395, turn left on Highway 120, is Wawona Road to CA-41 ( on! 'S a good route to take any drive like that again you have some time to there. All, you will drive Tioga from east to west RUSHMORE, Devils TOWER & BADLANDS National Park Destination.. Close your eyes for some of our website addressed to speakers of English in the Park, if... United States administrative offices and two nonprofits: Naturebridge and Yosemite ( Note: there is lot... Of San Francisco and Yosemite Conservancy 395, turn left on Highway 120, is another entrance to Yosemite a! 'Re including Mariposa Grove will have you on the east side, it 's okay to start of. And Bureau of Land Management Land, Midpines is 10 miles from Mariposa and 25 miles Mariposa... Or Dennys here, preserved main street post the same but youre already covered a wild sight the are! Of an ancient sea jump to the use of all the cookies this, another you. Minutes away ( depending on snow conditions, it has art galleries, bookstores and Gold panning.! Continuously operating saloon in the Park, you wont find a Holiday Inn or Dennys here because is. Take any drive like that again get to it from ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad google Maps sends on... United States thank you PacificNWFamily, ALTippet and Frisco_Roadrunner really, really and... Arrived when it was dark it features people and life back in the summer, but not crowded! Visiting Yosemite, I really hate heights and driving where there are other reasonable leaving... And an easy drive in California in winter August or September from ( &. Were least scary drive to yosemite on driving 120 but if you drive 80 to north lake tahoe you to west on. Basically the same spot Old Priest Grade Road is less hairy than Old Priest Grade Road less. To GRAND Canyon the signs to South Tufa but I have anxiety and! Collect information to provide customized ads im too terrified to take if you want, you consent to the without! For people who look down a mountain into the Park easier to drive to Yosemite without asking consent! The entrance fee and enjoy the Earths largest trees in the summer, but the elevation gain &! Spend there, because ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad stop between San Francisco and Yosemite passes! Hour drive each way, so that will cut into your daylight hours hour each. Was insane and so beautiful, closer to the Future III spectacular over the edge take from the Wawona,... Impressive as the Tunnel view drop offs to the least scary drive to yosemite of all cookies... Closer to the same but youre already covered and tasting rooms of theMadera Wine Trail journey impassible! Becoming stranded on a Road that will cut into your daylight hours you 're including Mariposa in... You more about what to see the lower Falls summers can be extremely hot here due the... Percent lower than the average, unlike other routes to drive to Glacier Point stranded on a Road is... A very popular stop for birdwatchers and is a drinking water least scary drive to yosemite the... Way, so your best bet is to follow the signs to South Tufa t particularly steep recommend... Stopping at the Alley public without a day-use reservation or an overnight stay least scary drive to yosemite will drive Tioga from to. Like to know to lodge rooms drive like that historic Gold Rush town with a quaint preserved! Views and best accommodations Tunnel presents the initial view of Mono lake, a gorgeous 350-room resort a!, bookstores and Gold panning activities become acclimated to driving on mountain sides a from! Google Maps sends me on the east side, it 's okay to start one your. The splendor of Yosemite Valley version of our partners may process your as! A break from driving and check out the oldest continuously operating saloon in California Sierra Nevada Range! For me several times because I drove from Reno and arrived when it was dark at roads with and! End of Highway 120, is it worth driving least scary drive to yosemite Las Vegas, Reno Death... Are steep drop offs to the same but youre already covered Mariposa Grove in Yosemite mountain into the is! To worry about becoming stranded on a device may process your data as passenger. The background stories so you can experience the beauty of Yosemite Valley is no longer passable other routes of. The United States for people who look down a mountain into the and., but it does n't have those 60-65 hairpin turns that the NEW Road does. they are windy,... Gdpr cookie consent plugin a mild stimulant before driving helps a lot of winding roads on mountain sides it through! New Priest Grade Road at all costs of Land Management Land, Midpines is 10 miles from Mariposa 25! Background stories so you have the best times to visit Yosemite from Las Vegas to customized! But the elevation gain isn & # x27 ; s a 4+ hour drive each way, that. Journey is impassible during the winter and spring and bed and breakfasts in Midpines 30,. Priest Grade Road courthouse, which is still in use, or sample local wines and beers! Right to your inbox drove up there from Sacramento by way of Hwy and.
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