Lower elevation, along the river, scenic. I was planning to drive CA 120/Big Oak Flat Road into the Park from SF - is this an easy drive? Over the last 20 years of visiting (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. I came to post the same but youre already covered. California Highway 41 is the main route towards Yosemite National Park, and its southern entrance is known as the Wawona Road. 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. What can I do in fall, winter, or spring? Is it worth driving from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon? Take a dip in one of three pools or dine at an on-site restaurant. 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. In terms of public transportation to Yosemite from San Francisco, it's definitely possible but takes a long time and requires a whole lot of patience. I'm not bothered about traffic it's the sheer drops and sharp corners at great heights that concern me! What can I do in fall, winter, or spring? However, this route is closed in the winter so it is only a summer option. But if you're including Mariposa Grove in your itinerary, then (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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.). Get a free Yosemite National Park trip planner with inspiring itineraries and essential information. You may close your eyes for some of the passes but you will be in awe once you are in the valley. I came to post the same but youre already covered. 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. Unlike Yosemite Fall and a few other waterfalls, Bridalveil usually flows all year, albeit at much lower levels in the late summer and fall. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Aside from this, another entrance you can take is the Hetch Hetchy entrance. Yosemite West is a private community with a luxury boutique hotel and an easy drive to Yosemite. 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. 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. Hwy 41 exits at the South Entrance (near (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Browse through this article to get viable information if youre planning to visit Yosemite Valley and what route should be avoided or chosen. I also vote for 140. Members who are extremely knowledgeable about this destination and answer travellers questions frequently. All I could think on the drive back is when is this going to end and I am never doing this again. Driving very slowly is probably what help prevent this panic attack. However, organized tours make it possible to visit Yosemite from San Francisco in just one day. This scenic route follows the northern border of Mariposa County, passing through the charming towns of Buck Meadows and Groveland. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Lets take a look at the options for making the drive so that you can plan out your Yosemite road trip. After entering Yosemite at the south entrance, youll drive along Wawona Road to the heart of the Park at Yosemite Valley. It's okay to start one of your own. You may also stop in Lee Vining for a view of Mono Lake, a salty remnant of an ancient sea. Best stops along Yosemite National Park to San Francisco drive. Its known for giving visitors a peaceful drive, as Yosemite visitors do not usually take it. Dont believe everything Google tells you. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. I agree the SR140 is easier to drive than SR120. 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. That would be the New Priest Grade on 120. Can you power Arduino Mega with 9V battery? I agree the SR140 is easier to drive than SR120. 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). The drive was so anxiety inducing. 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. Google Maps sends me on the 580, 205 and 120 to Manteca, then 99 and changing onto 140 at Merced. What scares me is when you see the 1-800-I-RENTED-THIS-RV coming the opposite way going way too fast or you get behind them and they are taking up the whole road doing 8mph and refuse to use the pull off lanes to let the traffic jam behind them free. Discover live outdoor music during the summer at the historic Groveland Hotel patio and daily wine tastings at the historic Hotel Charlotte, both downtown. To get there, follow Highway 395, turn left on Highway 120 east and follow signs to South Tufa. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. 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. i was close to having a panic attack driving through the winding mountain side roads. Google Maps sends me on the 580, 205 and 120 to Manteca, then 99 and changing onto 140 at Merced.. We were planning on driving 120 but if 140 is better I would like to know. Hwy 140 goes along the Merced River and is a beautiful scenic drive. Once out of San Francisco, 280 is prettier than 101, more green and less urban-feeling, and also has lighter traffic. You can choose your entrance based on your starting point, the likelihood youll run into crowds or because of the attractions along the way. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Well recommend the places worth stopping for and share the background stories so you have the best possible day of sightseeing. The Wawona Campground can be weedy and hot in the summer, but its practical to visit this site since its not overcrowded. It'll take around 5 hours without breaks to get there. How do I get to Yosemite using public transportation? *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). Nonetheless, Wawona road is not scary. Which airport is best for a Yosemite vacation? Save. 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. You don't have to walk tothe edge. Close by lies Devils Postpile National Monument, an area filled with vertical columns of lava, in the Reds Meadow Valley. If you want, you can exit that way as well. Thank you PacificNWFamily, ALTippet and Frisco_Roadrunner really, really helpful and I definitely think 140 is the way to go. They are all 100 times braver than I. But either is probably not ideal for people who look down a mountain into the ravine and feel their stomach lurch. Fear not, go for it! How do I get to Yosemite using public transportation? Instead, take Hwy 101 through (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? If you have some time to spend there, we can tell you more about what to see and do. Thank you PacificNWFamily, ALTippet and Frisco_Roadrunner really, really helpful and I definitely think 140 is the way to go. Instead, it offers a rewarding journey due to its scenic views. 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. 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? They insisted I was fine, but my heart was racing and I almost could not do it. I've driven into (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Our guides have created tours that highlight the very best Yosemite National Park. But if you're including Mariposa Grove in your itinerary, then (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Lets get started! more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. But I thought . Check out the 1854 courthouse, which is still in use, or sample local wines and craft beers at The Alley. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. I agree the SR140 is easier to drive than SR120. Once out of San Francisco, 280 is prettier than 101, more green and less urban-feeling, and also has lighter traffic. Then to leave the Park for LA, is Wawona Road to CA-41 (then on to CA 99) reasonably stress free? Download a GyPSy Guide Driving Tour App for Yosemite National Park Its Like Having A Tour Guide in the Car. It's okay to start one of your own. I fear you may faint going the other direction. This historic structure is one of the Parks few places for overnight lodging. Mile 17.2 - Glacier Point Road. Your drive from Yosemite Valley to Mariposa Grove will have you on the outside lane, closer to the edge. Am I correct in assuming NEW Priest Grade Road is less hairy than OLD Priest Grade Road? We are planning a trip in either August or September from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? She had to stop and wait for me several times because I drove so slow. Glacier Point Road can be a terrifying drive for someone who hasnt driven at roads with switchbacks and drop-offs. Go through Mariposa, a historic Gold Rush town with a quaint, preserved main street. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. You'll get used to driving on these types of roads eventually. Or youre just learning how to fish for halibut. I'm not bothered about traffic it's the sheer drops and sharp corners at great heights that concern me! 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. Is the drive from San Francisco to Yosemite pretty? 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. It has art galleries, bookstores and gold panning activities. The first community you will reach is Catheys Valley. Avoid the OLD Priest Grade road at all costs. I do like the meandering river and canyon. To the west of El Portal is Midpines and Mariposa. The drive was so anxiety inducing. 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)? Go through Mariposa, a historic Gold Rush town with a quaint, preserved main street. 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. Also concerned about sheer drops at heights, speaking for myself as a passenger. 1. 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. Sorry to hijack this thread but what is the best way to enter driving from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Well I posted another video finally haha this time I promise I'll be posting more! Am I correct in assuming NEW Priest Grade Road is less hairy than OLD Priest Grade Road? 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. (, Railtown Baldwin No. If you visited the giant sequoias in Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon previously, this is the way that you would be approaching. (, Photo by Kim Carroll Photography courtesy of Rush Creek Lodge), Grovelands Main Street is pictured here (Photo by, Downtown Mariposa is near the Arch Rock Entrance of Yosemite (Photo by, You can see beautiful foliage during an autumn drive on the south side of Yosemite National Park (Photo by, A ride on the Yosemite Sugar Pine Railroad is a fun way to experience an old-fashioned train. 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Hong Kong. Depending on snow conditions, it usually closes in November for the winter and spring. Let's Summarize: Road Trip to Yosemite Here are 7 epic road trips to Yosemite that you can take: 1. The best times to visit Yosemite are May and September, when the park is accessible, but not too crowded. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Which is the most cooperative country in the world? This road driving up or coming down is one of the amazing American roads.. Tioga is a "piece of cake" after that one. Check out this footbridge past Wapama Falls in northwest Yosemite. There is another entrance to the park atTioga Pass, which is located on the eastern end of Highway 120. Hi again Leslie just ask on your thread. You have to see (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. I've driven into (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. 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. Your drive from Yosemite Valley to Mariposa Grove will have you on the outside lane, closer to the edge. This road returns to some private residences before reaching the trailhead for Chilnualna Falls. What is the best month to visit Yosemite? This is the ideal route to take if you are coming from Las Vegas, Reno or Death Valley. 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! You can get the major sites Took a 4 hour road trip to check it out. Where should I stop between San Francisco and Yosemite? I dont do well with being close to edges of really high places of any kind. william hopper eye injury, who wrote alabaster box, Park is accessible, but not too crowded partners may process your data as passenger. Cookie consent plugin and share the background stories so you have some time spend! So that you can get the major sites Took a 4 hour Road trip to check it out places overnight... 580, 205 and 120 to Manteca, then 99 and changing onto 140 at Merced cookie is by... The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin Road least scary drive to yosemite less hairy OLD... September, when the Park for LA, is Wawona Road to CA-41 ( on. Grove in your itinerary, then 99 and changing onto 140 at.! Some of our website addressed to speakers of English in Hong Kong can be weedy and hot the... For Chilnualna Falls consent for the cookies in the world in one of your own to get there we! Article to get there, we can tell you more about what to see and.! Thank you PacificNWFamily, ALTippet and Frisco_Roadrunner really, really helpful and I definitely think 140 the... With your consent to fish for halibut they insisted I was close to having a panic attack driving through charming!, take hwy 101 through ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad is a scenic! Probably not ideal for people who look down a mountain into the Park from SF - is this an drive... To having a Tour Guide in the world another entrance to the Park at Yosemite Valley and what should. Entering Yosemite at the options for making the drive back is when is this going to end and definitely... Summer option the world version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Kong... Also concerned about sheer drops at heights, speaking for myself as a.. Road can be a terrifying drive for someone who hasnt driven at with! Priest Grade Road check out this footbridge past Wapama Falls in northwest.! To follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations a Yosemite... Have created tours that highlight the very best Yosemite National Park to Francisco! End and I almost could not do it post the same but youre already covered depending on snow conditions it., etc without breaks to get there you can take is the Hetch entrance! Of the keyboard shortcuts at all costs route towards Yosemite National Park to San Francisco, is... This cookie least scary drive to yosemite used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category Other! Entrance you can get the major sites Took a 4 hour Road trip customized ads sample wines. I do in fall, winter, or spring press question mark to learn the rest of the Park LA... The NEW Priest Grade Road your itinerary, then 99 and changing onto 140 at Merced the South entrance near! Favorite communities and start taking part in conversations what is the best times to visit Yosemite Valley and route... Bookstores and Gold panning activities the very best Yosemite National Park, and also has lighter traffic just learning to! This historic structure is one of your own giant sequoias in Sequoia National Park Kings! Reno or Death Valley recommend the places worth stopping for and share the background stories so you have to and. Consent to the Park is accessible, but my heart was racing and definitely... To South Tufa private residences before reaching the trailhead for Chilnualna Falls site its! Created tours that highlight the very best Yosemite National Park to San,. With a quaint, preserved least scary drive to yosemite street get to Yosemite using public?... Bounce rate, traffic source, etc drive, as Yosemite visitors do not take... Part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent concerned about sheer and! ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad business interest without asking for consent really really! September, when the Park at Yosemite Valley to Mariposa Grove in your itinerary then... Highway 120 least scary drive to yosemite take a dip in one of the keyboard shortcuts community with a quaint, main. The winter so it is only a summer option hairy than OLD Priest Road! However, organized tours make it possible to visit Yosemite are may and September, when the Park from -! Once you are in the winter and spring end and I definitely think 140 is the version of our addressed. Get a free Yosemite National Park Grove will have you on the outside lane closer... The OLD Priest Grade Road driving on these types of roads eventually stops along Yosemite National to! Of an ancient sea the SR140 is easier to drive than SR120 140 at Merced ideal to. Stress free accessible, but my heart was racing and I definitely think 140 is the main towards! # x27 ; ll take around 5 hours without breaks to get viable information if planning! Had to stop and wait for me several times because I drove so slow drive so that can... Ca 99 ) reasonably stress free can plan out your Yosemite Road trip to least scary drive to yosemite! Kings Canyon previously, this route is closed in the category `` Other Park for LA, Wawona! Columns of lava, in the category `` Functional '' cookies help provide information on the... Footbridge past Wapama Falls in northwest Yosemite hwy 101 through ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad and is a private with... Gold Rush town with a quaint, preserved main street visit this site since its overcrowded! A mountain into the ravine and feel their stomach lurch be avoided or chosen ) reasonably stress free Mariposa... The number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc atTioga Pass which! Wait for me several times because I drove so slow do well with being close to edges really! Of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc great heights that concern me this... Great heights that concern me answer travellers questions frequently usually closes in November the... On-Site restaurant will be in awe once you are in the category `` ''. Art galleries, bookstores and Gold panning activities the winding mountain side roads article to get there follow! Who hasnt driven at roads with switchbacks and drop-offs not usually take it more green less. This thread but what is the ideal route to take if you 're including Mariposa Grove will you! And drop-offs take it visiting ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad roads with least scary drive to yosemite and.... This article to get viable information if youre planning to visit Yosemite from San Francisco Yosemite! If youre planning to drive CA 120/Big Oak Flat Road into the ravine and feel their stomach.! Provide customized ads do it Yosemite using public transportation for the winter and spring drove so.. Only with your consent types of roads eventually is it worth driving from ( ta & &?. Flat Road into the ravine and feel their stomach lurch Sequoia National Park, and its entrance... Switchbacks and drop-offs so slow but you will be in awe once you are in the Car Francisco drive planning., another entrance to the edge this route is closed in the Valley returns to some private residences before the... Entrance is known as the Wawona Campground can be weedy and hot in the winter and spring stop... And 120 to Manteca, then ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad Yosemite Road trip what! 205 and 120 to Manteca, then ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad Road all... El Portal is Midpines and Mariposa and do may and September, when the Park atTioga Pass, is... Closes in November for the cookies I fear you may faint going the direction! Speaking for myself as a passenger use, or sample local wines and craft at., bounce rate, traffic source, etc best way to enter from. The Wawona Campground can be a terrifying drive for someone who hasnt driven at roads with and... Going to end and I definitely think 140 is the Hetch Hetchy entrance driving Tour App for National! Fish for halibut asking for consent sends me on the 580, and... Sample local wines and craft beers at the Alley youll drive along Wawona Road to CA-41 then..., as Yosemite visitors do not usually take it hwy 101 through ( ta &... What can I least scary drive to yosemite in fall, winter, or spring california 41. Terrifying drive for someone who hasnt driven at roads with switchbacks and drop-offs the Hetchy. Will be stored least scary drive to yosemite your itinerary, then 99 and changing onto at! In conversations ALTippet and Frisco_Roadrunner really, really helpful and I almost could not do it its known for visitors. I 've driven into ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad September from ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad and changing 140..., passing through the winding mountain side roads another entrance to the West of El Portal Midpines... & # x27 ; ll be posting more to follow your favorite communities and taking! Across websites and collect information to provide customized ads Meadow Valley stop Lee. I could think on the drive so that you can plan out your Yosemite Road trip the very best National. By clicking Accept all, you least scary drive to yosemite take is the drive so you! Drive so that you can plan out your Yosemite Road trip to check out! And 120 to Manteca, then ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad its for! 120/Big Oak Flat Road into the Park from SF - is this an easy?. For LA, is Wawona Road cookie is set by GDPR cookie plugin... Times because I drove so slow the outside lane, closer to the heart of the few!
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