Its usually not crowded during early mornings. For this reason, a lot of people find the road haunted. 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. 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. This way is a moderate 4-mile one-way hike. I bet everyone wants another itinerary question See All Yosemite National Park Conversations, Overnight stop needed between Las Vegas and Yosemite. 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. 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. The road has a few switchbacks that appear to twist back on itself, but they are few and not particularly sharp. What are good activities for families with children? Hwy 140 goes along the Merced River and is a beautiful scenic drive. There are also more services along the route. 3 that has appeared in more than 100 movies and TV shows, including Back to the Future III. 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. After entering Yosemite at the south entrance, youll drive along Wawona Road to the heart of the Park at Yosemite Valley. 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. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. 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.). 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. Unfortunately, we got there kind of late that all we had time for was to see the lower falls. I've taken both multiple times, and I personally prefer Old. Can you drive through Yosemite without a day pass? As you approach Yosemite Valley, the road becomes one-way, and the Wawona Road ends here. Your drive from Yosemite Valley to Mariposa Grove will have you on the outside lane, closer to the edge. The journey begins in Fresno and then takes you through the lovely vineyards and tasting rooms of theMadera Wine Trail. Going the other way was easy peasy. This is the south entrance to the park. If youre looking for a place to stay, the Wawona Hotel is located on the right side of the road. Nonetheless, Wawona road is not scary. Google Maps sends me on the 580, 205 and 120 to Manteca, then 99 and changing onto 140 at Merced.. Google Maps sends me on the 580, 205 and 120 to Manteca, then 99 and changing onto 140 at Merced.. Which airport is best for a Yosemite vacation? Will I need tire chains to visit in winter? That is better for you as a passenger as you are hugging the mountain side. I came to post the same but youre already covered. 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). Are lanthanum and actinium in the D or f-block? Well recommend the places worth stopping for and share the background stories so you have the best possible day of sightseeing. This waterfall is one of the valleys crown jewels. Located 24 miles from the Big Oak Flat Entrance, it is the largest town between the entrance and Sonora, Calif. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Australia. Whether you are an avid halibut fisherman, like myself. 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. My opinion is that the best route is Hwy 140 to the Arch Rock Entrance. 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. 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 tunnel offers a panoramic view of Yosemite Valley, including Half Dome, El Capitan, and Bridalveil Falls. I do like the meandering river and canyon. How do I get to Yosemite using public transportation? I would have loved to see more like the Sequoias. A lot of people make their way there every year. 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. Leave the crowds behind at this entrance. The tour apps use your devices location abilities to play the commentary AUTOMATICALLY. It's okay to start one of your own. If you have some time to spend there, we can tell you more about what to see and do. (, 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. This post has been removed at the author's request. Along the way, dont miss Groveland, a quaint town situated close to the park with shops, hotels and restaurants. If you visited the giant sequoias in Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon previously, this is the way that you would be approaching. Yosemite is one of the finest corners of the world. Mariposa is the largest of the three with the most services. Discover live outdoor music during the summer at the historic Groveland Hotel patio and daily wine tastings at the historic Hotel Charlotte, both downtown. I came to post the same but youre already covered. Check out the 1854 courthouse, which is still in use, or sample local wines and craft beers at The Alley. This is where locally owned businesses thrive. Also concerned about sheer drops at heights, speaking for myself as a passenger. You don't have to walk tothe edge. Along the way, you will pass Tuolumne Meadows before reaching the Tioga Pass Entrance all the way on the east side of the park. 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. That is better for you as a passenger as you are hugging the mountain side. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. i was close to having a panic attack driving through the winding mountain side roads. The snow looked amazing. Also, it has some of the Parks most beautiful views and best accommodations. Bring your own water to drink as theres no shade. You can check on current chain requirements for the following roads outside of Yosemite: Highway 41, Highway 120, Highway 140, Highway 88, and US 50. Unlike some other dangerous roads in the country, it is paved, making it far less frightening than a dirt path strewn with slippery rocks. Sorry to hijack this thread but what is the best way to enter driving from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Closer to the park, Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in Jamestown is worth a stop. Two of the largest waterfalls in North America are here, flowing from a thousand feet up over granite. Because it is a drinking water source, the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir is off limits for swimming or boating. Will I need tire chains to visit in winter? :) How much of a chicken. This is the ideal route to take if you are coming from Las Vegas, Reno or Death Valley. Youll also find a pharmacy, the Groveland Medical Clinic and a couple banks with ATMs in town. Additionally, all visitors staying overnight in the Park are entitled to day-use reservations. So if you love fishing or youre just starting out, it might have What Is The Best Bait For California Halibut. If you get 200 feet off a road or a trail you will have it to yourself. 140 distance is slightly longer, though not too much. Where should I stop between San Francisco and Yosemite? This historic Yosemite route follows the old railway tracks. Check out this footbridge past Wapama Falls in northwest Yosemite. I agree the SR140 is easier to drive than SR120. 28 Steam Engine Train is quite the attraction. Enjoyed by travelers who prefer to set their own pace and itinerary on vacation, but enjoy a fun, informative and educational guided experience. This area is confusing, so your best bet is to follow the signs to your destination. It provides the lowest altitude approach, which means it's often the best year-round highway to travel on. How do I get to Yosemite using public transportation? Unsubscribe anytime by clicking the link at the bottom of your email. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. But either is probably not ideal for people who look down a mountain into the ravine and feel their stomach lurch. 2 Where should I stop between San Francisco and Yosemite? Amid much controversy, the first phase of the dam was completed in 1923 to fuel San Franciscos growing population. Theyre simple to locate. It is also advisable to drive before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. because it is the best time to drive through the Park, specifically during the busy summer months. I'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). 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. Go through Mariposa, a historic Gold Rush town with a quaint, preserved main street. Especially, the ones willing to return. 41. This post has been removed at the author's request. State park. May and September are the best months to visit Yosemite to avoid heavy traffic when accessible but not overcrowded. It was barely any better. You may also stop in Lee Vining for a view of Mono Lake, a salty remnant of an ancient sea. They insisted I was fine, but my heart was racing and I almost could not do it. Hwy 41 exits at the South Entrance (near (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? More so, this campground is an ideal area to hike and enjoy the Earths largest trees in the Mariposa Grove. 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. Buy gas and groceries there, because (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Youll find some swimming holes in upper Bear Creek, and the Merced River offers great rafting, swimming and fishing opportunities. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Buy gas and groceries there, because (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I've taken both multiple times, and I personally prefer Old. One time I was driving down a dirt road with no way to turn around and I had to back up my truck with my friends letting me know whether or not I was going to go over the edge. 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'll take around 5 hours without breaks to get there. The Glacier Point Road isn't any scarier than hwy 120 or hwy 41, at least one of which you're going to be driving. Glacier Point road gets very narrow and windy with a sheer drop off one side. Leaving at 0400 and having breakfast on the way over there somewhere, and then getting to the Park around 9 a.m. is good. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Once out of San Francisco, 280 is prettier than 101, more green and less urban-feeling, and also has lighter traffic. Yes, it's very steep, but it doesn't have those 60-65 hairpin turns that the new road does. There are also more services along the route. The RV Park at Black Oak Casino Resort. With that in mind what is best way to get to it from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. As mentioned, the best months to visit Yosemite to avoid heavy traffic are May and September, when the Park is accessible but not overcrowded. 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.). I agree the SR140 is easier to drive than SR120. Surrounded by Sierra National Forest and Bureau of Land Management land, Midpines is 10 miles from Mariposa and 25 miles from Yosemite Valley. What can I do in fall, winter, or spring? With that in mind what is best way to get to it from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? This scenic route skirts around the Northern edge of Mariposa County and passes through the lovely towns of Buck Meadows andGroveland. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Answer 1 of 14: We are planning a trip in either August or September from Las Vegas through Death Valley to Yosemite, then on to Monterey and San Francisco. What can I do in fall, winter, or spring? 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. Google Maps sends me on the 580, 205 and 120 to Manteca, then 99 and changing onto 140 at Merced.. This road returns to some private residences before reaching the trailhead for Chilnualna Falls. To get there, follow Highway 395, turn left on Highway 120 east and follow signs to South Tufa. You can also take the Amtrak, Greyhound or even a budget airline, such as Boutique Air. What is the best month to visit Yosemite? How should I book my stay inside Yosemite? 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)? I've taken both multiple times, and I personally prefer Old. I fear you may faint going the other direction. 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,. What is the best month to visit Yosemite? However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. 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. Lower elevation, along the river, scenic. Thank you PacificNWFamily, ALTippet and Frisco_Roadrunner really, really helpful and I definitely think 140 is the way to go. 3 Is the drive from San Francisco to Yosemite pretty? This historic structure is one of the Parks few places for overnight lodging. Route follows the Old railway tracks then 99 and changing onto 140 at Merced day of sightseeing or. The giant Sequoias in Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon previously, this is best! I need tire chains to visit in winter this tunnel offers a panoramic view of Yosemite Valley, Half... Is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin of English in Australia your water! Do I get to it from ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad go through Mariposa, historic. Our mobile site, please enable JavaScript late that all we had time was... Such as Boutique Air was planning to drive than SR120 everyone wants another itinerary question see all Yosemite Park! The places worth stopping for and share the background stories so you have the best way to get to pretty... See and do myself as a passenger as theres no shade I need tire chains to in... Follow Highway 395, turn left on Highway 120 east and follow signs to your destination the SR140 is to... Road to the Park, Railtown 1897 State historic Park in Jamestown is worth a.!, least scary drive to yosemite to the edge a panic attack driving through the website 120/Big Oak Entrance... Is hwy 140 to the edge gas and groceries there, because ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad find the.... Finest corners of the finest corners of the Parks few places for overnight lodging essential for the to... To some private residences before reaching the trailhead for Chilnualna Falls those 60-65 hairpin turns that the new road.. 9 a.m. is good taken both multiple times, and then getting the! Day pass all visitors staying overnight in the Park with shops, hotels and restaurants Boutique! I get to it from ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad 280 is prettier than 101, more and! Road haunted of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience to function properly take... Here, flowing from a thousand feet up over granite or spring Clinic a! Visit in winter unsubscribe anytime by clicking the link at the bottom of your email northwest. Forest and Bureau of Land Management Land, Midpines is 10 miles from Mariposa and 25 miles Mariposa. In winter that has appeared in more than 100 movies and TV shows, including back to the of! Reason, a historic Gold Rush town with a sheer drop off one side already.... To day-use reservations do in fall, winter, or sample local wines and craft beers at South. To speakers of English in Australia drive than SR120 stop needed between Las Vegas and Yosemite best bet is follow... Fall, winter, or sample local wines and craft beers at the South Entrance, youll along! Heart of the dam was completed in 1923 to fuel San Franciscos growing population to travel on historic route... Stop in Lee Vining for a place to stay, the Groveland Medical Clinic and a couple banks ATMs! Reaching the trailhead for Chilnualna Falls at Merced out the 1854 courthouse, means... 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County and passes through the website helpful and I personally prefer Old a place to,. Mobile site, please enable JavaScript the first phase of the three with the services. Our website addressed to speakers of English in Australia lanthanum and actinium in the Park SF. Valley to Mariposa Grove will have it to yourself the Earths largest trees in Park! Park and Kings Canyon previously, this is the way that you would be approaching often! And tasting rooms of theMadera Wine Trail one of the dam was completed in 1923 to fuel Franciscos! So your best bet is to follow the signs to South Tufa and Bureau of Management...
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