Glacier Point road gets very narrow and windy with a sheer drop off one side. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 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. 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. I was planning to drive CA 120/Big Oak Flat Road into the Park from SF - is this an easy drive? Tunnel View 1/12/23 Beautiful day in the park . The first community you will reach is Catheys Valley. Unlike some other dangerous roads in the country, Glacier Point is paved, making it considerably less scary than a dirt path full of slippery rocks. Your drive from Yosemite Valley to Mariposa Grove will have you on the outside lane, closer to the edge. But I thought . Your drive from Yosemite Valley to Mariposa Grove will have you on the outside lane, closer to the edge. How do I get to Yosemite using public transportation? 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. In here, you will find the biggest sequoia grove in Yosemite. Lower elevation, along the river, scenic. For this reason, a lot of people find the road haunted. Its a shame because Yosemite was so beautiful and I would love to go there again. I bet everyone wants another itinerary question See All Yosemite National Park Conversations, Overnight stop needed between Las Vegas and Yosemite. Also, it has some of the Parks most beautiful views and best accommodations. 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. Bring your own water to drink as theres no shade. The trail from Glacier Point to Little Yosemite Valley is called the Panorama Trail. IMHO, the only really scary drive around Yosemite is the road down from the Tioga Pass Entrance to Lee Vining. 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. 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. Yosemite National Park was pretty cool. Today, all users with annual and lifetime pass holders will need to make day-use reservations with a three-day validity period. There is nothing more spectacular than driving through the Wawona Tunnel to reach one of the Parks most breathtaking views. Especially, the ones willing to return. Avoid the OLD Priest Grade road at all costs. 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.). But either is probably not ideal for people who look down a mountain into the ravine and feel their stomach lurch. Going downhill on Hwy 120 from Groveland is okay since you are on the inside :-) The steep part is quite short, about 6 miles I belive. Is the drive from San Francisco to Yosemite scary? 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. There are many nice places to eat here, which makes it a good spot to stop and stretch your legs before you continue driving into the park. Oh well - it only makes arriving that much better. What is a good route to travel to Yosemite from Las Vegas? More so, its road is wide enough, making it the easiest to drive; and there are many turnout areas to pull off to enjoy its fantastic view. I was planning to drive CA 120/Big Oak Flat Road into the Park from SF - is this an easy drive? Trip Reports: What have other travelers done in Yosemite? 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. Access it via 120 and by Evergreen Road. I usually have no problem with mountain driving and enjoy making the drive into the park on the 41. 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. Taking this route is a real treat for the senses, because it will offer you a breathtaking drive over the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Reno is about 140 miles and about a 3-hour drive away from this entrance. 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. Buy gas and groceries there, because (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? You may also stop in Lee Vining for a view of Mono Lake, a salty remnant of an ancient sea. Driving from the Bay Area? It's all about acclimation- if you've not driven on mountain roads a lot, they seem very intimidating and scary. Hwy 152 goes through a scenic, hilly part of the Coast Range not mountainous, steep, or snaky like the Priest Grade options. May and September are the best months to visit Yosemite to avoid heavy traffic when accessible but not overcrowded. If you visit Yosemite while the higher country is still snowbound, hiking here may be accessible. Las Vegas is a little less than a 6-hour drive. What can I do in fall, winter, or spring? Going the other way was easy peasy. *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). It also supplies hydroelectric power. I found that a mild stimulant before driving helps a lot. Its basically the same route we take from the Monterey Bay Area minus 280 and 85 and 101. There are also more services along the route. What are good activities for families with children? Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. 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,. Alternatively, you may use, Yosemite National Park Hotels and Places to Stay. If so, head to Yosemite from the eastern side of the park via the Tioga Pass Entrance. What might be happening in 2022 and beyond? Buy gas and groceries there, because (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Two of the largest waterfalls in North America are here, flowing from a thousand feet up over granite. Additionally, all visitors staying overnight in the Park are entitled to day-use reservations. I bet everyone wants another itinerary question See All Yosemite National Park Conversations, Overnight stop needed between Las Vegas and Yosemite. Hwy 152 goes through a scenic, hilly part of the Coast Range not mountainous, steep, or snaky like the Priest Grade options. 4) Little Yosemite Valley Trail. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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! To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. The legendary saloon opened its doors in 1852. This article would have all your questions answered! Your heart couldn't take it. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. On the other hand, Tioga Pass is a convenient route through one of Californias most difficult terrains. Halibut fishing in the San Francisco Bay Area has been spectacular over the last few years and 2022 has been by far the best. Yosemite Valley Possibly the most traveled route in the park is through Yosemite Valley. I agree with Roadrunners route. I've taken both multiple times, and I personally prefer Old. Hwy 140 was highly recommended. You'll get used to driving on these types of roads eventually. Once out of San Francisco, 280 is prettier than 101, more green and less urban-feeling, and also has lighter traffic. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. 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). We were planning on driving 120 but if 140 is better I would like to know. 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. To me, it feels like less work. *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). As mentioned, the best months to visit Yosemite to avoid heavy traffic are May and September, when the Park is accessible but not overcrowded. The buses are big with large viewing windows, so you can just kick back, relax, and enjoy the view passing by while leaving the driving to someone with tons of experience driving the road. Yosemite West is a private community with a luxury boutique hotel and an easy drive to Yosemite. Instead, take Hwy 101 through (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. Save. There are other reasonable options leaving the Park, especially if you want to see Giant Sequoias. With that in mind what is best way to get to it from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Mariposa is the largest of the three with the most services. You have to see (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? If you are traveling from San Diego or the Los Angeles area, your closest entrance will be the the South Entrance, accessed by Hwy. So driving in here is unquestionably safe. The only park entrance on the east side, it is open May through October. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. 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. That is better for you as a passenger as you are hugging the mountain side. 4 What is the best month to visit Yosemite National Park? Try doing it in the summer when there are . 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)? 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. I also vote for 140. A great tool for visitors, encouraging them to learn more, explore further and return. This way is a moderate 4-mile one-way hike. When driving to Yosemite, the roads are generally in good condition. Dont believe everything Google tells you. Its important to know that many roads and trails in Yosemite are closed for the majority of the year due to snow. Mile 17.2 - Glacier Point Road. Where do we stayInside the park or outside the park? 28 Steam Engine Train is quite the attraction. Thank you PacificNWFamily, ALTippet and Frisco_Roadrunner really, really helpful and I definitely think 140 is the way to go. I'm not bothered about traffic it's the sheer drops and sharp corners at great heights that concern me! 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. If you dont have time for a tour, check out the South Tufa area where a 1-mile, self-guided nature trail leads you past tufa formations (towers formed by fresh water springs containing calcium that bubble up through the lake water) along the lake. 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. Thank you PacificNWFamily, ALTippet and Frisco_Roadrunner really, really helpful and I definitely think 140 is the way to go. There is a collection of cabins, hotels and bed and breakfasts in Midpines. If you want, you can exit that way as well. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. She had to stop and wait for me several times because I drove so slow. Dont believe everything Google tells you. Id give it another chance. We were planning on driving 120 but if 140 is better I would like to know. Driving very slowly is probably what help prevent this panic attack. Hwy 140 goes along the Merced River and is a beautiful scenic drive. 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.). However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Hi again Leslie just ask on your thread. 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. I like going through El Portal. What countries have transitioned most to renewable energy? 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.). Las Vegas is a little less than a 6-hour drive. 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). Also, it has some of the Park's most beautiful views and best accommodations. However, the scenic routes may not be a peaceful drive in heavy traffic. To give you a lay of the land, four of Yosemites entrances are located on the western side of the park while the fifth, the Tioga Pass Entrance, is on the more remote eastern side of the park. Also concerned about sheer drops at heights, speaking for myself as a passenger. This a good place to use the restroom and get more information about the park. And you are also on the mountain side going east to west. You can also call 800/427-7623 for road conditions throughout California (these links and phone number do not provide information about roads within 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. The first time that I visited we took 41 and I hated that. (Photo by, Here is the Mono Lake South Tufa Area. The 4-hour drive from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park is one of the most scenic in the country, with winding mountain roads that are lined with ancient redwoods. 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. 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. 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. Can you drive a forklift if you have been banned from driving? Im a scaredy-cat who doesnt do well with roads like that. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in New Zealand. When visiting Yosemite, it is critical to check the Yosemite weather conditions, particularly during the winter season. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. This historic structure is one of the Parks few places for overnight lodging. When you enter the park through the Arch Rock Entrance, your road turns into El Portal Road, which leads you in Yosemite Valley. How should I book my stay inside Yosemite? But if you're including Mariposa Grove in your itinerary, then (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The drive was so anxiety inducing. more, Yosemite National Park Destination Experts. (Note: there is an alternate longer road that will take you to the same spot Old Priest Grade does.) It's okay to start one of your own.
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