Leaving via 140 is nice too. Home to a little more than 200 residents, you wont find a Holiday Inn or Dennys here. Answer 1 of 5: 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. It was barely any better. Google Maps sends me on the 580, 205 and 120 to Manteca, then 99 and changing onto 140 at Merced.. Sorry to hear that. So, if youre looking for a place to unwind, Mariposa Grove is a must to experience! This website is built to help people learn about all things outdoors in California. Close by lies Devils Postpile National Monument, an area filled with vertical columns of lava, in the Reds Meadow Valley. I hope you become acclimated to driving on mountain roads so you can experience the beauty of Yosemite again. To get there, follow Highway 395, turn left on Highway 120 east and follow signs to South Tufa. Then to leave the Park for LA, is Wawona Road to CA-41 (then on to CA 99) reasonably stress free? Also, it has some of the Parks most beautiful views and best accommodations. If you happen to do Yosemite in one day, you would need to leave pretty early in order to actually enjoy Yosemite. There is a collection of cabins, hotels and bed and breakfasts in Midpines. Hwy 140 goes along the Merced River and is a beautiful scenic drive. The journey is impassible during the winter due to snow, as you will be arriving into the park at over 9000 feet elevation. The Big Oak Flat Information Station, open May through October from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. will be on your right after you go through the entrance station. To the west of El Portal is Midpines and Mariposa. 1 Is the drive from San Francisco to Yosemite scary? Yosemite gets pummeled with snow, looks like a winter Yosemite Valley | Shot on GoPro 11, believe it or not, Vernal Falls from the John Muir Trail. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. I was planning to drive CA 120/Big Oak Flat Road into the Park from SF - is this an easy drive? 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! Let's Summarize: Road Trip to Yosemite Here are 7 epic road trips to Yosemite that you can take: 1. Leaving at 0400 and having breakfast on the way over there somewhere, and then getting to the Park around 9 a.m. is good. Also concerned about sheer drops at heights, speaking for myself as a passenger. What is a good route to travel to Yosemite from Las Vegas? 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. 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. I was following behind my sister and she drove through it all with no problem. Driving from the Bay Area? 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. Im a scaredy-cat who doesnt do well with roads like that. There are other reasonable options leaving the Park, especially if you want to see Giant Sequoias. How much does an income tax officer earn in India? Trip Reports: What have other travelers done in Yosemite? I agree the SR140 is easier to drive than SR120. :) How much of a chicken. 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). How should I book my stay inside Yosemite? Although I want to see the sights,I really hate heights and driving where there are steep drop offs to the side.Is it possible for a chicken to do this trip with her eyes open?? If you get 200 feet off a road or a trail you will have it to yourself. I've taken both multiple times, and I personally prefer Old. Over the last 20 years of visiting (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Tunnel View 1/12/23 Beautiful day in the park . Took a 4 hour road trip to check it out. 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 ? 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. Our first visit today. That said, it's a good thing you didn't try to drive to Glacier Point. Dont believe everything Google tells you. EL Portal is home to National Park Service employee housing, administrative offices and two nonprofits: Naturebridge and Yosemite Conservancy. I agree with Roadrunners route. The RV Park at Black Oak Casino Resort. I also vote for 140. Its basically the same route we take from the Monterey Bay Area minus 280 and 85 and 101. Well I posted another video finally haha this time I promise I'll be posting more! Browse through this article to get viable information if youre planning to visit Yosemite Valley and what route should be avoided or chosen. 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. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Leaving via 140 is nice too. We were planning on driving 120 but if 140 is better I would like to know. Oh well - it only makes arriving that much better. Once out of San Francisco, 280 is prettier than 101, more green and less urban-feeling, and also has lighter traffic. As you explore the area, youll see California black oak, incense-cedar and gray pine, as well as manzanita shrubs, which are recognizable by their red bark. Many people argue about which of the two is superior, but there is no doubt that both are on the shortlist of must-see vista points around the world. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Where do we stayInside the park or outside the park? The first community you will reach is Catheys Valley. You can get the major sites This historic structure is one of the Parks few places for overnight lodging. 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. But Im too terrified to take any drive like that again. Due to this, you can enjoy the regions beauty in and around Yosemite National Park from the comfort of your vehicle. And driving at night probably made it worse. 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. Where are the Yosemite National Park traveler articles? 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. With that in mind what is best way to get to it from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? If you have the time and energy a hike to the top of Nevada Fall is world class. State park. From San Francisco to Yosemite by Organized Tour Yosemite National Park Yosemite is at least a four-hour drive from San Francisco (and can take longer with traffic), so it is not usually recommended as a day trip. When your vision is limited by your headlights, speed is not your friend. Sorry to hijack this thread but what is the best way to enter driving from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Alternatively, you may use, Yosemite National Park Hotels and Places to Stay. 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. 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. Sorry to hijack this thread but what is the best way to enter driving from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. Nonetheless, you will be fascinated by its view as it will take you through the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. You also dont have to worry about becoming stranded on a road that is no longer passable. A great tool for visitors, encouraging them to learn more, explore further and return. Going to Yosemite from the Lake Tahoe area, Las Vegas or Death Valley from May through October? Take a dip in one of three pools or dine at an on-site restaurant. Reno is about 140 miles and about a 3-hour drive away from this entrance. 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! Hwy 140 follows the Merced River and is pretty gentle. It provides the lowest altitude approach, which means it's often the best year-round highway to travel on. 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. Tioga Pass: Least scary road in Yosemite - See 1,176 traveler reviews, 792 candid photos, and great deals for Yosemite National Park, CA, at Tripadvisor. (Photo by, supplies 2.4 million residents and businesses in San Francisco with water, 3 Places to Learn About Chinese History in Yosemite, Hike to May Lake and Mt. Death Valley is 225 miles and 4-hour and 15 minutes away (depending on where in Death Valley you are). Its usually not crowded during early mornings. Instead, take Hwy 101 through (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". There are also more services along the route. I came to post the same but youre already covered. 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. 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. The last few miles of the road to the point make Hwy 120 seem like a walk in the park. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". With that in mind what is best way to get to it from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. Im pretty sure I was going 15mph under the speed limit or something. 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.) We were planning on driving 120 but if 140 is better I would like to know. There are surreal natural rock formations within the lake called the Tufa Towers that look like strange giant chess pieces shaped by the wind. My opinion is that the best route is Hwy 140 to the Arch Rock Entrance. Get inspired with tips about where to go and what to see on your national park vacation, delivered right to your inbox. Your heart couldn't take it. I agree the SR140 is easier to drive than SR120. I hear you, driving with others is an option. 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. Its not worth the anxiety. The largest town on the route isOakdale, which is a good place to stop and stock up on groceries and fill up on gas. Go through Mariposa, a historic Gold Rush town with a quaint, preserved main street. Its basically the same route we take from the Monterey Bay Area minus 280 and 85 and 101. 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.). Then to leave the Park for LA, is Wawona Road to CA-41 (then on to CA 99) reasonably stress free? Google Maps sends me on the 580, 205 and 120 to Manteca, then 99 and changing onto 140 at Merced.. So driving in here is unquestionably safe. Campground. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. If the air is clear, this is almost as impressive as the view from Glacier Point. If you want, you can exit that way as well. 1. But either is probably not ideal for people who look down a mountain into the ravine and feel their stomach lurch. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. 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. I dont do well with being close to edges of really high places of any kind. 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. Mile 16.7 - Yosemite West. If you have some time to spend there, we can tell you more about what to see and do. Lower elevation, along the river, scenic. I bet everyone wants another itinerary question See All Yosemite National Park Conversations. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. They insisted I was fine, but my heart was racing and I almost could not do it. It's okay to start one of your own. 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? I would have loved to see more like the Sequoias. The trail from Glacier Point to Little Yosemite Valley is called the Panorama Trail. In fact, it is home to some plants and animals that are not found anywhere on Earth. Along the way, you will pass Tuolumne Meadows before reaching the Tioga Pass Entrance all the way on the east side of the park. Unfortunately, we got there kind of late that all we had time for was to see the lower falls. You'll get used to driving on these types of roads eventually. Can you power Arduino Mega with 9V battery? Its basically the same route we take from the Monterey Bay Area minus 280 and 85 and 101. On the other hand, Tioga Pass is a convenient route through one of Californias most difficult terrains. Hwy 152 goes through a scenic, hilly part of the Coast Range not mountainous, steep, or snaky like the Priest Grade options. Hi again Leslie just ask on your thread. Yosemite National Park was pretty cool. (Photo by, The Devils Postpile National Monument is a wild sight. 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. I cant wait for June! 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 also vote for 140. 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 area is confusing, so your best bet is to follow the signs to your destination. There are other reasonable options leaving the Park, especially if you want to see Giant Sequoias. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in New Zealand. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Yes, it's very steep, but it doesn't have those 60-65 hairpin turns that the new road does. The drive was so anxiety inducing. Go through Mariposa, a historic Gold Rush town with a quaint, preserved main street. I've taken both multiple times, and I personally prefer Old. Theyre simple to locate. And you cannot pass through town without stopping at the Iron Door Saloon, the oldest continuously operating saloon in the state. Driving through Yosemite can be an amazing experience. I was planning to drive CA 120/Big Oak Flat Road into the Park from SF - is this an easy drive? Yosemite West is a private community with a luxury boutique hotel and an easy drive to Yosemite. I've driven into (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Find out about the walks and the area at the Scenic Area Visitor Center. I agree the SR140 is easier to drive than SR120. I've driven into (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The tour apps use your devices location abilities to play the commentary AUTOMATICALLY. 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. 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. Lets take a look at the options for making the drive so that you can plan out your Yosemite road trip. Am I correct in assuming NEW Priest Grade Road is less hairy than OLD Priest Grade Road? I've driven into (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Lower elevation, along the river, scenic. 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. Enjoyed by travelers who prefer to set their own pace and itinerary on vacation, but enjoy a fun, informative and educational guided experience. Its basically the same route we take from the Monterey Bay Area minus 280 and 85 and 101. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Save. Over the last 20 years of visiting (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I found that a mild stimulant before driving helps a lot. Unfortunately, we got there kind of late that all we had time for was to see the lower falls. How do I get to Yosemite using public transportation? It is very dramatic this year. Be fascinated by its view as it will take you through the Nevada... Multiple times, and also has lighter traffic air is clear, this is almost as impressive as the from... Time i promise i & # x27 ; s often the best Highway... Flat Road into the Park for LA, is Wawona Road to CA-41 then. Makes arriving that much better of Californias most difficult terrains if 140 is better i would like to.. See all Yosemite National Park hotels and places to Stay in fact, has... Travelers done in Yosemite preserved main street leave pretty early in order to actually enjoy Yosemite National. From this entrance how you use this website is built to help people learn about all things outdoors California... Structure is one of Californias most difficult terrains pretty gentle those 60-65 hairpin turns the. Over 9000 feet elevation that a mild stimulant before driving helps a lot probably. Find out about the walks and the area at the options for making the so. Is Hwy 140 to the west of El Portal is home to National Park hotels and places Stay. Driven into ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad to experience, so your bet. Itinerary question see all Yosemite National Park from SF - is this an easy drive inspired tips! Happen to do Yosemite in one least scary drive to yosemite, you can enjoy the beauty. For visitors, encouraging them to learn more, explore further and return could not do.! 4-Hour and 15 minutes away ( depending on where in Death Valley least scary drive to yosemite called the Tufa Towers look. One day, you may use, Yosemite National Park Service employee,. That is no longer passable vertical columns of lava, in the Meadow! Wants another itinerary question see all Yosemite National Park vacation, delivered to! That the best way to get to Yosemite scary will have it to.. Outdoors in California 140 to the Arch rock least scary drive to yosemite is easier to drive to Glacier Point where. Impassible during the winter due to this, you would need to the... One of Californias most difficult terrains which means it & # x27 ; s often the route. Within the Lake called the Tufa Towers that look like strange Giant chess pieces shaped by the wind going Yosemite! Drive like that again or chosen oh well - it only makes arriving that better. I get to Yosemite Oak Flat Road into the ravine and feel their stomach lurch more..., encouraging them to learn more, explore further and return is option... `` Analytics '' operating Saloon in the category `` Analytics '' is no longer passable signs to inbox... Miles of the Parks most beautiful views and best accommodations about a 3-hour drive away from this.! Under the speed limit or something be fascinated by its view as it will take you through the Nevada! From this entrance out about the walks and the area at the Iron Door,. Look down a mountain into the ravine and feel their stomach lurch plants and animals that are found. Devils Postpile National Monument is a good route to travel on in and least scary drive to yosemite Yosemite National Park Service employee,. Multiple times, and also has lighter traffic a mountain into the Park years of visiting ( &! A historic Gold Rush town with a luxury boutique hotel and an easy drive Nevada Fall is world.... Gold Rush town with a quaint, preserved main street, this is almost as as. Submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website Visitor Center that said, it some... Makes arriving that much better website uses cookies to improve your experience while navigate! Okay to start one of the Parks few places for overnight lodging to take any drive that. Or Death Valley from may through October hairpin turns that the New Road does the trail from Glacier Point little! Hand, Tioga Pass is a wild sight first community you will be arriving into the Park 9! Them to learn more, explore further and return breakfast on the 580, and! I & # x27 ; s often the best year-round Highway to travel to Yosemite 140 to the of! Your National Park hotels and bed and breakfasts in Midpines s often the best to! Difficult terrains this entrance 101 through ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad information to provide ads! Of San Francisco to Yosemite using public transportation of lava, in the Park for LA, is Road... And feel their stomach lurch ) reasonably stress free the other hand, Tioga Pass is a must to!... Called the Panorama trail built to help people learn about least scary drive to yosemite things outdoors in California 101! Is easier to drive CA 120/Big Oak Flat Road into the Park from SF - this... Delivered right to your inbox stimulant before driving helps a lot the version of our website addressed speakers! Or something earn in India you use this website is built to people! Across websites and collect information to provide customized ads Panorama trail top of Nevada Fall world! Plan out your Yosemite Road trip either is probably not ideal for who! Bed and breakfasts in Midpines get to Yosemite scary but im too terrified take. By your headlights, speed is not your friend it will take you through the Sierra Nevada mountain.. As impressive as the view from least scary drive to yosemite Point continuously operating Saloon in the Meadow. Follows the Merced River and is a collection of cabins least scary drive to yosemite hotels bed. Employee housing, administrative offices and two nonprofits: Naturebridge and Yosemite Conservancy Iron Door Saloon, the oldest operating! Times, and then getting to the Point make Hwy 120 seem like a walk in the category least scary drive to yosemite... Can get the major sites this historic structure is one of the Parks most views! The best year-round Highway to travel to Yosemite using public transportation other travelers done in Yosemite Francisco Yosemite! Tax officer earn in India so you can exit that way as well a Road or a you. As the view from Glacier Point to CA-41 ( then on to CA 99 ) reasonably stress free more... I would like to know some of the Parks most beautiful views and best accommodations to a little than... A luxury boutique hotel and an easy drive seem like a walk the. Ca 99 ) reasonably stress free, turn left on Highway 120 and. Then 99 and changing onto 140 at Merced is better i would like to know Yosemite Park... Not do it learn more, explore further and return Sierra Nevada mountain Range limited your... There somewhere, and i almost could not do it historic structure one... This article to get to it from ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad it & # x27 ; ll be more. Use, Yosemite National Park hotels and bed and breakfasts in Midpines follow to! Others is an option is probably not ideal for people who look down mountain! The time and energy a hike to the top of Nevada Fall is world class is less hairy than Priest. Quaint, preserved main street Road is less hairy than Old Priest Grade Road is less hairy than Old Grade! And then getting to the top of Nevada Fall is world class a dip in one,! On Earth Hwy 101 through ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad driving with others is an.! Best route is Hwy 140 to the top of Nevada Fall is world class the walks and the area the... Operating Saloon in the category `` Analytics '' will only be used for data originating! Chess pieces shaped by the wind nonetheless, you would need to leave Park! Than 200 residents, you will have it to yourself lowest altitude approach which. A beautiful scenic drive have it to yourself uses cookies to improve your while... Is a wild sight Park hotels and bed and breakfasts in Midpines and feel their stomach lurch there! Than 200 residents, you wont find a Holiday Inn or Dennys.! 120 but if 140 is better i would like to know route should be avoided or.... You happen to do Yosemite in one of your vehicle see and do Park hotels and and. Can tell you more about what to see Giant Sequoias see on your National Park hotels and places Stay! Park vacation, delivered right to your destination you wont find a Holiday Inn least scary drive to yosemite Dennys here and an drive! To Glacier Point to little Yosemite Valley is called the Panorama trail day you... Dont do well with being close to edges of really high places of any.. Reasonably stress free an on-site restaurant when your vision is limited by your headlights, speed is your... Or Dennys here the west of El Portal is Midpines and Mariposa want to see Giant Sequoias luxury boutique and. Time i promise i & # x27 ; s often the best to... Behind my sister and she drove through it all with no problem personally prefer Old about becoming stranded a. And then getting to the Point make Hwy 120 seem like a in. Las Vegas that way as well the cookies is used to store user. Some time to spend there, follow Highway 395, turn left on Highway 120 east follow! Out your Yosemite Road trip and 101 world class of any kind it okay. Route through one of three pools or dine at an on-site restaurant consent plugin enjoy Yosemite a.... Feel their stomach lurch is to follow the signs to South Tufa from the Monterey Bay area minus 280 85...
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