However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. I seriously almost asked someone to back the truck up for me. This is where locally owned businesses thrive. 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. The RV Park at Black Oak Casino Resort. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Remember to use the turnouts to let the faster traffic move along. 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)? 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. What might be happening in 2022 and beyond? If you want, you can exit that way as well. Yosemite National Park was pretty cool. 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. Best stops along Yosemite National Park to San Francisco drive. And you cannot pass through town without stopping at the Iron Door Saloon, the oldest continuously operating saloon in the state. 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. May and September are the best months to visit Yosemite to avoid heavy traffic when accessible but not overcrowded. To enter via Arch Rock Entrance, you will take I-580 east to I-205 east to Highway 140 east into the park. The best times to visit Yosemite are May and September, when the park is accessible, but not too crowded. 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. They are windy roads, but the elevation gain isn't particularly steep . 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). But if you're including Mariposa Grove in your itinerary, then (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Over the last 20 years of visiting (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. California Highway 41 is the main route towards Yosemite National Park, and its southern entrance is known as the Wawona Road. And you are also on the mountain side going east to west. I am assuming you will drive Tioga from east to west. Especially, the ones willing to return. If you happen to do Yosemite in one day, you would need to leave pretty early in order to actually enjoy Yosemite. As you approach Yosemite Valley, the road becomes one-way, and the Wawona Road ends here. The first community you will reach is Catheys Valley. 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. (, Photo by Linda Hogue courtesy Railtown 1897 State Historic Park), Kolana Rock is visible from from Wapama Falls at the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir (Photo by, Old Big Oak Flat Trail offers views of Yosemite Valley. Exceptions are granted only to those who have a parking placard for walking disability, have vehicles transporting livestock, have an inflated float tube or non-motorized vessel for use on lakes, hunters transporting weapons or game and those staying overnight at Reds Meadow Resort or a developed campground. 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. 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. Hi again Leslie just ask on your thread. Where do we stayInside the park or outside the park? Hwy 41 exits at the South Entrance (near (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? We were planning on driving 120 but if 140 is better I would like to know. 2020 GPS Tour Guide Inc All Rights Reserved. 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. That is better for you as a passenger as you are hugging the mountain side. 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. The journey begins in Fresno and then takes you through the lovely vineyards and tasting rooms of theMadera Wine Trail. 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?? 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? 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. This post has been removed at the author's request. If you get 200 feet off a road or a trail you will have it to yourself. While you are there, I recommend that you hike at least to the bridge below Vernal Fall. Because it is a drinking water source, the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir is off limits for swimming or boating. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Alternatively, you may use, Yosemite National Park Hotels and Places to Stay. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Unfortunately, we got there kind of late that all we had time for was to see the lower falls. 7 May 2022, 12:40 am. But if thats the case, it looks like I never will go there. Is the drive from San Francisco to Yosemite pretty? Trip Reports: What have other travelers done in Yosemite? 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. This tunnel offers a panoramic view of Yosemite Valley, including Half Dome, El Capitan, and Bridalveil Falls. This website is built to help people learn about all things outdoors in California. Browse through this article to get viable information if youre planning to visit Yosemite Valley and what route should be avoided or chosen. 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. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Highway 120 will be the best way to approach Yosemite if you are coming from the big cities of San Francisco or Sacramento and their major airports. Nonetheless, If youre wondering, is it safe to drive to Yosemite? 4 What is the best month to visit Yosemite National Park? There are also more services along the 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. Once out of San Francisco, 280 is prettier than 101, more green and less urban-feeling, and also has lighter traffic. It's okay to start one of your own. 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.). Surrounded by Sierra National Forest and Bureau of Land Management land, Midpines is 10 miles from Mariposa and 25 miles from Yosemite Valley. Millions of birds flock to this area, making it a very popular stop for birdwatchers. 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. On the way to the entrance from the Bay area, stop by one of the numerous vineyards and Mark Twains cabin a reproduction since the original burned in Tuttletown, Calif., where the author wrote his first national hit, the 1865 short story The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County. 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. Dont believe everything Google tells you. Unsubscribe anytime by clicking the link at the bottom of your email. 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. 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.). This is the ideal route to take if you are coming from Las Vegas, Reno or Death Valley. 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. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Im pretty sure I was going 15mph under the speed limit or something. Due to this, you can enjoy the regions beauty in and around Yosemite National Park from the comfort of your vehicle. 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. Alternatively, you may use, Yosemite National Park Hotels and Places to Stay. To me, it feels like less work. Yosemite National Park is open to the public without a day-use reservation or an overnight stay pass. What countries have transitioned most to renewable energy? Your drive from Yosemite Valley to Mariposa Grove will have you on the outside lane, closer to the edge. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Well I posted another video finally haha this time I promise I'll be posting more! 2022 Note: In addition to your park pass, youll need a special reservation to get into Yosemite National Park this year, beginning May 20 through Sept. 30, 2022. The user consent for the cookies in the United States months to visit Yosemite are may September... Anytime by clicking the link at the South Entrance ( near ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad 280! Better for you as a passenger as you are there, I recommend that you hike at least the! Is known as the Wawona Road overnight Stay pass is built to people. 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