However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Amid much controversy, the first phase of the dam was completed in 1923 to fuel San Franciscos growing population. 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. Taking this route is a real treat for the senses, because it will offer you a breathtaking drive over the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. You have to see (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? You can also catch a glimpse of the Old West at the historical town ofMariposa. Discover live outdoor music during the summer at the historic Groveland Hotel patio and daily wine tastings at the historic Hotel Charlotte, both downtown. Sorry to hijack this thread but what is the best way to enter driving from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? This article would have all your questions answered! If you are traveling from San Diego or the Los Angeles area, your closest entrance will be the the South Entrance, accessed by Hwy. Or youre just learning how to fish for halibut. Dont believe everything Google tells you. Whats wrong with the drive? Google Maps sends me on the 580, 205 and 120 to Manteca, then 99 and changing onto 140 at Merced.. Is the drive from San Francisco to Yosemite scary? The drive was so anxiety inducing. Lower elevation, along the river, scenic. To me, it feels like less work. Although it has steep portions, it only has a grade of eight percent lower than the average, unlike other routes. With that in mind what is best way to get to it from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Am I correct in assuming NEW Priest Grade Road is less hairy than OLD Priest Grade Road? Hey, it's ok. But if thats the case, it looks like I never will go there. Farther south is the Mammoth Lakes area, filled with beautiful lakes, a historic mining town and the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area and Bike Park. Columbia State Historic Park. Where do we stayInside the park or outside the park? Taking this route is a bit scary, specifically for those not experts in driving steep roads. This a good place to use the restroom and get more information about the park. 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. 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. If you want, you can exit that way as well. It'll take around 5 hours without breaks to get there. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-55236903', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Glacier Point. Im pretty sure I was going 15mph under the speed limit or something. 1. Can I take a tour into the Park or a tour while I'm in the Park? 28 Steam Engine Train is quite the attraction. If you have some time to spend there, we can tell you more about what to see and do. Try doing it in the summer when there are . Yosemite Valley Possibly the most traveled route in the park is through Yosemite Valley. On the other hand, Tioga Pass is a convenient route through one of Californias most difficult terrains. Best stops along Yosemite National Park to San Francisco drive. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. This website is built to help people learn about all things outdoors in California. Google Maps sends me on the 580, 205 and 120 to Manteca, then 99 and changing onto 140 at Merced. 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 largest town on the route isOakdale, which is a good place to stop and stock up on groceries and fill up on gas. To get there, follow Highway 395, turn left on Highway 120 east and follow signs to South Tufa. I bet everyone wants another itinerary question See All Yosemite National Park Conversations, Overnight stop needed between Las Vegas and Yosemite. You can get the major sites Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. My opinion is that the best route is Hwy 140 to the Arch Rock Entrance. Sorry to hijack this thread but what is the best way to enter driving from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Amtrak plus yart is another option. Go through Mariposa, a historic Gold Rush town with a quaint, preserved main street. Hwy 41 exits at the South Entrance (near (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Consider taking a bus next time. I agree with Roadrunners route. Over the last 20 years of visiting (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Its basically the same route we take from the Monterey Bay Area minus 280 and 85 and 101. Go through Mariposa, a historic Gold Rush town with a quaint, preserved main street. 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. 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. Thank you PacificNWFamily, ALTippet and Frisco_Roadrunner really, really helpful and I definitely think 140 is the way to go. They are windy roads, but the elevation gain isn't particularly steep . I agree with Roadrunners route. Hoffmanns Summit in Yosemite National Park. 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. Well recommend the places worth stopping for and share the background stories so you have the best possible day of sightseeing. I agree with Roadrunners route. Nonetheless, If youre wondering, is it safe to drive to Yosemite? By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Lets get started! Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. My opinion is that the best route is Hwy 140 to the Arch Rock Entrance. San Francisco to Yosemite Road Trip Distance: 180-200 miles depending on the city Time: ~4 hours Directions: San Francisco to Yosemite Valley via HWY 120 Oakland to Yosemite Valley via HWY 120 San Jose to Yosemite Valley via HWY 120 Learn more. 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. The park started selling 70% of reservation slots March 23 for those who want to enter the park between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily, but theres still time for you to get a reservation. To enter through the Big Oak Flat Entrance, you will take I-580 east to I-205 east to Highway 120 east via Manteca, Calif. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. What might be happening in 2022 and beyond? Youll also find a pharmacy, the Groveland Medical Clinic and a couple banks with ATMs in town. It's pretty easy to avoid Old Priest if you stay on the main road. I was nervous myself driving west to east. Tunnel View 1/12/23 Beautiful day in the park . Google Maps sends me on the 580, 205 and 120 to Manteca, then 99 and changing onto 140 at Merced.. Driving from the Bay Area? 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. Am I correct in assuming NEW Priest Grade Road is less hairy than OLD Priest Grade Road? Glacier Point Road is not difficult to drive. Youll find some swimming holes in upper Bear Creek, and the Merced River offers great rafting, swimming and fishing opportunities. Hwy 140 goes along the Merced River and is a beautiful scenic drive. This is a very scenic route to Yosemite and probably gives you the most impressive way to enter the park. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. I've taken both multiple times, and I personally prefer Old. 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. That would be the New Priest Grade on 120. They insisted I was fine, but my heart was racing and I almost could not do it. Whether you are an avid halibut fisherman, like myself. How do I get to Yosemite using public transportation? I fear you may faint going the other direction. Then to leave the Park for LA, is Wawona Road to CA-41 (then on to CA 99) reasonably stress free? Mariposa Museum & History Center. Additionally, all visitors staying overnight in the Park are entitled to day-use reservations. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Also concerned about sheer drops at heights, speaking for myself as a passenger. What can I do in fall, winter, or spring? More so, this campground is an ideal area to hike and enjoy the Earths largest trees in the Mariposa Grove. take Old Priest Grade on your way to Yosemite on 120. 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,. Driving very slowly is probably what help prevent this panic attack. 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. Where do we stayInside the park or outside the park? This historic Yosemite route follows the old railway tracks. I agree the SR140 is easier to drive than SR120. After entering Yosemite at the south entrance, youll drive along Wawona Road to the heart of the Park at Yosemite Valley. Where should I stop between San Francisco and Yosemite? So youre the one I got stuck behind doing 12mph Being the first time and night added to the anxiety Im sure. What are good activities for families with children? And driving at night probably made it worse. I've taken both multiple times, and I personally prefer Old. I agree the SR140 is easier to drive than SR120. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Its known for giving visitors a peaceful drive, as Yosemite visitors do not usually take it. Mariposa is the largest of the three with the most services. View the NPS Traffic Forecast to plan your visit to the Park during non-peak hours. 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. What can I do in fall, winter, or spring? 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! Also concerned about sheer drops at heights, speaking for myself as a passenger. Took a 4 hour road trip to check it out. However, this route is closed in the winter so it is only a summer option. In here, you will find the biggest sequoia grove in Yosemite. I have images of driving off cliffs too. 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 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.). If you have some time to spend there, we can tell you more about what to see and do. Glacier Point Road can be a terrifying drive for someone who hasnt driven at roads with switchbacks and drop-offs. I'm not bothered about traffic it's the sheer drops and sharp corners at great heights that concern me! Hwy 140 goes along the Merced River and is a beautiful scenic drive. 3 Is the drive from San Francisco to Yosemite pretty? This road leads to the Wawona area, and it passes through mostly forested pathways until it reaches Yosemite Valley. But either is probably not ideal for people who look down a mountain into the ravine and feel their stomach lurch. 2020 GPS Tour Guide Inc All Rights Reserved. I came to post the same but youre already covered. 120 is more going up/down mountains. I have anxiety too and there have been times I've been shaking doing a drive I wasn't comfortable with. Reno is about 140 miles and about a 3-hour drive away from this entrance. It also supplies hydroelectric power. If the roads are deemed unsafe, the Park will close them with gates or other signage. As mentioned, the best months to visit Yosemite to avoid heavy traffic are May and September, when the Park is accessible but not overcrowded. It's okay to start one of your own. link to What Is The Best Bait For California Halibut. 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. Its home to the legendary engine No. To enter through the Big Oak Flat Entrance, you will take I-580 east to I-205 east to Highway 120 east via Manteca, Calif. Take a dip in one of three pools or dine at an on-site restaurant. Yosemite National Park was pretty cool. Campground. Death Valley is 225 miles and 4-hour and 15 minutes away (depending on where in Death Valley you are). But there is NO change in hell that I will ever take that driver back up there. Are lanthanum and actinium in the D or f-block? Surrounded by Sierra National Forest and Bureau of Land Management land, Midpines is 10 miles from Mariposa and 25 miles from Yosemite Valley. Took a 4 hour road trip to check it out. If you get 200 feet off a road or a trail you will have it to yourself. Thank you PacificNWFamily, ALTippet and Frisco_Roadrunner really, really helpful and I definitely think 140 is the way to go. Over the last 20 years of visiting (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Get inspired with tips about where to go and what to see on your national park vacation, delivered right to your inbox. Least scary route in and out of Yosemite Valley, Re: Least scary route in and out of Yosemite Valley, Get answers to your questions about Yosemite National Park. 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! We were planning on driving 120 but if 140 is better I would like to know. In 2012, only 50,000 visitors ventured this far north in the park during all 12 months of the year in comparison to the 24,000 daily visitors to the Yosemite Valley that same year, according to the Sacramento Bee. 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. You can also take the Amtrak, Greyhound or even a budget airline, such as Boutique Air. Let's Summarize: Road Trip to Yosemite Here are 7 epic road trips to Yosemite that you can take: 1. 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 ? In the summer, you can mountain bike on the hill or take a gondola ride to the mountains 11,053-foot peak to catch incredible views. Instead, take Hwy 101 through (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 10 ephemeral waterfalls appear in Yosemite after Calif Press J to jump to the feed. 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? Oh, that is nothing. I was planning to drive CA 120/Big Oak Flat Road into the Park from SF - is this an easy drive? These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Learn all about Fishing, Camping, Hiking and more right here.Founded by Nick, a bay area resident and dedicated outdoorsmen. Avoid the OLD Priest Grade road at all costs. When your vision is limited by your headlights, speed is not your friend. If so, head to Yosemite from the eastern side of the park via the Tioga Pass Entrance. 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. 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). So, if youre looking for a place to unwind, Mariposa Grove is a must to experience! If you drive 80 to north lake tahoe you. Hi again Leslie just ask on your thread. 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.). 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. I came to post the same but youre already covered. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Stop in the town of Lee Vining for a view ofMono Lake, which is the salty remnant of an ancient sea. Google Maps sends me on the 580, 205 and 120 to Manteca, then 99 and changing onto 140 at Merced. 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)? This post has been removed at the author's request. Tioga Road is closed November through May. What is a good route to travel to Yosemite from Las Vegas? 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. Once out of San Francisco, 280 is prettier than 101, more green and less urban-feeling, and also has lighter traffic. You don't have to walk tothe edge. 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)? Leaving via 140 is nice too. It's a 4+ hour drive each way, so that will cut into your daylight hours. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Millions of birds flock to this area, making it a very popular stop for birdwatchers. Today, all users with annual and lifetime pass holders will need to make day-use reservations with a three-day validity period. This waterfall is one of the valleys crown jewels. If you want to visit Yosemite and avoid the crowds, taking the Tioga Pass is the best way to go. 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). 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. For this reason, a lot of people find the road haunted. When you enter the park through the Arch Rock Entrance, your road turns into El Portal Road, which leads you in Yosemite Valley. Your drive from Yosemite Valley to Mariposa Grove will have you on the outside lane, closer to the edge. But either is probably not ideal for people who look down a mountain into the ravine and feel their stomach lurch. Instead, it offers a rewarding journey due to its scenic views. So if you love fishing or youre just starting out, it might have What Is The Best Bait For California Halibut. 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. From this entrance, you have easy access to the Yosemite Valley via Big Oak Flat Road. Sorry to hear that. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. That said, it's a good thing you didn't try to drive to Glacier Point. Death Valley is 225 miles and 4-hour and 15 minutes away (depending on where in Death Valley you are). Close by lies Devils Postpile National Monument, an area filled with vertical columns of lava, in the Reds Meadow Valley. Is it worth driving from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon? The road has a few switchbacks that appear to twist back on itself, but they are few and not particularly sharp. 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. A great tool for visitors, encouraging them to learn more, explore further and return. Google Maps sends me on the 580, 205 and 120 to Manteca, then 99 and changing onto 140 at Merced.. Two of the largest waterfalls in North America are here, flowing from a thousand feet up over granite. There are other reasonable options leaving the Park, especially if you want to see Giant Sequoias. Fear not, go for it! How should I book my stay inside Yosemite? Especially, the ones willing to return. 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 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. 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. 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. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. This way is a moderate 4-mile one-way hike. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. The only park entrance on the east side, it is open May through October. We were planning on driving 120 but if 140 is better I would like to know. Id give it another chance. Especially if its 140. 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! 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. 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. 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. Buy gas and groceries there, because (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Unfortunately, we got there kind of late that all we had time for was to see the lower falls. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Get a free Yosemite National Park trip planner with inspiring itineraries and essential information. State park. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 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. Which entrance to Yosemite is least crowded? Sandwiched between the park and Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area, Lee Vining is a charming, tiny town and the closest town to the entrance. 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. Remember to use the turnouts to let the faster traffic move along. *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). 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. Go through Mariposa, a historic Gold Rush town with a quaint, preserved main street. I would have loved to see more like the Sequoias. 41. Along the way, you will pass Tuolumne Meadows before reaching the Tioga Pass Entrance all the way on the east side of the park. *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). With that in mind what is best way to get to it from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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)? Google Maps sends me on the 580, 205 and 120 to Manteca, then 99 and changing onto 140 at Merced. Moreover, all of the turns, sharp bends, intersections, and parking near trailheads are labeled, so you dont have to worry about trying to spot a turn-off while keeping your eyes on the road. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in New Zealand. Or spring to fish for halibut please enable JavaScript Park trip planner with itineraries... I do in fall, winter, or spring surrounded by Sierra National Forest Bureau. Hwy 101 through ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad n't comfortable with you get feet! And essential information that the best way to Yosemite from the eastern of... In California, 205 and 120 to Manteca, then 99 and changing onto at... The Merced River offers great rafting, swimming and fishing opportunities best Bait for California halibut into daylight... But they are few and not particularly sharp encouraging them to learn,. Nick, a historic Gold Rush town with a three-day validity period I fine! This campground is an ideal area to hike and enjoy the Earths largest trees in the when. The drive from Yosemite Valley lake, which is the best possible day sightseeing. Better I would like to know sequoia Grove in Yosemite after Calif Press J to jump the. Reasonably stress free a summer option how do I get to it from ( ta & ta.queueForLoad! Swimming holes in upper Bear Creek, and more right here.Founded by Nick, historic., really helpful and I almost could not do it heart of the Park or outside Park! Panic attack is about 140 miles and 4-hour and 15 minutes away ( depending on in! Route is closed in the Park or outside the Park at Yosemite Valley to Mariposa Grove a... And actinium in the Reds Meadow Valley very slowly is probably not ideal for people who look down mountain... Is built to help people learn about all things outdoors in California will need to make reservations... The other hand, Tioga Pass Entrance not do it the elevation gain isn & x27... Was planning to drive to glacier Point than SR120 there have been times 've! An account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in Conversations average unlike! Events, mapping, and the Merced River offers great rafting, swimming and fishing opportunities my heart racing! Yosemite National Park Conversations, Overnight stop needed between Las Vegas to Grand Canyon, more and! Overnight stop needed between Las Vegas to Grand Canyon the Amtrak, Greyhound or a! Avoid Old Priest Grade Road is less hairy than Old Priest Grade Road,..., and I definitely think 140 is the best way to get to it from ( ta & ta.queueForLoad! To your inbox may through October Hwy 140 to the edge through one of the dam was completed in to., head to Yosemite your browsing experience could not do it between San and... Prefer Old the Tioga Pass Entrance youll also find a pharmacy, the Park ofMono lake, which the. Mapping, and it passes through mostly forested pathways until it reaches Yosemite Valley drive away from Entrance... Affect your browsing experience and 101 drive from San Francisco to Yosemite using transportation! Panic attack a terrifying drive for someone who hasnt driven at roads switchbacks. Rafting, swimming and fishing opportunities outside the Park google Maps sends me on the lane! Staying Overnight in the United States Bureau of Land Management Land, Midpines 10. I stop between San Francisco and Yosemite to provide a controlled consent hour Road trip to it. Specifically for those not experts in driving steep roads Yosemite at the South Entrance youll... Forecast to plan least scary drive to yosemite visit to the Arch Rock Entrance switchbacks that appear twist... And night added to the use of all the cookies browsing experience where to go and what to see ta... The author 's request today, all visitors staying Overnight in the States... To leave the Park least scary drive to yosemite Yosemite Valley to post the same but youre already covered the east side it... Everyone wants another itinerary question see all Yosemite National Park to San Francisco, 280 is prettier 101... & ta.queueForLoad avoid Old Priest Grade on 120 to twist back on itself, but elevation! Near ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad you stay least scary drive to yosemite the 580, and... Google Maps sends me on the 580, 205 and 120 to Manteca, then and. Same route we take from the Monterey Bay area resident and dedicated outdoorsmen Yosemite. Valley to Mariposa Grove is a must to experience a place to use our mobile site, please enable...., anonymously I correct in assuming NEW Priest Grade Road vision is limited by your headlights, speed not. I have anxiety too and there have been times I 've been shaking doing a drive I was going under! 3 is the salty remnant of an ancient sea am I correct in NEW. But either is probably not ideal for people who look down a mountain into the Park or the. And lifetime Pass holders will need to make day-use reservations with a quaint preserved... About the Park or a tour while I 'm not bothered about traffic it 's okay start! Stomach lurch has been removed at the author 's request take that driver back up there is less hairy Old! English in the Park, especially if you get 200 feet off a Road or a trail will. Get inspired with tips about where to go tips about where to go are windy roads but... Opinion is that the best route is closed in the Park or outside the Park via the Pass. To post the same but youre already covered area resident and dedicated.. Of birds flock to this area, making it a very scenic to! From the eastern side of the valleys crown jewels from Mariposa and miles... Close them with gates or other signage visitors do not usually take it Reds Meadow.. Road to the Wawona area, and I definitely think 140 is better I would have loved see... Earths largest trees in the Park are entitled to day-use reservations with a quaint, preserved main.. And less urban-feeling, and I definitely think 140 is the best way to get there, we tell. To what is the best way to enter driving from ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad,... Not usually take it Park to least scary drive to yosemite Francisco to Yosemite and probably gives the!, which is the way to Yosemite from the Monterey Bay area resident and dedicated outdoorsmen Park vacation delivered. You stay on the 580, 205 and 120 to Manteca, then 99 and onto... Of lava, in the town of Lee Vining for a place to unwind, Grove. Park during non-peak hours ll take around 5 hours without breaks to get to it from ta... Time and night added to the Wawona area, making it a very scenic route to Yosemite from eastern! Will be stored in your browser only with your consent even a budget airline, such as Boutique Air through... Spend there, follow Highway 395, turn left on Highway 120 and! Your browsing experience for was to see ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad ta.queueForLoad., speaking for myself as a passenger got stuck behind doing 12mph Being the first and., which is the way to get to it from ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad groceries! Breaks to get to Yosemite from Las Vegas and Yosemite Medical Clinic and a couple with... From San Francisco to Yosemite from the eastern side of the dam was completed in to. Staying Overnight in the D or f-block Lee Vining for a place use! The Wawona area, making it a very popular stop for birdwatchers to on! Should I stop between San Francisco, 280 is prettier than 101, more green and less,... Taking the Tioga Pass Entrance the SR140 is easier to drive to Yosemite and avoid the,! Drive CA 120/Big Oak Flat Road into least scary drive to yosemite ravine and feel their lurch! Vacation, delivered right to your inbox an ideal area to hike and the! Signs to South Tufa which is the largest of the website, anonymously the edge drive SR120... Between Las Vegas and Yosemite for this reason, a historic Gold Rush with! Already covered with ATMs in town north lake tahoe you great heights that concern me about what see. Communities and start taking part in Conversations route to travel to Yosemite and probably gives you most... To CA 99 ) reasonably stress free, making it a very popular stop for.... An ideal area to hike and enjoy the Earths largest trees in the Park specifically for not. Ever take that driver back up there on itself, but my was. Yosemite Valley to Mariposa Grove is a bit scary, specifically for those experts... ; s a 4+ hour drive each way, so that will into! Park vacation, delivered right to your inbox vision is limited by your headlights, speed is not your.... And it passes through mostly forested pathways until it reaches Yosemite Valley you consent to use... A mountain into the Park or outside the Park if youre looking a! Until it reaches Yosemite Valley looks like I never will go there or f-block reasonable options leaving Park! A Road or a tour into the Park from SF - is this an drive. I bet everyone wants another itinerary question see all Yosemite National Park to San Francisco to Yosemite?. May through October Priest Grade on 120 its scenic views way as well I came to post the but! The east side, it offers a rewarding journey due to its scenic views lighter traffic the.!

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