So, if youre looking for a place to unwind, Mariposa Grove is a must to experience! I bet everyone wants another itinerary question See All Yosemite National Park Conversations, Overnight stop needed between Las Vegas and Yosemite. 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. 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. And you are also on the mountain side going east to west. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Yosemite is one of the finest corners of the world. 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. You don't have to walk tothe edge. This area is confusing, so your best bet is to follow the signs to your destination. And driving at night probably made it worse. Go through Mariposa, a historic Gold Rush town with a quaint, preserved main street. Instead, take Hwy 101 through (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Which airport is best for a Yosemite vacation? 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)? Least scary route in and out of Yosemite Valley. Since 1981, a mandatory shuttle services has been operating in the valley. Your drive from Yosemite Valley to Mariposa Grove will have you on the outside lane, closer to the 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)? If you want to visit Yosemite and avoid the crowds, taking the Tioga Pass is the best way to go. Buy gas and groceries there, because (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Once out of San Francisco, 280 is prettier than 101, more green and less urban-feeling, and also has lighter traffic. Google Maps sends me on the 580, 205 and 120 to Manteca, then 99 and changing onto 140 at Merced.. 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. 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. The road which emerges from the Wawona Tunnel presents the initial view of Yosemite Valley, dubbed as the Tunnel View. Im going in June though. 3 Is the drive from San Francisco to Yosemite pretty? Las Vegas is a little less than a 6-hour drive. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. 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. 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. 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 (Photo by, Here is the Mono Lake South Tufa Area. The only park entrance on the east side, it is open May through October. 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. I agree with Roadrunners route. Its basically the same route we take from the Monterey Bay Area minus 280 and 85 and 101. Hwy 41 exits at the South Entrance (near (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Save. Let's Summarize: Road Trip to Yosemite Here are 7 epic road trips to Yosemite that you can take: 1. What is the best month to visit Yosemite? This way is a moderate 4-mile one-way hike. 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! I usually have no problem with mountain driving and enjoy making the drive into the park on the 41. Especially if its 140. Then to leave the Park for LA, is Wawona Road to CA-41 (then on to CA 99) reasonably stress free? 1 Is the drive from San Francisco to Yosemite scary? Check out the 1854 courthouse, which is still in use, or sample local wines and craft beers at The Alley. Google Maps sends me on the 580, 205 and 120 to Manteca, then 99 and changing onto 140 at Merced.. 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. 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 want to visit more places like this or visit Yosemite again, I'd recommend practicing on curvy, hilly roads to go to some day hike areas. However, summers can be extremely hot here due to the low elevation. The stations has maps and sells books. Aside from this, another entrance you can take is the Hetch Hetchy entrance. Get inspired with tips about where to go and what to see on your national park vacation, delivered right to your inbox. 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. Groveland is also a lovely place to take a break from driving and check out the oldest saloon in California. Mariposa Museum & History Center. I agree the SR140 is easier to drive than SR120. This historic Yosemite route follows the old railway tracks. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Lower elevation, along the river, scenic. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Mile 16.7 - Yosemite West. What can I do in fall, winter, or spring? Millions of birds flock to this area, making it a very popular stop for birdwatchers. You may close your eyes for some of the passes but you will be in awe once you are in the valley. 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)? Where are the Yosemite National Park traveler articles? (Photo by, The Devils Postpile National Monument is a wild sight. 120 is more going up/down mountains. It is open year round, but during the winter, it is only open during daylight hours. Mile 17.2 - Glacier Point Road. I've driven into (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Today, all users with annual and lifetime pass holders will need to make day-use reservations with a three-day validity period. Why is IVF not recommended for women over 42? What is the best month to visit Yosemite? I've driven into Yosemite before (from SF, then out towards Death Valley) and remember some of the driving in to be quite hair-raising, with sheer drops/a lack of barriers, tight turns, sharp inclines etc (it was back in 2014 so think I came in via Old Priest Grade Road). I'm not bothered about traffic it's the sheer drops and sharp corners at great heights that concern me! Will I need tire chains to visit in winter? The trail from Glacier Point to Little Yosemite Valley is called the Panorama Trail. You may also stop in Lee Vining for a view of Mono Lake, a salty remnant of an ancient sea. Hi again Leslie just ask on your thread. Tioga Pass, located at the eastern end of Highway 120, is another entrance to Yosemite National Park. I agree the SR140 is easier to drive than SR120. 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. What is a good route to travel to Yosemite from Las Vegas? I'm not bothered about traffic it's the sheer drops and sharp corners at great heights that concern me! I am assuming you will drive Tioga from east to west. This road returns to some private residences before reaching the trailhead for Chilnualna Falls. Hwy 140 goes along the Merced River and is a beautiful scenic drive. Get a free Yosemite National Park trip planner with inspiring itineraries and essential information. 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. 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. It's a great way to roll. Going the other way was easy peasy. 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)? 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. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Thank you PacificNWFamily, ALTippet and Frisco_Roadrunner really, really helpful and I definitely think 140 is the way to go. 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. 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. *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). Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Try doing it in the summer when there are . 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. 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. Yosemite National Park is open to the public without a day-use reservation or an overnight stay pass. Reno is about 140 miles and about a 3-hour drive away from this entrance. Re: Driving From San Francisco to Yosemite Is it safe? (Photo courtesy Yosemite Sugar Pine Railroad), The sun sets over Tenaya Lake off Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park. Am I correct in assuming NEW Priest Grade Road is less hairy than OLD Priest Grade Road? Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. 1/10/23. Well recommend the places worth stopping for and share the background stories so you have the best possible day of sightseeing. To the west of El Portal is Midpines and Mariposa. Highway 140 will also take you through Midpines Summit and the mining towns of Sherlock, Whitlock and Colorado. It's okay to start one of your own. 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 is the best month to visit Yosemite National Park? Its a shame because Yosemite was so beautiful and I would love to go there again. 1. Its not worth the anxiety. When your vision is limited by your headlights, speed is not your friend. Along the way, you will pass Tuolumne Meadows before reaching the Tioga Pass Entrance all the way on the east side of the park. Enjoyed by travelers who prefer to set their own pace and itinerary on vacation, but enjoy a fun, informative and educational guided experience. Dont believe everything Google tells you. It'll take around 5 hours without breaks to get there. To me, it feels like less work. 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Chilnualna Falls account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part Conversations... A lovely place to unwind, Mariposa Grove will have you on the mountain going.