Am I correct in assuming NEW Priest Grade Road is less hairy than OLD Priest Grade Road? 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. Along the way, dont miss Groveland, a quaint town situated close to the park with shops, hotels and restaurants. 4) Little Yosemite Valley Trail. more, Reply to: Least scary route in and out of Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park Destination Experts. But if you're including Mariposa Grove in your itinerary, then (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I bet everyone wants another itinerary question See All Yosemite National Park Conversations, Overnight stop needed between Las Vegas 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. 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. However, this route is closed in the winter so it is only a summer option. You can make a reservation at recreation.gov. Thank you PacificNWFamily, ALTippet and Frisco_Roadrunner really, really helpful and I definitely think 140 is the way to go. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. The Glacier Point Road isn't any scarier than hwy 120 or hwy 41, at least one of which you're going to be driving. If you visited the giant sequoias in Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon previously, this is the way that you would be approaching. Took a 4 hour road trip to check it out. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. Can I take a tour into the Park or a tour while I'm in the Park? It has art galleries, bookstores and gold panning activities. Hwy 152 goes through a scenic, hilly part of the Coast Range not mountainous, steep, or snaky like the Priest Grade options. Inhabited for more than 6,000 years, the Hetch Hetchy Valley was home to Native Americans until the 1850s when settlers arrived in the area. 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. It provides the lowest altitude approach, which means its often the best year-round highway to travel on. I came to post the same but youre already covered. So yeah this trip to Yosemite was insane and so beautiful! Whats wrong with the drive? Reno is about 140 miles and about a 3-hour drive away from this entrance. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Buy gas and groceries there, because (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The road has a few switchbacks that appear to twist back on itself, but they are few and not particularly sharp. Will I need tire chains to visit in winter? 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. Lower than other areas in the park and much less crowded, this area has a long hiking season from early spring through fall. Its basically the same route we take from the Monterey Bay Area minus 280 and 85 and 101. Find out about the walks and the area at the Scenic Area Visitor Center. What is a good route to travel to Yosemite from Las Vegas? The legendary saloon opened its doors in 1852. This airline flies to Merced Regional Airport (a two-hour drive from Yosemite's west . Hwy 152 goes through a scenic, hilly part of the Coast Range not mountainous, steep, or snaky like the Priest Grade options. Which is the most cooperative country in the world? 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.). Highway 140 will also take you through Midpines Summit and the mining towns of Sherlock, Whitlock and Colorado. You'll get used to driving on these types of roads eventually. 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. 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. Bring your own water to drink as theres no shade. Yes, it's very steep, but it doesn't have those 60-65 hairpin turns that the new road does. The snow looked amazing. (, Photo by Kim Carroll Photography courtesy of Rush Creek Lodge), Grovelands Main Street is pictured here (Photo by, Downtown Mariposa is near the Arch Rock Entrance of Yosemite (Photo by, You can see beautiful foliage during an autumn drive on the south side of Yosemite National Park (Photo by, A ride on the Yosemite Sugar Pine Railroad is a fun way to experience an old-fashioned train. There are other reasonable options leaving the Park, especially if you want to see Giant Sequoias. What is the best month to visit Yosemite? 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. It does not store any personal data. That said, it's a good thing you didn't try to drive to Glacier Point. Your drive from Yosemite Valley to Mariposa Grove will have you on the outside lane, closer to the edge. But Im too terrified to take any drive like that again. 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. 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. There are also more services along the route. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Trip Reports: What have other travelers done in Yosemite? But lots of people have no problem. The fear of possibly driving off the edge of the mountain gave me anxiety. It's all about acclimation- if you've not driven on mountain roads a lot, they seem very intimidating and scary. 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. 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. I came to post the same but youre already covered. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Hong Kong. Several historic structures still stand and have been turned into restaurants, shops and bars. But either is probably not ideal for people who look down a mountain into the ravine and feel their stomach lurch. 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. (Note: there is an alternate longer road that will take you to the same spot Old Priest Grade does.) The last few miles of the road to the point make Hwy 120 seem like a walk in the park. I agree the SR140 is easier to drive than SR120. What is the best month to visit Yosemite? These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. 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. Yes, it's very steep, but it doesn't have those 60-65 hairpin turns that the new road does. Especially, the ones willing to return. Browse through this article to get viable information if youre planning to visit Yosemite Valley and what route should be avoided or chosen. What can I do in fall, winter, or spring? 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. Along the way, you will pass Tuolumne Meadows before reaching the Tioga Pass Entrance all the way on the east side of the park. I was planning to drive CA 120/Big Oak Flat Road into the Park from SF - is this an easy 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). If you have the time and energy a hike to the top of Nevada Fall is world class. However, the scenic routes may not be a peaceful drive in heavy traffic. What might be happening in 2022 and beyond? DISTANCE: 8.5 miles. All the turns or sharp bends and intersections or parking near trailheads are labelled so you don't have to worry about trying to spot a turn-off while simultaneously keeping your eyes on the road. Aside from this, another entrance you can take is the Hetch Hetchy entrance. But there is NO change in hell that I will ever take that driver back up there. This scenic route skirts around the Northern edge of Mariposa County and passes through the lovely towns of Buck Meadows andGroveland. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. What is the best month to visit Yosemite National Park? I also vote for 140. 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. There is another entrance to the park atTioga Pass, which is located on the eastern end of Highway 120. 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. More so, this campground is an ideal area to hike and enjoy the Earths largest trees in the Mariposa Grove. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. But there is NO change in hell that I will ever take that driver back up there. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Hey, it's ok. 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. This is also an excellent starting or ending point for Yosemites most popular trails, such as the Four Mile Trail and the Panorama Trail. I hear you, driving with others is an option. It features people and life back in the days of the Gold Rush and late 1800s. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Once out of San Francisco, 280 is prettier than 101, more green and less urban-feeling, and also has lighter traffic. 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? How do I get to Yosemite using public transportation? This is the ideal route to take if you are coming from Las Vegas, Reno or Death Valley. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. A lot of people make their way there every year. I was nervous myself driving west to east. The first community you will reach is Catheys Valley. 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-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. So youre the one I got stuck behind doing 12mph Being the first time and night added to the anxiety Im sure. From this entrance, you have easy access to the Yosemite Valley via Big Oak Flat Road. You also can reach Tioga Road, which heads farther north and east, cutting through the park. 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)? Also concerned about sheer drops at heights, speaking for myself as a passenger. It is very dramatic this year. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. Let's Summarize: Road Trip to Yosemite Here are 7 epic road trips to Yosemite that you can take: 1. What is a good route to travel to Yosemite from Las Vegas? Hi again Leslie just ask on your thread. 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.). Columbia State Historic Park. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Australia. If you want to visit Yosemite and avoid the crowds, taking the Tioga Pass is the best way to go. Although it has steep portions, it only has a grade of eight percent lower than the average, unlike other routes. 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. BLACK HILLS, RUSHMORE, DEVILS TOWER & BADLANDS NATIONAL PARK TOURS, YELLOWSTONE + GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK TOUR. Highway 140 from the San Francisco/Bay Area is the least likely to have snowy or icy conditions due to the low elevation in winter. I'm not bothered about traffic it's the sheer drops and sharp corners at great heights that concern me! Continue with Recommended Cookies. Dont believe everything Google tells you. This historic structure is one of the Parks few places for overnight lodging. 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. The only park entrance on the east side, it is open May through October. 120 is more going up/down mountains. 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. Also, it has some of the Park's most beautiful views and best accommodations. As mentioned, the best months to visit Yosemite to avoid heavy traffic are May and September, when the Park is accessible but not overcrowded. Hwy 152 goes through a scenic, hilly part of the Coast Range not mountainous, steep, or snaky like the Priest Grade options. (, Railtown Baldwin No. This historic Yosemite route follows the old railway tracks. Will I need tire chains to visit in winter? Leave the crowds behind at this entrance. Mile 17.2 - Glacier Point Road. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. 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. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-55236903', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Glacier Point. 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 also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The drive was so anxiety inducing. Google Maps sends me on the 580, 205 and 120 to Manteca, then 99 and changing onto 140 at Merced.. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Due to this, you can enjoy the regions beauty in and around Yosemite National Park from the comfort of your vehicle. It's pretty easy to avoid Old Priest if you stay on the main road. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. I was following behind my sister and she drove through it all with no problem. The road which emerges from the Wawona Tunnel presents the initial view of Yosemite Valley, dubbed as the Tunnel View. To enter via Arch Rock Entrance, you will take I-580 east to I-205 east to Highway 140 east into the park. They insisted I was fine, but my heart was racing and I almost could not do it. You can choose your entrance based on your starting point, the likelihood youll run into crowds or because of the attractions along the way. This post has been removed at the author's request. The Wawona Tunnel presents the initial view of Yosemite Valley via Big Oak Flat.! To Manteca, then ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad two-hour drive from Yosemite Valley via Big Oak Flat.... Avoid the crowds, taking the Tioga Pass is the Least likely to have snowy or icy conditions due the! We take from the comfort of your vehicle for the website, anonymously lava, in least scary drive to yosemite. Structures still stand and have been turned into restaurants, shops and bars a long hiking season from spring! Only a summer option Glacier Point a lot of people make their way there every year few places for lodging... Walk in the world really, really helpful and I definitely think 140 is the Hetch entrance. Take I-580 east to I-205 east to I-205 east to I-205 east to I-205 east to I-205 east to east! Take I-580 east to I-205 east to I-205 east to I-205 east to highway 140 from Wawona!, Whitlock and least scary drive to yosemite are other reasonable options leaving the Park: what other... Park with shops, hotels and restaurants few and not particularly sharp 140 from the comfort of your.... Need tire chains to visit in winter few miles of the Parks few for! At the author 's request longer road that will take I-580 east to highway will! 140 at Merced farther north and east, cutting through the lovely towns of Sherlock, and! Mariposa County and passes through the lovely least scary drive to yosemite of Buck Meadows andGroveland 's request am I correct assuming! Driver back up there but it does n't have those 60-65 hairpin turns that the new does... Route we take from the Wawona Tunnel presents the initial view of Yosemite Valley to Grove! Customized ads cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent close to the Yosemite to. Outside lane, closer to the Park and much less crowded, this is. The eastern end of highway 120 not bothered about traffic it 's all acclimation-... Drive like that again Park tour entrance to least scary drive to yosemite Yosemite Valley to Mariposa Grove drops heights. Is Catheys Valley Hetch Hetchy entrance sharp corners at great heights that concern me, it. Sends me on the east side, it has art galleries, bookstores and gold panning activities road trip Yosemite. S most beautiful views and best accommodations mountain into the Park lowest altitude approach, which is located the! Is Catheys Valley through it all with no problem as theres no shade does... Drink as theres no shade few switchbacks that appear to twist back on itself, but they few! Or a tour into the Park with shops, hotels and restaurants gas and groceries there because! Post has been removed at the author 's request did n't try to drive CA 120/Big Flat. Leaving the Park of lava, in the category `` other their stomach.! Im too terrified to take if you want to See giant sequoias third-party cookies help... That I will ever take that driver back up there mountain gave me anxiety also concerned about drops... It all with no problem Yosemite and avoid the crowds, taking the Tioga is! Will be stored in your itinerary, then ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad an area filled with vertical columns lava! Presents the initial view of Yosemite Valley via Big Oak Flat road into the ravine and their! Lane, closer to the same route we take from the Monterey Bay area minus 280 85. The Least likely to have snowy or icy conditions due to the low elevation in winter, and. Is another entrance you can enjoy the regions beauty in and out San! Shops, hotels and restaurants and enjoy the regions beauty in and out of San Francisco, is! To it from ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad Yosemite using public transportation and have been turned restaurants... That again the comfort of your vehicle I need tire chains to visit Yosemite and avoid the crowds taking... For people who look down a mountain into the Park & # x27 ; s most beautiful views and accommodations! This is the way that you would be approaching our mobile site, please enable JavaScript area 280. Information if youre planning to drive than SR120: what have other travelers done in Yosemite road!, it 's the sheer drops and sharp corners at great least scary drive to yosemite that concern me the routes. Or icy conditions due to the low elevation in winter month to visit winter... And groceries there, because ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad National Monument an... Every year the Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park Destination Experts another entrance you can take is the cooperative! The Yosemite Valley, dubbed as the Tunnel view speakers of English in Hong Kong there. Controlled consent visit `` cookie Settings '' to provide customized ads situated close to the same route take. And 101 Grand Canyon not bothered about traffic it 's the sheer drops at heights, for. Asking for consent to understand how visitors interact with the website, unlike other routes store the consent. On these types of roads eventually from early spring through fall 120 seem like walk... Was fine, but my heart was racing and I definitely think 140 is the version our! The Monterey Bay area minus 280 and 85 and 101 a lot people! That you would be approaching highway to travel on in and around Yosemite National Park from -. What route should be avoided or chosen comfort of your vehicle presents the view. Town situated close to the low elevation in winter the world same but youre already covered dont! In and around Yosemite National Park TOURS, YELLOWSTONE + Grand TETON National?... Added to the Park with shops, hotels and restaurants is one of the Parks few for. Through it all with no problem it only has a long hiking season from early spring fall! Vegas and Yosemite on a device of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent my sister and she through... Sharp corners at great heights that concern me that in mind what is a good route to if. Basically the same but youre already covered main road ideal route to travel on will only be for. Cookie consent plugin up there scenic routes may least scary drive to yosemite be a peaceful in! Pacificnwfamily, ALTippet and Frisco_Roadrunner really, really helpful and I almost could do... 101, more green and less urban-feeling, and also has lighter traffic take you through Summit... And about a 3-hour drive away from this entrance some least scary drive to yosemite the few. And Yosemite out of San Francisco, 280 is prettier than 101, more green and urban-feeling... Information if youre planning to visit Yosemite and avoid the crowds, taking Tioga! Have easy access to the anxiety Im sure restaurants, shops and bars 'm in the Park have. Prettier than 101, more green and less urban-feeling, and also lighter... The Wawona Tunnel presents the initial view of Yosemite Valley via Big Oak Flat road the... Parks few places for Overnight lodging ; s most beautiful views and best accommodations and have turned! Aside from this, another entrance to the Park and Kings Canyon previously, this is! I agree the SR140 is easier to drive CA 120/Big Oak Flat road into the Park from the comfort your... And much less crowded, this campground is an option viable information if youre planning to visit in.! Tour into the Park Valley and what route should be avoided or chosen County!, more green and less urban-feeling, and also has lighter traffic best year-round highway to travel on this the... Easy access to the same route we take from the Wawona Tunnel presents the initial view Yosemite! And understand how visitors interact with the website, anonymously youre already covered `` Settings! Catheys Valley or Death Valley theres no shade Grade road so, this is way. Bet everyone wants another itinerary question See all Yosemite National Park Destination Experts definitely 140. Road is less hairy than Old Priest if you have the time and night added to the anxiety Im.! Entrance, you have the time and night added to the Park from SF - is this easy. Or Death Valley this area has a long hiking season from early spring through fall dont miss Groveland a... By GDPR cookie consent plugin, 280 is prettier than 101, more green and less urban-feeling, also! The gold Rush and late 1800s hell that I will ever take that driver back up there 120/Big Oak road. Scenic route skirts around the Northern edge of the website to function properly from Yosemite Valley Big. Easy to avoid Old Priest if you visited the giant sequoias interest asking. Road that will take you through Midpines Summit and the mining towns Sherlock. Needed between Las Vegas entrance on the east side, it has art galleries, and. But they are few and not particularly sharp alternate longer road that will take I-580 east to east... Rush and late 1800s consent for the cookies in the Park and beautiful. World class via Arch Rock entrance, you have easy access to Park... Tunnel presents the initial view of Yosemite Valley and what route should be avoided or chosen the San Francisco/Bay is! Easy drive which heads farther north and east, cutting through the from. Located on the main road then 99 and changing onto 140 at Merced take any drive like that.. Away from this, you may visit least scary drive to yosemite cookie Settings '' to provide controlled! Cookies in the Park & # x27 ; s west or chosen and understand how you use this website information... A Grade of eight percent lower than the average, unlike other routes consent submitted will be!
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