I've taken both multiple times, and I personally prefer Old. The Wawona Campground can be weedy and hot in the summer, but its practical to visit this site since its not overcrowded. 4 What is the best month to visit Yosemite National Park? 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. 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-113526595', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Wawona Road (to Mariposa Grove), out the South Entrance, down Hwy 41, and on to Hwy 99 works fine. 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. Learn all about Fishing, Camping, Hiking and more right here.Founded by Nick, a bay area resident and dedicated outdoorsmen. Glacier Point Road is not difficult to drive. 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. A great tool for visitors, encouraging them to learn more, explore further and return. The road which emerges from the Wawona Tunnel presents the initial view of Yosemite Valley, dubbed as the Tunnel View. You can check on current chain requirements for the following roads outside of Yosemite: Highway 41, Highway 120, Highway 140, Highway 88, and US 50. *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). Located 24 miles from the Big Oak Flat Entrance, it is the largest town between the entrance and Sonora, Calif. Check out the 1854 courthouse, which is still in use, or sample local wines and craft beers at The Alley. EL Portal is home to National Park Service employee housing, administrative offices and two nonprofits: Naturebridge and Yosemite Conservancy. This road leads to the Wawona area, and it passes through mostly forested pathways until it reaches Yosemite Valley. Bring your own water to drink as theres no shade. Also, it has some of the Park's most beautiful views and best accommodations. State park. But if you're including Mariposa Grove in your itinerary, then (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Unlike Yosemite Fall and a few other waterfalls, Bridalveil usually flows all year, albeit at much lower levels in the late summer and fall. We drove up there from Sacramento by way of Hwy 120 and I hated it. All I could think on the drive back is when is this going to end and I am never doing this again. But Im too terrified to take any drive like that again. 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. Why is IVF not recommended for women over 42? 3 that has appeared in more than 100 movies and TV shows, including Back to the Future III. Over the last 20 years of visiting (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? It features people and life back in the days of the Gold Rush and late 1800s. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. I usually have no problem with mountain driving and enjoy making the drive into the park on the 41. 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.. more, Yosemite National Park Destination Experts. Access it via 120 and by Evergreen Road. This website is built to help people learn about all things outdoors in California. 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. 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. To me, it feels like less work. Manage Settings More so, this campground is an ideal area to hike and enjoy the Earths largest trees in the Mariposa Grove. They are all 100 times braver than I. They are windy roads, but the elevation gain isn't particularly steep . This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in New Zealand. There are surreal natural rock formations within the lake called the Tufa Towers that look like strange giant chess pieces shaped by the wind. You may also stop in Lee Vining for a view of Mono Lake, a salty remnant of an ancient sea. El Capitan through the storm clouds on January 16,202 Got to check out the Mist Trail (winter route) after the What a great way to start the day! 120 is more going up/down mountains. 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.). Its basically the same route we take from the Monterey Bay Area minus 280 and 85 and 101. 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. 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. You may close your eyes for some of the passes but you will be in awe once you are in the valley. 1. Take a dip in one of three pools or dine at an on-site restaurant. I've driven into (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? It provides the lowest altitude approach, which means its often the best year-round highway to travel on. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Driving very slowly is probably what help prevent this panic attack. 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 a good place to use the restroom and get more information about the park. 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. While you are there, I recommend that you hike at least to the bridge below Vernal Fall. Am I correct in assuming NEW Priest Grade Road is less hairy than OLD Priest Grade Road? I am assuming you will drive Tioga from east to west. Where are the Yosemite National Park traveler articles? However, the scenic routes may not be a peaceful drive in heavy traffic. The first time that I visited we took 41 and I hated that. It provides the lowest altitude approach, which means it's often the best year-round highway to travel on. However, with a current California license, you can fish in most area lakes. Its basically the same route we take from the Monterey Bay Area minus 280 and 85 and 101. The largest town on the route isOakdale, which is a good place to stop and stock up on groceries and fill up on gas. 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. Close by lies Devils Postpile National Monument, an area filled with vertical columns of lava, in the Reds Meadow Valley. I am assuming you will drive Tioga from east to west. 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. Get a free Yosemite National Park trip planner with inspiring itineraries and essential information. In terms of public transportation to Yosemite from San Francisco, its definitely possible but takes a long time and requires a whole lot of patience. Aside from this, another entrance you can take is the Hetch Hetchy entrance. Your drive from Yosemite Valley to Mariposa Grove will have you on the outside lane, closer to the edge. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Nonetheless, to get through the park, you just have to pay the entrance fee and enjoy the splendor of Yosemite National Park. Youll find a collection of restaurants and lodges to stay. 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. In addition to being an incredibly beautiful area, this entrance also brings you to the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir that supplies 2.4 million residents and businesses in San Francisco with water. But there is NO change in hell that I will ever take that driver back up there. 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)? I bet everyone wants another itinerary question See All Yosemite National Park Conversations, Overnight stop needed between Las Vegas and Yosemite. Going the other way was easy peasy. There is a lot of winding roads on mountain sides. Youll find some swimming holes in upper Bear Creek, and the Merced River offers great rafting, swimming and fishing opportunities. 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! 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. Here are some places to stop by when driving to Wawona Road: Mariposa Grove in Californias Yosemite National Park is located immediately beyond the entrance station at a T intersection. Or youre just learning how to fish for halibut. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. 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. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". (Note: there is an alternate longer road that will take you to the same spot Old Priest Grade does.) That said, it's a good thing you didn't try to drive to Glacier Point. Trip Reports: What have other travelers done in Yosemite? I agree the SR140 is easier to drive than SR120. Las Vegas is a little less than a 6-hour drive. Also concerned about sheer drops at heights, speaking for myself as a passenger. 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. Its usually not crowded during early mornings. If you have some time to spend there, we can tell you more about what to see and do. Fear not, go for it! The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. Mile 16.7 - Yosemite West. California Highway 41 is the main route towards Yosemite National Park, and its southern entrance is known as the Wawona Road. Leaving via 140 is nice too. 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. This post has been removed at the author's request. The stations has maps and sells books. But if you're including Mariposa Grove in your itinerary, then (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Hwy 152 goes through a scenic, hilly part of the Coast Range not mountainous, steep, or snaky like the Priest Grade options. I fear you may faint going the other direction. 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. In terms of public transportation to Yosemite from San Francisco, it's definitely possible but takes a long time and requires a whole lot of patience. But lots of people have no problem. Oh well - it only makes arriving that much better. link to How Do You Catch Halibut From The Shore In San Francisco? Youll also find a pharmacy, the Groveland Medical Clinic and a couple banks with ATMs in town. If you get 200 feet off a road or a trail you will have it to yourself. Driving through Yosemite can be an amazing experience. I have images of driving off cliffs too. You can get the major sites I was planning to drive CA 120/Big Oak Flat Road into the Park from SF - is this an easy drive? So yeah this trip to Yosemite was insane and so beautiful! I agree with Roadrunners route. Because it is a drinking water source, the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir is off limits for swimming or boating. Entrance sign to Yosemite National Park Photo: Depositphotos. Yes, it's very steep, but it doesn't have those 60-65 hairpin turns that the new road does. Las Vegas is a little less than a 6-hour 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! When your vision is limited by your headlights, speed is not your friend. Hwy 140 was highly recommended. A lot of people make their way there every year. If you have some time to spend there, we can tell you more about what to see and do. 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 1 Is the drive from San Francisco to Yosemite scary? I've driven into (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. And late 1800s River offers great rafting, swimming and Fishing opportunities altitude approach, which means often! Slowly is probably what help prevent this panic attack presents the initial view of Valley... Aside from this, another entrance you can take is the version of our website addressed speakers! It has some of the Gold Rush and late 1800s offices and two nonprofits: Naturebridge and Yosemite.. Means it & # x27 ; s most beautiful views and best accommodations swimming holes upper! 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