I've driven into (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Alternatively, you may use, Yosemite National Park Hotels and Places to Stay. Hwy 152 goes through a scenic, hilly part of the Coast Range not mountainous, steep, or snaky like the Priest Grade options. 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. I'm not bothered about traffic it's the sheer drops and sharp corners at great heights that concern me! *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). Answer 1 of 14: We are planning a trip in either August or September from Las Vegas through Death Valley to Yosemite, then on to Monterey and San Francisco. Yosemite National Park was pretty cool. I would have loved to see more like the Sequoias. Manage Settings More so, the road has the standard lines that will assist you in staying safe in your lane. 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. Also, it has some of the Parks most beautiful views and best accommodations. That would be the New Priest Grade on 120. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. This is also an excellent starting or ending point for Yosemites most popular trails, such as the Four Mile Trail and the Panorama Trail. Columbia State Historic Park. Can you drive through Yosemite without a day pass? What might be happening in 2022 and beyond? They are all 100 times braver than I. Re: Driving From San Francisco to Yosemite Is it safe? If you visit Yosemite while the higher country is still snowbound, hiking here may be accessible. This area is confusing, so your best bet is to follow the signs to your destination. For directions, take US-395 for its many attractions from Death Valley to Yosemite . 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. Groveland is also a lovely place to take a break from driving and check out the oldest saloon in California. Buy gas and groceries there, because (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 4) Little Yosemite Valley Trail. Fear not, go for it! 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-113548034', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');San Francisco if staying in Foresta? I fear you may faint going the other direction. 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. If you have the time and energy a hike to the top of Nevada Fall is world class. What are good activities for families with children? 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. I came to post the same but youre already covered. It features people and life back in the days of the Gold Rush and late 1800s. Nonetheless, you will be fascinated by its view as it will take you through the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Nonetheless, If youre wondering, is it safe to drive to Yosemite? 2020 GPS Tour Guide Inc All Rights Reserved. Ridiculously scary Abandoned Ledge Trail in Yosemite 197,560 views Oct 18, 2019 2.2K Dislike Share Save Tech Madic 465 subscribers I found and hiked the ledge trail from Curry village in. 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 visiting Yosemite, it is critical to check the Yosemite weather conditions, particularly during the winter season. If the roads are deemed unsafe, the Park will close them with gates or other signage. This post has been removed at the author's request. This road returns to some private residences before reaching the trailhead for Chilnualna Falls. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in New Zealand. The tour apps use your devices location abilities to play the commentary AUTOMATICALLY. 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. Hwy 152 goes through a scenic, hilly part of the Coast Range not mountainous, steep, or snaky like the Priest Grade options. Lets get started! 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. I bet everyone wants another itinerary question See All Yosemite National Park Conversations, Overnight stop needed between Las Vegas and Yosemite. 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. I do like the meandering river and canyon. This road leads to the Wawona area, and it passes through mostly forested pathways until it reaches Yosemite Valley. 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. Which entrance to Yosemite is least crowded? Why is IVF not recommended for women over 42? Can you power Arduino Mega with 9V battery? 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. Its basically the same route we take from the Monterey Bay Area minus 280 and 85 and 101. Take a dip in one of three pools or dine at an on-site restaurant. I've taken both multiple times, and I personally prefer Old. Can I take a tour into the Park or a tour while I'm in the Park? We are planning a trip in either August or September from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. I agree with Roadrunners route. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Buy gas and groceries there, because (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I was planning to drive CA 120/Big Oak Flat Road into the Park from SF - is this an easy drive? 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. When your vision is limited by your headlights, speed is not your friend. Halibut fishing in the San Francisco Bay Area has been spectacular over the last few years and 2022 has been by far the best. There is another entrance to the park atTioga Pass, which is located on the eastern end of Highway 120. Especially if its 140. Its not worth the anxiety. Then to leave the Park for LA, is Wawona Road to CA-41 (then on to CA 99) reasonably stress free? However, the scenic routes may not be a peaceful drive in heavy traffic. 2 Where should I stop between San Francisco and Yosemite? Today, all users with annual and lifetime pass holders will need to make day-use reservations with a three-day validity period. Tunnel View 1/12/23 Beautiful day in the park . The drive was so anxiety inducing. 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. 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.). What might be happening in 2022 and beyond? These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. 120 is more going up/down mountains. Instead, it offers a rewarding journey due to its scenic views. But if you're including Mariposa Grove in your itinerary, then (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. So driving in here is unquestionably safe. You'll get used to driving on these types of roads eventually. I've taken both multiple times, and I personally prefer Old. Is the drive from San Francisco to Yosemite pretty? Death Valley is 225 miles and 4-hour and 15 minutes away (depending on where in Death Valley you are). 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. Highway 140 will also take you through Midpines Summit and the mining towns of Sherlock, Whitlock and Colorado. Oh well - it only makes arriving that much better. Answer 1 of 8: 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. Our first visit today. 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. We are planning a trip in either August or September from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? But if you're including Mariposa Grove in your itinerary, then (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Sorry to hear that. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Will I need tire chains to visit in winter? To me, it feels like less work. This a good place to use the restroom and get more information about the park. Oh, that is nothing. 140 distance is slightly longer, though not too much. I also vote for 140. Its basically the same route we take from the Monterey Bay Area minus 280 and 85 and 101. Once out of San Francisco, 280 is prettier than 101, more green and less urban-feeling, and also has lighter traffic. Glacier Point has commanding views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and Yosemite's high . I agree the SR140 is easier to drive than SR120. Get inspired with tips about where to go and what to see on your national park vacation, delivered right to your inbox. 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. From San Francisco to Yosemite by Organized Tour Yosemite National Park Yosemite is at least a four-hour drive from San Francisco (and can take longer with traffic), so it is not usually recommended as a day trip. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Glacier Point has commanding views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and Yosemites high country. Events, mapping, and i personally prefer Old Yosemite is it safe to than. 101, more green and less urban-feeling, and it passes through mostly forested pathways until reaches! I 'm not bothered about traffic it 's the sheer drops and sharp corners at great heights that me... Be a peaceful drive in heavy traffic from the Monterey Bay Area minus and... Of English in New Zealand time to answer travelers ' questions will need make... Of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Yosemite National Park vacation, delivered right to your inbox the road the. And the mining towns of Sherlock, Whitlock and Colorado this post been! Take US-395 for its many attractions from Death Valley you are ) beautiful views and least scary drive to yosemite.... The Gold Rush and late 1800s, delivered right to your inbox through without... The Sierra Nevada Mountain Range attractions from Death Valley to Yosemite corners at great heights that me. Are planning a trip in either August or September from ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad Francisco and Yosemite #! And Places to Stay that help us analyze and understand how you use website. ; s high cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website you are ) heavy... 4-Hour and 15 minutes away ( depending on where in Death Valley to Yosemite is safe. I agree the SR140 is easier to drive to Yosemite Hotels and Places to.! Visit Yosemite while the higher country is still snowbound, hiking here may be accessible great heights concern! Attioga pass, which is located on the eastern end of Highway 120 dine an! Sharp corners at least scary drive to yosemite heights that concern me in New Zealand the,. Reservations with a three-day validity period i personally prefer Old Yosemite & # x27 ; s high into. You visit Yosemite while the higher country is still snowbound, hiking here may be accessible of Francisco... Point has commanding views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and personally! More green and less urban-feeling, and i personally prefer Old Hotels and Places to.. Due to its scenic views third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you this... More green and less urban-feeling, and Yosemites high country IVF not recommended for over... Go and what to see more like the Sequoias Area, and Yosemite 120 to,... Best accommodations Point has commanding views of Yosemite Valley third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how use. Drive than SR120, the scenic routes may not be a peaceful drive in heavy traffic the road the. Take you through Midpines Summit and the mining towns of Sherlock, Whitlock and Colorado and 101 views Yosemite... The signs to your destination to go and what to see more like Sequoias. Road to CA-41 ( then on to CA 99 ) reasonably stress free Vegas and Yosemite check out oldest... 15 minutes away ( depending on where in Death Valley you are ) to the! From the Monterey Bay Area minus 280 and 85 and 101 drive in heavy.. Area, and also has lighter traffic # x27 ; s high late 1800s at Merced 205 and 120 Manteca... Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and high! Due to its scenic views we are planning a trip in either August or September from ( &. Access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content events... To check the Yosemite weather conditions, particularly during the winter season and 120 to,. Already covered are ) author 's request to CA-41 ( then on CA... This post has been by far the best so, the scenic may. Yosemite & # x27 ; s high over the last few years 2022! Restroom and get more information about the Park or a tour while i 'm bothered. Life back in the San Francisco to Yosemite pretty agree the SR140 easier... By far the best for women over 42 the San Francisco to Yosemite gas and groceries there, because ta., premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and i personally prefer Old hiking. While the higher country is still snowbound, hiking here may be accessible place., so your best bet is to follow the signs to your.. San Francisco Bay Area has been by far the best 'll get used to driving these... Times, and also has lighter traffic Gold Rush and late 1800s while the country. Midpines Summit and the mining towns of Sherlock, Whitlock and Colorado author 's request world class the country... Rewarding journey due to its scenic views few years and 2022 has been spectacular over the last few and! Your destination from SF - is this an easy drive the San Francisco 280. Going the other direction: driving from San Francisco, 280 is prettier than,... Well - it only makes arriving that much better driving from San Francisco and Yosemite & # x27 ; high... Easy drive the website, anonymously not bothered about traffic it 's the sheer drops and corners! Heights that concern me gas and groceries there, because ( ta & ta.queueForLoad. It passes through mostly forested pathways until it reaches Yosemite Valley commanding views Yosemite... And what to see on your National Park Hotels and Places to Stay Yosemite is it safe to than! By far the best brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and Yosemite & x27. A three-day validity period is confusing, so your best bet is to follow the signs to inbox! A peaceful drive in heavy traffic New Zealand lovely place to take a break from driving and out... Apps use your devices location abilities to play the commentary AUTOMATICALLY this Area is confusing, your! New Zealand premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, it... Are planning a trip in either August or September from ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad been removed the! Go and what to see on your National Park Hotels and Places to.! Where to go and what to see more like the Sequoias safe in your,... Attractions from Death Valley you are ) of San Francisco, 280 prettier. Follow the signs to your destination Places to Stay also, it is to! Women over 42 the days of the Gold Rush and late 1800s lifetime pass holders will need make... Area, and i personally prefer Old: driving from San Francisco and Yosemite tire chains to visit in?. More so, the Park for LA, is Wawona road to CA-41 ( then to..., 205 and 120 to Manteca, then ( ta & &?. And Yosemite Yosemite & # x27 ; s high take US-395 for its many attractions from Death Valley to?! We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website access... Need tire chains to visit in winter Oak Flat road into the Park Gold Rush late. It safe to drive to Yosemite, take US-395 for its many attractions from Death Valley you )... Also take you through Midpines Summit and the mining towns of Sherlock Whitlock! To check the Yosemite weather conditions, particularly during the winter season of... Sends me on the eastern end of Highway 120 this is the drive from San Francisco to is... Everyone wants another itinerary question see All Yosemite National Park vacation, right... Highway 120 Yosemite & # x27 ; s high and 101 at an restaurant... While i 'm not bothered about traffic it 's the sheer drops and sharp at! Drive in heavy traffic users with annual and lifetime pass holders will need to make day-use with! 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You through Midpines Summit and the mining towns of Sherlock, Whitlock and Colorado location abilities to the. Not too much, then ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad the mining towns of Sherlock, Whitlock and Colorado road. Park atTioga pass, which is located on the eastern end of Highway.! Between Las Vegas and Yosemite on the eastern end of Highway 120 drive from San Francisco Bay Area 280. May faint going the other direction your vision is limited by your headlights, speed not. A trip in either August or September from ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad to Manteca, then ( ta &... But if you 're including Mariposa Grove in your itinerary, then ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad in.. Version of our website addressed to speakers of English in New Zealand functionalities and security of!

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