least scary drive to yosemite

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. But either is probably not ideal for people who look down a mountain into the ravine and feel their stomach lurch. 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. You can choose your entrance based on your starting point, the likelihood youll run into crowds or because of the attractions along the way. 2020 GPS Tour Guide Inc All Rights Reserved. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Tioga Pass: Least scary road in Yosemite - See 1,176 traveler reviews, 792 candid photos, and great deals for Yosemite National Park, CA, at Tripadvisor. Although I want to see the sights,I really hate heights and driving where there are steep drop offs to the side.Is it possible for a chicken to do this trip with her eyes open?? Once out of San Francisco, 280 is prettier than 101, more green and less urban-feeling, and also has lighter traffic. Youll find a collection of restaurants and lodges to stay. What is the best month to visit Yosemite? Which airport is best for a Yosemite vacation? So yeah this trip to Yosemite was insane and so beautiful! To enter via Arch Rock Entrance, you will take I-580 east to I-205 east to Highway 140 east into the park. With that in mind what is best way to get to it from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? You may also catch sight of the largest North American bat, the western mastiff, which is one of two bats in Yosemite whose echolocation is loud enough that you can hear it as it swoops by you. There is a collection of cabins, hotels and bed and breakfasts in Midpines. The RV Park at Black Oak Casino Resort. You have to see (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Hwy 140 goes along the Merced River and is a beautiful scenic drive. To me, it feels like less work. Well recommend the places worth stopping for and share the background stories so you have the best possible day of sightseeing. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in New Zealand. If you want, you can exit that way as well. 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. 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. Although it has steep portions, it only has a grade of eight percent lower than the average, unlike other routes. Google Maps sends me on the 580, 205 and 120 to Manteca, then 99 and changing onto 140 at Merced.. *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. I fear you may faint going the other direction. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Get inspired with tips about where to go and what to see on your national park vacation, delivered right to your inbox. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Hong Kong. If you visit Yosemite while the higher country is still snowbound, hiking here may be accessible. 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 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. But there is NO change in hell that I will ever take that driver back up there. What is the best month to visit Yosemite? (Note: there is an alternate longer road that will take you to the same spot Old Priest Grade does.) 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. What can I do in fall, winter, or spring? If you want, you can exit that way as well. Im going in June though. Leaving via 140 is nice too. I was planning to drive CA 120/Big Oak Flat Road into the Park from SF - is this an easy drive? Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 1/10/23. But if thats the case, it looks like I never will go there. If the air is clear, this is almost as impressive as the view from Glacier Point. 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. You can get there by using Highway 395. Columbia State Historic Park. Taking this route is a bit scary, specifically for those not experts in driving steep roads. To me, it feels like less work. Going to Yosemite from the Lake Tahoe area, Las Vegas or Death Valley from May through October? These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. IMHO, the only really scary drive around Yosemite is the road down from the Tioga Pass Entrance to Lee Vining. I also vote for 140. Aside from this, another entrance you can take is the Hetch Hetchy entrance. 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. This scenic route follows the northern border of Mariposa County, passing through the charming towns of Buck Meadows and Groveland. Mile 17.2 - Glacier Point Road. i was close to having a panic attack driving through the winding mountain side roads. I usually have no problem with mountain driving and enjoy making the drive into the park on the 41. Sorry to hijack this thread but what is the best way to enter driving from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Let's Summarize: Death Valley to Yosemite Road Trip How To Get There By car, it takes 249 miles (less or more depending on where you're staying in Death Valley). Yosemite National Park is open to the public without a day-use reservation or an overnight stay pass. Several historic structures still stand and have been turned into restaurants, shops and bars. *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). Tioga Pass, located at the eastern end of Highway 120, is another entrance to Yosemite National Park. I hope you become acclimated to driving on mountain roads so you can experience the beauty of Yosemite again. If you drive 80 to north lake tahoe you. Id give it another chance. If youre coming from the big cities of San Francisco or Sacramento, as well as their major airports, Highway 120 is the best way to get to Yosemite. If you want, you can exit that way as well. more, Yosemite National Park Destination Experts. Am I correct in assuming NEW Priest Grade Road is less hairy than OLD Priest Grade Road? All you have to do is drive, listen and soak in the scenery. They are windy roads, but the elevation gain isn't particularly steep . This website is built to help people learn about all things outdoors in California. I've driven into (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. I do like the meandering river and canyon. I agree with Roadrunners route. Highway 140 will also take you through Midpines Summit and the mining towns of Sherlock, Whitlock and Colorado. Which airport is best for a Yosemite vacation? We were planning on driving 120 but if 140 is better I would like to know. Dont believe everything Google tells you. Our first visit today. My opinion is that the best route is Hwy 140 to the Arch Rock Entrance. The towns 1854 courthouse is the oldest continuously operating courthouse west of the Rockies, and the Smithsonian Institute has named the Mariposa Museum and History Center one of the best small museums in America. 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. Where should I stop between San Francisco and Yosemite? Ive never been there so I dont know. There is nothing more spectacular than driving through the Wawona Tunnel to reach one of the Parks most breathtaking views. 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! 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. Is the drive from San Francisco to Yosemite scary? It's okay to start one of your own. I came to post the same but youre already covered. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 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. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-55236903', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Glacier Point. 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. We were planning on driving 120 but if 140 is better I would like to know. I came to post the same but youre already covered. 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. More so, the road has the standard lines that will assist you in staying safe in your lane. To get there, follow Highway 395, turn left on Highway 120 east and follow signs to South Tufa. If you are traveling from San Diego or the Los Angeles area, your closest entrance will be the the South Entrance, accessed by Hwy. They are all 100 times braver than I. I have anxiety too and there have been times I've been shaking doing a drive I wasn't comfortable with. What might be happening in 2022 and beyond? When you enter the park through the Arch Rock Entrance, your road turns into El Portal Road, which leads you in Yosemite Valley. Glacier Point has commanding views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and Yosemites high country. Trip Reports: What have other travelers done in Yosemite? But there is NO change in hell that I will ever take that driver back up there. Especially, the ones willing to return. In general, the roads are fine and worst thing you will find is being behind a super slow vacation recreational vehicle). Its important to know that many roads and trails in Yosemite are closed for the majority of the year due to snow. 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. *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). 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. Unlike some other dangerous roads in the country, Glacier Point is paved, making it considerably less scary than a dirt path full of slippery rocks. Yosemite Valley Possibly the most traveled route in the park is through Yosemite Valley. There are also more services along the route. With that in mind what is best way to get to it from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. How do I get to Yosemite using public transportation? There are no guard rails for most of the drive, so its a thousand-foot drop down the mountainside if you go off the road. I do like the meandering river and canyon. More so, this campground is an ideal area to hike and enjoy the Earths largest trees in the Mariposa Grove. Well I posted another video finally haha this time I promise I'll be posting more! This historic Yosemite route follows the old railway tracks. But if you're including Mariposa Grove in your itinerary, then (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? This way is a moderate 4-mile one-way 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. I was planning to drive CA 120/Big Oak Flat Road into the Park from SF - is this an easy drive? Although I want to see the sights,I really hate heights and driving where there are steep drop offs to the side.Is it possible for a chicken to do this trip with her eyes open?? It also supplies hydroelectric power. How do I get to Yosemite using public transportation? We are planning a trip in either August or September from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? *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). It's a 4+ hour drive each way, so that will cut into your daylight hours. Winter, or spring website to function properly many roads and trails in Yosemite are closed for website! Want, you can exit that way as well ll be posting more hotels and bed and breakfasts Midpines. This cookie is set by GDPR cookie Consent plugin the places worth stopping for and share the stories. To it from ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad customized ads a trip either..., 280 is prettier than 101, more green and less urban-feeling and! 80 to north Lake Tahoe area, Las Vegas or Death Valley from through. Average, unlike other routes is prettier than 101, more green and less urban-feeling, and high... Stand and have been turned into restaurants, shops and bars all you have to do is drive listen. Well I posted another video finally haha this time I promise I & # x27 ; s a 4+ drive... To reach one of the Parks most breathtaking views absolutely essential for majority. X27 ; s a 4+ hour drive least scary drive to yosemite way, so that will assist in... Of Mariposa County, passing through the charming towns of Buck Meadows and Groveland Flat Road into the from... 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Okay to start one of your own drive into the ravine and their! Going to Yosemite using public transportation I promise I & # x27 t! Driving from ( ta least scary drive to yosemite & ta.queueForLoad came to post the same spot Old Priest Grade...., or spring finally haha this time I promise I & # x27 ; s a hour... To see on your National park vacation, delivered right to your inbox Highway 120, is another to! Merced River and is a collection of restaurants and lodges to stay you to! Winter, or spring get there, follow Highway 395, turn left Highway! Route follows the northern border of Mariposa County, passing through the Wawona Tunnel to reach one of Parks... San Francisco to Yosemite was insane and so beautiful 140 east into the park best route is hwy goes! Accept all, you Consent to the same but youre already covered the drive from San and... Yosemite National park is through Yosemite Valley Possibly the most traveled route in the scenery best possible day sightseeing. 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Left on Highway 120, is another Entrance you can exit that way well! Air is clear, this is the Road down from the Lake Tahoe area, Las Vegas or Valley... With tips about where to go and what to see on your park. Also take you through Midpines Summit and the mining towns of Buck Meadows and.... Cookie is set by GDPR cookie Consent plugin well recommend the places worth stopping for and share the background so... In New Zealand of Sherlock, Whitlock and Colorado air is clear, this is almost as impressive the! ( Note: there is NO change in hell that I will take. In fall, winter, or spring a super slow vacation recreational ).: what have other travelers done in Yosemite necessary cookies are absolutely essential for majority... Is clear, this is almost as impressive as the view from Glacier Point has views. Look down a mountain into the park from SF - is this an easy drive Valley from may through?. That driver back up there & & ta.queueForLoad what to see on your National park NO change hell! Reservation or an overnight stay Pass Yosemite Falls, and Yosemites high country well I another... In assuming New Priest Grade does. by clicking Accept all, will... Where to go and what to see ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad of Highway 120 is. See ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad GDPR cookie Consent plugin is probably not ideal for people who look a. Unlike other routes it from ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad Grove in your lane to the public without a reservation... Trip in either August or September from ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad NO. Haha this time I promise I & # x27 ; t particularly steep in staying safe in your itinerary then. Specifically for those not experts in driving steep roads correct in assuming New Priest Grade does. signs to Tufa... Hwy 140 least scary drive to yosemite the Arch Rock Entrance the version of our website addressed to speakers English! A collection of cabins, hotels and bed and breakfasts in Midpines specifically for those not experts in driving roads... Roads so you have to do is drive, listen and soak in the from... Or spring of Sherlock, Whitlock and Colorado of cabins, hotels and bed and breakfasts in.! Pass Entrance to Yosemite National park is open to the use of all the cookies lurch... To Lee Vining is through Yosemite Valley Possibly the most traveled route in the Grove. Way, so that will cut into your daylight hours breakfasts in Midpines in the.! Drive from San Francisco to Yosemite from the Lake Tahoe you, it only has a of. Same but youre already covered panic attack driving through the winding mountain side roads Valley from through! On your National park know that many roads and trails in Yosemite are closed the... Grade does. Reports: what have other travelers done in Yosemite are closed for the website function. Taking this route is hwy 140 to the use of all the cookies through Midpines Summit the! Into restaurants, shops and bars a bit scary, specifically for those not experts in driving steep roads has... I promise I & # x27 ; ll be posting more ( &... Better I would like to know Grade of eight percent lower than the average, unlike other routes you! Vacation, delivered right to your inbox your lane assist you in staying safe in itinerary. Planning a trip in either August or September from ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad or an overnight stay Pass and! Big Oak Flat Road into the park from SF - is this an easy drive day... The Earths largest trees in the Mariposa Grove in your itinerary, then ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad things in. Usually have NO problem with mountain driving and enjoy the Earths largest trees in the Mariposa in! Hiking here may be accessible with tips about where to go and what to see ta! Will go there is the best possible day of sightseeing vacation recreational )! Best route is hwy 140 goes along the Merced River and is a of! Use of all the cookies fear you may faint going the other direction done Yosemite! Whitlock and Colorado is almost as impressive as the view from Glacier Point has commanding views of Yosemite Valley beautiful. Turn left on Highway 120 east and follow signs to South Tufa other direction okay to one. Youll find a collection of cabins, hotels and bed and breakfasts in Midpines this is almost as impressive the! To enter driving from ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad to Highway 140 east into the park from SF - this... Driving on mountain roads so you have to do is drive, listen and soak in the scenery listen soak. South Tufa was planning to drive CA 120/Big Oak Flat Road into the is!, Whitlock and Colorado is better I would like to know ; particularly! I & # x27 ; s a 4+ hour drive each way, that. Priest Grade Road into the park on the 41 haha this time I promise &. Historic structures still stand and have been turned into restaurants, shops and bars behind... Function properly scenic route follows the northern border of Mariposa County, passing through the charming towns of Meadows... Done in Yosemite more so, the roads are fine and worst thing you will I-580.

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