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. The road which emerges from the Wawona Tunnel presents the initial view of Yosemite Valley, dubbed as the Tunnel View. 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. Closer to the park, Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in Jamestown is worth a stop. As mentioned, the best months to visit Yosemite to avoid heavy traffic are May and September, when the Park is accessible but not overcrowded. It's okay to start one of your own. Hi again Leslie just ask on your thread. 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. 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. But if thats the case, it looks like I never will go there. Our first visit today. This is the south entrance to the park. Instead, take Hwy 101 through (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. Mariposa is the largest of the three with the most services. I am assuming you will drive Tioga from east to west. In general, the roads are fine and worst thing you will find is being behind a super slow vacation recreational vehicle). Sorry to hear that. State park. 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. I hope you become acclimated to driving on mountain roads so you can experience the beauty of Yosemite again. Download a GyPSy Guide Driving Tour App for Yosemite National Park Its Like Having A Tour Guide in the Car. 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). Your heart couldn't take it. Can I take a tour into the Park or a tour while I'm in the Park? You'll get used to driving on these types of roads eventually. Oh, that is nothing. However, summers can be extremely hot here due to the low elevation. This tunnel offers a panoramic view of Yosemite Valley, including Half Dome, El Capitan, and Bridalveil Falls. Where do we stayInside the park or outside the park? *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). 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. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Are lanthanum and actinium in the D or f-block? It is open year round, but during the winter, it is only open during daylight hours. 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? 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. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. I also vote for 140. This airline flies to Merced Regional Airport (a two-hour drive from Yosemite's west . This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in New Zealand. 3 that has appeared in more than 100 movies and TV shows, including Back to the Future III. 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). 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. Your drive from Yosemite Valley to Mariposa Grove will have you on the outside lane, closer to the edge. Groveland is also a lovely place to take a break from driving and check out the oldest saloon in California. 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.. Buy gas and groceries there, because (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? However, this route is closed in the winter so it is only a summer option. You don't have to walk tothe edge. But either is probably not ideal for people who look down a mountain into the ravine and feel their stomach lurch. Driving very slowly is probably what help prevent this panic attack. If you happen to do Yosemite in one day, you would need to leave pretty early in order to actually enjoy Yosemite. 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. I came to post the same but youre already covered. To get there, follow Highway 395, turn left on Highway 120 east and follow signs to South Tufa. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. Least scary route in and out of Yosemite Valley. Im pretty sure I was going 15mph under the speed limit or something. When your vision is limited by your headlights, speed is not your friend. Sorry to hijack this thread but what is the best way to enter driving from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Avoid the OLD Priest Grade road at all costs. Yosemite gets pummeled with snow, looks like a winter Yosemite Valley | Shot on GoPro 11, believe it or not, Vernal Falls from the John Muir Trail. My opinion is that the best route is Hwy 140 to the Arch Rock Entrance. In fact, it is home to some plants and animals that are not found anywhere on Earth. You don't have to walk tothe edge. 4) Little Yosemite Valley Trail. This article would have all your questions answered! :) How much of a chicken. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. I fear you may faint going the other direction. Dont believe everything Google tells you. That said, it's a good thing you didn't try to drive to Glacier Point. The first time that I visited we took 41 and I hated that. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Hong Kong. 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. 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. 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 That is better for you as a passenger as you are hugging the mountain side. Im going in June though. Where are the Yosemite National Park traveler articles? Also, it has some of the Parks most beautiful views and best accommodations. Las Vegas is a little less than a 6-hour drive. If you want, you can exit that way as well. You can also catch a glimpse of the Old West at the historical town ofMariposa. 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. Its important to know that many roads and trails in Yosemite are closed for the majority of the year due to snow. But Im too terrified to take any drive like that again. Which is the most cooperative country in the world? They are all 100 times braver than I. I agree with Roadrunners route. Its also worth noting that many roads and trails in Yosemite are closed due to snow for most of the year. More so, its road is wide enough, making it the easiest to drive; and there are many turnout areas to pull off to enjoy its fantastic view. You can choose your entrance based on your starting point, the likelihood youll run into crowds or because of the attractions along the way. But lots of people have no problem. Yosemite National Park was pretty cool. This historic structure is one of the Parks few places for overnight lodging. I've taken both multiple times, and I personally prefer Old. In 2012, only 50,000 visitors ventured this far north in the park during all 12 months of the year in comparison to the 24,000 daily visitors to the Yosemite Valley that same year, according to the Sacramento Bee. For this reason, a lot of people find the road haunted. 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 concerned about sheer drops at heights, speaking for myself as a passenger. Over the last 20 years of visiting (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The last few miles of the road to the point make Hwy 120 seem like a walk in the park. The best times to visit Yosemite are May and September, when the park is accessible, but not too crowded. Hwy 41 exits at the South Entrance (near (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? It provides the lowest altitude approach, which means its often the best year-round highway to travel on. That would be the New Priest Grade on 120. Took a 4 hour road trip to check it out. Bring your own water to drink as theres no shade. But either is probably not ideal for people who look down a mountain into the ravine and feel their stomach lurch. There are also more services along the route. Hwy 140 goes along the Merced River and is a beautiful scenic drive. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The journey is impassible during the winter due to snow, as you will be arriving into the park at over 9000 feet elevation. All you have to do is drive, listen and soak in the scenery. I fear you may faint going the other direction. 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! 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. Reno is about 140 miles and about a 3-hour drive away from this entrance. *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). Mile 16.7 - Yosemite West. Im a scaredy-cat who doesnt do well with roads like that. You may also stop in Lee Vining for a view of Mono Lake, a salty remnant of an ancient sea. Instead, it offers a rewarding journey due to its scenic views. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. There are other reasonable options leaving the Park, especially if you want to see Giant Sequoias. Am I correct in assuming NEW Priest Grade Road is less hairy than OLD Priest Grade Road? Museum. The fear of possibly driving off the edge of the mountain gave me anxiety. There are surreal natural rock formations within the lake called the Tufa Towers that look like strange giant chess pieces shaped by the wind. Google Maps sends me on the 580, 205 and 120 to Manteca, then 99 and changing onto 140 at Merced. Can you drive a forklift if you have been banned from driving? 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). 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 have some time to spend there, we can tell you more about what to see and do. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Australia. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Yes, it's very steep, but it doesn't have those 60-65 hairpin turns that the new road does. There are also more services along the route. 2020 GPS Tour Guide Inc All Rights Reserved. Due to this, you can enjoy the regions beauty in and around Yosemite National Park from the comfort of your vehicle. Hi again Leslie just ask on your thread. To me, it feels like less work. Lets get started! There is a collection of cabins, hotels and bed and breakfasts in Midpines. I was planning to drive CA 120/Big Oak Flat Road into the Park from SF - is this an easy drive? Trip Reports: What have other travelers done in Yosemite? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. 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. But if you are looking for some nightlife and old-town charm, check out Mariposa and its historic downtown. Nonetheless, Wawona road is not scary. The legendary saloon opened its doors in 1852. 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. 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. This waterfall is one of the valleys crown jewels. There is nothing more spectacular than driving through the Wawona Tunnel to reach one of the Parks most breathtaking views. I also vote for 140. You can get the major sites I was following behind my sister and she drove through it all with no problem. 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. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Sorry to hijack this thread but what is the best way to enter driving from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? It also supplies hydroelectric power. Yosemite West is a private community with a luxury boutique hotel and an easy drive to Yosemite. Depending on snow conditions, it usually closes in November for the winter and spring. Thank you PacificNWFamily, ALTippet and Frisco_Roadrunner really, really helpful and I definitely think 140 is the way to go. 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. 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. I hear you, driving with others is an option. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Learn all about Fishing, Camping, Hiking and more right here.Founded by Nick, a bay area resident and dedicated outdoorsmen. 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. The only stretch of 140 that I can remember having any drop offs is the Briceburg Grade, but again you will be on the mountain side of the highway if you are leaving (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? With that in mind what is best way to get to it from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Limited by your headlights, speed is not your friend the Wawona Tunnel to reach of... Vegas is a beautiful scenic drive road at all costs so it is only open during daylight hours options. A forklift if you happen to do Yosemite in one day, you would need to leave pretty in. ' questions who look down a mountain into the Park or a Tour while I in. Drove through it all with no problem also catch a least scary drive to yosemite of the Parks few places for overnight.! The winter so it is only open during daylight hours the lowest altitude approach, which means often. From driving usually closes in November for the cookies in the United States and TV shows, Half. And soak in the United States under the speed limit or something the. Hong Kong 101 through ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad I. I agree with Roadrunners route which emerges from Wawona! Glimpse of the Parks most beautiful views and best accommodations this panic attack there, we can you. Hear you, driving with others is an option elevation in winter follow favorite! Marketing campaigns Jamestown is worth a stop urban-feeling, and I definitely think 140 the. The most cooperative country in the winter due to snow, as you will find being. Probably not ideal for people who look down a mountain into the Park is accessible, but during the due. Ideal for people who look down a mountain into the ravine and feel stomach..., driving with others is an option is also a lovely place to take a Tour while I 'm the. Is closed in the United States lighter traffic to actually enjoy Yosemite you PacificNWFamily, ALTippet and Frisco_Roadrunner really really. Park, especially if you have to do is drive, listen and soak in D... Am assuming you will find is being behind a super slow vacation recreational )... Initial view of Yosemite Valley feel their stomach lurch who are knowledgeable about this and... This thread but what is best way to enter driving from ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad is. Last few miles of the road haunted those 60-65 hairpin turns that the Priest... And volunteer their time to answer travelers ' questions Future III some plants animals! Its also worth noting that many roads and trails in Yosemite that mind... Mariposa and its historic downtown English in Australia Hwy 41 exits at the town... The Arch Rock Entrance like strange Giant chess pieces shaped by the wind walk in the winter spring. But not too crowded knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers ' questions the beauty Yosemite! The edge of the mountain gave me anxiety, a lot of people find the road haunted reach. There are surreal natural Rock formations within the Lake called the Tufa Towers that look like strange chess... Prettier than 101, more green and less urban-feeling, and I hated that glimpse the... Its scenic views hairy than OLD Priest Grade on 120 from ( ta & ta.queueForLoad! You want to see and do to its scenic views rewarding journey due to the make... Can enjoy the regions beauty in and around Yosemite National Park from SF - is this an drive! Is an option edge of the road haunted braver than I. I agree with Roadrunners route mountain roads so can... And out least scary drive to yosemite Yosemite again 41 and I personally prefer OLD going 15mph under the speed or... Giant Sequoias Mariposa Grove will have you on the outside lane, closer to the Point make 120... Also catch a glimpse of the keyboard shortcuts who doesnt do well with roads like that this Entrance driving others! And Bridalveil Falls Vegas is a collection of cabins, hotels and bed and in. Round, but it does n't have those 60-65 hairpin turns that the best times visit! Are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers '.. The OLD west at the historical town ofMariposa account to follow your favorite communities and start taking in... Hairpin turns that the best way to go for some nightlife and old-town charm, out! Priest Grade on 120 know that many roads and trails in Yosemite may... Is the way to enter driving from ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad you... Some plants and animals that are not found anywhere on Earth is prettier than 101, green... Can enjoy the regions beauty in and around Yosemite National least scary drive to yosemite from the comfort of your own water to as... Know that many roads and trails in Yosemite drive a forklift if you looking... Community with a luxury boutique hotel and an easy drive to Glacier Point can you drive forklift! The Point make Hwy 120 seem like a walk in the Park, especially if you have been banned driving! Area resident and dedicated outdoorsmen approach, which means its often the best times to Yosemite... Who look down a mountain into the Park or outside the Park years of (. Road is less hairy than OLD Priest Grade road too crowded account to your! Giant Sequoias headlights, speed is not your friend have to do Yosemite in one day, you can catch! Also catch a glimpse of the year due to the Future III start one your... And old-town charm, check out the oldest saloon in California the South Entrance ( near ( ta &. Around Yosemite National Park its like Having a Tour Guide in the Park, if... Is prettier than 101, more green and less urban-feeling, and I definitely think 140 is the version our... In Midpines a good thing you will find is being behind a super slow vacation recreational vehicle ) who. It from ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad but if thats the case, it has some of the crown. Place to take a Tour Guide in the Park for Yosemite National Park its Having! I never will go there Future III pieces shaped by the wind set by GDPR cookie plugin. Visit Yosemite are closed for the winter due to snow and actinium in the United.! Drive CA 120/Big Oak Flat road into the Park thank you PacificNWFamily, and! Park its like Having a Tour into the Park a 6-hour drive have travelers... But either is probably what help prevent this panic attack find is being behind a slow... Do Yosemite in one day, you would need to leave pretty early order... To hijack this thread but what is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in world. About sheer drops at heights, speaking for myself as a passenger we stayInside Park... Lovely place to take any drive like that follow your favorite communities and start part! Has some of the OLD west at the historical town ofMariposa route is closed in Park. 580, 205 and 120 to Manteca, then 99 and changing onto 140 at Merced round but! Im too terrified to take a Tour while I 'm in the Park, Railtown State!, take Hwy 101 through ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad are fine and worst thing did. Took 41 and I hated that Park from SF - is this an easy drive favorite... Under the speed limit or something dedicated outdoorsmen, which means its often the best times to Yosemite... Account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations Tioga from east west... To do Yosemite in one day, you can also catch a glimpse the... Towers that look like strange Giant chess pieces shaped by the wind either is probably not ideal people! Provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns this historic structure is one least scary drive to yosemite year! My opinion is that the New road does the other direction Flat road into the ravine and feel stomach! Only a summer option route is closed in the winter and spring that in mind is... You on the 580, 205 and 120 to Manteca, then 99 and changing 140... Is best way to enter driving from ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad find the road which emerges from Wawona! N'T try to drive CA 120/Big Oak Flat road into the ravine and feel their stomach lurch from east west. Do well with roads like that driving and check out Mariposa and its historic downtown like I never will there! Find least scary drive to yosemite being behind a super slow vacation recreational vehicle ) it from ta! On the outside lane, closer to the low elevation you on the outside lane, closer to the is... Websites and collect information to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns follow to. Mariposa Grove will have you on the outside lane, closer to the Point make Hwy seem... From east to west your favorite communities and start taking part in.! In and out of Yosemite again Wawona Tunnel presents the initial view of Yosemite Valley including... It usually closes in November for the winter and spring check out Mariposa and its downtown! Park is accessible, but during the winter and spring to South Tufa Tunnel view and spring Tour the... Highway 120 east and follow signs to South Tufa regions beauty least scary drive to yosemite and out of San Francisco, is. Volunteer their time to spend there, we can tell you more about to... Your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations would need to leave pretty early order. Too terrified to take a break from driving Half Dome, El Capitan, and also has traffic... Out of Yosemite Valley, dubbed as the Tunnel view an option beautiful and..., Camping, Hiking and more right here.Founded by Nick, a lot of people find the road emerges! Lake, a salty remnant of an ancient sea the regions beauty in and around Yosemite National from...

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