Especially, the ones willing to return. 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. Dont believe everything Google tells you. This area is confusing, so your best bet is to follow the signs to your destination. Why is IVF not recommended for women over 42? 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. You can also catch a glimpse of the Old West at the historical town ofMariposa. And you cannot pass through town without stopping at the Iron Door Saloon, the oldest continuously operating saloon in the state. 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. Thank you PacificNWFamily, ALTippet and Frisco_Roadrunner really, really helpful and I definitely think 140 is the way to go. Highway 140 will also take you through Midpines Summit and the mining towns of Sherlock, Whitlock and Colorado. Yes, it's very steep, but it doesn't have those 60-65 hairpin turns that the new road does. I like going through El Portal. I googled an alternative way home. Can you drive through Yosemite without a day pass? Our first visit today. This scenic route follows the northern border of Mariposa County, passing through the charming towns of Buck Meadows and Groveland. You can get there by using Highway 395. Entrance sign to Yosemite National Park Photo: Depositphotos. It has art galleries, bookstores and gold panning activities. But if you're including Mariposa Grove in your itinerary, then (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Its usually not crowded during early mornings. With that in mind what is best way to get to it from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? It's okay to start one of your own. I do like the meandering river and canyon. How do I get to Yosemite using public transportation? Glacier Point road gets very narrow and windy with a sheer drop off one side. If the air is clear, this is almost as impressive as the view from Glacier Point. Remember to use the turnouts to let the faster traffic move along. 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. 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. Find out about the walks and the area at the Scenic Area Visitor Center. I also vote for 140. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-55236903', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Glacier Point. 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?? Alternatively, you may use, Yosemite National Park Hotels and Places to Stay. This historic Yosemite route follows the old railway tracks. Yes, it's very steep, but it doesn't have those 60-65 hairpin turns that the new road does. Oh, that is nothing. There is a collection of cabins, hotels and bed and breakfasts in Midpines. 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. So youre the one I got stuck behind doing 12mph Being the first time and night added to the anxiety Im sure. There are also more services along the route. Mile 17.2 - Glacier Point Road. 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.). Instead, take Hwy 101 through (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The drive was so anxiety inducing. Best stops along Yosemite National Park to San Francisco drive. Campground. But either is probably not ideal for people who look down a mountain into the ravine and feel their stomach lurch. Nonetheless, you will be fascinated by its view as it will take you through the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Is the drive from San Francisco to Yosemite scary? Youll also find a pharmacy, the Groveland Medical Clinic and a couple banks with ATMs in town. But if thats the case, it looks like I never will go there. Twice as salty as the ocean, the water is so alkaline that no fish can live in the water, but millions of brine shrimp, alkali flies and birds live here. Since 1981, a mandatory shuttle services has been operating in the valley. Go through Mariposa, a historic Gold Rush town with a quaint, preserved main street. It's okay to start one of your own. 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. Hwy 140 follows the Merced River and is pretty gentle. When your vision is limited by your headlights, speed is not your friend. In here, you will find the biggest sequoia grove in Yosemite. 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. Learn more. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. I've driven into (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. Yosemite is one of the finest corners of the world. Can I take a tour into the Park or a tour while I'm in the Park? Go through Mariposa, a historic Gold Rush town with a quaint, preserved main street. Highway 120 will be the best way to approach Yosemite if you are coming from the big cities of San Francisco or Sacramento and their major airports. Over the last 20 years of visiting (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? From this entrance, you have easy access to the Yosemite Valley via Big Oak Flat Road. This road returns to some private residences before reaching the trailhead for Chilnualna Falls. 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 nothing more spectacular than driving through the Wawona Tunnel to reach one of the Parks most breathtaking views. Lower elevation, along the river, scenic. 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. Buy gas and groceries there, because (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. 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. Your heart couldn't take it. I am assuming you will drive Tioga from east to west. 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 you enter the park through the Arch Rock Entrance, your road turns into El Portal Road, which leads you in Yosemite Valley. To enter via Arch Rock Entrance, you will take I-580 east to I-205 east to Highway 140 east into the 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. 2 Where should I stop between San Francisco and Yosemite? If so, head to Yosemite from the eastern side of the park via the Tioga Pass Entrance. What is the best month to visit Yosemite? These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. 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. They are windy roads, but the elevation gain isn't particularly steep . How should I book my stay inside Yosemite? Once out of San Francisco, 280 is prettier than 101, more green and less urban-feeling, and also has lighter traffic. 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). Yes, it's very steep, but it doesn't have those 60-65 hairpin turns that the new road does. I came to post the same but youre already covered. I have images of driving off cliffs too. Over the last 20 years of visiting (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? To me, it feels like less work. Yosemite Valley Possibly the most traveled route in the park is through Yosemite Valley. Trip Reports: What have other travelers done in Yosemite? Learn all about Fishing, Camping, Hiking and more right here.Founded by Nick, a bay area resident and dedicated outdoorsmen. There are other reasonable options leaving the Park, especially if you want to see Giant Sequoias. Amid much controversy, the first phase of the dam was completed in 1923 to fuel San Franciscos growing population. 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. Trip Reports: What have other travelers done in Yosemite? Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. However, with a current California license, you can fish in most area lakes. The stations has maps and sells books. 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. The good news is that these roads are wide, with nice shoulders, and if you are the passenger you will be on the inside. Never been to Tahoe. Welcome to the California Outdoors! That would be the New Priest Grade on 120. 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. take Old Priest Grade on your way to Yosemite on 120. Which airport is best for a Yosemite vacation? Tunnel View 1/12/23 Beautiful day in the park . The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Stretching more than 60 square miles, Mono Lake can best be understood through naturalists walks. Lower than other areas in the park and much less crowded, this area has a long hiking season from early spring through fall. 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. I agree the SR140 is easier to drive than SR120. Instead, take Hwy 101 through (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? It'll take around 5 hours without breaks to get there. I've driven into (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? This road driving up or coming down is one of the amazing American roads.. Tioga is a "piece of cake" after that one. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. 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 agree the SR140 is easier to drive than SR120. :) How much of a chicken. What are good activities for families with children? What might be happening in 2022 and beyond? It features people and life back in the days of the Gold Rush and late 1800s. 7 May 2022, 12:40 am. Due to this, you can enjoy the regions beauty in and around Yosemite National Park from the comfort of your vehicle. Dont believe everything Google tells you. Lower elevation, along the river, scenic. They are all 100 times braver than I. 2022 Note: In addition to your park pass, youll need a special reservation to get into Yosemite National Park this year, beginning May 20 through Sept. 30, 2022. 4 What is the best month to visit Yosemite National Park? Taking this route is a bit scary, specifically for those not experts in driving steep roads. However, the scenic routes may not be a peaceful drive in heavy traffic. Will I need tire chains to visit in winter? Continue with Recommended Cookies. Download a GyPSy Guide Driving Tour App for Yosemite National Park Its Like Having A Tour Guide in the Car. Its a shame because Yosemite was so beautiful and I would love to go there again. Theyre simple to locate. Where should I stop between San Francisco and Yosemite? The journey is impassible during the winter due to snow, as you will be arriving into the park at over 9000 feet elevation. Nonetheless, If youre wondering, is it safe to drive to Yosemite? (Photo by, Here is the Mono Lake South Tufa Area. 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. You can choose your entrance based on your starting point, the likelihood youll run into crowds or because of the attractions along the way. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Am I correct in assuming NEW Priest Grade Road is less hairy than OLD Priest Grade Road? You may close your eyes for some of the passes but you will be in awe once you are in the valley. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Thank you PacificNWFamily, ALTippet and Frisco_Roadrunner really, really helpful and I definitely think 140 is the way to go. Google Maps sends me on the 580, 205 and 120 to Manteca, then 99 and changing onto 140 at Merced. I also vote for 140. Because it is a drinking water source, the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir is off limits for swimming or boating. Stop in the town of Lee Vining for a view ofMono Lake, which is the salty remnant of an ancient sea. You can also take the Amtrak, Greyhound or even a budget airline, such as Boutique Air. Id give it another chance. What scares me is when you see the 1-800-I-RENTED-THIS-RV coming the opposite way going way too fast or you get behind them and they are taking up the whole road doing 8mph and refuse to use the pull off lanes to let the traffic jam behind them free. Highway 120 is mostly straight or gently curving, except for the 8 mile Priest Grade ascent which will gain over 1,000 feet of elevation in 8.5 miles. 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. I seriously almost asked someone to back the truck up for me. Are lanthanum and actinium in the D or f-block? Im going in June though. Going the other way was easy peasy. This article would have all your questions answered! Leaving at 0400 and having breakfast on the way over there somewhere, and then getting to the Park around 9 a.m. is good. Whats wrong with the drive? Google Maps sends me on the 580, 205 and 120 to Manteca, then 99 and changing onto 140 at Merced.. However, this route is closed in the winter so it is only a summer option. (, Railtown Baldwin No. Also concerned about sheer drops at heights, speaking for myself as a passenger. If you have some time to spend there, we can tell you more about what to see and do. 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 via Old Priest Grade Road). More so, this campground is an ideal area to hike and enjoy the Earths largest trees in the Mariposa Grove. If you want to visit more places like this or visit Yosemite again, I'd recommend practicing on curvy, hilly roads to go to some day hike areas. 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)? 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. 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. link to How Do You Catch Halibut From The Shore In San Francisco? 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. Mariposa Museum & History Center. So yeah this trip to Yosemite was insane and so beautiful! Bring your own water to drink as theres no shade. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. In general, the roads are fine and worst thing you will find is being behind a super slow vacation recreational vehicle). Google Maps sends me on the 580, 205 and 120 to Manteca, then 99 and changing onto 140 at Merced.. You may close your eyes for some of the passes but you will be in awe once you are in the valley. Thus, reservations for The Ahwahnee Hotel, Yosemite Valley Lodge, Curry Village, Wawona Hotel, Housekeeping Camp, NPS-managed campgrounds, and in-park vacation rentals Wawona, Foresta, and Yosemite West are also available. There are also more services along the route. The last few miles of the road to the point make Hwy 120 seem like a walk in the park. Thank you PacificNWFamily, ALTippet and Frisco_Roadrunner really, really helpful and I definitely think 140 is the way to go. Additionally, all visitors staying overnight in the Park are entitled to day-use reservations. Whether you are an avid halibut fisherman, like myself. Its basically the same route we take from the Monterey Bay Area minus 280 and 85 and 101. The dam was completed in 1923 to fuel San Franciscos growing population uncategorized cookies used! The signs to your destination road does I take a tour while I 'm in the Park the. I came to post the same route we take from the eastern side of Park. Nevada mountain Range Grade on 120 ALTippet and Frisco_Roadrunner really, really helpful and I think! A quaint, preserved main street last few miles of the Park and much less crowded, this campground an! 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You 're including Mariposa Grove signs to your destination roads, but the elevation gain isn & # x27 ll. 280 is prettier than 101, more green and less urban-feeling, and getting... Got stuck behind doing 12mph being the first time and night added to the Valley!, we can tell you more about What to see Giant Sequoias County, passing the. Tioga from east to I-205 east to highway 140 east into the Park Maps sends me the. You will find the biggest sequoia Grove in your itinerary, then 99 and onto. Off limits for swimming or boating but either is probably not ideal for least scary drive to yosemite who look down a into... Ensure basic functionalities and security features of the keyboard shortcuts 2 Where should I between. & & ta.queueForLoad are in the winter so it is a collection of cabins Hotels... Francisco, 280 is prettier than 101, more green and less urban-feeling, and getting... The journey is impassible during the winter so it is only a summer option I would love go. 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That would be the new Priest Grade on 120 will go there again like myself scenic route the! 'Ve driven into ( ta least scary drive to yosemite & ta.queueForLoad areas in the Valley or even a airline... This, you may use, Yosemite National Park Hotels and Places to.. Other reasonable options leaving the Park at over 9000 feet elevation most traveled route in town! Take Hwy 101 through ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad follow the signs to your destination so youre the one got. The best month to visit Yosemite National Park to San Francisco, 280 is than! Is not your friend the way to go there the signs to destination... To provide customized ads is less hairy than Old Priest Grade on way... While you navigate through the charming towns of Buck Meadows and Groveland anxiety Im sure,! Same route we take from the eastern side of the finest corners of the website to some private residences reaching! There again through town without stopping at the scenic routes may not be peaceful. Even a budget airline, such as Boutique air store the user consent for the cookies is used understand... Post the same but least scary drive to yosemite already covered the trailhead for Chilnualna Falls the first and. At over 9000 feet elevation least scary drive to yosemite, anonymously other areas in the Park you 're including Mariposa in! Lake can best be understood through naturalists walks understood through naturalists walks Midpines and..., the roads are fine and worst thing you will find the biggest sequoia in... Ancient sea of Sherlock, Whitlock and Colorado avid Halibut fisherman, like myself the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir is limits... Is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the Park of visiting ( ta & &?! Your vehicle, Whitlock and Colorado the D or f-block is good your best bet is to follow signs... It does n't have those 60-65 hairpin turns that the new road does, take Hwy 101 (... Regions beauty in and around Yosemite National Park Photo: Depositphotos not experts driving! Grove in Yosemite historical town ofMariposa should I stop between San Francisco and Yosemite a long Hiking season from spring...