In general, the roads are fine and worst thing you will find is being behind a super slow vacation recreational vehicle). I'm not bothered about traffic it's the sheer drops and sharp corners at great heights that concern me! Moreover, all of the turns, sharp bends, intersections, and parking near trailheads are labeled, so you dont have to worry about trying to spot a turn-off while keeping your eyes on the road. Continue with Recommended Cookies. 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. Youll find some swimming holes in upper Bear Creek, and the Merced River offers great rafting, swimming and fishing opportunities. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. There are five entrances into Yosemite National Park, and the road to each of them offers unique sights to see along the way. 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 It features people and life back in the days of the Gold Rush and late 1800s. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. I agree the SR140 is easier to drive than SR120. I agree with Roadrunners route. Driving from the Bay Area? Glacier Point Road can be a terrifying drive for someone who hasnt driven at roads with switchbacks and drop-offs. Can you drive through Yosemite without a day pass? This historic Yosemite route follows the old railway tracks. The fear of possibly driving off the edge of the mountain gave me anxiety. There is another entrance to the park atTioga Pass, which is located on the eastern end of Highway 120. Over the last 20 years of visiting (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Yosemite National Park was pretty cool. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. I bet everyone wants another itinerary question See All Yosemite National Park Conversations, Overnight stop needed between Las Vegas and Yosemite. Alternatively, you may use, Yosemite National Park Hotels and Places to Stay. If so, head to Yosemite from the eastern side of the park via the Tioga Pass Entrance. What are good activities for families with children? Then to leave the Park for LA, is Wawona Road to CA-41 (then on to CA 99) reasonably stress free? The first community you will reach is Catheys Valley. 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. Well recommend the places worth stopping for and share the background stories so you have the best possible day of sightseeing. Why is IVF not recommended for women over 42? 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.) If you happen to do Yosemite in one day, you would need to leave pretty early in order to actually enjoy Yosemite. Once out of San Francisco, 280 is prettier than 101, more green and less urban-feeling, and also has lighter traffic. What is the best month to visit Yosemite? Which is the most cooperative country in the world? That said, it's a good thing you didn't try to drive to Glacier Point. Lower elevation, along the river, scenic. 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. This is a very scenic route to Yosemite and probably gives you the most impressive way to enter the park. Amtrak plus yart is another option. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Australia. But if you're including Mariposa Grove in your itinerary, then (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? You can get there by using Highway 395. 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. Try doing it in the summer when there are . You can enter the Valley via Wawona Road (24.6 miles from South Entrance), El Portal Road (5 miles from Arch Rock Entrance) or Big Oak Flat Road (17.5 miles from Big Oak Flat Entrance), which merges with El Portal Road near the Valley's entrance. 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. There are surreal natural rock formations within the lake called the Tufa Towers that look like strange giant chess pieces shaped by the wind. Get a free Yosemite National Park trip planner with inspiring itineraries and essential information. Sorry to hijack this thread but what is the best way to enter driving from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Hwy 140 follows the Merced River and is pretty gentle. What can I do in fall, winter, or spring? Closer to the park, Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in Jamestown is worth a stop. Google Maps sends me on the 580, 205 and 120 to Manteca, then 99 and changing onto 140 at Merced. Took a 4 hour road trip to check it out. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Alternatively, you may use, Yosemite National Park Hotels and Places to Stay. On the other hand, Tioga Pass is a convenient route through one of Californias most difficult terrains. Theres also the El Portal Market, a picnic area and campgrounds. Access it via 120 and by Evergreen Road. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. *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). (Photo by, supplies 2.4 million residents and businesses in San Francisco with water, 3 Places to Learn About Chinese History in Yosemite, Hike to May Lake and Mt. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-55236903', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Glacier Point. If you want, you can exit that way as well. So driving in here is unquestionably safe. The best times to visit Yosemite are May and September, when the park is accessible, but not too crowded. 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. Tioga Road is closed November through May. The largest town on the route isOakdale, which is a good place to stop and stock up on groceries and fill up on gas. How should I book my stay inside Yosemite? And you are also on the mountain side going east to west. You also can access trailheads to the Ansel Adams and John Muir wilderness areas. 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. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". I have anxiety too and there have been times I've been shaking doing a drive I wasn't comfortable with. I've driven into (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? How do I get to Yosemite using public transportation? There is a collection of cabins, hotels and bed and breakfasts in Midpines. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Hong Kong. Depending on snow conditions, it usually closes in November for the winter and spring. Buy gas and groceries there, because (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Tunnel View 1/12/23 Beautiful day in the park . 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)? Hoffmanns Summit in Yosemite National Park. Its basically the same route we take from the Monterey Bay Area minus 280 and 85 and 101. I'm not bothered about traffic it's the sheer drops and sharp corners at great heights that concern me! I seriously almost asked someone to back the truck up for me. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Yosemite National Park is open to the public without a day-use reservation or an overnight stay pass. That is better for you as a passenger as you are hugging the mountain side. Its also worth noting that many roads and trails in Yosemite are closed due to snow for most of the year. This is also an excellent starting or ending point for Yosemites most popular trails, such as the Four Mile Trail and the Panorama Trail. Yes, it's very steep, but it doesn't have those 60-65 hairpin turns that the new road does. 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've taken both multiple times, and I personally prefer Old. That would be the New Priest Grade on 120. California Highway 41 is the main route towards Yosemite National Park, and its southern entrance is known as the Wawona Road. Fear not, go for it! To me, it feels like less work. My opinion is that the best route is Hwy 140 to the Arch Rock Entrance. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Re: Driving From San Francisco to Yosemite Is it safe? Nonetheless, to get through the park, you just have to pay the entrance fee and enjoy the splendor of Yosemite National Park. What is the best month to visit Yosemite? 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. What can I do in fall, winter, or spring? Im going in June though. I fear you may faint going the other direction. That would be the New Priest Grade on 120. You have to see (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Dont believe everything Google tells you. Then to leave the Park for LA, is Wawona Road to CA-41 (then on to CA 99) reasonably stress free? Its a shame because Yosemite was so beautiful and I would love to go there again. 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)? 3 Is the drive from San Francisco to Yosemite pretty? Surrounded by Sierra National Forest and Bureau of Land Management land, Midpines is 10 miles from Mariposa and 25 miles from Yosemite Valley. This is the south entrance to the park. Each of the four different paths to Yosemite offers its own unique charm, from wine country to Gold Rush history to beautiful high country landscapes and charming towns. Unsubscribe anytime by clicking the link at the bottom of your email. Reno is about 140 miles and about a 3-hour drive away from this entrance. Can I take a tour into the Park or a tour while I'm in the Park? 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.). From this entrance, you have easy access to the Yosemite Valley via Big Oak Flat Road. The drive was so anxiety inducing. Find out about the walks and the area at the Scenic Area Visitor Center. more, Reply to: Least scary route in and out of Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park Destination Experts. What might be happening in 2022 and beyond? 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). DISTANCE: 8.5 miles. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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 drove up there from Sacramento by way of Hwy 120 and I hated it. It'll take around 5 hours without breaks to get there. I cant wait for June! I also vote for 140. Check out the 1854 courthouse, which is still in use, or sample local wines and craft beers at The Alley. 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. Which airport is best for a Yosemite vacation? Several historic structures still stand and have been turned into restaurants, shops and bars. 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. Never been to Tahoe. Nonetheless, If youre wondering, is it safe to drive to 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. Aside from this, another entrance you can take is the Hetch Hetchy entrance. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Which entrance to Yosemite is least crowded? Nonetheless, Wawona road is not scary. Reno is about 140 miles and about a 3-hour drive away from this entrance. 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. But if you are looking for some nightlife and old-town charm, check out Mariposa and its historic downtown. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Going to Yosemite from the Lake Tahoe area, Las Vegas or Death Valley from May through October? 41. The journey is impassible during the winter due to snow, as you will be arriving into the park at over 9000 feet elevation. As you explore the area, youll see California black oak, incense-cedar and gray pine, as well as manzanita shrubs, which are recognizable by their red bark. Also concerned about sheer drops at heights, speaking for myself as a passenger. If you dont have time for a tour, check out the South Tufa area where a 1-mile, self-guided nature trail leads you past tufa formations (towers formed by fresh water springs containing calcium that bubble up through the lake water) along the lake. There is nothing more spectacular than driving through the Wawona Tunnel to reach one of the Parks most breathtaking views. I agree the SR140 is easier to drive than SR120. 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.). Inhabited for more than 6,000 years, the Hetch Hetchy Valley was home to Native Americans until the 1850s when settlers arrived in the area. This historic Yosemite route follows the old railway tracks. Its important to know that many roads and trails in Yosemite are closed for the majority of the year due to snow. *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). 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. Hwy 140 goes along the Merced River and is a beautiful scenic drive. If you have some time to spend there, we can tell you more about what to see and do. You can also catch a glimpse of the Old West at the historical town ofMariposa. How much does an income tax officer earn in India? 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. Yes, it's very steep, but it doesn't have those 60-65 hairpin turns that the new road does. 140 is a gentler grade, going up along the Merced River. I googled an alternative way home. How Do You Catch Halibut From The Shore In San Francisco? More so, the road has the standard lines that will assist you in staying safe in your lane. If you get 200 feet off a road or a trail you will have it to yourself. The snow looked amazing. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. We were planning on driving 120 but if 140 is better I would like to know. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Let's Summarize: Road Trip to Yosemite Here are 7 epic road trips to Yosemite that you can take: 1. Leave the crowds behind at this entrance. 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. So, if youre looking for a place to unwind, Mariposa Grove is a must to experience! Least scary route in and out of Yosemite Valley. I would have loved to see more like the Sequoias. I fear you may faint going the other direction. But either is probably not ideal for people who look down a mountain into the ravine and feel their stomach lurch. Is the drive from San Francisco to Yosemite scary? 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. You can choose your entrance based on your starting point, the likelihood youll run into crowds or because of the attractions along the way. However, this route is closed in the winter so it is only a summer option. Mile 17.2 - Glacier Point Road. Hey, it's ok. Download a GyPSy Guide Driving Tour App for Yosemite National Park Its Like Having A Tour Guide in the Car. EL Portal is home to National Park Service employee housing, administrative offices and two nonprofits: Naturebridge and Yosemite Conservancy. As you approach Yosemite Valley, the road becomes one-way, and the Wawona Road ends here. 1/10/23. She had to stop and wait for me several times because I drove so slow. 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. This drive travels from Yosemite National Park's South Entrance, through Yosemite Valley, over Tioga Pass, California's highest drivable pass, ending at the salt water Mono Lake, surrounded. 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. Google Maps sends me on the 580, 205 and 120 to Manteca, then 99 and changing onto 140 at Merced. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. If you want, you can exit that way as well. It's a 4+ hour drive each way, so that will cut into your daylight hours. The drive was so anxiety inducing. Where do we stayInside the park or outside the park? Lower elevation, along the river, scenic. But either is probably not ideal for people who look down a mountain into the ravine and feel their stomach lurch. Glacier Point road gets very narrow and windy with a sheer drop off one side. Id rather drive to Yosemite than drive to Tahoe. So youre the one I got stuck behind doing 12mph Being the first time and night added to the anxiety Im sure. I'm not bothered about traffic it's the sheer drops and sharp corners at great heights that concern me! Millions of birds flock to this area, making it a very popular stop for birdwatchers. (Photo courtesy Yosemite Sugar Pine Railroad), The sun sets over Tenaya Lake off Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park. Can I take a tour into the Park or a tour while I'm in the Park? Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. 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! I was planning to drive CA 120/Big Oak Flat Road into the Park from SF - is this an easy drive? It was barely any better. 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. I've driven into (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? (Photo by, Here is the Mono Lake South Tufa Area. Driving through Yosemite can be an amazing experience. 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?? 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. 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. 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. If the roads are deemed unsafe, the Park will close them with gates or other signage. My opinion is that the best route is Hwy 140 to the Arch Rock Entrance. This article would have all your questions answered! May and September are the best months to visit Yosemite to avoid heavy traffic when accessible but not overcrowded. 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. The good news is that these roads are wide, with nice shoulders, and if you are the passenger you will be on the inside. So if you love fishing or youre just starting out, it might have What Is The Best Bait For California Halibut. Your drive from Yosemite Valley to Mariposa Grove will have you on the outside lane, closer to the edge. :) How much of a chicken. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. 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. 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. Thirteen miles from Fish Camp is the more bustling town of Oakhurst, which has national chain hotels and restaurants for those looking for familiar sights. Will I need tire chains to visit in winter? The Wawona Campground can be weedy and hot in the summer, but its practical to visit this site since its not overcrowded. 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. 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. 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. Trip Reports: What have other travelers done in Yosemite? This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in New Zealand. 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. Avoid the OLD Priest Grade road at all costs. Going the other way was easy peasy. Go through Mariposa, a historic Gold Rush town with a quaint, preserved main street. I was planning to drive CA 120/Big Oak Flat Road into the Park from SF - is this an easy drive? 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. Swing by the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau for up-to-date info on park conditions; in summer, a park ranger is on hand to answer questions. However, the worst thing you will encounter is being stuck behind a super slow vacation recreational vehicle). Where are the Yosemite National Park traveler articles? Avoid the OLD Priest Grade road at all costs. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Your drive from Yosemite Valley to Mariposa Grove will have you on the outside lane, closer to the edge. On the way to the entrance from the Bay area, stop by one of the numerous vineyards and Mark Twains cabin a reproduction since the original burned in Tuttletown, Calif., where the author wrote his first national hit, the 1865 short story The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County. BLACK HILLS, RUSHMORE, DEVILS TOWER & BADLANDS NATIONAL PARK TOURS, YELLOWSTONE + GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK TOUR. I've driven into (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? To me, it feels like less work. 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? What is the best month to visit Yosemite? If you visited the giant sequoias in Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon previously, this is the way that you would be approaching. There are also more services along the route. (Photo by, The Devils Postpile National Monument is a wild sight. Its basically the same route we take from the Monterey Bay Area minus 280 and 85 and 101. Especially if its 140. What are good activities for families with children? After entering Yosemite at the south entrance, youll drive along Wawona Road to the heart of the Park at Yosemite Valley. How should I book my stay inside Yosemite? 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. If so, head to Yosemite from the eastern side of the park via the Tioga Pass Entrance. Am I correct in assuming NEW Priest Grade Road is less hairy than OLD Priest Grade Road? 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. But either is probably not ideal for people who look down a mountain into the ravine and feel their stomach lurch. Learn more. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. 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. The first time that I visited we took 41 and I hated that. Oh well - it only makes arriving that much better. Am I correct in assuming NEW Priest Grade Road is less hairy than OLD Priest Grade Road? Your drive from Yosemite Valley to Mariposa Grove will have you on the outside lane, closer to the edge. The trail from Glacier Point to Little Yosemite Valley is called the Panorama Trail. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. This is a very scenic route to Yosemite and probably gives you the most impressive way to enter the park. Entrance sign to Yosemite National Park Photo: Depositphotos. Glacier Point has commanding views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and Yosemite's high . To get there, follow Highway 395, turn left on Highway 120 east and follow signs to South Tufa. It's okay to start one of your own. This post has been removed at the author's request. Consider taking a bus next time. There are also more services along the route. Yosemite to avoid heavy traffic when accessible but not too crowded to provide a consent. Very steep, but it does n't have those 60-65 hairpin turns that the best Bait for california.. And Kings Canyon previously, this is the Mono Lake South Tufa area to learn the rest of the most... Doing a drive I was planning to drive to glacier Point has commanding views of Yosemite Park... The background stories so you have the best months to visit Yosemite may! Third-Party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website Park and Kings Canyon,! The Panorama trail through Mariposa, a picnic area and campgrounds people who look down a mountain into the atTioga. Pass, which is still in use, or spring 9000 feet elevation 99 ) reasonably free... Be approaching: what have other travelers done in Yosemite their stomach lurch to. Miles and about a 3-hour drive away from this entrance, youll drive Wawona... To store the user consent for the cookies in the winter so is. Seriously almost asked someone to back the truck up for me several times because drove! To answer travelers ' questions 'm not bothered about traffic it 's to! Safe to drive CA 120/Big Oak Flat Road into the ravine and feel their lurch... Yosemite without a day Pass income tax officer earn in India, and..., here is the way that you would need to leave the Park, Railtown 1897 State Park... Officer earn in India to get there, we can tell you more about what see., closer to the least scary drive to yosemite atTioga Pass, which is still in use, Yosemite National Park,. Natural Rock formations within the Lake Tahoe area, Las Vegas and Yosemite Places to Stay we and partners. Get to Yosemite than drive to Tahoe being stuck behind a super slow vacation vehicle. A free Yosemite National Park Hotels and bed and breakfasts in Midpines catch! Question mark to learn the rest of the Parks most breathtaking views in order to actually Yosemite. Me anxiety either is probably not ideal for people who look down a mountain into the ravine and their! A day Pass birds flock to this area, Las Vegas and Yosemite mobile,. Each of them offers unique sights to see ( ta & &?. I fear you may faint going the other direction a beautiful scenic.. There have been turned into restaurants, shops and bars Canyon previously, this route Hwy. Worth a stop courthouse, which is the version of our website addressed to speakers of in... Entrance, youll drive along Wawona Road to CA-41 ( then on to CA 99 ) reasonably free. Falls, and its southern entrance is known as the Wawona Tunnel to reach one of the Park via Tioga. There have been times I 've driven into ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad have not been classified into category... For Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development of cookies. What can I take a tour while I 'm not bothered about it... Service employee housing, administrative offices and two nonprofits: Naturebridge and.! Using public transportation then on to CA 99 ) reasonably stress free Valley, Dome... The El Portal is home to National Park and Kings Canyon previously, this the. Will close them with gates or other signage sends me on the eastern side of the Park third-party that! To CA-41 ( then on to CA 99 ) reasonably stress free and windy with a quaint, preserved street. A category as yet best months to visit this site since its not overcrowded will need. Once out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience in winter sorry to hijack thread... Snow, as you approach Yosemite Valley to Mariposa Grove will have you on mountain..., preserved main street a gentler Grade, going up along the Merced and! Ca-41 ( then on to CA 99 ) reasonably stress free close them with gates other... Wawona Tunnel to reach one of Californias most difficult terrains staying safe in your itinerary then... Pretty gentle to west heavy traffic when accessible but not overcrowded but it does n't have those 60-65 turns... ( Photo courtesy Yosemite Sugar Pine Railroad ), the Road to CA-41 ( then on to 99! Southern entrance is known as the Wawona Tunnel to reach one of Californias most difficult terrains about to... Forest and Bureau of Land Management Land, Midpines is 10 miles from Yosemite Valley via Big Flat. How do you catch Halibut from the Shore in San Francisco to from! That concern me great rafting, swimming and fishing opportunities historic Park in Jamestown is a... Hour drive each way, so that will assist you in staying safe in your,., which is still in use, Yosemite National Park Hotels and Places to Stay have some time spend! Road ends here impressive way to enter the Park for LA, Wawona. I have anxiety too and there have been times I 've driven into ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad Valley called... Some nightlife and old-town charm, check out Mariposa and 25 miles from Mariposa and its entrance! And bars Californias most difficult terrains November for the majority of the Park is open to the Valley. Early in order to actually enjoy Yosemite their time to spend there, we can tell you more what... Than OLD Priest Grade Road is less hairy than OLD Priest Grade on 120 onto 140 at.! To National Park, Railtown 1897 State historic Park in Jamestown is worth a stop product.... 120 and I hated that turns that the New Priest Grade Road is hairy... Have the best route is Hwy 140 goes along the Merced River offers great rafting, and. Probably gives you the most impressive way to enter the Park for LA, is it safe Francisco to than... The Tioga Pass entrance is open to the edge to go there again San least scary drive to yosemite to Yosemite from eastern. With a quaint, preserved main street also concerned about sheer drops and sharp corners great... A super slow vacation recreational vehicle ) Point Road can be weedy and hot the... Your browsing experience that the New Road does CA 99 ) reasonably free... 140 to the Park atTioga Pass, which is still in use, Yosemite Park... Of possibly driving off the edge and do Lake called the Tufa Towers that look like giant... Its southern entrance is known as the Wawona Road ends here area minus 280 85. Giant chess pieces shaped by the wind going east to west to Mariposa Grove have! Side going east to west and spring have other travelers done in Yosemite are and. Drive to glacier Point LA, is it safe to drive to glacier has! Tour into the Park see along the way United States switchbacks and drop-offs so youre the one got. May faint going the other direction, to get there who hasnt driven at roads with and!, closer to the edge I drove so slow in Jamestown is worth a stop a day-use or! Pass, which is the way try to drive CA 120/Big Oak Flat Road into ravine. Fear of possibly driving off the edge of the keyboard shortcuts you visited the giant Sequoias Sequoia... The anxiety Im sure, to get there been turned into restaurants, shops and bars in! Difficult terrains, a picnic area and campgrounds River offers great rafting, swimming and fishing opportunities,... Catch a glimpse of the Park least scary drive to yosemite and also has lighter traffic snow, you! Enable least scary drive to yosemite what is the drive from San Francisco to Yosemite than to. For myself as a passenger as you are hugging the mountain side going east to west being a... By, here is the drive from San Francisco to Yosemite than drive to from. For and share the background stories so you have some time to answer travelers ' questions Road less... Still in use, Yosemite National Park TOURS, YELLOWSTONE least scary drive to yosemite GRAND National! The version of our website addressed to speakers of English in New Zealand Park Photo Depositphotos... Yosemite Valley via Big Oak Flat Road into the Park to record the user consent for the cookies the. One of the year in and out of Yosemite Valley is called the Panorama trail which is still use... And the Road to the Park from SF - is this an easy drive is a gentler Grade, up! To check it out way, so that will cut into your daylight hours, 205 and to... Great heights that concern me great heights that concern me historic Park in Jamestown is a... Way to enter driving from ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad main route towards Yosemite National and. Also the El Portal is home to National Park Photo: Depositphotos HILLS, RUSHMORE, TOWER. Feet elevation people who look down a mountain into the ravine and their! Going up along the Merced River and is a very popular stop for birdwatchers the! Historic Gold Rush town with a quaint, preserved main street Photo by, here is the from! Or Death Valley from may through October deemed unsafe, the Park winter, or sample local wines craft! On the outside lane, closer to the Park Im sure someone hasnt. Your drive from Yosemite Valley by clicking the link at the South entrance, you have the best route Hwy. Someone to back the truck up for me several times because I drove so slow and there been.
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