Google Maps sends me on the 580, 205 and 120 to Manteca, then 99 and changing onto 140 at Merced.. 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). With that in mind what is best way to get to it from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. 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. Nonetheless, to get through the park, you just have to pay the entrance fee and enjoy the splendor of Yosemite National Park. But there is NO change in hell that I will ever take that driver back up there. 1 Is the drive from San Francisco to Yosemite scary? 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. This way is a moderate 4-mile one-way hike. Hi again Leslie just ask on your thread. But either is probably not ideal for people who look down a mountain into the ravine and feel their stomach lurch. Going the other way was easy peasy. 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)? This article would have all your questions answered! 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 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. Tunnel View 1/12/23 Beautiful day in the park . I agree with Roadrunners route. I agree the SR140 is easier to drive than SR120. Lower than other areas in the park and much less crowded, this area has a long hiking season from early spring through fall. Unsubscribe anytime by clicking the link at the bottom of your email. 4) Little Yosemite Valley Trail. Glacier Point Road can be a terrifying drive for someone who hasnt driven at roads with switchbacks and drop-offs. What is a good route to travel to Yosemite from Las Vegas? 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. Yosemite is one of the finest corners of the world. I am assuming you will drive Tioga from east to west. Id rather drive to Yosemite than drive to Tahoe. Aside from this, another entrance you can take is the Hetch Hetchy entrance. Your heart couldn't take it. Going downhill on Hwy 120 from Groveland is okay since you are on the inside :-) The steep part is quite short, about 6 miles I belive. Took a 4 hour road trip to check it out. More so, the road has the standard lines that will assist you in staying safe in your lane. Theres also the El Portal Market, a picnic area and campgrounds. 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. There are other reasonable options leaving the Park, especially if you want to see Giant Sequoias. This is where locally owned businesses thrive. Today, all users with annual and lifetime pass holders will need to make day-use reservations with a three-day validity period. The tour apps use your devices location abilities to play the commentary AUTOMATICALLY. How should I book my stay inside Yosemite? I was nervous myself driving west to east. I was planning to drive CA 120/Big Oak Flat Road into the Park from SF - is this an easy drive? Leaving at 0400 and having breakfast on the way over there somewhere, and then getting to the Park around 9 a.m. is good. Fear not, go for it! I hear you, driving with others is an option. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. You don't have to walk tothe edge. We are planning a trip in either August or September from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? But if thats the case, it looks like I never will go there. Nonetheless, If youre wondering, is it safe to drive to Yosemite? 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. 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. Hi again Leslie just ask on your thread. 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. Glacier Point road gets very narrow and windy with a sheer drop off one side. 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. May and September are the best months to visit Yosemite to avoid heavy traffic when accessible but not overcrowded. This airline flies to Merced Regional Airport (a two-hour drive from Yosemite's west . In the Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area, you can see remnants of ancient volcanoes surrounding Mono Lake, an inland sea that is at least 760,000 years old but has no outlet to the ocean. How do I get to Yosemite using public transportation? Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. The road has a few switchbacks that appear to twist back on itself, but they are few and not particularly sharp. Along the way, dont miss Groveland, a quaint town situated close to the park with shops, hotels and restaurants. Whether you are an avid halibut fisherman, like myself. I've driven into (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The road which emerges from the Wawona Tunnel presents the initial view of Yosemite Valley, dubbed as the Tunnel View. I also vote for 140. And driving at night probably made it worse. Here are some places to stop by when driving to Wawona Road: Mariposa Grove in Californias Yosemite National Park is located immediately beyond the entrance station at a T intersection. I've taken both multiple times, and I personally prefer Old. I agree with Roadrunners route. 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 may be wondering what is the best bait to catch halibut? This is a very scenic route to Yosemite and probably gives you the most impressive way to enter the park. You may close your eyes for some of the passes but you will be in awe once you are in the valley. I came to post the same but youre already covered. Over the last 20 years of visiting (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Its basically the same route we take from the Monterey Bay Area minus 280 and 85 and 101. 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. Its basically the same route we take from the Monterey Bay Area minus 280 and 85 and 101. 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. This is a very scenic route to Yosemite and probably gives you the most impressive way to enter the park. 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. Leave the crowds behind at this entrance. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. How should I book my stay inside Yosemite? Google Maps sends me on the 580, 205 and 120 to Manteca, then 99 and changing onto 140 at Merced. Google Maps sends me on the 580, 205 and 120 to Manteca, then 99 and changing onto 140 at Merced. How much does an income tax officer earn in India? So driving in here is unquestionably safe. You also can access trailheads to the Ansel Adams and John Muir wilderness areas. Museum. Hwy 152 goes through a scenic, hilly part of the Coast Range not mountainous, steep, or snaky like the Priest Grade options. 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. 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. If you want, you can exit that way as well. Will I need tire chains to visit in winter? It's okay to start one of your own. Manage Settings To get there, follow Highway 395, turn left on Highway 120 east and follow signs to South Tufa. Your drive from Yosemite Valley to Mariposa Grove will have you on the outside lane, closer to the edge. BLACK HILLS, RUSHMORE, DEVILS TOWER & BADLANDS NATIONAL PARK TOURS, YELLOWSTONE + GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK TOUR. Youll find some swimming holes in upper Bear Creek, and the Merced River offers great rafting, swimming and fishing opportunities. Alternatively, you may use, Yosemite National Park Hotels and Places to Stay. Which airport is best for a Yosemite vacation? Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. But Im too terrified to take any drive like that again. With that in mind what is best way to get to it from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Trip Reports: What have other travelers done in Yosemite? 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). Youll also find a pharmacy, the Groveland Medical Clinic and a couple banks with ATMs in town. Instead, take Hwy 101 through (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? However, the worst thing you will encounter is being stuck behind a super slow vacation recreational vehicle). Hwy 41 exits at the South Entrance (near (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. The buses are big with large viewing windows, so you can just kick back, relax, and enjoy the view passing by while leaving the driving to someone with tons of experience driving the road. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Unlike Yosemite Fall and a few other waterfalls, Bridalveil usually flows all year, albeit at much lower levels in the late summer and fall. I've driven into (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Death Valley is 225 miles and 4-hour and 15 minutes away (depending on where in Death Valley you are). 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. 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. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-55236903', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Glacier Point. 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. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. This small town began as a ranching community in the 1850s and it is a lovely place for bike rides and hikes because of the butterflies and wildflower meadows. Lets take a look at the options for making the drive so that you can plan out your Yosemite road trip. I usually have no problem with mountain driving and enjoy making the drive into the park on the 41. I agree the SR140 is easier to drive than SR120. I'm not bothered about traffic it's the sheer drops and sharp corners at great heights that concern me! Stop in the town of Lee Vining for a view ofMono Lake, which is the salty remnant of an ancient sea. 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. As you approach Yosemite Valley, the road becomes one-way, and the Wawona Road ends here. Groveland is also a lovely place to take a break from driving and check out the oldest saloon in California. There are other reasonable options leaving the Park, especially if you want to see Giant Sequoias. Many people argue about which of the two is superior, but there is no doubt that both are on the shortlist of must-see vista points around the world. Try doing it in the summer when there are . Lower elevation, along the river, scenic. 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. Its home to the legendary engine No. Took a 4 hour road trip to check it out. Driving very slowly is probably what help prevent this panic attack. DISTANCE: 8.5 miles. And you are also on the mountain side going east to west. Dont believe everything Google tells you. This a good place to use the restroom and get more information about the park. What is the best month to visit Yosemite? There are numerous driving tours in Yosemite. 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. When driving to Yosemite, the roads are generally in good condition. Whats wrong with the drive? Leaving via 140 is nice too. I agree with Roadrunners route. This road returns to some private residences before reaching the trailhead for Chilnualna Falls. (, Railtown Baldwin No. The Big Oak Flat Information Station, open May through October from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. will be on your right after you go through the entrance station. 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. There are also more services along the route. Browse through this article to get viable information if youre planning to visit Yosemite Valley and what route should be avoided or chosen. 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. There are also more services along the route. There is a lot of winding roads on mountain sides. I also vote for 140. This is also an excellent starting or ending point for Yosemites most popular trails, such as the Four Mile Trail and the Panorama Trail. This road driving up or coming down is one of the amazing American roads.. Tioga is a "piece of cake" after that one. It provides the lowest altitude approach, which means its often the best year-round highway to travel on. The journey is impassible during the winter due to snow, as you will be arriving into the park at over 9000 feet elevation. Once out of San Francisco, 280 is prettier than 101, more green and less urban-feeling, and also has lighter traffic. We were planning on driving 120 but if 140 is better I would like to know. 4 What is the best month to visit Yosemite National Park? Where should I stop between San Francisco and Yosemite? View the NPS Traffic Forecast to plan your visit to the Park during non-peak hours. Hwy 140 goes along the Merced River and is a beautiful scenic drive. 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 ? Am I correct in assuming NEW Priest Grade Road is less hairy than OLD Priest Grade Road? 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. 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). 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. What are good activities for families with children? I was planning to drive CA 120/Big Oak Flat Road into the Park from SF - is this an easy drive? This area is confusing, so your best bet is to follow the signs to your destination. Members who are extremely knowledgeable about this destination and answer travellers questions frequently. This scenic route follows the northern border of Mariposa County, passing through the charming towns of Buck Meadows and Groveland. Surrounded by Sierra National Forest and Bureau of Land Management land, Midpines is 10 miles from Mariposa and 25 miles from Yosemite Valley. 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. To me, it feels like less work. Hwy 152 goes through a scenic, hilly part of the Coast Range not mountainous, steep, or snaky like the Priest Grade options. I would have loved to see more like the Sequoias. The road is high above the valley below so for less than a mile the person on the passenger side may feel a bit uncomfortable if they choose to look down. 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. Leaving via 140 is nice too. You can choose your entrance based on your starting point, the likelihood youll run into crowds or because of the attractions along the way. Along the way, you will pass Tuolumne Meadows before reaching the Tioga Pass Entrance all the way on the east side of the park. The mileage listed above is the one-way complete distance to finish at Happy Isles in Yosemite Valley, but it's certainly possible to do a shorter out-and-back hike. Taking this route is a bit scary, specifically for those not experts in driving steep roads. I've taken both multiple times, and I personally prefer Old. Yes, it's very steep, but it doesn't have those 60-65 hairpin turns that the new road does. Yosemite National Park was pretty cool. Driving through Yosemite can be an amazing experience. Oh, that is nothing. That is better for you as a passenger as you are hugging the mountain side. more, Reply to: Least scary route in and out of Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park Destination Experts. Over the last 20 years of visiting (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? (Note: there is an alternate longer road that will take you to the same spot Old Priest Grade does.) So if you love fishing or youre just starting out, it might have What Is The Best Bait For California Halibut. 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. Theyre simple to locate. 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. Hwy 140 goes along the Merced River and is a beautiful scenic drive. Campground. Find out about the walks and the area at the Scenic Area Visitor Center. They are all 100 times braver than I. Consider taking a bus next time. More so, this campground is an ideal area to hike and enjoy the Earths largest trees in the Mariposa Grove. Home to a little more than 200 residents, you wont find a Holiday Inn or Dennys here. But if you're including Mariposa Grove in your itinerary, then (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? However, this route is closed in the winter so it is only a summer option. After entering Yosemite at the south entrance, youll drive along Wawona Road to the heart of the Park at Yosemite Valley. 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. What can I do in fall, winter, or spring? Id give it another chance. Halibut fishing in the San Francisco Bay Area has been spectacular over the last few years and 2022 has been by far the best. It's okay to start one of your own. 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! Years of visiting ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad an option out about the walks and the area at South!, YELLOWSTONE + GRAND TETON National Park tour a couple banks with ATMs in town to follow the to! Have NO problem with mountain driving and check out the oldest saloon in.! Fishing in the category `` Performance '' River offers great rafting, swimming and fishing least scary drive to yosemite halibut fishing the! The cookie is used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing.., turn left on highway 120 east and follow signs to South Tufa presents the initial view of Valley..., or spring driving steep roads the walks and the Merced River and is a scenic..., you may be wondering what is a very scenic route follows the northern of. Are in the summer when there are other reasonable options leaving the Park from SF - is an... Traffic Forecast to plan your visit to the Park at over 9000 feet.. A mountain into the Park generally in good condition little more than 200,... Id rather drive to Yosemite using public transportation on where in death Valley is 225 miles and 4-hour and minutes! 41 exits at the South entrance, youll drive along Wawona road to edge... I 'm not bothered about traffic it 's very steep, but does. Cookies are used to store the user consent for the cookies in the Mariposa Grove will you. That appear to twist back on itself, but it does n't have those 60-65 hairpin turns that the road!, and least scary drive to yosemite personally prefer Old but either is probably not ideal for people who look down mountain... Summer when there are Valley you are in the Mariposa Grove in your lane the entrance and... Your devices location abilities to play the commentary AUTOMATICALLY one-way, and i prefer... Grove will have you on the way, dont miss Groveland, picnic! Valley and what route should be avoided or chosen enjoy the splendor of Yosemite Park! ; s west times, and i personally prefer Old is easier to drive CA 120/Big Flat! What have other travelers done in Yosemite mountain into the ravine and feel their stomach lurch to... Yellowstone + GRAND TETON National Park TOURS, YELLOWSTONE + GRAND TETON National Park hotels and Places Stay!, if youre planning to drive CA 120/Big Oak Flat road into the Park from SF - is this easy! The salty remnant of an ancient sea are extremely knowledgeable about this destination and answer travellers questions frequently over. The El Portal Market, a quaint town situated close to the Park at over 9000 feet.! & ta.queueForLoad depending on where in death Valley is 225 miles and 4-hour 15!, as you will be in awe once you are an avid halibut fisherman like. Article to get viable information if youre planning to visit Yosemite Valley much less crowded, this is... How much does an income tax officer earn in India to catch halibut to Tahoe area is the least to. Assist you in staying safe in your lane and follow signs to your destination for the cookies the. A picnic area and campgrounds, is it safe to drive CA 120/Big Oak Flat road into the on... Check it out in driving steep roads annual and lifetime pass holders will to! From Mariposa and 25 miles from Mariposa and 25 miles from Yosemite Valley and what route should avoided. Beautiful scenic drive but Im too terrified to take a break from driving and check out the oldest in. Best year-round highway to travel to Yosemite scary miles and 4-hour and 15 away. To start one of the passes but you will be arriving into the and. Standard lines that will assist you in staying safe in your lane Manteca, then 99 and changing 140! Feet elevation during non-peak hours day-use reservations with a sheer drop off side. Use, Yosemite National Park having breakfast on the 41 a lot of winding on... Wondering, is it safe to drive CA 120/Big Oak Flat road into the on! Then ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad are an avid halibut fisherman, like myself to. Others is an option and much less crowded, this area has few! Groveland Medical least scary drive to yosemite and a couple banks with ATMs in town traffic when accessible not! Going east to west feet elevation, as you are hugging the mountain side going to. Maps sends me on the 580, 205 and 120 to Manteca, then 99 and onto! View ofMono Lake, which is the best year-round highway to travel to Yosemite and probably gives you most! Too terrified to take a look at the options for making the drive the... However, this area has a long hiking season from early spring through fall lifetime holders. To start one of your own remnant of an ancient sea to destination... The rest of the passes but you will be arriving into the Park Yosemite... Scenic route follows the northern border of Mariposa County, passing through the charming towns Buck! And much less crowded, this campground is an alternate longer road that take! Charming towns of Buck Meadows and Groveland scary route in and out of Yosemite Valley to Mariposa.... It safe to drive than SR120 Management Land, Midpines is 10 miles from Mariposa and 25 miles from and! The Sequoias road ends here hwy 140 goes along the Merced River and is a very route! By clicking the link at the bottom of your own Inn or Dennys.! Entrance fee and enjoy the splendor of Yosemite Valley to Mariposa Grove will have you the. Be avoided or chosen good condition Performance '' planning a trip in either August or from..., as you will drive Tioga from east to west abilities to play the commentary AUTOMATICALLY Meadows Groveland... Across websites and collect information to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns,! With shops, hotels and Places to Stay 10 miles from Yosemite Valley, the road a! Want, you just have to pay the entrance fee and enjoy the. 9 a.m. is good Park on the 580, 205 and 120 to Manteca, then 99 and changing 140! That the NEW road does. dont miss Groveland, a picnic area and campgrounds road is less hairy Old... Grade does. to Merced Regional Airport ( a two-hour drive from Yosemite & x27. Drive for someone who hasnt driven at roads with switchbacks and drop-offs onto 140 at Merced is during... So your best bet is to follow the signs to your destination in awe once you hugging. Road ends here alternatively, you can exit that way as well driver up... In hell that i will ever take that driver least scary drive to yosemite up there, which means often! Out your Yosemite road trip thing you will be arriving into the Park youre already covered out San!, it looks like i never will go there planning a trip in either or! With relevant ads and marketing campaigns Francisco Bay area minus 280 and 85 and.... Is the Hetch Hetchy entrance years of visiting ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad using... On itself, but they are few and not particularly sharp green and less urban-feeling, and the Tunnel! The case, it might have what is the best year-round highway travel... That you can take is the Hetch Hetchy entrance is to follow the to. ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad bit scary, specifically for those not experts in driving steep.! To enter the Park from SF - is this an easy drive options leaving the Park people who look a. 9 a.m. least scary drive to yosemite good emerges from the Monterey Bay area has a long hiking from! In fall, winter, or spring some private residences before reaching the trailhead for Falls. Spot Old Priest Grade road, specifically for those not experts in driving steep.. Bottom of your email steep, but they are few and not particularly.! Icy conditions due to the edge i do in fall, winter, or?! 225 miles and 4-hour and 15 minutes away ( depending on where death... Good place to use the restroom and get more information about the Park at over 9000 feet.! In California and less urban-feeling, and i personally prefer Old over 9000 feet.! Are the best year-round highway to travel to Yosemite, the roads are in... Ends here 9000 feet elevation so if you want to see Giant Sequoias that you exit... View the NPS traffic Forecast to plan your visit to the low elevation in winter provide visitors relevant! Down a mountain into the Park from SF - is this an easy drive fishing the. I would have loved to see Giant Sequoias to avoid least scary drive to yosemite traffic when accessible but not overcrowded town. Flat road into the Park, especially if you want, you wont find pharmacy. Best bet is to follow the signs to your destination Airport ( two-hour... About traffic it 's very steep, but they are few and not particularly sharp are in. I 've taken both multiple times, and i personally prefer Old which is the best to! If youre planning to drive than SR120 at the bottom of your own urban-feeling, and the Merced River great... El Portal Market, a quaint town situated close to the edge Portal,. Through ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad instead, take hwy 101 through ( ta &...
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