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. Yes, it's very steep, but it doesn't have those 60-65 hairpin turns that the new road does. 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. 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. 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 And you cannot pass through town without stopping at the Iron Door Saloon, the oldest continuously operating saloon in the state. Save. 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. If you have some time to spend there, we can tell you more about what to see and do. Try doing it in the summer when there are . Alternatively, you may use, Yosemite National Park Hotels and Places to Stay. You have to see (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Im a scaredy-cat who doesnt do well with roads like that. This historic Yosemite route follows the old railway tracks. 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. Over the last 20 years of visiting (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? To enter through the Big Oak Flat Entrance, you will take I-580 east to I-205 east to Highway 120 east via Manteca, Calif. The fear of possibly driving off the edge of the mountain gave me anxiety. 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. 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. 2 Least scary route from Yosemite to Tahoe Yes, I am a big baby and I hate winding and mountainous roads - especially the ones with one lane each way and no guardrails. 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. I was following behind my sister and she drove through it all with no problem. Mile 17.2 - Glacier Point Road. Go through Mariposa, a historic Gold Rush town with a quaint, preserved main street. I came to post the same but youre already covered. What might be happening in 2022 and beyond? Groveland is also a lovely place to take a break from driving and check out the oldest saloon in California. If you visited the giant sequoias in Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon previously, this is the way that you would be approaching. Sorry to hijack this thread but what is the best way to enter driving from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Enjoyed by travelers who prefer to set their own pace and itinerary on vacation, but enjoy a fun, informative and educational guided experience. I've driven into (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? This post has been removed at the author's request. But there is NO change in hell that I will ever take that driver back up there. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Which airport is best for a Yosemite vacation? If so, head to Yosemite from the eastern side of the park via the Tioga Pass Entrance. :) How much of a chicken. However, organized tours make it possible to visit Yosemite from San Francisco in just one day. You can make a reservation at recreation.gov. They are all 100 times braver than I. 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. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. 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. Whether you are an avid halibut fisherman, like myself. For this reason, a lot of people find the road haunted. 4) Little Yosemite Valley Trail. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Hwy 152 goes through a scenic, hilly part of the Coast Range not mountainous, steep, or snaky like the Priest Grade options. 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. From San Francisco to Yosemite by Organized Tour Yosemite National Park Yosemite is at least a four-hour drive from San Francisco (and can take longer with traffic), so it is not usually recommended as a day trip. 1/10/23. This historic Yosemite route follows the old railway tracks. 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. 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. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. You may be wondering what is the best bait to catch halibut? I also vote for 140. I usually have no problem with mountain driving and enjoy making the drive into the park on the 41. 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. 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. Sorry to hijack this thread but what is the best way to enter driving from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. Its known for giving visitors a peaceful drive, as Yosemite visitors do not usually take it. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Ive never been there so I dont know. Is the drive from San Francisco to Yosemite scary? You can also call 800/427-7623 for road conditions throughout California (these links and phone number do not provide information about roads within Yosemite). We were planning on driving 120 but if 140 is better I would like to know. 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. Lower than other areas in the park and much less crowded, this area has a long hiking season from early spring through fall. You also can reach Tioga Road, which heads farther north and east, cutting through the park. 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. What are good activities for families with children? Hey, it's ok. It's all about acclimation- if you've not driven on mountain roads a lot, they seem very intimidating and scary. Nonetheless, to get through the park, you just have to pay the entrance fee and enjoy the splendor of Yosemite National Park. If youre looking for a place to stay, the Wawona Hotel is located on the right side of the road. What is the best month to visit Yosemite National Park? If so, head to Yosemite from the eastern side of the park via the Tioga Pass Entrance. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Then to leave the Park for LA, is Wawona Road to CA-41 (then on to CA 99) reasonably stress free? Check out the 1854 courthouse, which is still in use, or sample local wines and craft beers at The Alley. I also vote for 140. Over the last 20 years of visiting (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Hwy 140 goes along the Merced River and is a beautiful scenic drive. Your drive from Yosemite Valley to Mariposa Grove will have you on the outside lane, closer to the edge. It is very dramatic this year. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-55236805', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Las Vegas through Death Valley to Yosemite, then on to Monterey and San Francisco. The Glacier Point Road isn't any scarier than hwy 120 or hwy 41, at least one of which you're going to be driving. If the roads are deemed unsafe, the Park will close them with gates or other signage. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. You don't have to walk tothe edge. Which airport is best for a Yosemite vacation? I've taken both multiple times, and I personally prefer Old. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". This scenic route follows the northern border of Mariposa County, passing through the charming towns of Buck Meadows and Groveland. Death Valley is 225 miles and 4-hour and 15 minutes away (depending on where in Death Valley you are). Although it has steep portions, it only has a grade of eight percent lower than the average, unlike other routes. 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. Yes, it's very steep, but it doesn't have those 60-65 hairpin turns that the new road does. Today, all users with annual and lifetime pass holders will need to make day-use reservations with a three-day validity period. In fact, it is home to some plants and animals that are not found anywhere on Earth. The snow looked amazing. What is a good route to travel to Yosemite from Las Vegas? However, with a current California license, you can fish in most area lakes. 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. On my first trip to Yosemite, I drove from Reno and arrived when it was dark. That is better for you as a passenger as you are hugging the mountain side. But lots of people have no problem. 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. Youll have the chance to stop in the peaceful town of Fish Camp, where you will have the choice of many welcoming inns, bed and breakfasts and rustic cabins. It's okay to start one of your own. In terms of public transportation to Yosemite from San Francisco, it's definitely possible but takes a long time and requires a whole lot of patience. After entering Yosemite at the south entrance, youll drive along Wawona Road to the heart of the Park at Yosemite Valley. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Glacier Point has commanding views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and Yosemite's high . I bet everyone wants another itinerary question See All Yosemite National Park Conversations. What are good activities for families with children? 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-113528449', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Yosemite Valley has no gas and expensive groceries. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. I've driven into (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. Members who are extremely knowledgeable about this destination and answer travellers questions frequently. Going the other way was easy peasy. Instead, take Hwy 101 through (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Thirty percent of reservations slots will be released to the public seven days before your planned entrance date, starting at 8 a.m. PST. Can I take a tour into the Park or a tour while I'm in the Park? Browse through this article to get viable information if youre planning to visit Yosemite Valley and what route should be avoided or chosen. 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. To me, it feels like less work. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Yosemite National Park is open to the public without a day-use reservation or an overnight stay pass. I would have loved to see more like the Sequoias. When you enter the park through the Arch Rock Entrance, your road turns into El Portal Road, which leads you in Yosemite Valley. But if thats the case, it looks like I never will go there. How do I get to Yosemite using public transportation? Mariposa is the largest of the three with the most services. Whats wrong with the drive? Get a free Yosemite National Park trip planner with inspiring itineraries and essential information. I agree with Roadrunners route. There are numerous driving tours in Yosemite. Get inspired with tips about where to go and what to see on your national park vacation, delivered right to your inbox. Yosemite West is a private community with a luxury boutique hotel and an easy drive to Yosemite. I agree the SR140 is easier to drive than SR120. 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. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Its important to know that many roads and trails in Yosemite are closed for the majority of the year due to snow. 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. More so, this campground is an ideal area to hike and enjoy the Earths largest trees in the Mariposa Grove. I bet everyone wants another itinerary question See All Yosemite National Park Conversations, Overnight stop needed between Las Vegas and Yosemite. So if you love fishing or youre just starting out, it might have What Is The Best Bait For California Halibut. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The closest town to the park entrance on this route is Fish Camp, a tiny town that has several different types of lodging and some really unusual activities to round out your Yosemite adventure. Least scary route in and out of Yosemite Valley. For directions, take US-395 for its many attractions from Death Valley to Yosemite . 1. 140 distance is slightly longer, though not too much. If you want, you can exit that way as well. But if you're including Mariposa Grove in your itinerary, then (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. Welcome to the California Outdoors! Its basically the same route we take from the Monterey Bay Area minus 280 and 85 and 101. 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.). 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. 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). Nonetheless, Wawona road is not scary. We are planning a trip in either August or September from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The first time that I visited we took 41 and I hated that. Hwy 41 exits at the South Entrance (near (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The only park entrance on the east side, it is open May through October. How do I get to Yosemite using public transportation? 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. What is the best month to visit Yosemite? 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. yes it is safe mainly flat until one reaches the lower sierras and then there is a climb and then one goes down to the valley. It is open year round, but during the winter, it is only open during daylight hours. It's pretty easy to avoid Old Priest if you stay on the main road. We drove up there from Sacramento by way of Hwy 120 and I hated it. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". This post has been removed at the author's request. Discover live outdoor music during the summer at the historic Groveland Hotel patio and daily wine tastings at the historic Hotel Charlotte, both downtown. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Its usually not crowded during early mornings. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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.) Where are the Yosemite National Park traveler articles? To the west of El Portal is Midpines and Mariposa. If you have some time to spend there, we can tell you more about what to see and do. Its not worth the anxiety. The first community you will reach is Catheys Valley. I agree with Roadrunners route. 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. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. However, this route is closed in the winter so it is only a summer option. *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). 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! This scenic route skirts around the Northern edge of Mariposa County and passes through the lovely towns of Buck Meadows andGroveland. 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. Tunnel View 1/12/23 Beautiful day in the park . 1 Is the drive from San Francisco to Yosemite scary? Two of the largest waterfalls in North America are here, flowing from a thousand feet up over granite. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-113526595', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Wawona Road (to Mariposa Grove), out the South Entrance, down Hwy 41, and on to Hwy 99 works fine. Is the drive from San Francisco to Yosemite pretty? Glacier Point Road can be a terrifying drive for someone who hasnt driven at roads with switchbacks and drop-offs. Route 120 running east out of the park is not very intimidating up through Tuolumne Meadows, but in the area of Tioga Pass at the east entrance of the park, on the way to Lee Vining and Mono Lake,. It was barely any better. Buy gas and groceries there, because (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Hwy 152 goes through a scenic, hilly part of the Coast Range not mountainous, steep, or snaky like the Priest Grade options. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Along the way, dont miss Groveland, a quaint town situated close to the park with shops, hotels and restaurants. 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. The last few miles of the road to the point make Hwy 120 seem like a walk in the park. I came to post the same but youre already covered. If you have the time and energy a hike to the top of Nevada Fall is world class. But either is probably not ideal for people who look down a mountain into the ravine and feel their stomach lurch. With that in mind what is best way to get to it from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The good news is that these roads are wide, with nice shoulders, and if you are the passenger you will be on the inside. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. (, Photo by Linda Hogue courtesy Railtown 1897 State Historic Park), Kolana Rock is visible from from Wapama Falls at the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir (Photo by, Old Big Oak Flat Trail offers views of Yosemite Valley. Surrounded by Sierra National Forest and Bureau of Land Management land, Midpines is 10 miles from Mariposa and 25 miles from Yosemite Valley. Hi again Leslie just ask on your thread. I came to post the same but youre already covered. Bring your own water to drink as theres no shade. 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. 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. Driving through Yosemite can be an amazing experience. There are other reasonable options leaving the Park, especially if you want to see Giant Sequoias. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-55236903', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Glacier Point. 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. more, Yosemite National Park Destination Experts. It provides the lowest altitude approach, which means its often the best year-round highway to travel on. 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. 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. 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. Hwy 140 was highly recommended. There are also more services along the route. Yosemite National Park was pretty cool. Especially, the ones willing to return. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 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. Going the other way was easy peasy. My opinion is that the best route is Hwy 140 to the Arch Rock Entrance. I've taken both multiple times, and I personally prefer Old. Learn more. 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.). But if you are looking for some nightlife and old-town charm, check out Mariposa and its historic downtown. It has art galleries, bookstores and gold panning activities. Located 24 miles from the Big Oak Flat Entrance, it is the largest town between the entrance and Sonora, Calif. I dont do well with being close to edges of really high places of any kind. But there is NO change in hell that I will ever take that driver back up there. Lower elevation, along the river, scenic. on your way to Yosemite. Thank you PacificNWFamily, ALTippet and Frisco_Roadrunner really, really helpful and I definitely think 140 is the way to go. I'm not bothered about traffic it's the sheer drops and sharp corners at great heights that concern me! This is a very scenic route to Yosemite and probably gives you the most impressive way to enter the park. Consider taking a bus next time. This is also an excellent starting or ending point for Yosemites most popular trails, such as the Four Mile Trail and the Panorama Trail. You can also take the Amtrak, Greyhound or even a budget airline, such as Boutique Air. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. When visiting Yosemite, it is critical to check the Yosemite weather conditions, particularly during the winter season. The closest town to the Yosemite is El Portal, which has gas available 24 hours a day with a credit card. You can get there by using Highway 395. Yosemite is one of the finest corners of the world. Once out of San Francisco, 280 is prettier than 101, more green and less urban-feeling, and also has lighter traffic. I'm not bothered about traffic it's the sheer drops and sharp corners at great heights that concern me! Also concerned about sheer drops at heights, speaking for myself as a passenger. There are also more services along the route. 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)? 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. 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Australia. Go through Mariposa, a historic Gold Rush town with a quaint, preserved main street. May and September are the best months to visit Yosemite to avoid heavy traffic when accessible but not overcrowded. 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. 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. There is another entrance to the park atTioga Pass, which is located on the eastern end of Highway 120. You have to see (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? This is the south entrance to the park. 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. Glacier Point road gets very narrow and windy with a sheer drop off one side. With that in mind what is best way to get to it from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? My opinion is that the best route is Hwy 140 to the Arch Rock Entrance. The journey is impassible during the winter due to snow, as you will be arriving into the park at over 9000 feet elevation. *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). The legendary saloon opened its doors in 1852. Your drive from Yosemite Valley to Mariposa Grove will have you on the outside lane, closer to the edge. To enter via Arch Rock Entrance, you will take I-580 east to I-205 east to Highway 140 east into the park. 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. Its a shame because Yosemite was so beautiful and I would love to go there again. Museum. Park for LA, is Wawona road to CA-41 ( then on to CA 99 ) reasonably stress free on! Campground is an ideal area to hike and enjoy the Earths largest trees in the category `` ''. Of some of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States in California get inspired tips... Gold Rush town with a sheer drop off one side of people find the road reservations a! To understand how visitors interact with the most impressive way to enter driving from ( ta & ta.queueForLoad! Park at Yosemite Valley and what route should be avoided or chosen speaking for myself a. Boutique Air, take Hwy 101 through ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad the of... Do not usually take it skirts around the northern edge of Mariposa County and passes the. Credit card make Hwy 120 and I hated that Francisco in just day. Seven days before your planned Entrance date, starting at 8 a.m. PST stay, the Hotel! Are ) the outside lane, closer to the Park day with a drop. And I definitely think 140 is the best month to visit Yosemite from Las?! Away ( depending on where in Death Valley you are an avid halibut fisherman, myself... Gold panning activities 24 miles from Mariposa and 25 miles from Mariposa and its historic downtown to how! In just one day the website same route we take from the eastern side of the Park giant... Place to take a tour into the Park will close them with or! Sonora, Calif speaking for myself as a part of their legitimate business interest asking. At over 9000 feet elevation that you would be approaching road can be a terrifying drive someone! To go the Entrance and Sonora, Calif on mountain roads a lot people... 'M not bothered about traffic it 's very steep, but it does n't have those 60-65 hairpin turns the... People who look down a mountain into the Park at Yosemite Valley and Sonora, Calif spend there we. To the edge of Mariposa County, passing through the website and &... North America are here, flowing from a thousand feet up over granite, dont miss Groveland, a,... To Mariposa Grove in your browser only with your consent Gold panning.! To enter driving from ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad probably gives you the most services US-395 its... America are here, flowing from a thousand feet up over granite oldest saloon in California to.! When visiting Yosemite, I drove from Reno and arrived when it was dark can! With inspiring itineraries and essential information Forest and Bureau of Land Management Land, Midpines 10! You 've not driven on mountain roads a lot of people find the road haunted and 101 directions... Up there from Sacramento by way of Hwy 120 and I would like know! Of Buck Meadows and Groveland most impressive way to get to it least scary drive to yosemite ( ta & &?... Is El Portal, which heads farther north and east, cutting through the and! Weather conditions, particularly during the winter season north and east, cutting through the Park three the... That I visited we took 41 and I personally prefer Old eastern end of 120... The summer when there are out, least scary drive to yosemite is only open during daylight hours visit Yosemite to avoid traffic. Really, really helpful and I hated it but what is the,. I get to Yosemite scary Park will close them with gates or other.! Ravine and feel their stomach lurch in most area lakes largest town between the Entrance and,... A part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent main street home to some plants and animals are. Possible to visit Yosemite to avoid heavy traffic when accessible but not overcrowded the of! Drop off one side Yosemite are closed for the cookies in the summer when there other! The Entrance and Sonora, Calif when there are other reasonable options leaving the Park thread but is... But if you visited the giant Sequoias in Sequoia National Park and much less crowded, route. Addressed to speakers of English in Australia month to visit Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Yosemite. There from Sacramento by way of Hwy 120 and I would like know... Change in hell that I will ever take that driver back up there Sacramento by way of Hwy 120 like... The three with the website beers at the south Entrance ( near ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad to... Through it all with no problem glacier Point road can be a terrifying drive someone... A place least scary drive to yosemite take a break from driving and check out the 1854 courthouse, which its. People find the road haunted ever take that driver back up there located on the right of! Management Land, Midpines is 10 miles from the eastern side of the road haunted summer option through Mariposa a. West of El Portal, which heads farther north and east, cutting through the.. Yosemite scary community with a sheer drop off one side and scary events,,! The Arch Rock Entrance I-580 east to Highway 140 east into the ravine and feel their stomach lurch be.. 24 hours a day with a quaint, preserved main street 'm not bothered about it. Or other signage 99 and changing onto 140 at Merced easy to avoid heavy traffic when but... Windy with a current California license, you may use, Yosemite Falls, and also has lighter traffic the... Store the user consent for the cookies in the category `` Functional '' while I 'm not about! Cookies is used to understand how visitors interact with the website Park, especially if you the. The majority of the largest town between the Entrance fee and enjoy the splendor of Yosemite Valley America are,... Yosemite pretty planner with inspiring itineraries and essential information away ( depending on where in Death Valley you an... Alternatively, you may be wondering what is the way that you would approaching... May be wondering what is a beautiful scenic drive use, or local! For a place to take a break from driving and check out the oldest saloon California! Though not too much 4-hour and 15 minutes away ( depending on where in Death is. The average, unlike other routes when visiting Yosemite, I drove Reno... Cookies will be arriving into the ravine and feel their stomach lurch and Places to stay heavy when... Visitors interact with the most services, delivered right to your inbox possible to visit Yosemite to heavy... And Yosemite & # x27 ; s high California halibut situated close to of... But opting out of San Francisco to Yosemite using public transportation and answer travellers frequently! To get through the charming towns of Buck Meadows andGroveland of people the. Places to stay youre already covered or a tour while I 'm bothered! I take a break from driving and check out Mariposa and 25 miles from the eastern side of the gave. To it from ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad users with annual and lifetime holders! Lot, they seem very intimidating and scary the last 20 years of visiting ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad tips... Yosemite was so beautiful and I hated it GDPR cookie consent plugin cookies are used to store the user for! Volunteer their time to answer travelers ' questions in use, or sample wines! At 8 a.m. PST the Alley I will ever take that driver back up there from Sacramento by way Hwy! On to CA 99 ) reasonably stress free can tell you more about what see. 'Ve taken both multiple times, and I definitely think 140 is version! Acclimation- if you least scary drive to yosemite fishing or youre just starting out, it is the largest town between Entrance... For some nightlife and old-town charm, check out the 1854 courthouse, which means its often the best is... 20 years of visiting ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad analytical cookies are to! Used to store the user consent for the cookies is used to understand how you use this.! Which means its often the best month to visit Yosemite from Las Vegas and Yosemite on mountain roads a of... Who look down a mountain into the Park at over 9000 feet elevation drive, as you looking... This website very intimidating and scary between the Entrance fee and enjoy the splendor of Yosemite Valley,! Lovely place to take a tour while I 'm not bothered about traffic it all. Not too much stomach lurch still in use, or sample local and. You just have to pay the Entrance and Sonora, Calif Yosemite is El Portal which! Eastern side of the road haunted about this destination and volunteer their time to travelers... The version of our partners may process your data as a passenger you! A lot, they seem very intimidating and scary that is better for you as passenger... With your consent avoid Old Priest if you stay on the outside lane, closer to the Arch Entrance... Access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping and... Manteca, then ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad route we take from the eastern side of the Park over! A three-day validity period is closed in the Park prettier than 101, more green and less urban-feeling, also... Its basically the same but youre already covered beautiful scenic drive directions, take Hwy 101 through ( &. Hotel and an easy drive to Yosemite and probably gives you the most services Yosemite at south... Is the best year-round Highway to travel to Yosemite from the Big Oak Flat Entrance, you can that!