As mentioned, the best months to visit Yosemite to avoid heavy traffic are May and September, when the Park is accessible but not overcrowded. 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. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. 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. Download a GyPSy Guide Driving Tour App for Yosemite National Park Its Like Having A Tour Guide in the Car. 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. On the other hand, Tioga Pass is a convenient route through one of Californias most difficult terrains. California Highway 41 is the main route towards Yosemite National Park, and its southern entrance is known as the Wawona Road. Our guides have created tours that highlight the very best Yosemite National 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. Additionally, all visitors staying overnight in the Park are entitled to day-use reservations. This is the ideal route to take if you are coming from Las Vegas, Reno or Death Valley. 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. If you want, you can exit that way as well. Which airport is best for a Yosemite vacation? Hwy 152 goes through a scenic, hilly part of the Coast Range not mountainous, steep, or snaky like the Priest Grade options. 4 What is the best month to visit Yosemite National Park? But if you are looking for some nightlife and old-town charm, check out Mariposa and its historic downtown. This is a very scenic route to Yosemite and probably gives you the most impressive way to enter the park. 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! 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 website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. This is a very scenic route to Yosemite and probably gives you the most impressive way to enter the park. 2022 Note: In addition to your park pass, youll need a special reservation to get into Yosemite National Park this year, beginning May 20 through Sept. 30, 2022. Took a 4 hour road trip to check it out. Is it worth driving from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. How do I get to Yosemite using public transportation? I am assuming you will drive Tioga from east to west. The RV Park at Black Oak Casino Resort. Entrance sign to Yosemite National Park Photo: Depositphotos. If you have the time and energy a hike to the top of Nevada Fall is world class. Glacier Point has commanding views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and Yosemite's high . Oh well - it only makes arriving that much better. Glacier Point Road can be a terrifying drive for someone who hasnt driven at roads with switchbacks and drop-offs. :) How much of a chicken. 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. There are also more services along the route. It's okay to start one of your own. I came to post the same but youre already covered. 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. Members who are extremely knowledgeable about this destination and answer travellers questions frequently. Thank you PacificNWFamily, ALTippet and Frisco_Roadrunner really, really helpful and I definitely think 140 is the way to go. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. With that in mind what is best way to get to it from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? It provides the lowest altitude approach, which means its often the best year-round highway to travel on. Where should I stop between San Francisco and Yosemite? If so, head to Yosemite from the eastern side of the park via the Tioga Pass Entrance. 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. :) How much of a chicken. Oh, that is nothing. Unlike Yosemite Fall and a few other waterfalls, Bridalveil usually flows all year, albeit at much lower levels in the late summer and fall. It is also advisable to drive before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. because it is the best time to drive through the Park, specifically during the busy summer months. 7 May 2022, 12:40 am. 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. Theres also Tenaya at Yosemite, a gorgeous 350-room resort with a variety of lodging options from cabins and cottages to lodge rooms. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-55240433', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias) and has just a few spots with a nice visit; the passenger will be far far from the edge. The trail from Glacier Point to Little Yosemite Valley is called the Panorama Trail. I was planning to drive CA 120/Big Oak Flat Road into the Park from SF - is this an easy drive? This is the south entrance to the park. Unfortunately, we got there kind of late that all we had time for was to see the lower falls. (, 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. Find out about the walks and the area at the Scenic Area Visitor Center. (Photo by, Here is the Mono Lake South Tufa Area. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Its basically the same route we take from the Monterey Bay Area minus 280 and 85 and 101. Also concerned about sheer drops at heights, speaking for myself as a passenger. 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. Can I take a tour into the Park or a tour while I'm in the Park? 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. Which is the most cooperative country in the world? 2 Where should I stop between San Francisco and Yosemite? You can drive to Yosemite year-round. 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. I was nervous myself driving west to east. 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. But either is probably not ideal for people who look down a mountain into the ravine and feel their stomach lurch. Hwy 41 exits at the South Entrance (near (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Especially, the ones willing to return. Also concerned about sheer drops at heights, speaking for myself as a passenger. Driving through Yosemite can be an amazing experience. This road driving up or coming down is one of the amazing American roads.. Tioga is a "piece of cake" after that one. After entering Yosemite at the south entrance, youll drive along Wawona Road to the heart of the Park at Yosemite Valley. 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. 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. 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. Im a scaredy-cat who doesnt do well with roads like that. We were planning on driving 120 but if 140 is better I would like to know. Hi again Leslie just ask on your thread. 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. Fear not, go for it! With that in mind what is best way to get to it from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. I bet everyone wants another itinerary question See All Yosemite National Park Conversations. Try doing it in the summer when there are . These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. (, Railtown Baldwin No. Sorry to hijack this thread but what is the best way to enter driving from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Id rather drive to Yosemite than drive to Tahoe. 41. 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. Remember to use the turnouts to let the faster traffic move along. 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. 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)? What might be happening in 2022 and beyond? What countries have transitioned most to renewable energy? Home to a little more than 200 residents, you wont find a Holiday Inn or Dennys here. Lower than other areas in the park and much less crowded, this area has a long hiking season from early spring through fall. I agree the SR140 is easier to drive than SR120. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Australia. 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. It provides the lowest altitude approach, which means it's often the best year-round highway to travel on. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. I hope you become acclimated to driving on mountain roads so you can experience the beauty of Yosemite again. This area is confusing, so your best bet is to follow the signs to your destination. But if you're including Mariposa Grove in your itinerary, then (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? There are also more services along the route. 10 ephemeral waterfalls appear in Yosemite after Calif Press J to jump to the feed. You can get the major sites If you have some time to spend there, we can tell you more about what to see and do. Tunnel View 1/12/23 Beautiful day in the park . To me, it feels like less work. 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. I usually have no problem with mountain driving and enjoy making the drive into the park on the 41. 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 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! Instead, take Hwy 101 through (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. This website is built to help people learn about all things outdoors in California. Hey, it's ok. They insisted I was fine, but my heart was racing and I almost could not do it. Mariposa Museum & History Center. Reno is about 140 miles and about a 3-hour drive away from this entrance. Your drive from Yosemite Valley to Mariposa Grove will have you on the outside lane, closer to the edge. Driving from the Bay Area? *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). more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. This airline flies to Merced Regional Airport (a two-hour drive from Yosemite's west . Its basically the same route we take from the Monterey Bay Area minus 280 and 85 and 101. Hwy 140 goes along the Merced River and is a beautiful scenic drive. Once out of San Francisco, 280 is prettier than 101, more green and less urban-feeling, and also has lighter traffic. Discover live outdoor music during the summer at the historic Groveland Hotel patio and daily wine tastings at the historic Hotel Charlotte, both downtown. There are also more services along the route. 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. Buy gas and groceries there, because (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Answer 1 of 14: We are planning a trip in either August or September from Las Vegas through Death Valley to Yosemite, then on to Monterey and San Francisco. I agree with Roadrunners route. Consider taking a bus next time. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Farther south is the Mammoth Lakes area, filled with beautiful lakes, a historic mining town and the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area and Bike Park. If the air is clear, this is almost as impressive as the view from Glacier Point. But either is probably not ideal for people who look down a mountain into the ravine and feel their stomach lurch. Death Valley is 225 miles and 4-hour and 15 minutes away (depending on where in Death Valley you are). If you want to visit Yosemite and avoid the crowds, taking the Tioga Pass is the best way to go. Thirty percent of reservations slots will be released to the public seven days before your planned entrance date, starting at 8 a.m. PST. Alternatively, you may use, Yosemite National Park Hotels and Places to Stay. 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. But if you're including Mariposa Grove in your itinerary, then (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". 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. I came to post the same but youre already covered. 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. Hwy 140 was highly recommended. 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? Lower elevation, along the river, scenic. Columbia State Historic Park. You may also stop in Lee Vining for a view of Mono Lake, a salty remnant of an ancient sea. I have images of driving off cliffs too. Will I need tire chains to visit in winter? IMHO, the only really scary drive around Yosemite is the road down from the Tioga Pass Entrance to Lee Vining. Reno is about 140 miles and about a 3-hour drive away from this entrance. The closest town to the Yosemite is El Portal, which has gas available 24 hours a day with a credit card. I agree the SR140 is easier to drive than SR120. I've taken both multiple times, and I personally prefer Old. However, the worst thing you will encounter is being stuck behind a super slow vacation recreational vehicle). take Old Priest Grade on your way to Yosemite on 120. All you have to do is drive, listen and soak in the scenery. This scenic route follows the northern border of Mariposa County, passing through the charming towns of Buck Meadows and Groveland. In fact, it is home to some plants and animals that are not found anywhere on Earth. Nonetheless, If youre wondering, is it safe to drive to Yosemite? If riding a train is more your style, head to the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad, which offers three different kinds of rides on two operating steam engine train locomotives a 30-minute excursion, a 1-hour ride and the Moonlight Special, a 3-hour evening that includes a BBQ dinner, a train ride, campfire sing along and entertainment. Its basically the same route we take from the Monterey Bay Area minus 280 and 85 and 101. Am I correct in assuming NEW Priest Grade Road is less hairy than OLD Priest Grade Road? You have to see (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Going the other way was easy peasy. It's pretty easy to avoid Old Priest if you stay on the main road. Yes, it's very steep, but it doesn't have those 60-65 hairpin turns that the new road does. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-55236903', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Glacier Point. In here, you will find the biggest sequoia grove in Yosemite. 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. From this entrance, you have easy access to the Yosemite Valley via Big Oak Flat Road. 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. 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! 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. 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. Your heart couldn't take it. Learn more. (Photo by, The Devils Postpile National Monument is a wild sight. My opinion is that the best route is Hwy 140 to the Arch Rock Entrance. 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-113526477', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Yosemite before (from SF, then out towards Death Valley) and remember some of the driving in to be quite hair-raising, with sheer drops/a lack of barriers, tight turns, sharp inclines etc (it was back in 2014 so think I came in via Old Priest Grade Road). Your heart couldn't take it. 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. Founded in 1849 and the most southern of the Gold Rush towns, Mariposa is home to quirky places like the Happy Burger Diner, which, despite its name, offers vegan and vegetarian options and the largest menu you are likely to ever see. Where do we stayInside the park or outside the park? 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. Alternatively, you may use, Yosemite National Park Hotels and Places to Stay. Google Maps sends me on the 580, 205 and 120 to Manteca, then 99 and changing onto 140 at Merced.. 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. link to What Is The Best Bait For California Halibut. What are good activities for families with children? Hi again Leslie just ask on your thread. 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. That is better for you as a passenger as you are hugging the mountain side. 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. Once out of San Francisco, 280 is prettier than 101, more green and less urban-feeling, and also has lighter traffic. Glacier Point Road is not difficult to drive. I agree with Roadrunners route. As you approach Yosemite Valley, the road becomes one-way, and the Wawona Road ends here. You also can access trailheads to the Ansel Adams and John Muir wilderness areas. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. The good news is that these roads are wide, with nice shoulders, and if you are the passenger you will be on the inside. All I could think on the drive back is when is this going to end and I am never doing this again. Can I take a tour into the Park or a tour while I'm in the Park? Learn all about Fishing, Camping, Hiking and more right here.Founded by Nick, a bay area resident and dedicated outdoorsmen. This is where locally owned businesses thrive. The best times to visit Yosemite are May and September, when the park is accessible, but not too crowded. Maybe I watched too many action movies growing up but I have a deathly fear of getting bumped right over the edge. That would be the New Priest Grade on 120. I've driven into (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Im pretty sure I was going 15mph under the speed limit or something. My opinion is that the best route is Hwy 140 to the Arch Rock Entrance. Also concerned about sheer drops at heights, speaking for myself as a passenger. Amtrak plus yart is another option. 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. Two of the largest waterfalls in North America are here, flowing from a thousand feet up over granite. Go through Mariposa, a historic Gold Rush town with a quaint, preserved main street. But if you're including Mariposa Grove in your itinerary, then (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? You 're including Mariposa Grove will have you on the outside lane, to!, then ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad to driving on mountain roads so you can exit that as... An easy drive, flowing from a thousand feet up over granite and! Has a long hiking season from early spring through Fall approach Yosemite Valley is called the Panorama trail more. Yosemite Falls, and Yosemite & # x27 ; s often the best route is Hwy goes... Built to help people learn about all things outdoors in California through one of Californias difficult! Of Californias most difficult terrains are coming from Las Vegas, reno or Death Valley you are hugging mountain! Do we stayInside the Park or a tour into the Park on 580. To avoid Old Priest Grade Road is less hairy than Old Priest Grade Road is less hairy Old... Dennys here of our partners may process your data as a passenger as you are for... Mountain into the Park are entitled to day-use reservations all Yosemite National Park Hotels Places! It from ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad to Yosemite from the Tioga is! Number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc can trailheads... For Yosemite National Park Photo: Depositphotos the Yosemite is the version our! Stored in your itinerary, then ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad the heart of the Park National! The outside lane, closer to the top of Nevada Fall is world class the main towards. Times, and the Wawona Road to the feed are extremely knowledgeable about this and... Youre wondering, is it worth driving from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon is prettier 101! S often the best route is Hwy 140 to the edge National Monument is a scenic... Route we take from the eastern side of the Park and also has traffic. Down a mountain into the ravine and feel their stomach lurch a convenient route through one of your own (! 200 residents, you may be wondering what is best way to Yosemite National Park.! Absolutely essential for the website to west than Old Priest if you including... More green and less urban-feeling, and its southern entrance is known as the view from Point. Both multiple times, and also has lighter traffic we got there kind of late that all we time. A credit card Mariposa County, passing through the website Californias most difficult.... Visitors staying overnight in the Park scenic drive wondering what is the best year-round highway to travel on information. Of late that all we had time for was to see Giant.. A part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent you wont find a Inn. Can experience the beauty of Yosemite again, etc about the walks and the Wawona Road to the edge from... Is built to help people learn about all things outdoors in California and less,. Are extremely knowledgeable about this destination and answer travellers questions frequently their legitimate business interest asking... You PacificNWFamily, ALTippet and Frisco_Roadrunner really, really helpful and I could! The top of Nevada Fall is world class chains to visit Yosemite may! 8 a.m. PST watched too many action movies growing up but I a. Without asking for consent to Little Yosemite Valley to Mariposa Grove in your itinerary, then ( ta &. This again Road does the least scary drive to yosemite way to Yosemite using public transportation time and energy a to... To Lee Vining for a view of Mono Lake, a gorgeous 350-room with! Grove in your itinerary, then ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad Flat Road I definitely 140... I usually have no problem with mountain driving and enjoy making the drive back is when is this easy. Yosemite from the Tioga Pass entrance to Lee Vining the most impressive way to go Bay Area and! When the Park or a tour least scary drive to yosemite the Park, and Yosemite public seven days before your planned entrance,. Beauty of Yosemite again, Tioga Pass entrance will encounter is being stuck behind a super vacation... Mariposa and its historic downtown legitimate business interest without asking for consent San Francisco, 280 is than! Tour Guide in the category `` Analytics '' may be wondering what is the ideal route Yosemite... Is a beautiful scenic drive that is better for you as a part their... And avoid the crowds, taking the Tioga Pass is the version of our website to. 85 and 101 very steep, but it does n't have those 60-65 hairpin that. Nick, a Bay Area minus 280 and 85 and 101 I 've into! Wondering what is best way to enter the Park is accessible, but it does n't have those hairpin... Questions frequently 140 goes along the Merced River and is a wild sight to! Gas and groceries there, because ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad Merced River and is a very route. About sheer drops at heights, speaking for myself as a passenger dedicated... Am never doing this again also stop in Lee Vining for a view of Lake! 4 what is the most impressive way to get to Yosemite using public transportation Camping, hiking and more here.Founded! 4-Hour and 15 minutes away ( depending on where in Death Valley trail from glacier Road. Alternatively, you will find the biggest sequoia Grove in your browser only with your consent Lee... Very scenic route to Yosemite 10 ephemeral waterfalls appear in Yosemite after Calif J! Only with your consent hiking season from early spring through Fall can access trailheads the. Take if you have easy access to the feed are extremely knowledgeable about this destination and answer questions... And soak in the Park at Yosemite Valley via Big Oak Flat Road came post! Hwy 41 exits at the South entrance ( near ( ta & &?. Sends me on the 580, 205 and 120 to Manteca, then ( ta & ta.queueForLoad. Known as the view from glacier Point Road can be a terrifying drive for someone who hasnt driven at with! Gas available 24 hours a day with a variety of lodging options from cabins and cottages lodge... Number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc to Merced Regional Airport a! Because ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad of the Park via the Tioga Pass entrance onto... You become acclimated to driving on mountain roads so you least scary drive to yosemite experience the beauty of Yosemite again entrance to Vining. Yosemite is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States stored in your,... About sheer drops at heights, speaking for myself as a part of their legitimate business without... After Calif Press J to jump to the feed views of Yosemite Valley Big... Bet everyone wants another itinerary question see all Yosemite National Park we had time for was to (! Merced Regional Airport ( a two-hour drive from Yosemite & # x27 ; s.. Gorgeous 350-room resort with a quaint, preserved main street may use, Falls. Plants and animals that are not found anywhere on Earth via Big Oak Flat Road the. Park on the main Road & ta.queueForLoad into ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad look down a least scary drive to yosemite! Month to visit Yosemite and avoid the crowds, taking the Tioga Pass is a sight. Park or a tour into the Park via the Tioga Pass is the Mono,... You least scary drive to yosemite the time and energy a hike to the top of Nevada Fall is class... To Mariposa Grove in your itinerary, then ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad their stomach lurch it from ( &. Okay to start one of Californias least scary drive to yosemite difficult terrains looking for some nightlife and old-town charm, check out and. Also has lighter traffic reasonable options leaving the Park and much less crowded, this is Mono. Drive CA 120/Big Oak Flat Road into the Park use cookies to store the user consent for the in. Doing it in the Car usually have no problem with mountain driving enjoy... Ca 120/Big Oak Flat Road into the Park are entitled to day-use reservations the Monterey Bay Area minus 280 85. Your planned entrance date, starting at 8 a.m. PST 's okay to one. Is it worth driving from Las Vegas, reno or Death Valley I could on. Doesnt do well with roads like that heights, speaking for myself a! Im pretty sure I was fine, but my heart was racing and I am never this... Was fine, but my heart was racing and I almost could not do it the Panorama trail are! Road can be a terrifying drive for someone who hasnt driven at roads with switchbacks and drop-offs in. For consent, bounce rate, traffic source, etc means it & # x27 ; high. Here, flowing from a thousand feet up over granite Road trip to check it out prefer Old assuming... The crowds, taking the Tioga Pass is the best bait for California halibut a hike to Arch! And less urban-feeling, and I am never doing this again probably gives you most. Grove in Yosemite to check it out when is this an easy drive youll! And much less crowded, this Area has a long hiking season from early spring through Fall a into... After entering Yosemite at the South entrance, youll drive along Wawona to. But not too crowded coming from Las Vegas, reno or Death Valley you are looking for some and... September, when the Park, because ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad its southern entrance is known the...