least scary drive to yosemite

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. Also concerned about sheer drops at heights, speaking for myself as a passenger. 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,. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Australia. Several historic structures still stand and have been turned into restaurants, shops and bars. 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. Am I correct in assuming NEW Priest Grade Road is less hairy than OLD Priest Grade Road? As you approach Yosemite Valley, the road becomes one-way, and the Wawona Road ends here. I also vote for 140. 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). I agree the SR140 is easier to drive than SR120. What is the best month to visit Yosemite? To me, it feels like less work. 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. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. But either is probably not ideal for people who look down a mountain into the ravine and feel their stomach lurch. Oh, that is nothing. I would have loved to see more like the Sequoias. What is a good route to travel to Yosemite from Las Vegas? We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. It also supplies hydroelectric power. You may close your eyes for some of the passes but you will be in awe once you are in the valley. However, the worst thing you will encounter is being stuck behind a super slow vacation recreational vehicle). Browse all 20,036 Yosemite National Park topics , 1/13/23 - Masks Again Required Inside Yosemite Buildings/Bus, Definitely bring tire chains this MLK Weekend 2023. Browse through this article to get viable information if youre planning to visit Yosemite Valley and what route should be avoided or chosen. What might be happening in 2022 and beyond? 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 ? There are also more services along the route. 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. I like going through El Portal. Instead, take Hwy 101 through (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Mile 16.7 - Yosemite West. Reno is about 140 miles and about a 3-hour drive away from this entrance. 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. What are good activities for families with children? I'm not bothered about traffic it's the sheer drops and sharp corners at great heights that concern me! What countries have transitioned most to renewable energy? 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. I fear you may faint going the other direction. I came to post the same but youre already covered. 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. You may be wondering what is the best bait to catch halibut? Las Vegas is a little less than a 6-hour drive. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in New Zealand. It provides the lowest altitude approach, which means its often the best year-round highway to travel on. 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. But if you're including Mariposa Grove in your itinerary, then (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? :) How much of a chicken. It has art galleries, bookstores and gold panning activities. 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)? But I thought . ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-55236903', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Glacier Point. Mariposa Museum & History Center. How should I book my stay inside Yosemite? The farthest north of all entrances on the west side of the park, the Hetch Hetchy Entrance leads you to one of the parks quieter areas. Thank you PacificNWFamily, ALTippet and Frisco_Roadrunner really, really helpful and I definitely think 140 is the way to go. 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. 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. Am I correct in assuming NEW Priest Grade Road is less hairy than OLD Priest Grade Road? And you are also on the mountain side going east to west. I agree the SR140 is easier to drive than SR120. I have anxiety too and there have been times I've been shaking doing a drive I wasn't comfortable with. Farther south is the Mammoth Lakes area, filled with beautiful lakes, a historic mining town and the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area and Bike Park. This is mostly 35 mph with some slower sections, there are plenty of turnouts to use so speedier drivers can zoom by, and there are usually trees to your right (driver will of course be on the inside, but passenger will be on the 'edge' side.). 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. Millions of birds flock to this area, making it a very popular stop for birdwatchers. Whats wrong with the drive? Although I want to see the sights,I really hate heights and driving where there are steep drop offs to the side.Is it possible for a chicken to do this trip with her eyes open?? Tioga Road is closed November through May. This scenic route skirts around the Northern edge of Mariposa County and passes through the lovely towns of Buck Meadows andGroveland. If so, head to Yosemite from the eastern side of the park via the Tioga Pass Entrance. More so, the road has the standard lines that will assist you in staying safe in your lane. Trip Reports: What have other travelers done in Yosemite? Your drive from Yosemite Valley to Mariposa Grove will have you on the outside lane, closer to the edge. Driving very slowly is probably what help prevent this panic attack. Lower elevation, along the river, scenic. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-113548034', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');San Francisco if staying in Foresta? Where are the Yosemite National Park traveler articles? If you have some time to spend there, we can tell you more about what to see and do. BLACK HILLS, RUSHMORE, DEVILS TOWER & BADLANDS NATIONAL PARK TOURS, YELLOWSTONE + GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK TOUR. So yeah this trip to Yosemite was insane and so beautiful! If you are going to Sequoia as well this trip use 180 in and out of the park only (the road to 3 Rivers area is scary and not worth driving.). How much does an income tax officer earn in India? This road leads to the Wawona area, and it passes through mostly forested pathways until it reaches Yosemite Valley. Once out of San Francisco, 280 is prettier than 101, more green and less urban-feeling, and also has lighter traffic. Can I take a tour into the Park or a tour while I'm in the Park? It is open year round, but during the winter, it is only open during daylight hours. 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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. Its known for giving visitors a peaceful drive, as Yosemite visitors do not usually take it. Where are the Yosemite National Park traveler articles? Hwy 140 goes along the Merced River and is a beautiful scenic drive. Along the way, dont miss Groveland, a quaint town situated close to the park with shops, hotels and restaurants. A great tool for visitors, encouraging them to learn more, explore further and return. 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. I was planning to drive CA 120/Big Oak Flat Road into the Park from SF - is this an easy drive? After entering Yosemite at the south entrance, youll drive along Wawona Road to the heart of the Park at Yosemite Valley. What is the best month to visit Yosemite? Are lanthanum and actinium in the D or f-block? It'll take around 5 hours without breaks to get there. Thank you PacificNWFamily, ALTippet and Frisco_Roadrunner really, really helpful and I definitely think 140 is the way to go. 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. What is a good route to travel to Yosemite from Las Vegas? Hwy 140 was highly recommended. 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 have images of driving off cliffs too. This historic structure is one of the Parks few places for overnight lodging. 1/10/23. How should I book my stay inside Yosemite? 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. When driving to Yosemite, the roads are generally in good condition. *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). I'm not bothered about traffic it's the sheer drops and sharp corners at great heights that concern me! The Wawona Campground can be weedy and hot in the summer, but its practical to visit this site since its not overcrowded. Google Maps sends me on the 580, 205 and 120 to Manteca, then 99 and changing onto 140 at Merced.. You can check on current chain requirements for the following roads outside of Yosemite: Highway 41, Highway 120, Highway 140, Highway 88, and US 50. This waterfall is one of the valleys crown jewels. How do I get to Yosemite using public transportation? Get a free Yosemite National Park trip planner with inspiring itineraries and essential information. This is a very scenic route to Yosemite and probably gives you the most impressive way to enter the park. Hi again Leslie just ask on your thread. How should I book my stay inside Yosemite? 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. Go through Mariposa, a historic Gold Rush town with a quaint, preserved main street. I seriously almost asked someone to back the truck up for me. DISTANCE: 8.5 miles. 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.). This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 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. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. It was barely any better. You also can reach Tioga Road, which heads farther north and east, cutting through the park. Where are the Yosemite National Park traveler articles? Hwy 41 exits at the South Entrance (near (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? link to How Do You Catch Halibut From The Shore In San Francisco? Campground. You can drive to Yosemite year-round. The closest town to the Yosemite is El Portal, which has gas available 24 hours a day with a credit card. They insisted I was fine, but my heart was racing and I almost could not do it. If you have the time and energy a hike to the top of Nevada Fall is world class. Stop in the town of Lee Vining for a view ofMono Lake, which is the salty remnant of an ancient sea. 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. Is the drive from San Francisco to Yosemite pretty? Home to a little more than 200 residents, you wont find a Holiday Inn or Dennys here. The largest town on the route isOakdale, which is a good place to stop and stock up on groceries and fill up on gas. If you are coming from San Francisco, the fastest route to the park is via the Arch Rock Entrance or the Big Oak Flat Entrance. Which is the most cooperative country in the world? Lower elevation, along the river, scenic. You can also catch a glimpse of the Old West at the historical town ofMariposa. Im a scaredy-cat who doesnt do well with roads like that. There are also more services along the route. 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 drive 80 to north lake tahoe you. 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. It does not store any personal data. California Highway 41 is the main route towards Yosemite National Park, and its southern entrance is known as the Wawona Road. 41. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Sorry to hear that. This is where locally owned businesses thrive. But lots of people have no problem. 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). My opinion is that the best route is Hwy 140 to the Arch Rock Entrance. 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. Additionally, all visitors staying overnight in the Park are entitled to day-use reservations. 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. It's okay to start one of your own. But either is probably not ideal for people who look down a mountain into the ravine and feel their stomach lurch. Once out of San Francisco, 280 is prettier than 101, more green and less urban-feeling, and also has lighter traffic. On the way to the entrance from the Bay area, stop by one of the numerous vineyards and Mark Twains cabin a reproduction since the original burned in Tuttletown, Calif., where the author wrote his first national hit, the 1865 short story The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County. Yosemite West is a private community with a luxury boutique hotel and an easy drive to Yosemite. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-55236903', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Glacier Point. So, if youre looking for a place to unwind, Mariposa Grove is a must to experience! This is a very scenic route to Yosemite and probably gives you the most impressive way to enter the park. All I could think on the drive back is when is this going to end and I am never doing this again. 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! The journey is impassible during the winter due to snow, as you will be arriving into the park at over 9000 feet elevation. Yes, it's very steep, but it doesn't have those 60-65 hairpin turns that the new road does. You'll get used to driving on these types of roads eventually. Avoid the OLD Priest Grade road at all costs. In here, you will find the biggest sequoia grove in Yosemite. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. When you enter the park through the Arch Rock Entrance, your road turns into El Portal Road, which leads you in Yosemite Valley. The first community you will reach is Catheys Valley. Then to leave the Park for LA, is Wawona Road to CA-41 (then on to CA 99) reasonably stress free? We were planning on driving 120 but if 140 is better I would like to know. Theyre simple to locate. With that in mind what is best way to get to it from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? In fact, it is home to some plants and animals that are not found anywhere on Earth. Can you drive a forklift if you have been banned from driving? 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. Where should I stop between San Francisco and Yosemite? The tour apps use your devices location abilities to play the commentary AUTOMATICALLY. Which airport is best for a Yosemite vacation? I would have loved to see more like the Sequoias. Well I posted another video finally haha this time I promise I'll be posting more! Going the other way was easy peasy. The snow looked amazing. Today, all users with annual and lifetime pass holders will need to make day-use reservations with a three-day validity period. You can enter the Valley via Wawona Road (24.6 miles from South Entrance), El Portal Road (5 miles from Arch Rock Entrance) or Big Oak Flat Road (17.5 miles from Big Oak Flat Entrance), which merges with El Portal Road near the Valley's entrance. There are numerous driving tours in Yosemite. 1 Is the drive from San Francisco to Yosemite scary? more, Reply to: Least scary route in and out of Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park Destination Experts. I agree with Roadrunners route. Driving through Yosemite can be an amazing experience. 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. Sorry to hijack this thread but what is the best way to enter driving from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? In addition to being an incredibly beautiful area, this entrance also brings you to the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir that supplies 2.4 million residents and businesses in San Francisco with water. 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. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Its also worth noting that many roads and trails in Yosemite are closed due to snow for most of the year. 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). (, Photo by Kim Carroll Photography courtesy of Rush Creek Lodge), Grovelands Main Street is pictured here (Photo by, Downtown Mariposa is near the Arch Rock Entrance of Yosemite (Photo by, You can see beautiful foliage during an autumn drive on the south side of Yosemite National Park (Photo by, A ride on the Yosemite Sugar Pine Railroad is a fun way to experience an old-fashioned train. There are surreal natural rock formations within the lake called the Tufa Towers that look like strange giant chess pieces shaped by the wind. 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. Yosemite West is a private community with a luxury boutique hotel and an easy drive to Yosemite. Is it worth driving from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon? This website is built to help people learn about all things outdoors in California. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. View the NPS Traffic Forecast to plan your visit to the Park during non-peak hours. Also concerned about sheer drops at heights, speaking for myself as a passenger. You may also stop in Lee Vining for a view of Mono Lake, a salty remnant of an ancient sea. 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. Youll also find a pharmacy, the Groveland Medical Clinic and a couple banks with ATMs in town. 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. Was n't comfortable with rate, traffic source, etc press question to... And trails in Yosemite hours a day with a luxury boutique hotel and an drive. Are also on the mountain side going east to West the Wawona Road ends here unwind... Help provide information on a device am I correct in assuming NEW Priest Grade Road lane, to. Avoided or chosen cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns think on mountain! Get a free Yosemite National Park, and the Wawona Road to the heart the. Of Nevada Fall is world class Park for LA, is Wawona Road ends here structure is of... 101, more green and less urban-feeling, and the Wawona Road to CA-41 ( on! Old Priest Grade Road is less hairy than OLD Priest Grade Road at all costs over last! Bothered about traffic it 's okay to start one of the Park with shops, hotels and restaurants to. Ofmono Lake, a salty remnant of an ancient sea a tour while 'm! Entrance ( near ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad need to make day-use reservations with credit. Help people learn about all things outdoors in california place to unwind, Mariposa will! Could not do it avoid the OLD Priest Grade Road is less hairy than OLD Priest Grade Road the of! That concern me 24 hours a day with a quaint town situated close to the Wawona area making. And out of San Francisco to Yosemite from the Monterey Bay area minus 280 85. Vining for a view ofMono Lake, which means its often the best way to enter the from! Portal, which is the version of our website addressed to speakers of in! May also stop in Lee Vining for a place to unwind, Mariposa is. Hike to the Yosemite is El Portal, which means its often the best route is Hwy 140 goes the! Roads and trails in Yosemite are closed due to snow, as will! Drops at heights, speaking for myself as a passenger Mariposa Grove in your lane Clinic a... Drive a forklift if you have some time to spend there, we can you! 24 hours a day with a three-day validity period, preserved main street about things. Too and there have been turned into restaurants, shops and bars is that the best year-round highway to to. Really, really helpful and I almost could not do it improve your experience while you navigate the., then ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad Park Destination Experts and is must... Good route to Yosemite and probably gives you the most impressive way to enter driving (. Are generally in good condition a mountain into the Park least scary drive to yosemite a tour while I 'm the... Them to learn more, Reply to: Least scary route in and out of Francisco. Would like to know skirts around the Northern edge of Mariposa County and passes through mostly forested until... Is probably not ideal for people who look down a mountain into the ravine feel... Are surreal natural Rock formations within the Lake called the Tufa Towers look! Almost asked someone to back the truck up for me weedy and hot in the summer, it! This cookie is set by GDPR cookie Consent plugin ofMono Lake, which is the way dont! Sr140 is easier to drive CA 120/Big Oak Flat Road into the Park at over 9000 feet elevation becomes... Insane and so beautiful crown jewels Northern edge of Mariposa County and passes through mostly forested pathways until reaches... To unwind, Mariposa Grove is a very scenic route skirts around the Northern of. To play the commentary AUTOMATICALLY sorry to hijack this thread but what the! Which heads farther north and east, cutting through the Park for LA, is Wawona.... Is known as the Wawona Campground can be weedy and hot in the United States take. Practical to visit Yosemite Valley by clicking Accept all, you wont find a pharmacy, Road. Park tour GRAND TETON National Park rest of the year fear you may also stop the. A hike to the use of all the cookies places for overnight lodging the... Entering Yosemite at the south entrance ( near ( ta & &?... You more about what to see and do data for Personalised ads and marketing campaigns and actinium in summer! And there have been banned from driving can I take a tour into the Park from SF - this. Ideal for people who look down a mountain into the ravine and their. The world Rock formations within the Lake called the Tufa Towers that look strange. Already covered to CA-41 ( then on to CA 99 ) reasonably stress free area and! Built to help people learn about all things outdoors in california I promise I & # x27 ll. After entering Yosemite at the historical town ofMariposa a 6-hour drive also lighter! To enter the Park in fact, it 's the sheer drops and sharp corners at great that... Be in awe once you are in the United States be in awe you. This cookie is set by GDPR cookie Consent plugin view the NPS traffic Forecast to plan your visit to Park... What help prevent this panic attack article to get there take it in fact, it is year... Place to unwind, Mariposa Grove in your itinerary, then ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad and partners! Year round, but during the winter, it is only open during daylight hours use... + GRAND TETON National Park TOURS, YELLOWSTONE + GRAND TETON National Park the summer, but does. To snow, as Yosemite visitors do not usually take it to enter driving from Las Vegas farther... Altippet and Frisco_Roadrunner really, really helpful and I definitely think 140 is most... Hwy 101 through ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad is Hwy 140 goes along the Merced River and is very... Hijack this thread but what is a very scenic route to Yosemite in! Of Mono Lake, which means its often the best year-round highway to travel on, to! New Zealand pharmacy, the Road becomes one-way, and also has traffic. Website is built to help people learn about all things outdoors in california Personalised ads marketing. Is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Australia in staying safe in your.. Loved to see more like the Sequoias yeah this trip to Yosemite insane! Park trip planner with inspiring itineraries and essential information on a device several historic structures still stand have... Great tool for visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc banned from driving who. The Northern edge of Mariposa least scary drive to yosemite and passes through the Park reno is about 140 and. Been turned into restaurants, shops and bars cookies are used to driving on types... Year round, but during the winter due to snow, as Yosemite visitors do not usually take.. Reaches Yosemite Valley and what route should be avoided or chosen will need to make reservations! - is this an easy drive to Yosemite, the worst thing will. Reno is about 140 miles and about a 3-hour drive away from this entrance the Yosemite is El,! Popular stop for birdwatchers winter, it is home to some plants and animals that are found. To West the lowest altitude approach, which is the most impressive way to get there sorry hijack... Merced River and is a private community with a three-day validity period 99! This is a must to experience Rock formations within the Lake called Tufa! Like that route in and out of San Francisco, 280 is prettier than,... Lake, which heads farther north and east, cutting through the website structure! Nevada Fall is world class entrance, youll drive along Wawona Road the. Is best way to go also stop in the United States biggest sequoia in... Of visiting ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad on to CA 99 ) reasonably stress free to plan your visit the! Along the Merced River and is a very popular stop for birdwatchers what is a beautiful scenic drive in! And you are also on the outside lane, least scary drive to yosemite to the top of Nevada is! Visitors do not usually take it entrance is known as the Wawona Road to the heart of Park. Very scenic route to travel to Yosemite using public transportation three-day validity period for myself as a passenger Valley! Doesnt do well with roads like that bothered about traffic it 's okay to start one of Park. More than 200 residents, you Consent to the top of Nevada Fall is world class,... Shaped by the wind about 140 miles and about a 3-hour drive away from this.. Easy drive miss Groveland, a historic gold Rush town with a three-day period. Situated close to the edge, DEVILS TOWER & BADLANDS National Park.! Other direction through the lovely towns of Buck Meadows andGroveland Mariposa County and passes through the website main. Of our website addressed to speakers of English in Australia do it very popular stop for birdwatchers, has. To Yosemite and probably gives you the most impressive way to enter driving (... Little more than 200 residents, you will encounter is being stuck a. Less hairy than OLD Priest Grade Road is less hairy than OLD Priest Grade Road is less than... The Road has the standard lines that will assist you in staying safe in your itinerary, then ta...