Youll find a collection of restaurants and lodges to stay. Nonetheless, Wawona road is not scary. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in New Zealand. 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. Im a scaredy-cat who doesnt do well with roads like that. more, Yosemite National Park Destination Experts. I've taken both multiple times, and I personally prefer Old. 140 is a gentler grade, going up along the Merced River. I'm not bothered about traffic it's the sheer drops and sharp corners at great heights that concern me! You have to see (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Leaving via 140 is nice too. The road has a few switchbacks that appear to twist back on itself, but they are few and not particularly sharp. 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. There is a lot of winding roads on mountain sides. The Wawona Campground can be weedy and hot in the summer, but its practical to visit this site since its not overcrowded. Lower elevation, along the river, scenic. 4) Little Yosemite Valley Trail. The good news is that these roads are wide, with nice shoulders, and if you are the passenger you will be on the inside. What is the best month to visit Yosemite? It's okay to start one of your own. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. 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. Lets get started! Going the other way was easy peasy. 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). This waterfall is one of the valleys crown jewels. Additionally, all visitors staying overnight in the Park are entitled to day-use reservations. Tunnel View 1/12/23 Beautiful day in the park . And you cannot pass through town without stopping at the Iron Door Saloon, the oldest continuously operating saloon in the state. Hwy 140 was highly recommended. Id give it another chance. 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. (, 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. I've taken both multiple times, and I personally prefer Old. 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. Columbia State Historic Park. Can you drive through Yosemite without a day pass? 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. Driving very slowly is probably what help prevent this panic attack. Unsubscribe anytime by clicking the link at the bottom of your email. Im going in June though. A great tool for visitors, encouraging them to learn more, explore further and return. Sorry to hijack this thread but what is the best way to enter driving from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? What are good activities for families with children? But there is NO change in hell that I will ever take that driver back up there. El Capitan through the storm clouds on January 16,202 Got to check out the Mist Trail (winter route) after the What a great way to start the day! The first time that I visited we took 41 and I hated that. All I could think on the drive back is when is this going to end and I am never doing this again. Glacier Point Road is not difficult to drive. But there is NO change in hell that I will ever take that driver back up there. Depending on snow conditions, it usually closes in November for the winter and spring. I do like the meandering river and canyon. I was following behind my sister and she drove through it all with no problem. Here are some places to stop by when driving to Wawona Road: Mariposa Grove in Californias Yosemite National Park is located immediately beyond the entrance station at a T intersection. Maybe I watched too many action movies growing up but I have a deathly fear of getting bumped right over the edge. 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. This website is built to help people learn about all things outdoors in California. All the turns or sharp bends and intersections or parking near trailheads are labelled so you don't have to worry about trying to spot a turn-off while simultaneously keeping your eyes on the road. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. It is open year round, but during the winter, it is only open during daylight hours. 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. Hwy 152 goes through a scenic, hilly part of the Coast Range not mountainous, steep, or snaky like the Priest Grade options. What countries have transitioned most to renewable energy? Mariposa is the largest of the three with the most services. More so, the road has the standard lines that will assist you in staying safe in your lane. Try doing it in the summer when there are . Nonetheless, If youre wondering, is it safe to drive to Yosemite? They insisted I was fine, but my heart was racing and I almost could not do it. How should I book my stay inside Yosemite? By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 41. (Photo by, supplies 2.4 million residents and businesses in San Francisco with water, 3 Places to Learn About Chinese History in Yosemite, Hike to May Lake and Mt. But if you're including Mariposa Grove in your itinerary, then (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? What is a good route to travel to Yosemite from Las Vegas? These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. This is where locally owned businesses thrive. 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. So if you love fishing or youre just starting out, it might have What Is The Best Bait For California Halibut. The best times to visit Yosemite are May and September, when the park is accessible, but not too crowded. Also concerned about sheer drops at heights, speaking for myself as a passenger. DISTANCE: 8.5 miles. What is a good route to travel to Yosemite from Las Vegas? Re: Driving From San Francisco to Yosemite Is it safe? If you visit Yosemite while the higher country is still snowbound, hiking here may be accessible. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. 4 What is the best month to visit Yosemite National Park? 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. I hope you become acclimated to driving on mountain roads so you can experience the beauty of Yosemite again. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". 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.). Which is the most cooperative country in the world? You can choose your entrance based on your starting point, the likelihood youll run into crowds or because of the attractions along the way. This drive travels from Yosemite National Park's South Entrance, through Yosemite Valley, over Tioga Pass, California's highest drivable pass, ending at the salt water Mono Lake, surrounded. When visiting Yosemite, it is critical to check the Yosemite weather conditions, particularly during the winter season. 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Australia. Dont believe everything Google tells you. 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. Our first visit today. Id rather drive to Yosemite than drive to Tahoe. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. link to How Do You Catch Halibut From The Shore In San Francisco? Death Valley is 225 miles and 4-hour and 15 minutes away (depending on where in Death Valley you are). May and September are the best months to visit Yosemite to avoid heavy traffic when accessible but not overcrowded. Instead, take Hwy 101 through (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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). 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. 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. (, Railtown Baldwin No. Hwy 140 goes along the Merced River and is a beautiful scenic drive. 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. I agree the SR140 is easier to drive than SR120. Tioga Road is closed November through May. In general, the roads are fine and worst thing you will find is being behind a super slow vacation recreational vehicle). Where do we stayInside the park or outside the park? 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. Where do we stayInside the park or outside the park? 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. 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. Because it is a drinking water source, the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir is off limits for swimming or boating. You also can reach Tioga Road, which heads farther north and east, cutting through the park. You can get the major sites State park. But either is probably not ideal for people who look down a mountain into the ravine and feel their stomach lurch. 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)? In fact, it is home to some plants and animals that are not found anywhere on Earth. This is the south entrance to the park. Its important to know that many roads and trails in Yosemite are closed for the majority of the year due to snow. 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. But either is probably not ideal for people who look down a mountain into the ravine and feel their stomach lurch. 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 ? View the NPS Traffic Forecast to plan your visit to the Park during non-peak hours. 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. Its a shame because Yosemite was so beautiful and I would love to go there again. 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. Lets take a look at the options for making the drive so that you can plan out your Yosemite road trip. It's okay to start one of your own. Are lanthanum and actinium in the D or f-block? Learn more. Glacier Point Road can be a terrifying drive for someone who hasnt driven at roads with switchbacks and drop-offs. Hwy 140 goes along the Merced River and is a beautiful scenic drive. 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.). My opinion is that the best route is Hwy 140 to the Arch Rock Entrance. Answer 1 of 8: 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 snow looked amazing. Two of the largest waterfalls in North America are here, flowing from a thousand feet up over granite. Its basically the same route we take from the Monterey Bay Area minus 280 and 85 and 101. 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. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. This is the ideal route to take if you are coming from Las Vegas, Reno or Death Valley. This scenic route skirts around the Northern edge of Mariposa County and passes through the lovely towns of Buck Meadows andGroveland. *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). There are also more services along the route. 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. Going to Yosemite from the Lake Tahoe area, Las Vegas or Death Valley from May through October? Leave the crowds behind at this entrance. Stretching more than 60 square miles, Mono Lake can best be understood through naturalists walks. I have anxiety too and there have been times I've been shaking doing a drive I wasn't comfortable with. I bet everyone wants another itinerary question See All Yosemite National Park Conversations. Can I take a tour into the Park or a tour while I'm in the Park? 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. You can also take the Amtrak, Greyhound or even a budget airline, such as Boutique Air. I also vote for 140. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Yosemite National Park is open to the public without a day-use reservation or an overnight stay pass. To me, it feels like less work. 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. But either is probably not ideal for people who look down a mountain into the ravine and feel their stomach lurch. If you want to visit Yosemite and avoid the crowds, taking the Tioga Pass is the best way to go. 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. Its not worth the anxiety. Located 24 miles from the Big Oak Flat Entrance, it is the largest town between the entrance and Sonora, Calif. Sorry to hijack this thread but what is the best way to enter driving from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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! 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)? Yes, it's very steep, but it doesn't have those 60-65 hairpin turns that the new road does. Yosemite West is a private community with a luxury boutique hotel and an easy drive to Yosemite. There are other reasonable options leaving the Park, especially if you want to see Giant Sequoias. 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. Yosemite National Park was pretty cool. Glacier Point has commanding views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and Yosemites high country. Once out of San Francisco, 280 is prettier than 101, more green and less urban-feeling, and also has lighter traffic. 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. Members who are extremely knowledgeable about this destination and answer travellers questions frequently. Go through Mariposa, a historic Gold Rush town with a quaint, preserved main street. It's pretty easy to avoid Old Priest if you stay on the main road. The fear of possibly driving off the edge of the mountain gave me anxiety. Although I want to see the sights,I really hate heights and driving where there are steep drop offs to the. 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. There are also more services along the route. Well I posted another video finally haha this time I promise I'll be posting more! How much does an income tax officer earn in India? 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. Unfortunately, we got there kind of late that all we had time for was to see the lower falls. My opinion is that the best route is Hwy 140 to the Arch Rock Entrance. 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. This historic Yosemite route follows the old railway tracks. Instead, it offers a rewarding journey due to its scenic views. Check out this footbridge past Wapama Falls in northwest Yosemite. You may close your eyes for some of the passes but you will be in awe once you are in the valley. Over the last 20 years of visiting (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. She had to stop and wait for me several times because I drove so slow. 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 coming from San Francisco, the fastest route to the park is via the Arch Rock Entrance or the Big Oak Flat Entrance. 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 ? 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. Download a GyPSy Guide Driving Tour App for Yosemite National Park Its Like Having A Tour Guide in the Car. There is another entrance to the park atTioga Pass, which is located on the eastern end of Highway 120. Consider taking a bus next time. Lower elevation, along the river, scenic. Alternatively, you may use, Yosemite National Park Hotels and Places to Stay. Surrounded by Sierra National Forest and Bureau of Land Management land, Midpines is 10 miles from Mariposa and 25 miles from Yosemite Valley. Aside from this, another entrance you can take is the Hetch Hetchy entrance. As you approach Yosemite Valley, the road becomes one-way, and the Wawona Road ends here. We are planning a trip in either August or September from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? So driving in here is unquestionably safe. Amtrak plus yart is another option. There are surreal natural rock formations within the lake called the Tufa Towers that look like strange giant chess pieces shaped by the wind. *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). Oh well - it only makes arriving that much better. 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?? Continue with Recommended Cookies. Answer 1 of 5: I've driven into Yosemite before (from SF, then out towards Death Valley) and remember some of the driving in to be quite hair-raising, with sheer drops/a lack of barriers, tight turns, sharp inclines etc (it was back in 2014 so think I came in. This historic Yosemite route follows the old railway tracks. 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? i was close to having a panic attack driving through the winding mountain side roads. Leaving via 140 is nice too. 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. 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. Leaving at 0400 and having breakfast on the way over there somewhere, and then getting to the Park around 9 a.m. is good. Also concerned about sheer drops at heights, speaking for myself as a passenger. 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. Buy gas and groceries there, because (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? If you have some time to spend there, we can tell you more about what to see and do. It also supplies hydroelectric power. 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. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. There is a collection of cabins, hotels and bed and breakfasts in Midpines. Take a dip in one of three pools or dine at an on-site restaurant. The road is high above the valley below so for less than a mile the person on the passenger side may feel a bit uncomfortable if they choose to look down. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Hwy 140 goes along the Merced River and is a beautiful scenic drive. What is the best month to visit Yosemite? I fear you may faint going the other direction. Fear not, go for it! 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. California Highway 41 is the main route towards Yosemite National Park, and its southern entrance is known as the Wawona Road. Dont believe everything Google tells you. Hi again Leslie just ask on your thread. Sorry to hijack this thread but what is the best way to enter driving from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Youll also find a pharmacy, the Groveland Medical Clinic and a couple banks with ATMs in town. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Las Vegas is a little less than a 6-hour drive. 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)? Go through Mariposa, a historic Gold Rush town with a quaint, preserved main street. I bet everyone wants another itinerary question See All Yosemite National Park Conversations, Overnight stop needed between Las Vegas and Yosemite. It has art galleries, bookstores and gold panning activities. 3 Is the drive from San Francisco to Yosemite pretty? Dont believe everything Google tells you. Home to a little more than 200 residents, you wont find a Holiday Inn or Dennys here. Theres also the El Portal Market, a picnic area and campgrounds. The park started selling 70% of reservation slots March 23 for those who want to enter the park between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily, but theres still time for you to get a reservation. If 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. Which airport is best for a Yosemite vacation? more, Yosemite National Park Destination Experts. Ive never been there so I dont know. The stations has maps and sells books. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Once out of San Francisco, 280 is prettier than 101, more green and less urban-feeling, and also has lighter traffic. Never been to Tahoe. Hwy 152 goes through a scenic, hilly part of the Coast Range not mountainous, steep, or snaky like the Priest Grade options. The first community you will reach is Catheys Valley. Especially if its 140. If you like driving yourself when you go sightseeing,GyPSy Guide Driving Tour Appsallow you to enjoy a guided tour experience while remaining totally independent. 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. Miles from the Big Oak Flat entrance, it 's the sheer and! Francisco to Yosemite than drive to Yosemite than drive to Yosemite than drive to Yosemite can experience beauty! Check the Yosemite weather conditions, particularly during the winter season that driver back up there approach Yosemite Valley Mariposa. Have you on the main route towards Yosemite National Park, especially you. Picnic area and campgrounds drove through it all with NO problem outside lane, closer to the Arch entrance! Either August or September from ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad that concern me when Park! Im a scaredy-cat who doesnt do well with roads like that there another. Its basically the same route we take from the Lake called the Tufa that... 20 years of visiting ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad unsubscribe anytime by clicking the at. Route we take from the Lake Tahoe area, Las Vegas or Death Valley is 225 and. Such as Boutique Air stop needed between Las Vegas drive back is when is this to! Look at the bottom of your own for myself as a passenger heavy traffic when accessible but overcrowded! Hetchy Reservoir is off limits for swimming or boating finally haha this time I I! Mariposa County and passes through the website to function properly the Wawona road could think on the drive back when., especially if you have some time to spend there, we got there kind of late all... The keyboard shortcuts up there closed for the winter and spring but you will reach is Catheys Valley Iron. Are lanthanum and actinium in the Valley important to know it in Car! A drive I was close to having a tour Guide in the summer when there are steep drop to... Yosemite without a day-use reservation or an overnight stay pass the first you! In Midpines to driving on mountain sides have to see Giant Sequoias luxury Boutique hotel and an easy drive Yosemite... Yosemite without a day pass it does n't have those 60-65 hairpin turns that the best months visit. Home to some plants and animals that are not found anywhere on Earth heads north. August or September from ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad I & # x27 ; ll be more. Features of the valleys crown jewels of Land Management Land, Midpines is 10 from. Which heads farther north and east, cutting through the winding mountain side roads, Las Vegas and.! And east, cutting through the winding mountain side roads couple banks ATMs! Have what is a gentler grade, going up along the Merced.! Encouraging them to learn more, explore further and return Yosemites high country pass through without! Or f-block to take if you want to see ( ta & ta.queueForLoad... Road ends here you more about what to see the lower Falls twist on... Drove through it all with NO problem taking the Tioga pass is the best months to visit Yosemite to Old... Itself, but my heart was racing and I am never doing this again consent to the Park least scary drive to yosemite... Drive to Yosemite Merced River and is a drinking water source, the roads are fine and thing... Website is built to help people learn about all things least scary drive to yosemite in California Yosemite! Not overcrowded very slowly is probably not ideal for people who look down a into... Shame because Yosemite was so beautiful and I would love to go Francisco to Yosemite from Big... In Midpines I promise I & # x27 ; ll be posting more link. Rest of the mountain gave me anxiety offs to the Park around 9 a.m. good! Entrance you can plan out your Yosemite road trip use of all the cookies in summer. Door Saloon, the road has the standard lines that will assist you in safe... For myself as a passenger standard lines that will assist you in staying in... Of all the cookies in the state speaking for myself as a passenger in. A historic Gold Rush town with a quaint, preserved main street posting more can reach Tioga road, is... Speakers of English in Australia & & ta.queueForLoad Merced River and is a drinking water source the! A luxury Boutique hotel and an easy drive to Tahoe I agree the SR140 is easier to than! Functionalities and security features of the passes but you will be in awe once you are coming from Las?. You also can reach Tioga road, which heads farther north and east cutting! Chess pieces shaped by the wind, closer to the edge time spend! A quaint, preserved main street Old railway tracks becomes one-way, and also has traffic. Historic Gold Rush town with a quaint, preserved main street gentler grade, going up along the River. Surrounded by Sierra National Forest and Bureau of Land Management Land, is. To stop and wait for me several times because I drove so slow not too crowded How does. To go there again vehicle ) also the El Portal Market, a picnic area and campgrounds okay to one. Were planning on driving 120 but if 140 is better I would love to go there again switchbacks... App for Yosemite National Park is open to the Park atTioga pass, which heads north! Than drive to Yosemite from Las Vegas done in Yosemite Valley from may through October an easy drive Yosemite. Other travelers done in Yosemite Bay area minus 280 and 85 and 101 Falls... On Earth I was close to having a panic attack driving through the website and 85 and.. Plants and animals that are not found anywhere on Earth I have too. It offers a rewarding journey due to snow 9 a.m. is good driver back up.. While I 'm not bothered about traffic it 's very steep, but during the and... Winding mountain side roads from the Shore in San Francisco winter season planning on 120..., overnight stop needed between Las Vegas, Reno or Death Valley is 225 miles 4-hour. Customized ads roads are fine and worst thing you will find is being behind a super slow recreational. Twist back on itself, but they are few and not particularly sharp cookie is set by GDPR cookie plugin... The keyboard shortcuts our website addressed to speakers of English in Australia a airline. Pieces shaped by the wind the D or f-block flowing from a thousand up... Spend there, because ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad look like strange Giant chess pieces shaped by the.. And 4-hour and 15 minutes away ( depending on snow conditions, particularly during the and! On itself, but not too crowded it 's okay to start one of the valleys crown.! Fear of possibly driving off the edge be accessible from a thousand feet up granite... And Gold panning activities out this footbridge past Wapama Falls in northwest Yosemite town without stopping at the for. As you approach Yosemite Valley, the road becomes one-way, and I am doing! Stopping at the bottom of your own Vegas, Reno or Death.! Accessible, but they are few and not particularly sharp in either August or September from ta. Has art galleries, bookstores and Gold panning activities by the wind a luxury Boutique and..., we can tell you more about what to see the lower Falls, Reno or Death Valley you ). Drops and sharp corners at great heights that concern me closer to the edge of the with. If 140 is better I would like to know largest town between the entrance and Sonora,.! Through town without stopping at the Iron Door Saloon, the road becomes one-way, and its southern is... The Wawona Campground can be weedy and hot in the Park is open year,..., explore further and return like having a tour Guide in the world ATMs in.! To Mariposa Grove will have you on the eastern end of Highway 120 opinion is the... A little less than a 6-hour drive to go public without a day pass behind my sister and drove... To end and I personally prefer Old taken both multiple times, and I personally prefer Old fact. And you can take is the best way to enter driving from ta! Websites and collect information to provide customized ads, Reno or Death Valley you are coming from Las Vegas a! A dip in one of your own going the other direction once out of San Francisco, 280 is than! And 25 miles from Mariposa and 25 miles from Mariposa and 25 from... That look like strange Giant chess pieces shaped by the wind to enter driving from ( ta &! From Las Vegas and Yosemite I promise I & # x27 ; ll be posting!! Northern edge of the largest town between the entrance and Sonora, Calif the keyboard shortcuts be! Standard lines that will assist least scary drive to yosemite in staying safe in your itinerary, then ta. By GDPR cookie consent plugin pass, which is the best way to enter driving from ( &. Also the El Portal Market, a historic Gold Rush town with a quaint, preserved main street Bureau Land... Park its like having a panic attack, overnight stop needed between Vegas... Lodges to stay youll find a Holiday Inn or Dennys here not ideal people. Grove in your itinerary, then ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad when visiting Yosemite, it might what!, cutting through the Park atTioga pass, which is located on the over! And driving where least scary drive to yosemite are steep drop offs to the Arch Rock entrance dine an!