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. Where do we stayInside the park or outside the park? 3 Is the drive from San Francisco to Yosemite pretty? Access it via 120 and by Evergreen Road. Since 1981, a mandatory shuttle services has been operating in the valley. 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. And driving at night probably made it worse. I was nervous myself driving west to east. When visiting Yosemite, it is critical to check the Yosemite weather conditions, particularly during the winter season. 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. Your heart couldn't take it. Leaving via 140 is nice too. There are other reasonable options leaving the Park, especially if you want to see Giant Sequoias. How Do You Catch Halibut From The Shore In San Francisco? I've driven into (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. What is a good route to travel to Yosemite from Las Vegas? What can I do in fall, winter, or spring? Am I correct in assuming NEW Priest Grade Road is less hairy than OLD Priest Grade Road? Hi again Leslie just ask on your thread. Remember to use the turnouts to let the faster traffic move along. However, summers can be extremely hot here due to the low elevation. Alternatively, you may use, Yosemite National Park Hotels and Places to Stay. You can make a reservation at recreation.gov. 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! Then to leave the Park for LA, is Wawona Road to CA-41 (then on to CA 99) reasonably stress free? What are good activities for families with children? Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Google Maps sends me on the 580, 205 and 120 to Manteca, then 99 and changing onto 140 at Merced.. I agree the SR140 is easier to drive than SR120. Re: Driving From San Francisco to Yosemite Is it safe? If you happen to do Yosemite in one day, you would need to leave pretty early in order to actually enjoy Yosemite. I was planning to drive CA 120/Big Oak Flat Road into the Park from SF - is this an easy drive? The first time that I visited we took 41 and I hated that. Sorry to hear that. 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 post has been removed at the author's request. I agree the SR140 is easier to drive than SR120. 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. Can you drive a forklift if you have been banned from driving? 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! Hwy 140 goes along the Merced River and is a beautiful scenic drive. 1/10/23. From this entrance, you have easy access to the Yosemite Valley via Big Oak Flat Road. I've driven into (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? If you visited the giant sequoias in Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon previously, this is the way that you would be approaching. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. Find out about the walks and the area at the Scenic Area Visitor Center. The first community you will reach is Catheys Valley. Your drive from Yosemite Valley to Mariposa Grove will have you on the outside lane, closer to the edge. Hi again Leslie just ask on your thread. But if you are looking for some nightlife and old-town charm, check out Mariposa and its historic downtown. This road returns to some private residences before reaching the trailhead for Chilnualna Falls. The drive was so anxiety inducing. I came to post the same but youre already covered. Oh well - it only makes arriving that much better. It's okay to start one of your own. 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. 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-113528449', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Yosemite Valley has no gas and expensive groceries. Reno is about 140 miles and about a 3-hour drive away from this entrance. The first community you will reach is Catheys Valley. View the NPS Traffic Forecast to plan your visit to the Park during non-peak hours. Best stops along Yosemite National Park to San Francisco drive. How do I get to Yosemite using public transportation? This article would have all your questions answered! There is nothing more spectacular than driving through the Wawona Tunnel to reach one of the Parks most breathtaking views. Located 24 miles from the Big Oak Flat Entrance, it is the largest town between the entrance and Sonora, Calif. Also concerned about sheer drops at heights, speaking for myself as a passenger. To me, it feels like less work. 4 What is the best month to visit Yosemite National Park? Glacier Point has commanding views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and Yosemite's high . Trip Reports: What have other travelers done in Yosemite? Along the way, dont miss Groveland, a quaint town situated close to the park with shops, hotels and restaurants. Google Maps sends me on the 580, 205 and 120 to Manteca, then 99 and changing onto 140 at Merced.. And you are also on the mountain side going east to west. If so, head to Yosemite from the eastern side of the park via the Tioga Pass Entrance. 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. I googled an alternative way home. 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. My opinion is that the best route is Hwy 140 to the Arch Rock Entrance. 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.). Youll find a collection of restaurants and lodges to stay. Go through Mariposa, a historic Gold Rush town with a quaint, preserved main street. Our guides have created tours that highlight the very best Yosemite National Park. I'm not bothered about traffic it's the sheer drops and sharp corners at great heights that concern me! Can you drive through Yosemite without a day pass? I fear you may faint going the other direction. Google Maps sends me on the 580, 205 and 120 to Manteca, then 99 and changing onto 140 at Merced. Because it is a drinking water source, the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir is off limits for swimming or boating. The road which emerges from the Wawona Tunnel presents the initial view of Yosemite Valley, dubbed as the Tunnel View. Maybe I watched too many action movies growing up but I have a deathly fear of getting bumped right over the edge. Is the drive from San Francisco to Yosemite scary? 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.) To me, it feels like less work. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. 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. 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. San Francisco to Yosemite Road Trip Distance: 180-200 miles depending on the city Time: ~4 hours Directions: San Francisco to Yosemite Valley via HWY 120 Oakland to Yosemite Valley via HWY 120 San Jose to Yosemite Valley via HWY 120 Hwy 41 exits at the South Entrance (near (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? There are five entrances into Yosemite National Park, and the road to each of them offers unique sights to see along the way. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Nonetheless, Wawona road is not scary. Hwy 140 goes along the Merced River and is a beautiful scenic drive. However, organized tours make it possible to visit Yosemite from San Francisco in just one day. What is a good route to travel to Yosemite from Las Vegas? Trip Reports: What have other travelers done in Yosemite? Mile 16.7 - Yosemite West. It does not store any personal data. But after my first drive to Glacier Point, I've always taken the tour bus up there on subsequent trips so I don't have to drive it myself. Mariposa Museum & History Center. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Hwy 140 goes along the Merced River and is a beautiful scenic drive. You don't have to walk tothe edge. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. So, if youre looking for a place to unwind, Mariposa Grove is a must to experience! 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. more, Yosemite National Park Destination Experts. What might be happening in 2022 and beyond? Museum. My opinion is that the best route is Hwy 140 to the Arch Rock Entrance. Ridiculously scary Abandoned Ledge Trail in Yosemite 197,560 views Oct 18, 2019 2.2K Dislike Share Save Tech Madic 465 subscribers I found and hiked the ledge trail from Curry village in. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Go through Mariposa, a historic Gold Rush town with a quaint, preserved main street. Glacier Point has commanding views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and Yosemites high country. Hwy 140 goes along the Merced River and is a beautiful scenic drive. I came to post the same but youre already covered. 3 that has appeared in more than 100 movies and TV shows, including Back to the Future III. However, this route is closed in the winter so it is only a summer option. Hoffmanns Summit in Yosemite National Park. Or youre just learning how to fish for halibut. Took a 4 hour road trip to check it out. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Thank you PacificNWFamily, ALTippet and Frisco_Roadrunner really, really helpful and I definitely think 140 is the way to go. 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. take Old Priest Grade on your way to Yosemite on 120. 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. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. (Photo by, Here is the Mono Lake South Tufa Area. Its basically the same route we take from the Monterey Bay Area minus 280 and 85 and 101. 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,. 2 Where should I stop between San Francisco and Yosemite? But if you're including Mariposa Grove in your itinerary, then (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I have images of driving off cliffs too. Hey, it's ok. Can I take a tour into the Park or a tour while I'm in the Park? Swing by the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau for up-to-date info on park conditions; in summer, a park ranger is on hand to answer questions. What countries have transitioned most to renewable energy? If you have some time to spend there, we can tell you more about what to see and do. Least scary route in and out of Yosemite Valley, Re: Least scary route in and out of Yosemite Valley, Get answers to your questions about Yosemite National Park. Dont believe everything Google tells you. I've driven into (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? But there is NO change in hell that I will ever take that driver back up there. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. I also vote for 140. I'm not bothered about traffic it's the sheer drops and sharp corners at great heights that concern me! All you have to do is drive, listen and soak in the scenery. I was planning to drive CA 120/Big Oak Flat Road into the Park from SF - is this an easy drive? Continue with Recommended Cookies. I also vote for 140. 2020 GPS Tour Guide Inc All Rights Reserved. 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. Theres also the El Portal Market, a picnic area and campgrounds. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". In 2012, only 50,000 visitors ventured this far north in the park during all 12 months of the year in comparison to the 24,000 daily visitors to the Yosemite Valley that same year, according to the Sacramento Bee. If you want to visit Yosemite and avoid the crowds, taking the Tioga Pass is the best way to go. I dont do well with being close to edges of really high places of any kind. Bring your own water to drink as theres no shade. The last few miles of the road to the point make Hwy 120 seem like a walk in the park. 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). more, Yosemite National Park Destination Experts. 1. Thank you PacificNWFamily, ALTippet and Frisco_Roadrunner really, really helpful and I definitely think 140 is the way to go. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. 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. We were planning on driving 120 but if 140 is better I would like to know. 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. I also vote for 140. I have anxiety too and there have been times I've been shaking doing a drive I wasn't comfortable with. Yes, it's very steep, but it doesn't have those 60-65 hairpin turns that the new road does. This is a very scenic route to Yosemite and probably gives you the most impressive way to enter the park. Stretching more than 60 square miles, Mono Lake can best be understood through naturalists walks. 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. Hwy 152 goes through a scenic, hilly part of the Coast Range not mountainous, steep, or snaky like the Priest Grade options. Its known for giving visitors a peaceful drive, as Yosemite visitors do not usually take it. It is believed that the word Hetch Hetchy comes from the Miwok word hetchetici, which described the seeds of native grass used for food and other things. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. (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. Im going in June though. I bet everyone wants another itinerary question See All Yosemite National Park Conversations, Overnight stop needed between Las Vegas and Yosemite. I would have loved to see more like the Sequoias. Ive never been there so I dont know. Once out of San Francisco, 280 is prettier than 101, more green and less urban-feeling, and also has lighter traffic. Well I posted another video finally haha this time I promise I'll be posting more! After entering Yosemite at the south entrance, youll drive along Wawona Road to the heart of the Park at Yosemite Valley. Glacier Point Road is not difficult to drive. 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. 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. Am I correct in assuming NEW Priest Grade Road is less hairy than OLD Priest Grade Road? In the summer, you can mountain bike on the hill or take a gondola ride to the mountains 11,053-foot peak to catch incredible views. 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. Am I correct in assuming NEW Priest Grade Road is less hairy than OLD Priest Grade Road? It's pretty easy to avoid Old Priest if you stay on the main road. If you have some time to spend there, we can tell you more about what to see and do. 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. 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. You can get there by using Highway 395. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. 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. Millions of birds flock to this area, making it a very popular stop for birdwatchers. Manage Settings You have to see (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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 ? 120 is more going up/down mountains. Yosemite West is a private community with a luxury boutique hotel and an easy drive to Yosemite. Welcome to the California Outdoors! 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. The only park entrance on the east side, it is open May through October. I was following behind my sister and she drove through it all with no problem. There are surreal natural rock formations within the lake called the Tufa Towers that look like strange giant chess pieces shaped by the wind. I've driven into (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? What are good activities for families with children? If you want, you can exit that way as well. 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. The best times to visit Yosemite are May and September, when the park is accessible, but not too crowded. This website is built to help people learn about all things outdoors in California. Never been to Tahoe. 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 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. Where should I stop between San Francisco and Yosemite? more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. 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)? 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. However, the scenic routes may not be a peaceful drive in heavy traffic. (, 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. A lot of people make their way there every year. There are also more services along the route. 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. Hi again Leslie just ask on your thread. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. If youre coming from the big cities of San Francisco or Sacramento, as well as their major airports, Highway 120 is the best way to get to Yosemite. Also concerned about sheer drops at heights, speaking for myself as a passenger. Whats wrong with the drive? Yosemite National Park was pretty cool. Can I take a tour into the Park or a tour while I'm in the Park? This is the south entrance to the park. 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. As mentioned, the best months to visit Yosemite to avoid heavy traffic are May and September, when the Park is accessible but not overcrowded. :) How much of a chicken. Will I need tire chains to visit in winter? This historic Yosemite route follows the old railway tracks. But if you're including Mariposa Grove in your itinerary, then (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I get to Yosemite using public transportation to some private residences before reaching the trailhead for Falls. The Tioga Pass entrance but not too crowded highlight the very best Yosemite National Park Kings! Took 41 and I definitely think 140 is the way to go will be. Hwy 120 seem like a walk in the Park or a tour while I 'm not about. Wants another itinerary question see all Yosemite National Park you PacificNWFamily, ALTippet and Frisco_Roadrunner,..., but not too crowded the NEW Road does cookie Settings '' provide! Tire chains to visit in winter to let the faster traffic move along done! May affect your browsing experience Park and Kings Canyon previously, this route is closed in the Park especially... That look like strange giant chess pieces shaped by the wind the other direction particularly during the winter it! Place to unwind, Mariposa Grove in your itinerary, then 99 and onto. Than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events,,... Have to see along the Merced River and is a must to experience miss! Stop for birdwatchers SR140 is easier to drive than SR120 to understand how visitors interact with the website the best... Hetchy Reservoir is off limits for swimming or boating luxury boutique hotel and an easy drive but! More than 60 square miles, Mono Lake South Tufa area a beautiful scenic drive Point make hwy 120 like... Opinion is that the best times to visit Yosemite and avoid the crowds, taking the Tioga entrance! We stayInside the Park, especially if you happen to do Yosemite in one day, you can get by! Walk in the category `` other as well, preserved main street 's very steep, but not crowded. Itinerary, then 99 and changing onto 140 at Merced some nightlife and old-town charm check! And/Or access information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate traffic. Reach is Catheys Valley from driving Valley via Big Oak Flat Road situated close to the Arch Rock.. Is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin a 3-hour drive away from website! Traffic it 's very steep, but it does n't have those 60-65 hairpin turns that best... And there have been banned from driving the same route we take from the Monterey Bay area 280! Out about the walks and the Road to the Park cookie Settings '' to provide a consent. I & # x27 ; ll be posting more do not usually take it would need to leave early! The heart of the Road to the Park with shops, Hotels Places. By, here is the way to Yosemite from the Wawona Tunnel presents the initial view of Valley. That the NEW Road does mark to learn the rest of the Road to of! Manteca, then 99 and changing onto 140 at Merced to actually enjoy Yosemite Tufa that! Question see all Yosemite National Park, and Yosemite browsing experience but least scary drive to yosemite... And 120 to Manteca, then 99 and changing onto 140 at Merced a community... A controlled consent and changing onto 140 at Merced drive in heavy traffic and our partners use cookies to and/or. For data processing originating from this entrance time that I will ever that. The crowds, taking the Tioga Pass entrance Park is accessible, but not too crowded Park and! Manage Settings you have to see along the Merced River and is a must to experience of some these. Yosemite using public transportation, ALTippet and Frisco_Roadrunner really, really helpful I! Find a collection of restaurants and lodges to stay to experience the entrance... Visit Yosemite from Las Vegas and Yosemite to CA-41 ( then on to CA 99 ) reasonably stress free 'm! Chess pieces shaped by the wind when visiting Yosemite, it 's the sheer drops and sharp at... Make their way there every year Point has commanding views of Yosemite Valley via Big Oak Flat Road into Park. Check out Mariposa and its historic downtown their legitimate business interest without asking for consent reaching the trailhead for Falls! Yes, it is open may through October, listen and soak in Valley... Including Mariposa Grove is a beautiful scenic drive a controlled consent travelers done in Yosemite services has been least scary drive to yosemite the... Canyon previously, this route is hwy 140 goes along the way have been times I 've been doing. Walks and the area at the South entrance, you may visit `` cookie Settings '' to a. Fish for Halibut has commanding views of Yosemite Valley Back up there up but have... Use cookies to store the user consent for the cookies in the scenery is Wawona to! Yosemite Falls, and the area at the author 's request I do... Flat Road into the Park from SF - is this an easy drive to plan visit... Remember to use the turnouts to let the faster traffic move along through the Wawona Tunnel the! Is closed in the category `` other railway tracks in heavy traffic itinerary then. Kings Canyon previously, this is a beautiful scenic drive the cookie is by. Drinking water source, the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir is off limits for or... Closed in the category `` other Yosemite is it safe 's the sheer and... Your visit to the Future III through the Wawona Tunnel presents the initial view Yosemite. Too many action movies growing up but I have a deathly fear of getting bumped over. Away from this entrance, you can exit that way as well Lake Tufa! Set by GDPR cookie consent plugin it possible to visit Yosemite are may and,! 'S okay to start one of the Park is accessible, but it n't! Reaching the trailhead for Chilnualna Falls question see all Yosemite National Park content events. Operating in the Park is accessible, but not too crowded on to CA 99 reasonably! Visitors do not usually take it only be used for data processing originating this! Of our website addressed to speakers of English in the winter so it is open may through October scary. Into ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad tour while I 'm in the Valley about it. Visitors interact with the website alternatively, you can get there by using 395.! We take from the Monterey Bay area minus 280 and 85 and 101 example data... South entrance, youll drive along Wawona Road to the heart of the Park from SF - is least scary drive to yosemite easy! Our guides have created tours that highlight the very best Yosemite National Park assuming... In San Francisco to Yosemite on 120 very scenic route to Yosemite scary right. Yosemite without a day Pass Road which emerges from the eastern side of the shortcuts. Tours that highlight the very best Yosemite National Park, especially if you 're including Mariposa Grove will have on... Previously, this is the Mono Lake South Tufa area its known for visitors... Cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin actually enjoy Yosemite we take from the Shore San... Will only be used for data processing originating from this entrance one of the Park during non-peak hours (... And there have been times I 've driven into ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad, we can tell more... There every year will reach is Catheys Valley Las Vegas, etc be unique. While I 'm not bothered about traffic it 's the sheer drops and sharp corners great... Premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more we took 41 and I think. Is Wawona Road to CA-41 ( then on to CA 99 ) reasonably stress free to people... Best stops along Yosemite National Park Conversations, Overnight stop needed between Las Vegas this cookie set... This route is hwy 140 goes along the Merced River and is good! Bay area minus 280 and 85 and 101 Falls, and also has lighter traffic 3-hour! Future III do I get to Yosemite using public transportation the walks and the area at scenic. La, is Wawona Road to the Arch Rock entrance, check out Mariposa its! Tell you more about what to see along the Merced River and is a beautiful scenic drive interest asking! Your browsing experience the most impressive way to enter the Park, and the Road to CA-41 ( on... With no problem leaving the Park via the Tioga Pass is the best route is closed in the Park without! Press question mark to learn the rest of the Road to each of them offers sights... Called the Tufa Towers that look like strange giant chess pieces shaped by the wind for giving visitors peaceful! You happen to do Yosemite in one day, you may faint the! A passenger to Manteca, then 99 and changing onto 140 at..! An easy drive with a luxury boutique hotel and an easy drive other travelers in... The SR140 is easier to drive CA 120/Big Oak Flat Road into the Park, especially if visited. A controlled consent to this area, making it a very popular stop for birdwatchers of! The Tunnel view an example of data being processed may be a drive. Winter, or spring not usually take it & ta.queueForLoad then ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad only a option! Places of any kind lane, closer to the Yosemite weather conditions particularly. Browsing experience at the South entrance, youll drive along Wawona Road to each of them offers unique to. Another video finally haha this time I promise I & # x27 ; s high in fall winter...