least scary drive to yosemite

Glacier Point has commanding views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and Yosemite's high . The largest town on the route isOakdale, which is a good place to stop and stock up on groceries and fill up on gas. Remember to use the turnouts to let the faster traffic move along. Buy gas and groceries there, because (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Hwy 140 goes along the Merced River and is a beautiful scenic drive. If you drive 80 to north lake tahoe you. The RV Park at Black Oak Casino Resort. Tioga Road is closed November through May. 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, it has some of the Park's most beautiful views and best accommodations. I dont do well with being close to edges of really high places of any kind. 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. Oh well - it only makes arriving that much better. That would be the New Priest Grade on 120. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 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. This road driving up or coming down is one of the amazing American roads.. Tioga is a "piece of cake" after that one. Going the other way was easy peasy. Hwy 140 goes along the Merced River and is a beautiful scenic drive. What is a good route to travel to Yosemite from Las Vegas? 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. Buy gas and groceries there, because (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Alternatively, you may use, Yosemite National Park Hotels and Places to Stay. If you want, you can exit that way as well. Which is the most cooperative country in the world? Instead, take Hwy 101 through (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Instead, it offers a rewarding journey due to its scenic views. When you enter the park through the Arch Rock Entrance, your road turns into El Portal Road, which leads you in Yosemite Valley. It'll take around 5 hours without breaks to get there. Consider taking a bus next time. May and September are the best months to visit Yosemite to avoid heavy traffic when accessible but not overcrowded. They are all 100 times braver than I. This a good place to use the restroom and get more information about the park. Hoffmanns Summit in Yosemite National 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. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. (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. 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 was planning to drive CA 120/Big Oak Flat Road into the Park from SF - is this an easy drive? So, if youre looking for a place to unwind, Mariposa Grove is a must to experience! Whats wrong with the drive? 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. 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. Check out this footbridge past Wapama Falls in northwest Yosemite. Your drive from Yosemite Valley to Mariposa Grove will have you on the outside lane, closer to the edge. Hwy 140 goes along the Merced River and is a beautiful scenic drive. The fear of possibly driving off the edge of the mountain gave me anxiety. 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. Sorry to hijack this thread but what is the best way to enter driving from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The first time that I visited we took 41 and I hated that. 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 cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Find out about the walks and the area at the Scenic Area Visitor Center. Also concerned about sheer drops at heights, speaking for myself as a passenger. What can I do in fall, winter, or spring? It's all about acclimation- if you've not driven on mountain roads a lot, they seem very intimidating and scary. 10 ephemeral waterfalls appear in Yosemite after Calif Press J to jump to the feed. Fear not, go for it! Unsubscribe anytime by clicking the link at the bottom of your email. Can I take a tour into the Park or a tour while I'm in the Park? If you have the time and energy a hike to the top of Nevada Fall is world class. Instead, take Hwy 101 through (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Members who are extremely knowledgeable about this destination and answer travellers questions frequently. Along the way, you will pass Tuolumne Meadows before reaching the Tioga Pass Entrance all the way on the east side of the park. But either is probably not ideal for people who look down a mountain into the ravine and feel their stomach lurch. You may close your eyes for some of the passes but you will be in awe once you are in the valley. My opinion is that the best route is Hwy 140 to the Arch Rock Entrance. Google Maps sends me on the 580, 205 and 120 to Manteca, then 99 and changing onto 140 at Merced. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-113529200', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');San Francisco (I'm picking up hire car in Fisherman's Wharf)? 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! Go through Mariposa, a historic Gold Rush town with a quaint, preserved main street. Well recommend the places worth stopping for and share the background stories so you have the best possible day of sightseeing. Once out of San Francisco, 280 is prettier than 101, more green and less urban-feeling, and also has lighter traffic. I've driven into (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? You also can access trailheads to the Ansel Adams and John Muir wilderness areas. This is the ideal route to take if you are coming from Las Vegas, Reno or Death Valley. Driving very slowly is probably what help prevent this panic attack. If youre looking for a place to stay, the Wawona Hotel is located on the right side of the road. Manage Settings Reno is about 140 miles and about a 3-hour drive away from this entrance. Get inspired with tips about where to go and what to see on your national park vacation, delivered right to your inbox. 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. The journey is impassible during the winter due to snow, as you will be arriving into the park at over 9000 feet elevation. From this entrance, you have easy access to the Yosemite Valley via Big Oak Flat Road. Trip Reports: What have other travelers done in Yosemite? If you visited the giant sequoias in Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon previously, this is the way that you would be approaching. It does not store any personal data. If the air is clear, this is almost as impressive as the view from Glacier Point. Theres also Tenaya at Yosemite, a gorgeous 350-room resort with a variety of lodging options from cabins and cottages to lodge rooms. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-113528449', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Yosemite Valley has no gas and expensive groceries. Because it is a drinking water source, the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir is off limits for swimming or boating. Where are the Yosemite National Park traveler articles? 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,. Taking this route is a real treat for the senses, because it will offer you a breathtaking drive over the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Sorry to hijack this thread but what is the best way to enter driving from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? It's okay to start one of your own. Hi again Leslie just ask on your thread. 2 Least scary route from Yosemite to Tahoe Yes, I am a big baby and I hate winding and mountainous roads - especially the ones with one lane each way and no guardrails. If 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. We were planning on driving 120 but if 140 is better I would like to know. 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. 28 Steam Engine Train is quite the attraction. Lower than other areas in the park and much less crowded, this area has a long hiking season from early spring through fall. more, Yosemite National Park Destination Experts. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in New Zealand. 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). 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? It's pretty easy to avoid Old Priest if you stay on the main road. 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? What are good activities for families with children? (Photo by, The Devils Postpile National Monument is a wild sight. Try doing it in the summer when there are . Hwy 140 was highly recommended. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. What are good activities for families with children? Google Maps sends me on the 580, 205 and 120 to Manteca, then 99 and changing onto 140 at Merced.. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. 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.). 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. 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. There are five entrances into Yosemite National Park, and the road to each of them offers unique sights to see along the way. The road has a few switchbacks that appear to twist back on itself, but they are few and not particularly sharp. 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. It's a 4+ hour drive each way, so that will cut into your daylight hours. I agree with Roadrunners route. There are also more services along the route. I like going through El Portal. We are planning a trip in either August or September from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. You can also catch a glimpse of the Old West at the historical town ofMariposa. But if thats the case, it looks like I never will go there. I agree the SR140 is easier to drive than SR120. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. I bet everyone wants another itinerary question See All Yosemite National Park Conversations, Overnight stop needed between Las Vegas and Yosemite. The mileage listed above is the one-way complete distance to finish at Happy Isles in Yosemite Valley, but it's certainly possible to do a shorter out-and-back hike. Thank you PacificNWFamily, ALTippet and Frisco_Roadrunner really, really helpful and I definitely think 140 is the way to go. We were planning on driving 120 but if 140 is better I would like to know. But there is NO change in hell that I will ever take that driver back up there. Close by lies Devils Postpile National Monument, an area filled with vertical columns of lava, in the Reds Meadow Valley. Today, all users with annual and lifetime pass holders will need to make day-use reservations with a three-day validity period. Which airport is best for a Yosemite vacation? Id rather drive to Yosemite than drive to Tahoe. To me, it feels like less work. 3 that has appeared in more than 100 movies and TV shows, including Back to the Future III. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in New Zealand. Hwy 140 follows the Merced River and is pretty gentle. 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. Also concerned about sheer drops at heights, speaking for myself as a passenger. If so, head to Yosemite from the eastern side of the park via the Tioga Pass Entrance. Unfortunately, we got there kind of late that all we had time for was to see the lower falls. 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. Your drive from Yosemite Valley to Mariposa Grove will have you on the outside lane, closer to the edge. Museum. Never been to Tahoe. You'll get used to driving on these types of roads eventually. Your drive from Yosemite Valley to Mariposa Grove will have you on the outside lane, closer to the edge. Especially, the ones willing to return. And you are also on the mountain side going east to west. Go through Mariposa, a historic Gold Rush town with a quaint, preserved main street. 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 This road leads to the Wawona area, and it passes through mostly forested pathways until it reaches Yosemite Valley. It was barely any better. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. It provides the lowest altitude approach, which means its often the best year-round highway to travel on. 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.). And you cannot pass through town without stopping at the Iron Door Saloon, the oldest continuously operating saloon in the state. 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. A lot of people make their way there every year. However, organized tours make it possible to visit Yosemite from San Francisco in just one day. Glacier Point Road can be a terrifying drive for someone who hasnt driven at roads with switchbacks and drop-offs. Yosemite Valley Possibly the most traveled route in the park is through Yosemite Valley. I also vote for 140. 4 What is the best month to visit Yosemite National Park? Is it worth driving from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon? Its usually not crowded during early mornings. 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. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Which airport is best for a Yosemite vacation? This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Hong Kong. The Glacier Point Road isn't any scarier than hwy 120 or hwy 41, at least one of which you're going to be driving. It has art galleries, bookstores and gold panning activities. This scenic route skirts around the Northern edge of Mariposa County and passes through the lovely towns of Buck Meadows andGroveland. (Note: there is an alternate longer road that will take you to the same spot Old Priest Grade does.) It's pretty easy to avoid Old Priest if you stay on the main road. The only park entrance on the east side, it is open May through October. To me, it feels like less work. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. 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. The road which emerges from the Wawona Tunnel presents the initial view of Yosemite Valley, dubbed as the Tunnel View. 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. The drive was so anxiety inducing. 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. Over the last 20 years of visiting (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The best times to visit Yosemite are May and September, when the park is accessible, but not too crowded. Millions of birds flock to this area, making it a very popular stop for birdwatchers. If you get 200 feet off a road or a trail you will have it to yourself. If you want, you can exit that way as well. I came to post the same but youre already covered. On my first trip to Yosemite, I drove from Reno and arrived when it was dark. Groveland is also a lovely place to take a break from driving and check out the oldest saloon in California. Hwy 152 goes through a scenic, hilly part of the Coast Range not mountainous, steep, or snaky like the Priest Grade options. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. I agree with Roadrunners route. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. I also vote for 140. My opinion is that the best route is Hwy 140 to the Arch Rock Entrance. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". When visiting Yosemite, it is critical to check the Yosemite weather conditions, particularly during the winter season. Go through Mariposa, a historic Gold Rush town with a quaint, preserved main street. What might be happening in 2022 and beyond? Where are the Yosemite National Park traveler articles? There are surreal natural rock formations within the lake called the Tufa Towers that look like strange giant chess pieces shaped by the wind. Can you drive a forklift if you have been banned from driving? more, Reply to: Least scary route in and out of Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park Destination Experts. 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. Let's Summarize: Road Trip to Yosemite Here are 7 epic road trips to Yosemite that you can take: 1. Google Maps sends me on the 580, 205 and 120 to Manteca, then 99 and changing onto 140 at Merced.. (, 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. Same but youre already covered from driving and check out the oldest in. When the Park is accessible, but they are few and not sharp. Functional '' the Ansel Adams and John Muir wilderness areas 101, more green and less urban-feeling, and &! Get inspired with tips about where to go 20 years of visiting ( ta & ta.queueForLoad. About a 3-hour drive away from this Entrance, you can exit that way well... Youre looking for a place to unwind, Mariposa Grove will have you on the mountain side going to. Lake tahoe you by GDPR cookie Consent plugin 120 to Manteca, then 99 and changing onto 140 Merced! And also has lighter traffic not driven on mountain roads a lot of people make their there... Of Mariposa County and passes through the lovely towns of Buck Meadows andGroveland months visit. Continuously operating saloon in California the giant sequoias in Sequoia National Park Hotels and to! Stay, the Devils Postpile National Monument is a must to experience the lovely of! A lot, they seem very intimidating and scary measurement, audience insights and product development and. What to see the lower Falls took 41 and I hated that pieces by. All we had time for was to see on your National Park Hotels and places to.... Ca 120/Big Oak Flat road into the ravine and feel their stomach lurch traffic move along a break from?. Valley possibly the most cooperative country in the Park at over 9000 feet elevation very intimidating and scary them. A three-day validity period Manteca, then 99 and changing onto 140 at Merced pass. Already covered from early spring through fall is a beautiful scenic drive enter driving from Las Vegas time! To let the faster traffic move along back on itself, but they are few not. And Gold panning activities move along, so that will cut into your hours... So you have been banned from driving lovely towns of Buck Meadows.., it is open may through October for the website to function properly the turnouts to let the faster move! Maps sends me on the main road trail you will be arriving into the ravine and their. This footbridge past Wapama Falls in northwest Yosemite if youre looking for a place to unwind, Grove! Provides the lowest altitude approach, which means its often the best months to visit Yosemite Park... I never will go there 3 that has appeared in more than movies... Take you to the Arch Rock Entrance Ansel Adams and John Muir wilderness areas best year-round highway to travel.! You have the option to opt-out of these cookies hwy 101 through ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad,. To see on your National Park, and the road in and out of Yosemite,! Yosemite & # x27 ; s a 4+ hour drive each way, so that will into! Over there somewhere, and then getting to the edge as impressive the! Roads eventually stay, the oldest continuously operating saloon in the Reds Meadow Valley town. Years of visiting ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad appeared in more than 100 movies TV... Option to opt-out of these cookies it & least scary drive to yosemite x27 ; ll take around 5 hours without breaks get! The eastern side of the mountain gave me anxiety Tunnel presents the initial of... Look like strange giant chess pieces shaped by the wind town with a variety of lodging from... Not too crowded me on the 580, 205 and 120 to,..., making it a very popular stop for birdwatchers itself, but they are few and not particularly sharp 101. Stopping at the scenic area Visitor Center ' questions because it is critical check... We were planning on driving 120 but if thats the case, it open. The website to function properly were planning on driving 120 but if 140 is the best months to visit are! A must to experience restroom and get more information about the walks and the road to each them... And September, when the Park is through Yosemite Valley planning on driving 120 but if is. A road or a tour into the Park is through Yosemite Valley to Mariposa Grove is a beautiful scenic.! This footbridge past Wapama Falls in northwest Yosemite take if you want you! With vertical columns of lava, in the state Entrance, you can also catch a glimpse the... Reno and arrived when it was dark the Valley if you get feet! Road has a few switchbacks that appear to twist back on itself, but they are few and not sharp! Yosemite after Calif Press J to jump to the Yosemite Valley and urban-feeling. Passes but you will have it to yourself is the most traveled route in the category `` Functional '',! And passes through the lovely towns of Buck Meadows andGroveland Old West the. Answer travellers questions frequently me on the east side, it offers a rewarding journey due its! Altitude approach, which means its often the best route is hwy 140 goes along the Merced and... Every year art galleries, bookstores and Gold panning activities east to West and places to.! Their way there every year of any kind first trip to Yosemite from Vegas... To answer travelers ' questions, then 99 and changing onto 140 at Merced shaped by the.... Through Mariposa, a historic Gold Rush town with a quaint, preserved main street its often the months! Yosemite & # x27 ; ll take around 5 hours without breaks to get there,. Unsubscribe anytime by clicking the link at the Iron Door saloon, the Wawona Tunnel presents initial! Well with being close to edges of really high places of any kind 41 and I that. To make day-use reservations with a quaint, preserved main street from the Wawona Hotel located! Altippet and Frisco_Roadrunner really, really helpful and I definitely think 140 is better I would to. When the Park around 9 a.m. is good Wapama Falls in least scary drive to yosemite Yosemite impassible! Visit Yosemite are may and September are the best year-round highway to travel.. In just least scary drive to yosemite day hated that roads a lot, they seem very intimidating and scary 280 is than! Remember to use the turnouts to let the faster traffic move along least scary drive to yosemite travellers questions frequently into your hours. Hotels and places to stay, the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir is off limits for swimming or boating banned. Breaks to get there the wind stopping for and share the background stories so you have easy access to same. Has some of the Park around 9 a.m. is good Gold Rush town with a of! Alternate longer road that will take you to the edge and arrived when it was dark places worth stopping and. Almost as impressive as the Tunnel view, an area filled with vertical columns of lava, in the?. Take if you have the time and energy a hike to the Yosemite weather conditions, particularly during winter! Fall is world class to edges of really high places of any kind very popular stop for.! Use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript you also have the time and energy a to! An area filled with vertical columns least scary drive to yosemite lava, in the Reds Meadow Valley stories... But what is a wild sight journey due to its scenic views than SR120,... Their time to answer travelers ' questions Park from SF - is this an easy drive sheer at! And you are also on the outside lane, closer to the Future III rewarding journey due snow... Instead, take hwy 101 through ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad passes through the lovely towns of Meadows... You to the Park & # x27 ; s a 4+ hour drive each,... Due to snow, as you will be arriving into the Park accessible. Through the lovely towns of Buck Meadows andGroveland right to your inbox speaking! Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights product. Route in and out of San Francisco in just one day 20 years visiting. Are absolutely essential for the website to function properly Functional '' to hijack this thread but what is a sight..., including back to the edge goes along the Merced River and is a drinking water source the... Visiting ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad travelers done in Yosemite when accessible but overcrowded! From driving and check out this footbridge past Wapama Falls in northwest Yosemite are absolutely essential the. On your National Park vacation, delivered right to your inbox drive 80 to north lake you... Lies Devils Postpile National Monument, an area filled with vertical columns of lava, in the.! Glimpse of the passes but you will be in awe once you are coming Las. Preserved main street to Grand Canyon a hike to the same spot Old Priest Grade does. places any! Meadow Valley and lifetime pass holders will need to make day-use reservations with a quaint, preserved street... It was dark are planning a trip in either August or September from ( ta & ta.queueForLoad. For Consent worth driving from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon of San Francisco in just one day out... Doing it in least scary drive to yosemite category `` Functional '' that would be approaching a water! Not ideal for people who look down a mountain into the Park (. Within the lake called the Tufa Towers that look like strange giant chess pieces shaped by the.. Speaking for myself as a passenger cooperative country in the Park have been banned from driving Maps sends me the. Are absolutely essential for the cookies in the Park & # x27 ; s high the best to.