syd

I'll be driving from either Placerville or Sutter Creek to South Lake Tahoe at the end of April. Is it worth taking Rt 88 vs 50? It looks like a very scenic route. About how long would the Rt 88 drive take?

Thanks

utahtea

Hwy 50 & 88 are both scenic drives though the mountains. Hwy 88 will take longer than Hwy 50 even from Sutter Creek.

If you are starting in Placerville, I think I would take 50. It will take a little over an hour to drive.

If you are starting from Sutter Creek, then I think I would take 88. It will take a little over 2 hours, but if you were to take Hwy 50 from Sutter Creek it will be under 2 hours too. All times are approx.

CAUTION: It can snow in April and they can close roads if it gets really bad, SO CHECK the road conditions if the weather is bad.

Utahtea

Grasshopper

I second Utahtea's recommendation. I'd definitely take 88 from Sutter Creek (and drive that route frequently). It's got a lot less traffic than 50. Do check the road info hotline though.

crefloors

88 is just really pretty but of course slower, so if time is not an issue, take 88 for the scenery. But yes, do watch the weather.

syd

Thanks for the info.

Is it common for Hwy 50 to close at the end of April?

janis

Not close that often - but there can be temprary closures after big snow dumps or for avalanche control.

But a Spring storm could certainly make chains required. Then again it could be like today - 80F in Placerville . . . . .

utahtea

Like janis said, it's not very likely, but something to keep in mind and watch the weather.

Utahtea