jonny73

Hi Everyone,

First time doing the forums so hope you can help.

I am driving from Furnace Creek to Yosemite and was wondering which is the best route to take. I realise that going through Bishop and taking the 395 is probably the most direct route, but has anyone taken the other route through Beatty on the 95. I really like the landscape of Death Valley and think this route maybe more scenic than driving through all the other small towns and probably has less traffic.

Can anyone recommend this route? I know there is a ghost town in Beatty that I wouldn't mind checking out but can anyone recommend anywhere else to stop on this route or should I just take the 395?

Thank you so much for any help advice on this.

Jonny

qwovadis

395.com best through Whitney Portal lonepinechamber.com

Tioga pass to Yosemite.com beautiful more scenice

than the alternatives classic.mapquest.com

I like the historic Dow Villa Hotel where the ghost

of John Wayne is said to abide... spooky enough for me.

Happy Planning,

janisj

"<i>think this route maybe more scenic than driving through all the other small towns and probably has less traffic.</i>"

Haven't been in the area before I take it? There is essentially no traffic along 395 (or any to write home about anyway) and no towns of any size. Lone Pine has about 2000 residents, Independence maybe 500 or 600, and Bishop 3500 tops. This is very remote/rural country. My guess is you'll appreciate reaching those small towns.

Me personally -- I'd take 395 every time, because the scenery is magnificent and such a change from all that desert.

boom_boom

IMO the 395 scenery is much superior to the Beatty and onward via 95 and 6....mostly high desert without the grand views of the Sierra and Owens Valley. The one time on that route I found nothing worth stopping for other than Tonopah and there's not much to that either. If you like driving though empty country, by all means head for Beatty & beyond.

utahtea

As you travel north on Hwy 395, you have mountains on your left and open space on your right. It's a beautiful drive and is only about 300 miles to Yosemite Village.

Hwy 95 is a nice drive if you like Nevada desert. Haven't been to the ghost town in Beatty. I really like the section of Hwy 120 between Benton and Hwy 395 very scenic but will also be slow going at first as you climb in elevation. This route is 340 miles so it will probably take a good hour longer.

There is Bodie State Park north of Lee Vining on Hwy 395 if you want to see an excellent example of a ghost town. http://bodie.com/

Utahtea

jonny73

Thanks everyone for your replies!

Have driven the 395 before but it was at night and from North to South, stayed in Bishop for the night.

Having heard all your advice, think I will take the 395 after all.

Thanks again to everyone who took the time to reply.