gfm198

Hi, would like some sound advice on the above route.

Will be leaving San francisco on the 2nd of November and was wondering whether we could cut through to Yosemite national park. Would there be any chance of snow and therefore the road not passable?

Dont have to be in the grand canyon (south rim) area until the 4th of November, so will also need to book 2 nights accommodation on route.

Any advice or info would be great.

Was thinking about one night in Yosemite and perhaps one night in Death Valley?

Thanks

G

joannay

It's possible that Tioga Pass, the one through Yosemite, will be closed. You really need to just play it by ear and be prepared to go around, which way depends on weather. I wouldn't make reservations for your accommodations after Yosemite which should be no problem that time of year.

Here are the historic closing dates for that road: http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/tiogaopen.htm

spirobulldog

Make reservations that allow cancellations. A lot of places allow you cancel as long as you call by 6PM.

MichelleY

If you can't go thru Yosemite, perhaps go thru Tahoe, Reno or another pass, if open. Will take longer but will be more scenic than going south to Bakersfield.

joannay

Although less scenic going south around the mountains is more likely to keep you on your schedule if weather is an issue. You haven't left a lot of wiggle room for your Grand Canyon arrival. Storms that time of year move from west to east so if there's snow in the Sierras there may also be on I-40 to the Grand Canyon in N. Arizona. Be vigilant and go the shortest snow-free way.

janisj

Sorry - but I personally would plan an entirely different trip if my only option was to take the southern route through Bakersfield/Mohave/Barstow/Needles etc. The true armpits of California.

There have been a couple of storms but so far Tioga Pass is open. No telling if it will be open Nov 1 or not.

"Would there be any chance of snow and therefore the road not passable?" Once there is an accumulation of snow in the high country, they close the road and don't re-open it until late next Spring. So even if there is no snow falling when you get there - the road could still be closed.

In any case 1 night in Yosemite and 1 night in DV really isn't practical. It takes more than 4 hours to get to Yosemite Valley. So you'd only have 1/2 a day there. Then the next day you'll have a 7 hour drive (if tioga pass is open) or a 10 hour drive via the southern route.

And DV to the South Rim is another 9 hour drive.

These are all 'behind the wheel' times w/o any breaks/stops. Two days simply isn't enough time unless you are into eating in your car and wearing a catheter

Are you driving your own car or a rental? If a rental -- I'd visit YNP for two days from the SF side. Then drop the car and fly from San Jose or Oakland or Sacramento to Phoenix or Las Vegas.

gfm198

Thanks for your replies and info.

Due to the possible bad weather have decided to head south and stay at long beach and palm springs.

Try and do death valley and zion national park from our vegas stop.

G