SF-Yosemite-Monterey-SF

Old Jun 14th, 2017, 03:38 PM
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SF-Yosemite-Monterey-SF

We are finally taking this trip which was delayed from last Fall. On the day we check out of our accommodations in Pacific Grove to drive up to SF, is there anywhere suggested to stop along the way. We don't have to be at the airport until 6 or 7 at night, so would like to take advantage of the day as we drive up to SF. Thanks!
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Old Jun 14th, 2017, 04:46 PM
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You don't say how soon this trip is, but FYI Hwy. 140 is currently closed just east of the Park's boundary due to a rock slide. It's unclear when the road will reopen.

https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/conditions.htm
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Old Jun 14th, 2017, 04:49 PM
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Things to do in Pacific Grove - https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti...alifornia.html
You can walk on the dunes at Ano Nuevo State Park or go to see some big Coast Redwoods at Henry Cowell SP.
For a lighthouse visit stop at Pigeon Point.
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Old Jun 14th, 2017, 06:10 PM
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Uh Oh...we are flying in on June 25. I am getting a trip tic from AAA, and I assumed that is the road we would be travelling. Is this a huge problem? I know nothing about driving there. I was able to get a 4 night reservation due to a cancellation. Any suggestions for an alternate route?
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Old Jun 14th, 2017, 07:37 PM
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The maps on my phone are showing alternate routing from 140, to 49 to Oakhurst, then up 41 into Yosemite. Hwy 120 is another route from the Bay Area to Yosemite.

When you leave for PG, it looks like maps online are routing you thru Hwy 41 to Oakhurst, then either thru Raymond or Hwy 145 to Madera. From there, Hwy 99 to 152. Once on 152, you will be heading west on to Hwy 156 and PG.
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Old Jun 14th, 2017, 08:21 PM
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>>is there anywhere suggested to stop along the way.
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Old Jun 15th, 2017, 05:32 AM
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From San Francisco, take 120 into Yosemite. 140 would normally be the route you would take from Yosemite to PG. If it's still closed, you'll need to take 41 (or 120 again) to exit the park.

Driving back to SFO from PG, I'd take Hwy 1 if you have the time. Possible stops along the way -

Moss Landing/Elkhorn Slough (otters, harbor seals, birds)
Henry Cowell (redwoods)
Ano Nuevo (you can walk out to see the elephant seals)
Pigeon Point Lighthouse
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Old Jun 16th, 2017, 07:25 PM
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I called and they are expecting to have it cleared by Monday. Another question - we will be arriving in SF on the early afternoon of the 25th and driving to Yosemite Valley that day. How would you split the time between YV and MP? We will be flying back east on July 2. I was thinking 3 nights/2 full days in YV, then driving to MP on Wednesday and spending that evening and the next 3 days in that area. So 3 evenings, 2 full days in YV and 4 evenings/3 full days on the MP. Does that sound like a good plan?
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Old Jun 16th, 2017, 08:34 PM
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Picking up where Patty left off, going north on Highway 1, continuing north from Pigeon Point Lighthouse, Pescadero is a few miles north and inland, a sweet village. Continuing north, Half Moon Bay has a nice downtown that's worth a stroll. From there turn east on 92 to cross the hill from the coast to the Bay Area & airport. North on 280 once you're over the hill, a few miles and east on 380 will bring you right into the rental car return at the airport.

Or, and this would be the best of all as far as I'm concerned, drive north from Pacific Grove along Highway 1 but don't stop except for lunch. 92 from Half Moon Bay and, just before 280, make a right turn onto Cañada Road. Several miles and turn into the driveway of Filoli, a country estate in Woodside with the most beautiful gardens and interesting historic house. Read more here: https://filoli.org/

I was there last week, my first return visit in decades and I'd forgotten how beautiful it is. You'll be 20 minutes from the airport when it closes at 5:00.
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Old Jun 17th, 2017, 07:14 AM
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Do you not have accommodations booked yet? Looks like there are both cabins with bath and motel rooms at Half Dome Village available. I would grab one of those options if you don't have anything booked. Your allocation of days sounds fine. The holiday weekend will be busy on the Monterey Peninsula as well. There's plenty to do here to fill 3 days. Here's what you can see on a day trip south into Big Sur http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...os-6102017.cfm
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Old Jun 18th, 2017, 04:31 AM
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I do have accommodations booked at Yosemite Valley Lodge and in PG. For some reason, I, a normally laid back person, am getting anxious about this trip, or actually just about the travel day. We are in our mid-60's and pretty healthy, but still not 30 or 40...too bad...my concern is being out at 5:30 for a 6+ hour flight, hopefully landing on time, grabbing luggage and getting car and being on the road by 2. I definitely want to arrive well before dark, and the 4 hour+ ride won't be something we look forward to after the long flight. Any insight as to what type of ride to expect, any concerns with gas stations or stopping for a bite to eat along the way. (Honestly, I'm not a bumpkin, but just don't know the area). Then I read it can take 3 hours to get into the park IF you're not turned away at the entrance due to traffic and parking can be a problem. So this is why I'm getting nervous. I know that once we get there, it's all good...
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Old Jun 18th, 2017, 05:15 AM
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June 25 is a sunday so you won't have terrible traffic (traffic is almost never great in the Bay Area but a Sunday mid afternoon heading east out of town would be about the best you could get)

There is really nothing of interest or worth stopping at until you are across the central Valley and in the Sierra foothills. So if you need to stop for a break/meal -- just any of the major chains you'll see at every freeway off ramp.

If you are frazzled and just need a stretch, I'd plan on maybe stopping in Tracy or thereabouts. No need to go more than a few hundred yards off the highway.
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Old Jun 18th, 2017, 06:40 AM
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Ask your phone to look for a Chipotle--healthy Mexican fast food.
If you are going by 120, stop briefly in Starbucks in Oakdale, for a full meal if you can in Groveland Iron Door Saloon. Excellent simple food, 19th century gold rush atmosphere.

Taking 140 we always stop at the Starbucks in Merced for a snack and clean bathroom.

While you are in the Valley, best crowd evasion technique get up early. Have breakfast at the Ahwahnee/Majestic. A la carte prices are moderate and the dining room is spectacular.
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Old Jun 18th, 2017, 07:56 AM
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Hwy 140 is opening today!

http://www.abc10.com/mb/news/local/y...nday/449965261
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Old Jun 18th, 2017, 08:48 AM
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I don't think you'll have trouble entering the park on a Sunday afternoon/evening. Traffic will mostly be heading out of the park. Within the valley, you can walk, bike or take the shuttle. Getting out early helps too. I second the recommendation of breakfast at the Majestic.
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Old Jun 18th, 2017, 12:10 PM
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Wow, what great info! I made our breakfast reservation at the Majestic for the day we are leaving and am really looking forward to it. That is a great idea about Chipotle; I strive to not eat radically differently when I'm away. I'll definitely google the Iron Door Saloon; sounds like a good way to start the trip. And BIG YAY that 140 is opening today. I was a bit concerned about that, too. I've found flying/travelling on a Sunday to work out pretty well, most of the time.

Many years ago, we were travelling thru the White Mountains in NH, low on gas, unexpected snowstorm and no cell service, after dark, so now I make it a point to get to my destination, if it is a more remote area, by dark...live and learn, right? Now I'm checking constantly to see if the Glacier Point tour, which is currently sold out, gets a cancellation for one of the days we are there. Please keep your great ideas coming...
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Old Jun 20th, 2017, 07:27 AM
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I'm glad you got the Ahwahnee/Majestic (I'm sticking to old name until lawsuit is settled) reservations for breakfast. Unless you are a very big eater or in a hurry, buffet ($25 weekdays, $50 Sunday) is not good value.
I would strongly advise NOT taking the Glacier Point tour. When you get there it will be very very crowded, the bus takes a long time and can be problematic if you are prone to seasickness.
My suggestion would be to grab coffee and a bite for breakfast when cafeteria opens, leave for Glacier Point at say 6:30 in the morning and get there before it is mobbed. If you drive, it will take you 45 minutes less. You have the flexibility to stop at Washburn Point, which comes just before it and is not crowded. The downside is that the light is not ideal in the morning.
When the light is ideal it's sunset. The entire world will be there but what we do is first hike to Taft Point (1 mile each way moderate walk) for picnic supper, then drive towards Glacier Point, stopping first at Washburn because it's less crowded, get to Glacier Point about 1/2 hour before sunset. I have always found parking though it's iffy. Prepare for hordes of people from all over the world, many languages, and a spectacular sunset. This is one situation where I am willing to put up with crowds--I put myself in a frame to feel proud that we have such beauty to share with the world. I would never be in this frame at 10 am.
Finally, another way to get to Glacier Point is to ask a concierge at the Ahwahnee/Majestic or someone at the Lodge if they have a staff member who is willing to take you there. Many do so. Generally the cost is $100 one way; the cost for the tour is $25 per person. We have done this when we are hiking from Glacier Point to the Valley (there are 3 ways to do this--one I would most recommend is Panoramic Trail, moderate difficulty but long (10 hike). If you do this do NOT go down Vernal Falls, take the Muir Trail after you reach Nevada Falls. Start early.

The Iron Door Saloon is on Route 120; you won't pass it if you take 140. 140 is pretty, easier on your car, 120 offers a spectacular view entering the Valley. We always use it for newcomers.
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Old Jun 20th, 2017, 07:35 AM
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p.s. Where are you staying in the Valley and for how many days?
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Old Jun 20th, 2017, 08:36 AM
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Be very really REALLY VERY glad you weren't arriving last Sunday!!! Afternoon temps in Yosemite Valley have been near or over 100ºF since Friday and all this week. Heat wave is supposed to break a bit by Saturday and be in the low 90's next week. That is still very warm but I personally would not want to be in Yosemite in the weather we are having this week (It is even hotter where I live)

And with this week's heat there are minor flood warnings for the Pohono Bridge.
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Old Jun 20th, 2017, 09:38 AM
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<be in the low 90's next week. That is still very warm>

Only someone who lives in Sacramento would call that "very warm"
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