Alternative to Tioga Pass
 

Hi all,

We (a couple in our late 20s) are planning on visiting Yosemite after a stay in Death Valley in early June.
Our accommodation is already booked as didn't want to miss the opportunity so we need to make the journey on 2nd June to Curry Village.

We might benefit from a bit of luck and be able to drive via the Tioga Pass shortly after it opens, however for obvious reasons I'd like to have a back up plan in place - especially since it looks like the snow pack looks higher this year than the previous few.

Following this realisation, we've prepared ourselves for a long drive.
Can someone who has done this trip before please provide some ideas for the route up there?
Any hints and tips would be graciously received!

Thanks
Rilelja

Let's hope you have good luck and Tioga Pass opens in May, as it has in the past few years. If the pass is closed, you alternative is to drive their via Barstow, Bakersfield, and Fresno--500 mostly unscenic miles.

HTtY

>> drive their via Barstow, Bakersfield, and Fresno--500 mostly unscenic miles.<<

You wouldn't need to go via Barstow -- DV > Mohave > Bakersfield > Fresno > YNP. 430 miles to Yosemite Village and about 8 hours plus stops.

We did have a very wet (meaning LOTS of snow) January, but Feb has been very dry. If things continue as is the Pass will very likely be open. However, there is some indication the storm window is reopening (fingers crossed because we REALLY need it) - the later we get snow, the less likely the road will be open.

Thanks, janis. I have to read more carefully. I was starting in Las Vegas. HTtY

The other "long way" that is more scenic IMO is north on US 395 to US 50 near Carson City and then west to Placerville.
Take Rt. 49 south through the gold country all the way to Mariposa.

I agree. If Tioga Pass is closed, the route tomfuller suggests is a scenic (and historic) alternative to the southern route, and it is only about 125 miles longer.

HTtY

Yes it is (MUCH) more scenic. But I assumed you were trying to get to get to YNP in one day's drive. If so, It may only be 'only' 125 miles farther but it would take at least 12 hours from say Furnace Creek Inn to Yosemite Village.

So -- IF you want to do it in one day - no it isn't at all feasible. If you have 2 or 3 days for the drive then absolutely. Visit Bodie, South Lake Tahoe, Hwy 49 Gold Rush towns.

That 12 hours is without a single stop . . .