We are Aussies travelling in mid October. We are starting out in LA then driving up Hway 1 to Monterey/Carmel. We have 2 nights booked at Yosemite Lodge and then we want to drive from there to Vegas. First time driving in USA. I've read about potential road closures and the vaguaries of weather.
So which is the best route to take given we want scenery but have no experience driving in the US or in icy/snowy conditions.Should we drive along the 120 then 395 through to Barstow or 120, 395 to Big Pine then join up with Highway 95
Where is a good place to overnight which ever route we take?

Hello,

The times that I've traveled to Yosemite I lived in another part of the state, not from LA there, so I may not be the best person for which route to take, but I do know of links that announce lane closures, etc.

http://www.dot.ca.gov/roadsandtraffic.html
and use the tabs: Travel > Highway Conditions

I had never used snow chains before my last trip to Yosemite, and they were easy to install: http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/chains.htm

Also, in the pull out areas where most people apply their chains, someone is bound to help if needed, most people are really helpful there.

Sorry I couldn't be more of help in regard to the Yosemite routes. However I am familiar with the central coast, so if you have any questions about that area, I would be happy to give some ideas.

If Tioga Pass is open, we like to drive the scenic route: 120 East and then 395 South as far as Death Valley. We spend the night at Furnace Creek Ranch in Death Valley (300 miles/6 hours).

The next day we drive into Las Vegas via Pahrump (140 miles/2 1/2 hours).

If Tioga Pass is closed, your only alternative is drive to Las Vegas via Fresno, Bakersfield, and Barstow--not a happy prospect (485 miles/9 hours).

Tioga Pass is usually open in mid-October: http://www.monobasinresearch.org/data/tiogapass.htm

HTTY

Thanks to you both. Happy trails Tioga Pass is my dilemma. I've looked at past history for the passes closures. I like to have things neatly organised. Chances are it will be open but I have to just accept that it may not and be flexible. I will look into your suggestions for overnights thank you.
Are there lots of petrol (sorry gas)stations along the routes?

I think you will find it quite a treat to spend a night in Death Valley. Furnace Creek Ranch is the best mid-priced choice: http://www.furnacecreekresort.com/fu...anch-1223.html

If you want to avoid the slim chance that Tioga Pass will be closed, a good reason to go the other route is to visit these beautiful parks on the way: http://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/pvfall.htm

HTTY

From Monterrey/Carmel, the best way to Yosemite may very well be through Merced, a dreary little town, but bills itself as the "Gateway to Yosemite." There are plenty of nice chain motels there. After the town of Mariposa, you climb a little more and then drop down into the Merced River Canyon. It is beautiful down there, and the river will be down some in the fall, as most of the snow has melted by then. This is highway 140, and there is some slide damage still under repair from several years ago. One way controlled traffic, but at that time of year, probably not much delay for you.

It is quite unusual for Tioga Pass to be closed in Oct, but not unheard of. Best plan is to be flexible. The route to Las Vegas offered by happytrailstoyou above is the best one, and you will love overnighting in Death Valley. I can also recommend Furnace Creek Ranch.

As for driving here, if I can drive in your country for a couple of weeks (2007) without causing bodily or vehicular damage to others, you should have no problem driving here.
Yes, it will take some getting used to, and there are no roundabouts to help you decide which turn to take, but you'll manage just fine, I bet.
Two things to alert you to.

1) Highway 1 up the Pacific Coast from LA to Monterrey is a beautiful and wonderful drive. The road north of Hearst Castle can get a little narrow and winding, but is worth it. However, Around Big Sur, the highway is under controlled one way traffic due to slip out, and drive times will be even slower than normal. Keep an eye on the California Highway info web site:

http://www.dot.ca.gov/cgi-bin/roads.cgi

You just type in the highway number and they will tell you the conditions. Use this for Tioga Pass also (120).

2) The road from The Tioga Pass ranger station (east entrance to Yosemite) to Lee Vining is along the LeeVining grade (Hiway 120). It can be a bit daunting. However the road is well maintained and in good condition. I would tell you this so you are prepared, but I don't want to put you off of going this way.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mjpj9Cq_mIc This person is driving west, going up hill. You would be driving east, going down hill.

It is very safe, and an exhilarating drive. Also, by this time, you will be well versed in driving on the right. I have driven this grade many times, and always marvel at nature's beauty. You may even glimpse a Mountain Sheep. AND, spending a night in Death Valley is really a treat that you maybe had not thought of.

I live in Fresno, and it is 6 to 7 hours of driving time to Las Vegas, from Fresno, via Bakersfield, Barstow, Baker, etc. Add another 2-3 hours from Yosemite Valley, and yes, 10 -11 hours to Vegas going that way. And, no Death Valley!

Lee Vining is THE way to go, in my opinion. Your drive from Yosemite Valley will take you past pristine alpine lakes (Lake Tenaya) and incredible Tuolumne Meadows (store and gas station here). There will be several more beautiful lakes to see before dropping down into Lee Vining. Hiway 395 south from there is heavily travelled with all the services you will need.

You will have a great trip. Let us know how it goes. If you have more questions, feel free to ask.

Wow, what a post BillJ thank you so much for generosity of time and information. Since reading your post my husband and I have watched lots of youtube videos from Tioga Pass so he knows what to expect. I think he will manage it OK though he did comment on the lack of guardrails LOL!
Thanks again and I will definitely post a trip report.

Just a note that 395 does not go to Death Valley. You turn onto 136 at the south end of Lone Pine. There a great western film museum in Lone Pine by the. Also if you go down 395 think about a detour into Mammoth Lakes. If nothing else, a picnic by one of the lakes is nice.
Schat's Bakery is sort of "must" as you pass throuh Bishop.
Also, if you have an interest in US WW II era history the Manzanar Internment Camp is between Independence and Lone Pine. Thousands of Japanese-Americans were interned there during the war.
Finally, depend on time, consider a drive up to Whitney Portal for another mountain experience. As with 120 out of Tigoa Pass there are few guardrails on this road. Nice little pond, Lone Pine Creek and a store are there, although the little store might be closed for the season.
Enjoy the visit.

If you do come across the Tioga Pass, don't go through Barstow.
Fill the tank in Bishop and then take US route 6 east to Tonopah Nevada and then take US 95 all the way to Las Vegas.
Gas is quite expensive in Lee Vining and also in Yosemite.

Thanks guys for the invaluable information.Thanks Boom_Boom (that's the nick name we have given our cat LOL) I was looking at a map and wondering which way to go. Schat's Bakery sounds irresistable!. Whilst looking at the map I noticed Blackrock. Would that be the same blackrock as the Spencer Tracey classic
"Bad Day At Blackrock"? You could stay forever if you visited every place mentioned in an old movie or song.

Sue; the east side of the Sierra Nevada mountains has been the scene of many movies. I don't know how much time you have, but there are many diversions over there. For instance, north of Lee Vining is a ghost town called Bodie.
http://www.bodie.com/

Mammoth, mentioned above is another place of interest. You could spend a week or more just getting to Vegas, with all there is to see.

I should mention that in Vegas, you might want to check out Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Center
http://www.americansouthwest.net/nev...anyon/nca.html
for an easy day trip. For a longer trip, Valley of Fire, east of Vegas.http://parks.nv.gov/vf.htm

Lots to see. Like most trips I've done, it's a process of elimination and choice. Have fun.