Crossing the Yosemite
 

Hi there,<BR><BR>I'm planning a tour in California early October, and was wondering whether it would be possible to drive across the Yosemite Park using Hwy 120 (I think).<BR><BR>My goal is to come to the park from the west (S-F), spend 2 days there, and then be able to go to the east side of the park to continue our journey south towards Death Valley, but losing as less time as possible!<BR><BR>Thanks in advance,

Little add-on to my question:<BR><BR>How is this Hwy 120? Turning every 100 yards like road in mountains usually do? Or still straigth enough?

Unless they have an early snow storm....like the Donner Party had....then you shouldn't have a problem. You still might run into snow but they keep the roads open until Nov. You should carry chains even if you have a 4 wheel drive vehicle.<BR><BR>Here are some quotes from the offical Yosemite web site:<BR><BR>&quot;Chains may be required on any of these roads at any time--carry tire chains in your car and be prepared to use them!&quot;<BR><BR>&quot;The Tioga and Glacier Point Roads are normally closed from sometime in November through May or early June. &quot;<BR><BR>http://www.nps.gov/yose/trip/tioga.htm<BR><BR>Highway 395 down to Death Valley is a really scenic drive. <BR><BR>Hwy 120 (Tioga Pass) through Yosemite isn't bad for a mountain pass road. You do have some switch backs.<BR><BR>Utahtea<BR><BR>

I agree, that early October shouldn't be a problem. Tioga Pass is a very good road, and well maintained. I did it in August. There are several places to stop and look at the scenery - plan on 2 hours from the valley to Lee Vining (maybe a little less). I did it in August. Be sure you have plenty of gas before you turn off at Lone Pine for Death Valley. Also, gasoline prices are extremely high at DV, but sometimes you gotta do it!

We did that last summer. Yes, the road out Yosemite going east is spectacularly scenic. We left the Ahwahnee about 8:30 I think, took our time, and had lunch in Bishop. We entered Death Valley at the north end going to Scotty's castle in the late afternoon, and did some of the other north Death Valley attractions before driving on down to Furnace Creek Inn where we stayed.

hiya, we are coming from UK early October and plan the same trip as you so I will be interested to see what replies you get. I hadn't realised we should buy snow chains that early, is it absolutely necessary - we will be there 9 &amp; 10th Oct. Plan to make houney easy with a stay in Mammoth Lake, Lone Pine and Death Valley, before we get to Vegas.

Lynn,<BR>Snow that early in October is extremely unlikely. I wouldn't worry about it.

Don't buy snow chains. <BR><BR>October is the driest month of the year. Early October often sees temps in the mid to high 70s (mid 20's for you Celcius people). If it storms at all, you will know it from San Francisco. <BR><BR>If you have any doubts at all, call California's Road Report number toll free at 1-800-427-ROAD (7623) or use their website: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/<BR><BR>I would be astounded if there were snow, not saying it can't happen, but the liklihood is truly minimal.<BR><BR>A lot of posters on this board prefer Highway 140, but I like 120 better. From SF it's marginally faster, you get to past through the cute little town of Groveland, and the first view that you get of Bridalveil falls as you are coming into the valley can't be beat.<BR><BR>The road is not Nevada straight, it has curves but it's much less exciting than the road to Stinson Beach north of San Francisco.

Lynn,<BR><BR>I figured we'd be in the same area at about the same time! ;-)<BR><BR>We are not yet sure which tour we'll do (going to talk to the travel agency tonight), but we should be in Yosemite sometime between Oct 2 and Oct 5.<BR><BR>How long do you plan your trip? 2 weeks, 3 weeks? Are you going to fly back from LV?

i keep trying but it won't post, here goes again. we will be in Yosemite 9&amp;10th Oct then Mammoth (2nights) then Lone Pine and Death Valley onto Las vegas - our paths may well cross. what are your plans, (we r in SF for 5 nights before yosemite). Lynn

Hi Lynn!<BR><BR>only saw your post today!<BR><BR>Seems like we'll indeed be in the same area at the same time.<BR><BR>Plans are : 2 days SF, 1 day Big Sur, 1 day travel to Placerville (but not sure yet), 1 day travel to Yosemite, 2 days Yosemite, 1 day travel to Bishop, 1 day travel to Furnace Creek, 1 day travel to Las Vegas, 1 day travel to Sedona (AZ), 1 day Grand Canyon, 1 day travel to Phoenix to fly back.<BR><BR>We will arrive in SF on Sept 29 and leave Phoenix Oct 12 or 13.<BR><BR>Xavier