driving from monterey to sonora
 

Planning on driving from Monterey to Sonora to visit friends during a March holiday. One day stay visiting then on to SanFran. Would appreciate hints on the route from those who know.<BR>Thanks in advance, Jeff

Dear Jeffrey:<BR><BR>First, get a map then take 101 North. Get off on Hwy. 156 thru San Juan Bautista and Hollister to Hwy 152. At Santa Nella turn off, you can go on Hwy 33 thru Gustine to Turlock. Or, the way I would go, would continue on 152 to Hwy. 165 (aka Mercey Springs Road) north to Turlock. In Turlock head north (can't recall name of road J-14?) to Oakdale. At Oakdale, you will hit 108/120 east to Sonora.<BR><BR>When you return, take 120 west thru Manteca and hit the Interstate to the Bay Area over Altamont pass.<BR><BR>Good luck,<BR>Michelle

I noticed you are a canuck from your web address so my advice to you is stay home and keep complaining about the United States.

Jeffrey:<BR><BR>Sorry - forgot - if you continue on, Mercey Springs Road is in Los Banos. From there you head north on 165/Mercey Springs to Turlock.<BR><BR>Michelle

Jeffery - Being from Modesto / Turlock area I would add alittle to Michelle's directions:<BR>1) the route on Hwy 33 is good but watch out for fog conditions on the west side of the valley. - This the usual route for most valley folks heading to Monterery area. <BR><BR>2) Once you get to Turlock, go to Hwy 99 north till you get to Hatch Road East exit. (this will bring you thru Ceres - Where I live) Drive east on Hatch Road till it dead ends at Geer Road (three way stop) Turn left and go north (this road will change its name to Albers Road after you cross Yosemite Blvd.) continue on this road till you reach the 108 /120 in Oakdale (this is a big intersection in town) Turn left and this road will continue east towards sonora. If you have time, you could also take the 120 cutoff for Yosemite from this route - either on the way to or back from Sonora. I always make several trips up there every year (especially when I have family living &quot;up the Hill&quot;) Have Fun!