Entering Yosemite
 

Coming from Napa , it looks more direct to enter Yosemite with the 120, however I read that the 140 along the Merced river is a beautiful drive. I'll be leaving on the 41 toward Oakurst. Should I take the 120 or 140 into Yosemite?

Hwy 120 will be a more direct route and has some spectacular views. It also has some white knuckle sections where the road literally hugs the cliff and you will be in the outside lane heading into the valley.

Hwy 140 follows the Merced river and is a nice drive - no cliff-hugging sections so it is a more relaxing route. I've done this route in the spring time when the wild flowers were in full bloom and the butterflies were everywhere. It was really pretty. I don't know what it looks like the rest of the year though.

We entered on 120. My husband kept saying, "this is beautiful, take a picture!" and I kept saying, "I'm so scared, I can't move!" We went out on 140 and it was much more relaxing.

It's "white knuckle" only if you are not used to driving on narrow roads (mountains or along the California coast). On the other hand, the view of Bridal Veil Falls and the valley from 120 can't be beat.

Michael - I don't know about that - I am not exactly a mid-west flatlander and I would describe Hwy 120 as having some white knuckle sections. It's not my own driving abilities that worry me - it is the combination of a narrow road, sheer cliff, and other drivers who are gaping at the scenery while driving mamoth RVs.

For reference, I grew up on the California coast, drive Hwy 17 frequently without even thinking about it, have driven through Big Sur countless times without a worry, and have driven more mountain roads than I can count, including the road up to the top of Pikes Peak.

Hwy 120 is not a relaxing drive.

Hwy 120 is just as scenic, if not more than Hwy 140.

The only problem with going down to Hwy 140 is the boring drive down Hwy 99...YAWN!!!! I wouldn't go out of my way to go in on Hwy 140 unless you were afraid of mountain driving and in the case, I don't think I would exit on Hwy 41!

Utahtea

I just drove 120 and I don't remember the white knuckle section. Is that the pass where you turn left and go on the switchbacks? We took the Old Priest Grade road that takes about 5 minutes but it's steep. Pretty much everyone else took the newer route but it takes too long.

Oh sorry forgot to say we came out of Yosemite on 140 and thought the drive was not as pretty as 120 but it's super easy to drive (and super boring on 99)

I guess I'll do the 120. Thanks.