Itinerary help, grand canyon etc vegas san fran yosemite in April/early May
Nov 5th, 2012, 06:15 PM
#22
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Wow, thanks everyone for your input! After reading janis trip report, we will definately be going to Yosemite. Just have to work out what road to take either from Las Vegas or from Monteray? On google maps the road from Monteray to Yosemite said it will be closed near the park entrance, how then do we get into the NP and out again to go to San Fran?
Nov 5th, 2012, 08:04 PM
#23
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On google maps the road from Monteray to Yosemite said it will be closed near the park entrance,
You must be misreading the information. Barring a severe snowstorm, CA 140 is the lowest elevation road into Yosemite Valley and will be open.
You must be misreading the information. Barring a severe snowstorm, CA 140 is the lowest elevation road into Yosemite Valley and will be open.
Nov 5th, 2012, 09:16 PM
#24
From Monterey, you will take Hwy 1 to 156. Go thru San Juan Bautista, perhaps stop and see the historic mission in SJB. Then continue on 156 to 152 thru Los Banos, north on Hwy 59 thru Merced. You will then take Hwy 140 to Yosemite.
To get to SF, take Hwy 120 out of Yosemite, thru Manteca. From there it is freeway to the Bay area and SF.
The roads into Yosemite Valley will not be closed, but the very high country roads and Tioga Pass will be. This will not affect you as you are coming from Monterey. You may be looking at an old map of Hwy. 140 and several years ago it was closed due to rock slides.
To get to SF, take Hwy 120 out of Yosemite, thru Manteca. From there it is freeway to the Bay area and SF.
The roads into Yosemite Valley will not be closed, but the very high country roads and Tioga Pass will be. This will not affect you as you are coming from Monterey. You may be looking at an old map of Hwy. 140 and several years ago it was closed due to rock slides.
Nov 13th, 2012, 05:53 PM
#25
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Highway 140 is not "closed" due to rock slides. It is open, with controlled traffic (one way at a time, about 20 miles east of Mariposa) in the River canyon around the slide area. It is a beautiful way to access Yosemite. The little town of Mariposa is neat for lunch.
In April May time frame, it depends on how much snow we get during the winter (Nov - Mar). So far, not much. Tioga Pass will probably be closed at that time, but 41, 140 and 120 are usually open, though in some years, tire chains may be required. At that time of year, one should always carry tire chains, just in case. You can check hiway conditions on http://www.dot.ca.gov/cgi-bin/roads.cgi. Also, an automated phone system for hiway info is 800-427-7623.
I have not read all of the comments, but agree that you are crowding too much into too few days. Consider after Arizona, etc., and Vegas, fly from Vegas to the coast (forget Death Valley).
Yosemite could be just gorgeous in May. May and June are our favorite times. The waterfalls are roaring (you will get wet walking to them), and the trees are leafing out. The Merced River is flowing bank to bank, and nature is awakening from it's winter slumber. But please be aware of the elements. This is not a theme park.
In April May time frame, it depends on how much snow we get during the winter (Nov - Mar). So far, not much. Tioga Pass will probably be closed at that time, but 41, 140 and 120 are usually open, though in some years, tire chains may be required. At that time of year, one should always carry tire chains, just in case. You can check hiway conditions on http://www.dot.ca.gov/cgi-bin/roads.cgi. Also, an automated phone system for hiway info is 800-427-7623.
I have not read all of the comments, but agree that you are crowding too much into too few days. Consider after Arizona, etc., and Vegas, fly from Vegas to the coast (forget Death Valley).
Yosemite could be just gorgeous in May. May and June are our favorite times. The waterfalls are roaring (you will get wet walking to them), and the trees are leafing out. The Merced River is flowing bank to bank, and nature is awakening from it's winter slumber. But please be aware of the elements. This is not a theme park.
Nov 16th, 2012, 01:35 AM
#26
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New revised itinerary, thanks for comments and suggestions.
Now flying into Las Vegas on Sat 27 April for 2 nights
Renting a car and driving to Flagstaff for 1 night
Grand Canyon, overnight
Page, overnight
Bryce, overnight
Zion, overnight
Zion to Las Vegas airport, drop off rental and catch late afternoon flight to San Francisco or Oakland for 3 nights
Rent a car to Yosemite for 3 nights
Drive to Montery for 2 nights
Drive back to San Fran or Oakland for 1 night
Fly from San Fran or Oakland to Hawaii
Not sure whether to fly in and out of Oakland or San Fran, any comments or suggestions.
Thanks, Sue
Now flying into Las Vegas on Sat 27 April for 2 nights
Renting a car and driving to Flagstaff for 1 night
Grand Canyon, overnight
Page, overnight
Bryce, overnight
Zion, overnight
Zion to Las Vegas airport, drop off rental and catch late afternoon flight to San Francisco or Oakland for 3 nights
Rent a car to Yosemite for 3 nights
Drive to Montery for 2 nights
Drive back to San Fran or Oakland for 1 night
Fly from San Fran or Oakland to Hawaii
Not sure whether to fly in and out of Oakland or San Fran, any comments or suggestions.
Thanks, Sue
Nov 16th, 2012, 05:31 AM
#27
You don't have to go all the way to Flagstaff from Las Vegas if you don't want to. I did a volunteer project this Fall and stayed at the Spring Valley cabin/bunkhousde about 10 miles north of the little town of Parks, AZ. http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/kaiba...1662&actid=101
This puts you closer to the South Rim. The rental is $100/night.
I stayed free since I was working for the Kaibab NF.
You can add San Jose and Sacramento to your list of airports to check the price and schedule from Las Vegas.
This puts you closer to the South Rim. The rental is $100/night.
I stayed free since I was working for the Kaibab NF.
You can add San Jose and Sacramento to your list of airports to check the price and schedule from Las Vegas.
Nov 16th, 2012, 05:49 AM
#28
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You can save some time by flying from Las Vegas to Fresno, instead of SF/Oakland. Direct flights are on Allegiant Air.
http://www.allegiantair.com/aaIndex.php
They are not daily, so you may have to juggle the dates around. This is a discount airline, and flying OUT of Vegas pre-weekend (like on Thurs or Fri) are the cheapest. We use this airline a lot from Fresno when we visit family in Vegas. They also have non stop flights from Vegas to Monterey. Allegiant does not show up on Expedia type web sites.
From Fresno, you can rent a car and be in Yosemite Valley in about 3 hours or less (about one hour from the Park gate to the Valley floor).
Make every effort to stay in the Valley itself.
Leaving Yosemite, drive to SF via 120 or 140, (or Monterey via 140) about 4 hours, maybe a little more.
(Travel times depend on snow in the mountains. If a little snow, you are ok. If recent storm, not unheard of in your time frame, but unlikely, and you need tire chains, will take more time.)
Again I will say, Spring is the most beautiful time of the year to see Yosemite. You must stay in the Valley. Recommend get reservations at Yosemite Lodge early (on line); you can cancel and change dates easily.
SF can be your last stop 3 or 4 nights before returning home.
http://www.allegiantair.com/aaIndex.php
They are not daily, so you may have to juggle the dates around. This is a discount airline, and flying OUT of Vegas pre-weekend (like on Thurs or Fri) are the cheapest. We use this airline a lot from Fresno when we visit family in Vegas. They also have non stop flights from Vegas to Monterey. Allegiant does not show up on Expedia type web sites.
From Fresno, you can rent a car and be in Yosemite Valley in about 3 hours or less (about one hour from the Park gate to the Valley floor).
Make every effort to stay in the Valley itself.
Leaving Yosemite, drive to SF via 120 or 140, (or Monterey via 140) about 4 hours, maybe a little more.
(Travel times depend on snow in the mountains. If a little snow, you are ok. If recent storm, not unheard of in your time frame, but unlikely, and you need tire chains, will take more time.)
Again I will say, Spring is the most beautiful time of the year to see Yosemite. You must stay in the Valley. Recommend get reservations at Yosemite Lodge early (on line); you can cancel and change dates easily.
SF can be your last stop 3 or 4 nights before returning home.
Nov 16th, 2012, 03:02 PM
#29
Be careful about Allegiant - yes they fly to Fresno but you need factor in all the extra fees(they charge for everything and then you'd probably have an extra fee for a one-way car rental.
But IF the dates work out - yes, consider allegiant to save about 3 hours drive time - just know what you are and aren't getting and what it will cost.
As for SF vs. Oakland vs. Sacramento vs. San Jose -- really not too much difference. San Jose and Sacramento will be the easiest drives to Yosemite. I'd just go w/ whichever one gets you the best fare (unless you opt for Allegiant). Besure to check Southwest flights/fares on its own website since it doesn't show up on the search sites.
Same w/ your flight to Hawaii-try all 4 airports and see which is the best deal.
But IF the dates work out - yes, consider allegiant to save about 3 hours drive time - just know what you are and aren't getting and what it will cost.
As for SF vs. Oakland vs. Sacramento vs. San Jose -- really not too much difference. San Jose and Sacramento will be the easiest drives to Yosemite. I'd just go w/ whichever one gets you the best fare (unless you opt for Allegiant). Besure to check Southwest flights/fares on its own website since it doesn't show up on the search sites.
Same w/ your flight to Hawaii-try all 4 airports and see which is the best deal.
Nov 16th, 2012, 04:06 PM
#30
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Hi, janisj. You and I have commented on lots of threads together. Your advise is always very good. Yes, Allegiant charges for everything. But can still be economical, depending on your luggage situation. But, these folks could save some time with them if it fits their needs.
I hadn't thought of Southwest. They don't fly to Fresno, but certainly those other airports.
So that's a good suggestion also.
Caio!
I hadn't thought of Southwest. They don't fly to Fresno, but certainly those other airports.
So that's a good suggestion also.
Caio!
