hi all, We are travelling to Mammoth lakes in January Does anyone now of a good route from san Francisco to mammoth lakes, (quickest route possible i guess, as we have limited time) regards mick

I'd guess over the Bay Bridge to CA-4 to Stockton, then CA-88 into Nevada, then US-395 south. Either that or I-80 to US-50 to 395, but there are often jams on this route near Fairfield and Sacramento, then 50 becomes a two lane highway where your speed is subject to the slowest vehicle ahead of you.
Carry chains.

thanks sequoia
we will carry chains ill have to get the wife to put them on ,,,,yeah i wish

We've always approached Mammoth from SoCal, so can't help you on the directions, but in reference to the chains - there are always people roadside at several places to put chains on for you (for a fee, of course).

PS: You can either bring your own chains or buy them there. I think we paid about $25 once several years ago.

Isn't 88 generally closed in the winter?

aggiemom, That's $25 for them to put on your chains, not to purchase them, correct? That's the best $25 you will ever spend .

We switched to the cables, after the chains took a chunk out of our tire. The cables do seem easier to put on and take off.

Hwy 88 over Carson Pass is kept open in winter, though of course any of the Sierra highways may be closed during storms. 88 is four lanes, I think all the way, certainly over the pass, so you can always pass slower vehicles. All the highways south of 88 close for the whole winter.

I would use the main roads: 80, 50, 395. If there is a storm, those are the roads they plow first. 88 is a less traveled road..it goes from 395 around the Minden, Gardnerville area up to Kirkwood Ski Resort so it is open in the winter, but I'm not sure how great it would be after a storm. It's more narrow that the other roads too, except where 50 narrows to two lanes, so if you have a big line up with everyone trying to get chains on, I think the 80, 50, 395 roads are best. Also you will likely have more chain monkeys on those roads. It is well worth it to have them put your chains on...it will be wet, slushy, and cold!!!! It's the best money you'll ever spend. Cable chains are good but be sure you watch them put them on to make sure they are on properly, not loose and that you see how they fasten so you can take them off when you get out of the snow. Take a plastic sheet or somethink with you so that if you do have to take your chains off you aren't kneeling in the snow. If you get your pants and shoes wet it can be pretty miserable. If you drive on the pavement with them, they can break. Hopefully you'll have lots of snow just prior to your visit and then clear sailing and skiing on your trip.

Wow thanks for all the help
Being from western australia the only snow i see is in the freezer.or when im blowing the top of a coldie, were gonna do the suv hire thing so i'll hire a chain monkey for sure.not really keen on getting a cold, wet bum. when the chains are on how fast can you travel? and are the roads very steep and windey, cheers guys