Need help with Vegas/Napa Valley Trip
 

Just starting to plan a trip for October. Is it possible to do Vegas then drive over to Napa Valley. My husband and I would love to tour the wine country by bicycle. Wondering if that is a good time to go. My birthday is toward the end of October, but we could be flexible with time. How long is the drive from Vegas to that area. And if anyone has done bicycling any tour companies to recommend. You guys helped us plan one of our best trips last year to the San Diego area, so I look forward to your help again.

In October it is very possible Tioga Pass will be closed for the season. LV to Napa via Bakersfield is one hellacious drive (so is the drive via Tioga/Yosemite but at least that route is scenic)

It is about 600 miles and 10-11 hours w/o any stops.

Oh -- October is a great time in the wine country. But not after driving from LV. Fly from LV to San Francisco, Oakland or Sacramento, don't drive it.

The route from Vegas to Bakersfield to I-5 (heading North), then over on 12 to 80 to 37 to 29 (to Napa) takes about 10 hours. That is the fastest, most direct route and is especially boring on the I-5 section (about 4 hrs. worth).

October is a beautiful time of year. The harvest should be pretty much over by then, though. Earlier Oct is nicer than late Oct. but still may have a lot of visitors. Nov. 1 starts the slower season, and hotel rates tend to be lower.
It is also possible (but not predictable) to have some rain in October.

I would definitely fly from Vegas to either Oakland or Sacramento. Personally I like going to Napa from Sacramento but I would check Southwest Airlines to see which airport has the best fare.

IF you really like to drive and have the time, one interesting route from LV to Napa is via Pahrump and though Death Valley into Lone Pine to connect with 395. If Tioga Pass is open you can got though the high country of Yosemite and drop down to the valley at about Modesto, then north of 80 to 12 and Napa. Or, if Tioga is either closed or you don't want to spend the time, money on the park, continue north on 395 into Nevada and take Highway 88 out of Minden over Carson Pass to Jackson. Carson Pass is lower than Tioga and the road is normally plowed all winter long. From there, it is 16 into Sacramento and 8o to 12.

that sounds really painful...and this early you could likely find some relatively cheap flights on Southwest from Vegas to Oakland or Sacramento.

boom_boom's route is fine -- absolutely fine -- IF you have 3 days for the drive.

thanks so much for the info. sounds like we might just do Napa or fly from vegas. What will the weather be like that time of year. And any suggestions for accomodations and some kind of itinerary to see a few different wineries?

Just to confuse things, claytoji, and just in case you might consider spending time in Sonoma County-did you know you can fly directly between Las Vegas (LAS) & Santa Rosa,(STS) CA in
Sonoma County on Horizon Air (a division of Alaska Air.)?

We have the same grand October weather as Napa and a few more areas that will offer you a lot less vehicle traffic
for bicycling than Napa county. Of course Napa is close at
hand if you want to do some exploring over there.
:)

R5

Oh BTW, our weather is pretty fabulous, sunny and fog free days in September and most of October. It is though
"summer" has finally arrived. Nights will cool as you
head toward Halloween.

R5

I agree with janisj that you should take 2 days, but it can be done in less....not recommended, but possible.

If you make this drive in mid-October, the aspen are usually turning color in the Eastern Sierra adding more splendor to the incredible scenery. Just don't rush it and spend two or three days doing it.

For the Napa Valley, I just read about a new bicycle tour option that might be interesting for you. They use electric bikes.

http://www.changeofgreenery.com/