In late May (next to last weekend), we need to drive from Reno, NV, to Yosemite National Park. Since the northeast entrance into the park (close to US 395) may not be open at that time, what is the best driving route into the park? We have reservations for a one-night stay in Fresno, CA, on the evening before we plan to drive into the park. However, driving to Fresno seems to be going too far south. Is it worth our time to consider entering Yosemite from one of the western entrances? Is that idea not good because of the difficulty of getting there from Reno? Your suggestions are welcome.

Yes, you can't count on Tioga Pass (east entrance) being open in late May. The fastest way from Reno would probably be to take I80 across the mountains to Sacramento, then US99 south to one of the west entrance roads.

My preference, probably a bit longer, but more scenic, would be to go from Reno to Lake Tahoe, leave Tahoe south on CA89, then take CA88 across Carson Pass and down to Jackson. Then you go south on CA49 to Sonora and on into Yosemite on CA120. The 88/89 section is mountain road, but not too bad. CA49 can be pretty slow in sections, but the little gold-rush era towns along the way are interesting. I would try to do the 120 section into Yosemite during daylight. There are some decent motels in Jackson or Sonora if you want to stop along there, though it will be light fairly late that time of year.

Curmudgeon nailed it pretty well - fast down through Sacramento or slow and scenic via hwy88 and hwy49. In either case, I can't see any reason to spend the night in Fresno . . . . . .

Just be sure to check last minute to see if the Tioga Pass Road is open. I think that drive is simply breathtaking.