SF-Yosemite-Monterey-SF
 

We are finally taking this trip which was delayed from last Fall. On the day we check out of our accommodations in Pacific Grove to drive up to SF, is there anywhere suggested to stop along the way. We don't have to be at the airport until 6 or 7 at night, so would like to take advantage of the day as we drive up to SF. Thanks!

You don't say how soon this trip is, but FYI Hwy. 140 is currently closed just east of the Park's boundary due to a rock slide. It's unclear when the road will reopen.

https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/conditions.htm

Things to do in Pacific Grove - https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti...alifornia.html
You can walk on the dunes at Ano Nuevo State Park or go to see some big Coast Redwoods at Henry Cowell SP.
For a lighthouse visit stop at Pigeon Point.

Uh Oh...we are flying in on June 25. I am getting a trip tic from AAA, and I assumed that is the road we would be travelling. Is this a huge problem? I know nothing about driving there. I was able to get a 4 night reservation due to a cancellation. Any suggestions for an alternate route?

The maps on my phone are showing alternate routing from 140, to 49 to Oakhurst, then up 41 into Yosemite. Hwy 120 is another route from the Bay Area to Yosemite.

When you leave for PG, it looks like maps online are routing you thru Hwy 41 to Oakhurst, then either thru Raymond or Hwy 145 to Madera. From there, Hwy 99 to 152. Once on 152, you will be heading west on to Hwy 156 and PG.

>>is there anywhere suggested to stop along the way.<<

If you are interested in John Steinbeck -- you could go via Salinas and visit the Steinbeck center (otherwise avoid Salinas)

Or what I'd do is drive around Monterey Bay and visit Capitola and Santa Cruz and/or -- Henry Cowell Redwood park.

From San Francisco, take 120 into Yosemite. 140 would normally be the route you would take from Yosemite to PG. If it's still closed, you'll need to take 41 (or 120 again) to exit the park.

Driving back to SFO from PG, I'd take Hwy 1 if you have the time. Possible stops along the way -

Moss Landing/Elkhorn Slough (otters, harbor seals, birds)
Henry Cowell (redwoods)
Ano Nuevo (you can walk out to see the elephant seals)
Pigeon Point Lighthouse

I called and they are expecting to have it cleared by Monday. Another question - we will be arriving in SF on the early afternoon of the 25th and driving to Yosemite Valley that day. How would you split the time between YV and MP? We will be flying back east on July 2. I was thinking 3 nights/2 full days in YV, then driving to MP on Wednesday and spending that evening and the next 3 days in that area. So 3 evenings, 2 full days in YV and 4 evenings/3 full days on the MP. Does that sound like a good plan?

Picking up where Patty left off, going north on Highway 1, continuing north from Pigeon Point Lighthouse, Pescadero is a few miles north and inland, a sweet village. Continuing north, Half Moon Bay has a nice downtown that's worth a stroll. From there turn east on 92 to cross the hill from the coast to the Bay Area & airport. North on 280 once you're over the hill, a few miles and east on 380 will bring you right into the rental car return at the airport.

Or, and this would be the best of all as far as I'm concerned, drive north from Pacific Grove along Highway 1 but don't stop except for lunch. 92 from Half Moon Bay and, just before 280, make a right turn onto Cañada Road. Several miles and turn into the driveway of Filoli, a country estate in Woodside with the most beautiful gardens and interesting historic house. Read more here: https://filoli.org/

I was there last week, my first return visit in decades and I'd forgotten how beautiful it is. You'll be 20 minutes from the airport when it closes at 5:00.

Do you not have accommodations booked yet? Looks like there are both cabins with bath and motel rooms at Half Dome Village available. I would grab one of those options if you don't have anything booked. Your allocation of days sounds fine. The holiday weekend will be busy on the Monterey Peninsula as well. There's plenty to do here to fill 3 days. Here's what you can see on a day trip south into Big Sur http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...os-6102017.cfm

I do have accommodations booked at Yosemite Valley Lodge and in PG. For some reason, I, a normally laid back person, am getting anxious about this trip, or actually just about the travel day. We are in our mid-60's and pretty healthy, but still not 30 or 40...too bad...my concern is being out at 5:30 for a 6+ hour flight, hopefully landing on time, grabbing luggage and getting car and being on the road by 2. I definitely want to arrive well before dark, and the 4 hour+ ride won't be something we look forward to after the long flight. Any insight as to what type of ride to expect, any concerns with gas stations or stopping for a bite to eat along the way. (Honestly, I'm not a bumpkin, but just don't know the area). Then I read it can take 3 hours to get into the park IF you're not turned away at the entrance due to traffic and parking can be a problem. So this is why I'm getting nervous. I know that once we get there, it's all good...

June 25 is a sunday so you won't have terrible traffic (traffic is almost never great in the Bay Area but a Sunday mid afternoon heading east out of town would be about the best you could get)

There is really nothing of interest or worth stopping at until you are across the central Valley and in the Sierra foothills. So if you need to stop for a break/meal -- just any of the major chains you'll see at every freeway off ramp.

If you are frazzled and just need a stretch, I'd plan on maybe stopping in Tracy or thereabouts. No need to go more than a few hundred yards off the highway.

Ask your phone to look for a Chipotle--healthy Mexican fast food.
If you are going by 120, stop briefly in Starbucks in Oakdale, for a full meal if you can in Groveland Iron Door Saloon. Excellent simple food, 19th century gold rush atmosphere.

Taking 140 we always stop at the Starbucks in Merced for a snack and clean bathroom.

While you are in the Valley, best crowd evasion technique get up early. Have breakfast at the Ahwahnee/Majestic. A la carte prices are moderate and the dining room is spectacular.

Hwy 140 is opening today!

http://www.abc10.com/mb/news/local/y...nday/449965261

I don't think you'll have trouble entering the park on a Sunday afternoon/evening. Traffic will mostly be heading out of the park. Within the valley, you can walk, bike or take the shuttle. Getting out early helps too. I second the recommendation of breakfast at the Majestic.

Wow, what great info! I made our breakfast reservation at the Majestic for the day we are leaving and am really looking forward to it. That is a great idea about Chipotle; I strive to not eat radically differently when I'm away. I'll definitely google the Iron Door Saloon; sounds like a good way to start the trip. And BIG YAY that 140 is opening today. I was a bit concerned about that, too. I've found flying/travelling on a Sunday to work out pretty well, most of the time.

Many years ago, we were travelling thru the White Mountains in NH, low on gas, unexpected snowstorm and no cell service, after dark, so now I make it a point to get to my destination, if it is a more remote area, by dark...live and learn, right? Now I'm checking constantly to see if the Glacier Point tour, which is currently sold out, gets a cancellation for one of the days we are there. Please keep your great ideas coming...

I'm glad you got the Ahwahnee/Majestic (I'm sticking to old name until lawsuit is settled) reservations for breakfast. Unless you are a very big eater or in a hurry, buffet ($25 weekdays, $50 Sunday) is not good value.
I would strongly advise NOT taking the Glacier Point tour. When you get there it will be very very crowded, the bus takes a long time and can be problematic if you are prone to seasickness.
My suggestion would be to grab coffee and a bite for breakfast when cafeteria opens, leave for Glacier Point at say 6:30 in the morning and get there before it is mobbed. If you drive, it will take you 45 minutes less. You have the flexibility to stop at Washburn Point, which comes just before it and is not crowded. The downside is that the light is not ideal in the morning.
When the light is ideal it's sunset. The entire world will be there but what we do is first hike to Taft Point (1 mile each way moderate walk) for picnic supper, then drive towards Glacier Point, stopping first at Washburn because it's less crowded, get to Glacier Point about 1/2 hour before sunset. I have always found parking though it's iffy. Prepare for hordes of people from all over the world, many languages, and a spectacular sunset. This is one situation where I am willing to put up with crowds--I put myself in a frame to feel proud that we have such beauty to share with the world. I would never be in this frame at 10 am.
Finally, another way to get to Glacier Point is to ask a concierge at the Ahwahnee/Majestic or someone at the Lodge if they have a staff member who is willing to take you there. Many do so. Generally the cost is $100 one way; the cost for the tour is $25 per person. We have done this when we are hiking from Glacier Point to the Valley (there are 3 ways to do this--one I would most recommend is Panoramic Trail, moderate difficulty but long (10 hike). If you do this do NOT go down Vernal Falls, take the Muir Trail after you reach Nevada Falls. Start early.

The Iron Door Saloon is on Route 120; you won't pass it if you take 140. 140 is pretty, easier on your car, 120 offers a spectacular view entering the Valley. We always use it for newcomers.

p.s. Where are you staying in the Valley and for how many days?

Be very really REALLY VERY glad you weren't arriving last Sunday!!! Afternoon temps in Yosemite Valley have been near or over 100ºF since Friday and all this week. Heat wave is supposed to break a bit by Saturday and be in the low 90's next week. That is still very warm but I personally would not want to be in Yosemite in the weather we are having this week (It is even hotter where I live)

And with this week's heat there are minor flood warnings for the Pohono Bridge.

<be in the low 90's next week. That is still very warm>

Only someone who lives in Sacramento would call that "very warm" :-)

I first typed 'very hot' but didn't want to scare them off ;)

And remember . . . it's a <i>dry</i> heat :D

And trust me, here in the Central Valley we would praise the Lord (or whoever) if it was only the low 90's today. Nine straight days over 106 is too much even for Sacramento.

We were driving home from Bodega Bay on Sunday, and the reading in the car kept going up-up-and more up. By the time we reached Novato it was 108 (and it was still in the high 80s when we got to San Francisco).

Yeah, I heard it was even hot in the city, but seems to be cooling down today?

We had such a wet and fairly cool Spring (Yippee!!), that it is just seems harder to take this year. We are used to <B><red>HOT</B></red> summers but usually after 4 or 5 days that lovely Delta breeze cools us down 20 degrees.

Nine days ago it was raining and 70F, and right now it is 107 on my back deck . . .

Seems like the heat just won't quit. It was 97 here(North/Central NJ)over the weekend and it is NOT a dry heat. It was like 99% humidity. Talk about miserable...well one thing we all know is that you can't control the weather and it will be what it will be, but I sure will make sure to bring shorts and tank tops.

We are staying at the Yosemite Valley Lodge, arriving on Sunday evening and leaving after breakfast at the Ahwahnee/Majestic on Wednesday. How is the ride to the coast? Anywhere to stop off? I was planning on bring cooler weather clothing, so thank you SO much for letting me know how warm it will be. Hope it cools off a bit at night since the rooms have no a/c...haha!

I just looked at the weather forecast put out by the NPS and IF it is correct, they are forecasting upper 80's on Monday and Tuesday...That would be great, but I will GLADLY suffer high heat to finally see the spectacular Yosemite!

Yosemite Lodge rooms have fans that really help with the heat. I like either Tamarack, Aspen or Dogwood (BACKfacing rooms) for their peacefulness. If falls are still flowing 4322 in Willow has wonderful views from second floor balcony.

Much of the relatively flat Valley loop trail is in shade. Hot weather is a good incentive to help you get up early to avoid crowds. There is a nice walk from the Ahwahnee Hotel to Mirror Lake that you could do after breakfast.

I can almost guarantee you it will be cool enough at night to sleep. Hope that you have found a way to get to Glacier Point. Enjoy...and say hello to the home of my heart :)

>>If falls are still flowing<< . . . no worry about that. Extremely wet year and both the falls and Merced River are absolutely gushing

Awwww...home of my heart. Love that expression! Actually, I called the Lodge the other day and they told me they falls are peaking and the Merced is not allowing any rafting due to the high water! I will get to Glacier Point one way or another. The walk from Ahwahnee to Mirror sounds like a nice ending to the YP part of our trip. I can't wait to see the stars at night! I'll call tomorrow and request 4322. Thanks for that info...

So I called today and they said they will give me room 4322, however, I am booked into Tamarack on the second floor and the room was one of two prototypes which were deemed to be cost ineffective to renovate all the rooms to the prototype. It is called the "Green Room" and is in Tamarack. Does anyone know anything about this? The person I am communicating with is so nice...

I don't know about the renovations prototype, but one advantage to Tamarack is it is off by itself a bit. AFAIK there are only 4 units. But honestly the only bldgs I'd try to avoid are Laurel and Juniper

It will all be good... : )

so I picked up my trip tic from AAA and looked it over today. I don't know what she was smoking, but she did not give me the route I requested So now I am putting my own route together, which is, from the car pick up, off site at the airport: 580E to 205E to 140E into the park, I believe at the Arch Rock entrance. 140 turns into El Portal Road, or so they say. Should I assume staying on that road 140/El Portal will bring me to the YVL? I've been reading about taking 120 vs. 140 and although 120 seems a little shorter, (and more scenic) it also sounds a bit scary to chicken me. I'm up for any ideas as I want to print out directions.

Also, from the time you enter the park, how long of a ride is it to the YVL? I know we will be ready for a break!

As always I thank you!

In my continuing effort to stress myself out, I just watched a You Tube video of Priest Grade, which I think is supposed to be the 'harrowing' part of the ride and it didn't look so horrible to me. What I would like to know is on the drive to Yosemite on 120 are you against the mountain side or the open side? Since I'm leaving tomorrow, I better decide which route!

Thank you all so much!

HI susieQ,
Tamarack will be fine, but try hard to make it a backfiring room (front faces parking lot instead of woods). Yes, it is quiet and removed. 4322 I was thinking of is in Willow.
Do NOT mix up Yosemite View Lodge (in Portal) with Yosemite Valley Lodge (where you are staying).
120 is not scary--Old Priest Grade Raod is. It makes my Italian husband happy days in advance. My mechanic says it shaves only 15 minutes off time. Just don't take detour and you will be fine.
It takes 30-40 minutes from when you arrive in the park to get to the Valley. The first part is pleasant, magic starts maybe 20 minutes later.

Old Priest Road is not horrible--it's short. Going there you will be on the less scary side. My fears are for my car engine not my own safety. Going up is easier than going down.

We are in Twin Falls Idaho right now pulling ourselves together to make the drive to the Grand Tetons.
Happy travels--and don't forget Iron Door Saloon if you take 120. It's truly a trip!

Hi cmstraf:
Thanks for the good info. I can get either Tamarack or Willow and did request a falls view so hopefully they will be able to accommodate me. The reservation person seemed disappointed when I requested Willow over Tamarack as she was really into the prototype 'green' room. I'm sure whatever we get we will be happy just to be there (as long as we face the falls).

I am sure it will make my Italian husband as happy as yours. We have rented a Ford Explorer, so hopefully that will get us wherever we have to go.

Coincidentally, we had planned to go to YS and GT this trip, but could not get reservations inside YS, which was how we ended up going to Yosemite (both are on my bucket list). Are you also going to YS? Will look forward to hearing how incredible it is!

So no big difference either route...

I agree with cmstraf who mentioned what a bad value the brunch is at the 'Majestic". It's as bad as every buffet you've ever had at any hotel. If you are running short on time I agree with just do coffee and a muffin or something cooked to order. At least it won't be sitting soggy on the warm up trays for an hour without being replenished.

I'm never a big brunch person. I definitely want to stop by the Majestic/Ahwahnee for breakfast before we leave but a cuppa coffee and whatever will be great for me. I really just want to soak in the architecture...

Hi SusieQ,
The cooked-to-order a la carte breakfast at the Ahwahnee is excellent, including small fresh pastries, oatmeal and eggs. Also pancakes.

Tamarack, Aspen and Dogwood are really quiet. The redone bathrooms are attractive, but I don't tend to notice bathrooms unless they are amazing or gross (not that impt) to me. I'm surprised to hear there is a room in Tamarack that is falls facing though. Probably it's one of the front rooms, which I ruled out because of the parking lot (not that lot is noisy, just that I don't like seeing it).

What we are doing is Grand Tetons (4 nights) followed by 4 nights in fairly remote cabin in Big Sky Country near Red Lodge Montana, followed by a week at Glacier National Park. We will be driving through Yellowstone, but not stopping there. For some reason, Yellowstone never caught my heart.

When I want to go to a park and it's full I try again and again and again (sometimes between every session; I'm a psychologist) and usually it works. People's situations change.

This is an amazing year for Yosemite though -- highest flow in falls in many many years. With crowds to match. Coming in Sunday night shouldn't be too bad. Traffic in Valley can be like Manhattan. But Early Starts (as I've probably said too many times) really do help.

Please let us know how it goes.

Finally caught up and sitting down to tell you what an absolutely wonderful trip it was. Yosemite was all I envisioned it to be, and more. The Falls, which were my big focus, were beyond spectacular. They said the water level was 180% more than it has ever been and there were some new falls as a result of that. I loved our location because I could visit the falls whenever I felt like walking over. And yes, we did face the parking lot, but since we were only in the room early morning/later evening, noise wasn't an issue and we were on the 2nd floor. You could see the slightest view of water thru the trees. Love the Lodge!

Oh, and did I mention the stars at night...!!!

The only negative, if you could use that word in the same sentence as Yosemite, were the crowds. That being said, we worked around it. We chose not to drive once we got there and at first, attempted the shuttles, but being crammed in like sardines, in the heat, the little ones crying, etc., didn't seem too serene, so we rented bikes for a full day and thoroughly enjoyed seeing the park on 2 wheels. The second night we were there, I booked the open air tram around the Valley and was so glad I did. I booked the 6PM trip, and since it had been so darn hot during the day, by 6PM the sun was going behind the tree line, etc., so it was really delightful to be outside for two magnificent hours, breezy and comfortable, seeing so much beauty, and I thoroughly enjoyed the narration.

The day we left, we did eat at Ahwahnee for breakfast (8:15). Hub had the buffet, which he really enjoyed,(they definitely lost money on that; couldn't believe this guys appetite!) probably because we were there while everything was fairly fresh and it hadn't been lying around getting gross.

We decided to hit Glacier Point right after breakfast on the way to the Peninsula, and that worked out really well. Granted it wasn't sunrise or sunset, but it was still unbelievably amazing.

Funny story (kind of), is that when I was talking to Hub about 120 vs. 140, he thought I was ridiculous and had no hesitation to take 120 due to the scenery we heard about. Uh oh, took a wrong turn 'somewhere' and ended up on 99 (very boring road) and took 140 into Yosemite anyway! He was upset that we missed 120, but my motto is always "this is the path we were supposed to be on today".

So I want to thank you all sharing your knowledge/experience with this Yosemite newbie. Since we got home, I keep saying, "I still can't believe we got to see Yosemite". cmstraf, please let us know all about your trip, it sounds wonderful. I'll keep it in mind for my next adventure!