specific's q about yosemite trip
Apr 22nd, 2009, 03:23 AM
#23
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dayenu, i did mean the big sur.....is it easy to get from downton SF?
also since the plouging has begun...does it mean that by the time we get there...may 4th 5thish...the entrance may possibly open.
also since the plouging has begun...does it mean that by the time we get there...may 4th 5thish...the entrance may possibly open.
Apr 22nd, 2009, 08:03 AM
#26
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We came over the Sonora Pass one early June years ago when the Tioga was still closed, and encountered snow and hail at the crest, so weather is always unpredictable in the mountains. I would take a vehicle with a 4WD.
The nicest activity for your family would be walks around the valley floor and see the falls in their fullness.
I am not sure if the valley shuttle goes to the Tunnel View Lookout. It is an absolutely awesome view which you can reach in 15 minutes by driving yourself.
The nicest activity for your family would be walks around the valley floor and see the falls in their fullness.
I am not sure if the valley shuttle goes to the Tunnel View Lookout. It is an absolutely awesome view which you can reach in 15 minutes by driving yourself.
Apr 22nd, 2009, 09:12 AM
#27
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The valley shuttle doesn't go to Tunnel View, but the tram tour does. And of course the drive there from the valley is pretty short. I think that later in the season there might be a Glacier Point shuttle that stops Tunnel View though.
Regarding Big Sur from SF - the drive takes about 2.5 hours without traffic. There are several routes you can take, but the fastest is probably this one:
280 south/85 south/101 south/156 west/1 south
You can take Hwy 101 from SF directly, but it is actually better to take 280 out of SF and catch 101 in San Jose. 280 is much more scenic and a better road than 101 between SF and SJ. Most of this route is freeway, with the exception of Hwy 156 and Hwy 1 once you get south of Monterey. Those sections are 2 lane roads.
Regarding Big Sur from SF - the drive takes about 2.5 hours without traffic. There are several routes you can take, but the fastest is probably this one:
280 south/85 south/101 south/156 west/1 south
You can take Hwy 101 from SF directly, but it is actually better to take 280 out of SF and catch 101 in San Jose. 280 is much more scenic and a better road than 101 between SF and SJ. Most of this route is freeway, with the exception of Hwy 156 and Hwy 1 once you get south of Monterey. Those sections are 2 lane roads.
Apr 24th, 2009, 10:54 PM
#28
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There are several routes going from South Lake Tahoe to Yosemite Valley that are all about the same mileage and same time. Sonora Pass is the longest and the slowest and you will need to check with Cal Trans to see if the route is open by then. http://www.dot.ca.gov/cgi-bin/roads.cgi Same with Hwy 4, which is a pretty curvey route. Hwy 50 and Carson Pass (Hwy 88) will also be a good choice. The mile and time difference won't be noticable to mention. Before you head out check the weather forcast before you head out because we can still get snow storms that close all the mountain passes even in May.
Like I mentioned in my other post, we just got back from 3 nights in Yosemite. We hit incredible weather! Three days of hiking and bike riding in shorts! Today we woke up to cold rain. We left the valley and it wasn't even 50 yet. We came home on Hwy 120 and had light snow showers over the pass. The waterfalls were incredible!
Your 3 year old should be able to do the short walks to Yosemite Falls and Bridalvail Falls. You can also do the Happy Isle trail. Walking around the Valley and seeing the falls and Half Dome is one of our favorite things to do. When we get tired we just pick up the free valley shuttle and go to the next place of interest.
If you aren't going with the 3 year old, then the hike to Vernal Falls is our other favorite hike.
Utahtea
Like I mentioned in my other post, we just got back from 3 nights in Yosemite. We hit incredible weather! Three days of hiking and bike riding in shorts! Today we woke up to cold rain. We left the valley and it wasn't even 50 yet. We came home on Hwy 120 and had light snow showers over the pass. The waterfalls were incredible!
Your 3 year old should be able to do the short walks to Yosemite Falls and Bridalvail Falls. You can also do the Happy Isle trail. Walking around the Valley and seeing the falls and Half Dome is one of our favorite things to do. When we get tired we just pick up the free valley shuttle and go to the next place of interest.
If you aren't going with the 3 year old, then the hike to Vernal Falls is our other favorite hike.
Utahtea
