Mammoth mountain to South Lake Tahoe ?

The straight forward and beautiful route would be US 395 to US 50 West.

I am at mammoth mountain and going to be heading to South Lake Tahoe. Looking at the map it appears there is a significant grade and winding road. I am not shy but don’t want to go on some crazy route either.

Any information on the drive or suggested route from anyone familiar with the area? Looks like 2 practical options off 395.

Thanks

You don't say what you are driving, however, there are two easy routes both with climbing. North on US 395 to the intersection of SR 88 (Minden/Gardnerville) and travel west to Hope Valley and then SR 89 to South Lake Tahoe. The second is to travel north on US 395 to just south of Carson City and travel west on US 50 to South Lake Tahoe. Both are good.

A third route is 207 from Minden/Gardnerville. It is the old Kingsbury grade route but is not significantly steeper than the other two. Hwy 50 is the least scenic but just before the turnoff is a Costco with gas.

I'd take 207 but that's just my favorite.

Here's a not so easy route, but very scenic -- take 395 to 89, just south of Topaz Lake, all the way to Meyers. I have done that route several times, towing a trailer. I am sure that sticking with 395 to 207 is faster than 89.

The CalTrans website says that 89 is open, which is sort of surprising -- lots of snow this winter.

I would take 395 to 50. A few more miles but a main highway for faster travel.
88/89 is full of steep grades and I doubt it is any faster. Although I have not been on these roads in a while.

Hwy 4 is the only 'crazy' route and no one mentioned it, so there. 395 to 89 over Monitor Pass and Luther Pass is a very good road, not too twisty, well paved and very scenic. A little easier is 88 to 89 at Picket's junction in Hope Valley. That stretch of 88 is very straight.
395 to 50 and over is very dull and lots of traffic w/lots of stop lights and intersections through South Shore. Avoid unless you have a exceptionally long rig.

BTW, if you are already at Mammoth, then none of these roads are any worse.

Have made this trip many times and for my money, 395 to 50! I agree its not as scenic but forget about Kingsbury Grade if your driving any larger RV. I'll be headed up that way myself in August. We happen to like the small campground/Casino atmosphere right off 395 at Topaz Lake and at 22.00 a night, a bargain too.

Thank you all for your comments. I guess I need to update my signature. 2016 F350 CC PSD pulling a 37ft 5th wheel. 54 feet bumper to bumper. I was looking to avoid a mountainous road with lots of grade and switchbacks. I am happy to miss the scenic part for this small part of the trip for a less stressful experience.

I ended up going 395 to Carson City to 50. Was nothing but a little grade. Just what I was looking for. I will probably take a trek to the one of the other routes to see that too. Thanks again to all.

When you check out other routes, let us know what you thought of those if you would please.