route from Gilroy to Grass Valley, ca

Concur with 152 to 5. Did it almost a year ago heading to Sacramento. We're in a 37' gas towing a CRV.

I always laugh a little at these. I want to go someplace in the mountains but I don't want to have to go uphill to do it! Okay, yours wasn't that bad but there was somebody on here a while ago asking how to go to Yosemite without having to climb any grades.

Your only reasonable choice here from Gilroy is take 152 over to 5 like has been suggested. I will warn you that 152 has a steep grade on it that usually slows the trucks to about 20 mph. In my DP when I have the toad I'm down to about 40 on it. That will be your steepest grade on the suggested route.

The reason I say that's the only reasonable route is because your other choice it freeways through San Jose and the East Bay and there is so much construction going on that you could find yourself in traffic jambs at any time of the day. I saw 580 backed up for miles a few days ago at almost midnight because it was all shut down to one lane.

Don't think I'd go to Colfax. However, if you go beyond Hwy 49 exit off of I-80 to the Bell road exit and back to Hwy 49, it cuts off a lot of the Auburn congestion. If staying in Grass valley, the Fairgrounds is reasonable and convenient.

For me, to minimize traffic congestion, I would take 152 to I-5, then north to I-80, and then take 174 from Colfax.

The most direct route would take you right through the heart of the east bay area. Lots of traffic. 101 to I-880, to I-80, to Auburn.

A little longer route would take Hwy 152 east out of Gilroy to I-5. North bound to Sacramento. I-80 to Auburn. Hwy 49 to Grass Valley.

Both routes involve busy roads. I-5 is the lesser of two evils traffic wise.

Direct and Scenic.....Don't want lots of steep grades and/or lots of traffic in the late morning, early afternoon...

Scenic route or direct route.