Pulling 24'TT from East Bay to Bridgeport. Several options exist including:1. 120 East through Yosemite to 3952. Hwy 4 to Markleville to 89 (Monitor Pass) to 3953. 50 to 89 to 3954. 108 to 395 (Sonora Pass)I was advised to stay off the 120 route because of the Priest Grade.Also advised to stay off the Sonora Pass, 108 to 395I believe this is a fairly traveled RV route and appreciate any advice. I am OK with some Mountain Driving to a point, but am certainly willing to drive a bit further if necessary.Mark

Hwy 4 to Markleville to 89 (Monitor Pass) to 395This road is more suited to motorcycle traffic then RV's. It is very steep, narrow and windy between Lake Alpine and about 10 miles south of Markleeville. I would go SR 88 and then US 395. Both SR 88 and US 395 are very doable in any RV.

With an exhaust brake equipped diesel, I enjoy the drive through Yosemite. Hwy 50 to 395 if not. Have fun :C

I would agree, do not take 108 or 4. 88 or 50 are fine. 120 will be steep and winding after that you have to go down Tioga pass. If you are a comfortable mountain driver it's not a problem just take it slow and easy. You will be on the cliff side going up and coming down.

Mark, what's your tow vehicle? I have done 120 (Tioga), Monitor Pass, and 50 with no problem, using a Pathfinder to tow a small trailer. Do not take 4 or Sonora Pass. Sonora has some 25 percent grades -- amazing in a passenger car. Downshifting is your best friend.

SF Bay Area to Bridgeport, CA | Good Sam Community

11 Replies

eka51
Explorer
Jun 18, 2013
Thank You for all of the replys. Heading out this morning and plan to take 88 based on your feedback.

Happy Trails,

Mark
othertonka
Explorer
Jun 18, 2013
Definatly NO on 108,Sonora pass, and NO on Hwy 4. I like Hwy 88 over to 395. HWY 120 is doable but you will know you have climbed and decended a Mountain pass and if you don't know how to downshift and/or use your exhaust brake your chassis service brakes will take a beating going down hwy 120 toward 395.
2gypsies1
Explorer III
Jun 17, 2013
With our 40' motorhome we always take 50 from 395. Have fun!
fly-boy
Explorer
Jun 17, 2013
Unless you have a very small RV I would 50/89/395- You are talking some big grades and switchbacks...
spacedoutbob
Explorer
Jun 17, 2013
When I head over to Mono Lake, I usually take Hwy. 120, As long as you or your passengers aren't afraid of heights, Taking Hwy. 50 or Hwy. 88 means you have to travel North before heading South. I love Hwy. 4, however, it is very narrow and has no center stripe for at least 20 miles and is very steep and winding down to Markleeville. Hwy. 120 gets you fairly close to Bridgeport in terms of mileage. Have a Great Trip.

Bob in Oakland, Calif.
elkhorn98
Explorer
Jun 17, 2013
I would take 88. It is more of a steady climb with fewer steep downhill sections. Check out these elevation profiles vs. 50.

88
http://www.geocontext.org/publ/2010/04/profiler/en/?topo_ha=20130614514106296

50
http://www.geocontext.org/publ/2010/04/profiler/en/?topo_ha=20130614515099428
profdant139
Explorer II
Jun 17, 2013
Mark, what's your tow vehicle? I have done 120 (Tioga), Monitor Pass, and 50 with no problem, using a Pathfinder to tow a small trailer. Do not take 4 or Sonora Pass. Sonora has some 25 percent grades -- amazing in a passenger car. Downshifting is your best friend.
fireman93514
Explorer
Jun 17, 2013
I would agree, do not take 108 or 4. 88 or 50 are fine. 120 will be steep and winding after that you have to go down Tioga pass. If you are a comfortable mountain driver it's not a problem just take it slow and easy. You will be on the cliff side going up and coming down.
coolbreeze01
Explorer
Jun 17, 2013
With an exhaust brake equipped diesel, I enjoy the drive through Yosemite. Hwy 50 to 395 if not. Have fun :C
nevadanick
Explorer
Jun 17, 2013
Your best bet is 50 to 395