Travelling west from I-80 on Calif. hwy 20 to Williams

This question comes up frequently so I saved this. Just reverse the route when going West to east.


Take Highway 20 West out of Williams. 37.1 miles. Williams is at I5 and Highway 20.

Watch for Highway 53 as you drop down a hill after a fairly long climb. Easy climb and multiple lanes.
Turn what would be South onto 53. You will go about 8 miles. Look for the sign to Highway 29 which leads to Kelseyville. This is a nice road and will become freeway in a few miles. Eventually you are back to two lane for a short distance and will come to a stop sign. You are back to Highway 20 again. This leg is about 30 miles. Turn left and enjoy the beautiful drive right to 101

This route will bypass the two lane twisting and winding on the North side of Clear lake. If you want a good view of the lake go ahead and stay on 20 all the way to 101.

Some years ago in a small SUV I took 20 east from US101. I left it in Nevada City and took backroads (mostly gravel and twisty) to the Diggins state park, and further into the mountains. After hitting some late season (May) snow drifts I ended up crossing a river valley or two to US20 and I80.

This is the kind of area where it's almost a shame to have a vehicle so large you can't get off and small the roses - or rather the forest.

dicknellen wrote:
Yes digarcia 20 takes off of I-80, there are some real tight curves shortly after leaving I-80 so you might check with CA dept of trans for any rectriictions. We have driven it in a 30 MH with a toad with no problems. Dick

Yes, my mistake, I forgot about 20 off of I-80 going through Grass Valley. I would take straight through Marysville and Yuba City which then takes you to Williams Hyw. 20. Nice scenic route if you just sit back and smell the roses.

YC1, yes we are taking hwy 20 to Ukiah area and heading north on hwy 101. Then on up Oregon and Washington coast.

The only restriction I know of is 65' overall length limit.

It is a scenic drive. Take your time. We are natives of the area and have traveled it hundreds of times. Watch for the signs to Marysville and Yuba City. Are you going further West of Williams. If so I have good directions for that route.

Hwy. 20 takes off from I-80 a few miles south of Cisco Grove; I think the exit number is 161. 20 goes through Nevada City/Grass Valley, then Marysville and Yuba City, then Colusa before getting to Williams on I-5. It's a pretty good two-lane road with a short "freeway" section in Nevada City before it heads west again. It won't be a fast trip, but the OP should have no problems.

Yes digarcia 20 takes off of I-80, there are some real tight curves shortly after leaving I-80 so you might check with CA dept of trans for any rectriictions. We have driven it in a 30 MH with a toad with no problems. Dick

Bunconut85 wrote:
Is it advisable to drive a 40' MH with tow car on Calif hwy 20 from I-80 to Williams? Are there any restrictions?

Do you mean 1-80 to I-5 then north to Hwy. 20??? I am not aware of I-80 hooking up directly to Hwy. 20. There are no restrictions on Hwy. 20 other than expect to drive a little slower because of a series of small towns, 2 lane road most of the way and occasional road construction. Tow my 34' 5th wheel all the time on Hwy. 20.

excellent road have done it several times both directions