Best Route to Yosemite

Finally Time wrote:
I would not drive the extra distance to take a 40 foot with a toad from the west on Hwy 120. Priest Grade, although relatively short, is steep with very sharp switchbacks; you would be over the center line all many times. Compared to that, going south on 395 to 120 and over Tioga Pass is a cakewalk. From 395 up to Tioga Meadows is a long uphill slog but doesn’t have the sharp turns. I have had no problem going either up or down it with my travel trailer or with my (shorter than yours) motorhome with toad.

Don't know how long it's been since you've been on Priest Grade, but it's only 5 miles long and it's been widen and improved in the last 10 years. Tour buses and semi trucks go up and down it all the time. I don't even consider it an obstacle on Highway 120.

deandec wrote:
Highway 50 to Highway 49

And although this is an alternative route, Highway 49 from 50 to 120 is a very windy road and I'd personally select Tioga Pass over this route. However, if you have plenty of time, taking 49 is much more of a scenic route than going down to 99.

I would not drive the extra distance to take a 40 foot with a toad from the west on Hwy 120. Priest Grade, although relatively short, is steep with very sharp switchbacks; you would be over the center line all many times. Compared to that, going south on 395 to 120 and over Tioga Pass is a cakewalk. From 395 up to Tioga Meadows is a long uphill slog but doesn’t have the sharp turns. I have had no problem going either up or down it with my travel trailer or with my (shorter than yours) motorhome with toad.

Whatever you do, don't take the route you described. That is the looong way around.

You say you're staying at Lake Tahoe? Which side of Tahoe? If it's safe to assume South Shore then what I would do if I was you is take 50 back to 395 and go south to Tioga Pass. I have done Tioga several times in my 35' motorhome with toad without problem, but it is a steep winding mountain pass with narrow lanes in some places inside the park. But motorhomes and tour busses do it all the time.

If you decide against that approach, then the best route is take 50 out of South Lake Tahoe and go down to 99. Take 99 south to 120 and then 120 east into the park. There is lots of roadwork going on on 99 and on I5 through Stockton, but really no easy way to avoid it.

Highway 50 to Highway 49

definitely long way around. Anyone know about NV US 93 north from I-80 to Twin Falls ID??

not sure i would drive a 40ft and toad
over the Tioga pass
think i would take the long way around and come in from the west

you need to talk to somebody that has done the pass in a large RV

There are a few ways. The easiest from Tahoe is to take 80 towards Reno. Then 395 south to Tioga Pass (Hwy 120). (Stop at the Mobil station for a 5 star lunch...YES at the Mobil station). From 120 and the 395 you are about 25 miles from the entrance to the park.

Otherwise, if you are leaving from the south shore of Tahoe, you can take the Kingsbury grade. 1st gear all the way down. but it is the shortest route to 395. White knuckle maybe, but I have done it. Just take it slow.