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raymondfl's avatar
raymondfl
Explorer
May 08, 2014

Traveling to California this summer

We will traveling to California this summer and need some help. We will be entering at Reno coming across I-80. We are thinking of going down to Yosemite National Park, then the question becomes should we also go down to Kings Canyon and Sequoia National? It is our intention to head north and to the coast line of Oregon and Washington so every venture south takes time away from the other areas. Are the other two parks that different then Yosemite? Also once we head north we want to end up in Crescent City and the redwoods area. Since we only have about two weeks in that area, and I do not like big cities, I was going to skip Napa and San Francisco, is there any place else that we should stop and catch on the trip though northern California? We are going to spend a month in Oregon and Washington, catch a flight to Alaska, tour a week and catch a cruise back. Then start though Idaho and back across US to get to Northern Georgia for some fall motorcycle riding before heading back to Florida for the winter. Whew I am worn out and have not started. Gone five months and not enough time!!
Anyway, all help is always appreciated.
Thanks,
Ray and Cindy
  • Yosemite valley is very crowded, you will need reservations, other wise you will be camping in the park, but not in the valley

    Personally Kings Canyon / Sequoia is my favorite park

    As long as your coming to Calif, first go into Utah to Arches National Monument, and Capitol Reef park, and Bryce Canyon

    Then come down into Calif
  • Kings Canyon and Sequoia NPs are somewhat similar, yet different. Both have magnificent groves of Sequoia Redwoods. I would choose Sequoia first.
    If you are planning on this summer, I would make sure I have reservations at an RV park close to Yosemite and Sequoia far in advance. Like right now!
    When you travel north, you will go through some spectacular Coastal Redwoods. The difference between the Sequoias and Coastal is that the Coastal are tall, while the Sequoias are larger around. Both are very tall and with huge girth, however.
    You don't say if you have a toad or not. If not, you will have to arrange transportation to the parks. I doubt very much that you could get a RV space in Sequoia or Kings. You will not in Yosemite. A consideration.
    I would go north from Yosemite/Sequoia on CA-99 to I-5, to Lodi, take CA-12 through Sonoma to Santa Rosa. My reasoning is that going through Sonoma is worth stopping, even if just for lunch at one of the restaurants in the square and seeing the northernmost Calif. Mission. Also in the Valley of the Moon is Jack London's home.
    From Santa Rosa north, you will get into the redwoods and see other attractions.
    An alternate way, if you don't want to go through Sonoma, is to take 12 to I-80, jog south to CA 37 (which is about 5 miles) and take it to Lakeville Road, which will take you to 101 in Petaluma.
    Any way you go is really pretty country.
    Have fun!
  • After Yosemite, I would highly suggest getting on Hwy 101 from Napa and taking it all the way up into Washington. It's a beautiful, RV-friendly drive and you'll see plenty of huge redwoods. Ancient Redwoods in Redcrest is an excellent place to explore the big trees. Have a great trip!
  • I live in Southern California... But sounds like your on the right track... Any thing inland could easily be 90 - 100 degree F. I'd say stick to the coast or the mountains.... on your way to Oregon.... Anything past Sacremento is pretty nice in my opinion.... You could always consult your local Auto Club they have the whole state by state thing available for planning a trip and sights to see....

    Mike C.