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er78mph's avatar
er78mph
Explorer
Jul 03, 2016

San Diego to Coursegold (Yosemite) ROUTE

Hello and thanks all in advance!

So we'll be taking our big first trip as a family in early August up to Yosemite. We'll be staying at the KOA in Coursegold outside Yosemite Valley. We have a 27 TT an a 2 year old daughter. My biggest concern is the grades, windy curves, and a crying toddler:) My first leg I'll like to accomplish through the night as the toddler sleeps. I'll like to take a break in Bakersfield to rest up and then continue on my second leg towards coursegold. What's the best route to get there? I would love to avoid LA area but will manage if I have to. Also, I am not set on Bakersfield as a rest stop and would love recommendations on areas to rest(preferably free)? Thank you!!
  • jrp's avatar
    jrp
    Explorer
    Jul 03, 2016
    If you're doing the first leg at night, I would use I-5 all the way through LA over the Grapevine and 99 to Bako. If you really want to go the long way round, go I-15 to the 210 to skirt around LA and back on the 5. or the really long way round, stay on I-15/215 toward Victorville, then 395 to the 58 and west on 58 through Mojave & Tehachapi to Bako. (note that climbing the grade over the Tehachapi mountains is not much less than the Grapevine)
    After your rest stop in Bako, its a short hop up the 99 to Fresno where you exit on 41 north to Coarsegold.
    For a free parking lot rest stop in Bako, there is a WalMart and Camping World not far off 99 that allowed it when I lived there yrs ago, before leaving to fulltime RV.

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