best route with a trailer to South Tahoe from San Diego

[NateA_Duramax]

Hi All, what might be the best route be? we plan on taking the 395 and stopping at boulder creek the first night but after that not sure what the best route up into Tahoe would be with the trailer? anyone have any good options? maybe just stay on 395 until the 50 and take the 50 up? any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, towing a 24ft toy hauler with an 05 Duramax

[ppine]

I like the area around Lone Pine for a stop.

[dedmiston]

mittshel wrote:
San Diego to Tahoe is a long drive. You might want to stop for 1 night in Bishop. A neat little town. Highlands RV Park is right on 398.

That's a good call. That way they can get up the Sherwin Grade first thing in the morning before it's hot.

[profdant139]

If your schedule is flexible, spend as much time in the Eastern Sierra as you can.

The only downside is that Mono County is having a Covid outbreak. But you have to assume that is happening everywhere. So use your usual precautions.

[mittshel]

Didn't read your entire post. Boulder Creek is nice for 1 night. I am partial to Bishop and it puts you an hour farther. World famous bakery in Bishop also.

[mittshel]

San Diego to Tahoe is a long drive. You might want to stop for 1 night in Bishop. A neat little town. Highlands RV Park is right on 398.

[dedmiston]

Another vote for 395.

Get a very early start to get past the hotter areas before they get crazy. It will get nicer once you get past Olancha. It might be too hot to stop at Manzanar on this trip.

I agree that everyone should visit Manzanar at least once, especially if you have teens.

Keep an eye on your speed. The CHP works hard to keep 395 safe, which means they're very present and actively enforcing speed limits. Set your speed to 59 if you're towing and you'll have a relaxing trip.

One more thought on the heat. If you fill your tires the night before and it's cool out, back off about five PSI to give them some room for expansion in the crazy desert heat the next day.

[ppine]

US 395 is one of the best roads in America.

[jdc1]

Great! Someone else is headed to the El Dorado County Covid HOTSPOT.

Anyway. If you have teenagers, three places to stop along 395: Lava Tubes, Mammoth Fault and the Manzanar Internment Camp. Sounds wierd, but teens love these three places. Schat's Bakery early AM too. Or lunch....great sandwiches.

[obiwancanoli]

395 is by far one of the most scenic drives going either way. The Sierra crest will be on your left side north of Lone Pine, Stop at Tom's in Long Valley, Mammoth's nice, too! You will LOVE this ride, take your time, pull over or take a turn-off, just for the hell of it...