Driving to Yosemite

[Jenanne]

We are coming into Yosemite next month from I-80 (Winnemuca NV) we might go (1) thru Tahoe then on CA-88 coming in on the WEST side of Yosemite (Mariposa) or (2) go from I-80 to 95 to 359 to 120 then 140.thru the middle of Yosemite coming in on the east side head to Mariposa.
We have a 40 foot RV with tow...which is better? (is CA-88 ok?)

[jolooote]

I'd go in from the east side on 120 from Lee Vining. I would NOT do 120 in from the west if had a choice. If U must go in and UP to the top this route I' SURE unhitch the TOAD & drive it separately. BTW...I'd CERTAINLY stop in Lee Vining and take the TOAD a bit north to see America's only true, intact Ghost Town of Bodie on Rt.270. The 1st 8 miles of 270 are paved but the last 3 miles are dirt and can be a bit rough. Now than, once U get up into the park I CERTAINLY would NOT try to take the RV down into 'The Valley' on Rt. 120! Very narrow and windy. Its all barricaded roadway but just narrow and the oncoming traffic scared me, especially the RENTED RV's! For a rig your size I'd make camp at Toulumne or Craine flats CGs. Crane Flats is water only but with Real toilets. Very beautiful woodsy area. There is fuel & a small store about 2 miles away. There are lots of Camp sites on the road leading to Hetch Hetchy lake & dam. Very pretty area. Further towards the west side on Rt 120 just where it starts to go back down the mountain is a very nice private, Full Hookup, RV resort. Sorry, don't remember the name of it.

[F-TROUP]

120 is no problem going up or down, it is less winding than the routes coming from the west. Everything on here is one persons opinion as to his/hers ability, so until a person does it they'll never know for sure.

[mileshuff]

I was under the impression that 120 thru Tioga Pass was not recommended for big rigs. It has one 8% steep grade and rather winding at many sections.

[F-TROUP]

X2 395 to SR120 plus 395 is a lot more interesting.

[jmtandem]

We are coming into Yosemite next month from I-80 (Winnemuca NV) we might go (1) thru Tahoe then on CA-88 coming in on the WEST side of Yosemite (Mariposa) or (2) go from I-80 to 95 to 359 to 120 then 140.thru the middle of Yosemite coming in on the east side head to Mariposa.
We have a 40 foot RV with tow...which is better? (is CA-88 ok?)

California State Route 88 is definitely doable in your coach. It is windy and will be sort of slow going. SR 49, if you choose to use that to get to Yosemite from SR 88 is even slower and has tighter curves. You might look at taking SR 88 to US 99 in Stockton and go south to Merced and then to Yosemite. If you are not afraid of some mountain driving take US 395 to SR 120 at Lee Vining and enter Yosemite that way. Yosemite valley can be very congested and with your coach it might not be that much fun.

[jim1521]

We drove to Yosemite from the West (140). I was just driving a Jeep Wrangler - with nothing in tow - and it scared the hell out of me. A lot of hairpin turns, and you're on the outside edge the whole way in (no guardrails, big drop offs, etc.). Yosemite is beautiful once you get there, but I'd be terrified to try and tow my 37' trailer up there. Don't mean to deter you, but if you have a fear of heights (as I do), it could be a problem. Good luck with it!

[Lwiddis]

CA 88 is a great road with Carson Pass at only 8,574 feet.