We did this trip a few weeks ago in our 35' Monaco Monarch pulling a small toad. We started near Sacramento, so I took 99 south to Manteca and then 120 into the park. We stayed outside the park as well at the Yosemite Ridge Resort. Thousand Trails is maybe 4 or 5 miles further down on 120. The entrance will be on your right as you head up the hill. TT has rather mixed reviews, but a friend with a 40' DP stayed there and had a very pleasant experience.
As you are headed up 120, be sure to stay on the New Priest Grade and not the old 120. To get on the old road, you have to make a right hand turn off the main highway. The new priest grade is about 6 miles of hair pin turns and switch backs. There are few pull outs that will accommodate a larger Moho, and as you are going up, you are walking along a cliff that drops off to China. Just take it slow and you will be fine. On the way back, my Tow haul mode on the ford V-10 got a work out. At a few points, I actually shifted down to second, but most of the time the tow haul mode worked as advertised and help me stay off the brakes.
Try to drive in to Yosemite on weekdays. There is a noticeable difference in crowds as compared to weekends. Get there early and park your toad. The first day we parked at the Ahwahnee. The next day the Yosemite Lodge parking lot. The latter is better and is an easier out when you depart. Park your card, and take the free shuttle around the park. Its efficient and most of the drivers give you a free tour lesson on Yosemite. We packed our lunch and enjoyed picnic lunches surrounded by the beauty of this national treasure. Pictures just do not do justice to the magnificence of this place. Have fun.
BTW, Manteca has a Pro Bass shop if you need any outdoor type supplies.
2008 Monaco Monarch 34 sbd
