Forum Discussion

A_hitch_and_hop's avatar
A_hitch_and_hop
Explorer
Apr 19, 2014

Need your Ca. Road assistance

I am planning a trip in June from Kingsburg, Ca. just north of Bakersfield, Ca. to a drive on Hwy 101 north of SF. I will be pulling a 26 ft. FW. My question is ............ Which is the better / preferred route by RVers? A. Follow I-5 to Williams and then cross to 101 on Hwy 20. OR B. Go around north of San Pablo bay on 29 and 37 to avoid SF. I think option A is longer. Also, what kind of a road is 20 west out of Williams?
Roads and Routes
  • msmith1199's avatar
    msmith1199
    Explorer II
    Apr 20, 2014
    The route you have been given is the easiest way to get onto 101 north of Sonoma County. But you also asked which is the preferred route. If it were me (and I live along the route you would be traveling) I'd head over into the Bay Area and come up through the Napa Valley or cut across 37 and 101 that way. I-5 through Central California is almost as boring as driving on I-80 through the great plains. I avoid it whenever possible. Now if I was going through the Bay Area, I'd time it to miss commute traffic, but that isn't too hard to do.
  • CA_Traveler's avatar
    CA_Traveler
    Explorer III
    Apr 19, 2014
    Midday 580/680/37 is OK. But then you'll want to transit Stockton/Sac midday.
  • A_hitch_and_hop's avatar
    A_hitch_and_hop
    Explorer
    Apr 19, 2014
    Thanks for catching my error. It is Hwy 20 that I was questioning. I also am wanting to stay away from the SF traffic. Thanks for the help.
  • MarkTwain's avatar
    MarkTwain
    Explorer
    Apr 19, 2014
    RognBon wrote:
    Posted By wrote:
    Follow I-5 to Williams and then cross to 101 on Hwy 29.

    This is by far the best route. FYI, it's HWY "20" not "29".

    Thanks for the correction:) Had me confused (hwy. 20 vs hwy 29????) as hell and I live in the north state:)
  • RognBon's avatar
    RognBon
    Explorer
    Apr 19, 2014
    Posted By wrote:
    Follow I-5 to Williams and then cross to 101 on Hwy 29.


    This is by far the best route. FYI, it's HWY "20" not "29".
  • korbe's avatar
    korbe
    Explorer
    Apr 19, 2014
    Normally I prefer to stay off the interstates, but from where you're starting from, I would take hwy 20 at Williams and head west to 101. Even though SF is a great city, I prefer to go as far around as possible while towing.

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