Bluebird8587 wrote:
Heading to CA in 2 weeks from Alabama in our 25'B+ van with toad(Mini Cooper) and I'm questioning my route now. After visiting Disneyland then Los Angeles my plan was to go to Sequoia NP for a couple of days then to Yosemite for 4 days. Next to San Francisco for 2 days, up the coast to Redwood NP. Begin making trip home seeing Death Valley, Las Vegas and the Petrified Forest along the way. Looking closely at the map now and it seems there is no easy way to get to Death Valley without retracing our route. Would appreciate suggestions on whether we should change up the route. Maybe LA to San Francisco up to Redwood and hit Yosemite, Kings Canyon & Sequoia and Death Valley on the way back? We have considered driving Hway 1 from San F to Redwood, yes or no? I also can't seem to find many options for RV Parks in San F. We would want to do the usual tourist spots- Alcatraz, Painted Ladies, Golden Gate Bridge, etc since we've never been to CA but our main interests are the National Parks. Public transportation suggestions welcomed.
No need to retrace your route. Just cut back east from the Redwoods and head over to 395. You've been given a couple of suggestions. If it were me I'd come back down 101 to 20 and take it to the east. You can stay on 20 all the way to 80 if you want to bypass the Sac Metro area, or cut through Sac. 80 will hook you up with 395 in Reno and 50 will hook you up with 395 near Carson City. On your way South on 395 there are all kinds of places to stop and things to see. You'll go through Mammoth Lakes which is home to Mammoth Mountain. You'll pass near Bodie which is a very cool old ghost town. You'll also pass Mt. Whitney (tallest mt in the lower 48) and the Alabama Hills which is where about 1000 movies have been filmed. And then just south of the Alabama Hills is Highway 190 that will take you right into Death Valley.
Take a look at this video:
Alabama Hills I shot this last weekend in the Alabama Hills and nearby mountains.
