Trip from Orange County to South Lake Tahoe

We are beginning to plan a trip from Orange County California to South Lake Tahoe. I'm trying to establish a route with stops along the way. I would like to know how difficult the tow will be regarding grade and find the best/safest route. We will be traveling with 2 young children so stops along the way will be necessary. We have an older F-250 (Gas V8) and a lightweight (6000lbs) 30ft TT.

Thanks so much for your input,

Andy W.

There really are only two more or less direct routes. After getting out of the LA basin one option is to take 14 to 395 to the Minden/Gardnerville area and then access Tahoe via SR 88/89, Kingsbury Grade or US 50 from Carson City. All are very doable with a 30 foot TT. The second option is to travel north on IR 5 or SR 99 to either Sacramento and then take US 50 to Tahoe or earlier at Stockton take SR 88 to 89 and into Tahoe. SR 88/89 is mostly two lane with some passing lanes but it is very doable and I have traveled it many times with an RV.

US 395 is probably a little more scenic and interesting north of Lone PIne as it passes Mt. Whitney, the WWII Japanese internment camp, June Lakes, and Mammoth.