San Fran - Vegas - in October
Hi all - probably been done to death but could really do with advice! Hubby and I flying in to San Fran 22nd October and flying out of Vegas on the 30th. We did plan 2 nights S/F and then drive for 3 days and spend last 3 nights in Vegas - but as not getting to SF until 6pm would only give us one full day. So is planning 3 nights in SF a good idea?
So could have two nights to get to LV from SF - want to go through Yosemite - maybe Death Valley. Anyone got ideas as best places to spend these two nights and must sees - must do's.
Any help is greatfully appreciated!
Tioga pass, open or not ?
Hello and welcome to the RTA forums !
It really is a case of where you want to prioritise your time as there is no right or wrong answer. Perhaps 2 nights in Vegas ? You can certainly get from SF to Vegas with 1 overnight stop but it really won't leave much time for sight seeing in Yosemite and DV. One other thing to consider is that the time of year you travel [which is a wonderful time IMO] you are into the closure 'window' of Tioga pass [CA120] that crosses the Sierra's on route to DV. Because of the elevation of the pass it can close temporarily with a winter storm or ice and the first major storm can close it permanently untill the following May/June. Presuming it's open you could get an early start from SF and head to Yosemite valley for some sight seeing. With only a 1 night stop you could stay in the park and take the long drive next day to Vegas via DV if the pass is open, or continue towards Lee Vining/Bishop. If not you would have to go South via Bakersfield and around the mountains. DV might be a bit too much to do same day if so. With 2 nights you could spen the first in the valley and next day do a little exploring before heading over the pass and perhaps spend the second night in Bishop and continue through DV next day. With 2 nights you would also have the option of visiting DV if you had to go the long way around as mentioned. In that case you could spend night 2 around the Lake Isabella area. If it were I, I would make it a 2 night/3 day journey and enjoy the amazing scenery. You could always leave SF after lunch and head towards Yosemite for the evening. You should get there in about 5 hours.
