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Thanks Bob. Makes sense not to try to do both.
We actually have already been to Yosemite,
so we might go for Tahoe if we have to choose (I'll
have to discuss this with my husband). On the map I
can see lots of other smaller lakes near Tahoe --
do you happen to know them at all?
Most (maybe 100%) of the lakes are resevoirs used for storing water and recreational activities. While most are beautiful, comparing something like Cherry Lake with Lake Tahoe is like referring to the Atlantic Ocean as the Pond, (neither descriptive nor accurate).
If you are up for an adventure (and some small, but pretty lakes) head to Fresno and take CA-168 to Mono Hot Springs. Along the way you will pass a number of small lakes to the end of the road at Mono Hot Springs. It has been awhile since I was there -- but there are cabins for rent, a hot (commercial) pool and a number of "natural" hot pools in the immediate area. My favorite is one called "Little Eden" moss and fern-lined one can enjoy a stunning view of the snow-covered Sierras while basking in 102 degree water. (You may need to ask a local for directions to the footpath-- but it is an easy 15 minute walk from the parking lot).
Mark
The idea of the Mono hot springs appeals to me -- sounds very cool (I guess I should say "hot"). I like things off the beaten path.
So, I have a question that you may not be able to answer. I've been kind of interested in Tahoe all along, but I suspect my interest has a lot to do with the fact that it's so well known. I mean, I'm sure the reason it's well known is because it's spectacular. But I'm wondering if it's classes above other mountain lakes -- the kind of thing you'd really be stupid to miss, or is it not so different from other gorgeous mountain lakes, and something like the hot springs would be more unique, and also spectacular. We don't get to California from Germany very often, so we're trying to make a good choice. I know -- I'm trying to get out of having to make a hard choice on my own. I do accept that you can't do it all. I feel lucky as it is to have this kind of choice in the first place. Still -- it helps a lot to hear the opinions of people who've been there, and have nothing at stake.
Thanks again!
Laura
Laura,
Mono Springs is certainly "off the beaten path" but Lake Tahoe is really, really nice. It is not like a lake found in the German Alps -- it is one of the deepest lakes found in the entire world. It is not pristine -- thousands of people visit it every day and thousands more live around it.
Still, a drive around the lake augmented by stops at lakeside inns and restaurants would still be my choice.
There are seven state parks located adjacent to the lake -- Emerald Bay being one my personal favorites. One can also find seriously tacky attractions -- like the "Ponderosa Ranch" where the TV western "Bonanza" was filmed.
DL Bliss state park has crystal clearl turqouise water, white sand and plenty of under-used hiking trails. River Ranch lodge (near Tahoe City) is my choice for sipping fine wine and watching the river roar past your table. Plus a nice day trip from Tahoe is Virginia City, Nevada.
As I mentioned in an earlier e-mail -- don't count out Mendocino -- it too, is a very cool daytrip from San Francisco.
Well, my husband is concerned that Lake Tahoe will be
frozen in April (he's Swedish and maybe he's had enough
frozen lakes to last a lifetime). Do you know whether
that would likely be the case?
Laura
I hope I'm not overstaying my welcome on this site. I
just wondered about accomodation. We're used to driving
around and taking walks until we're tired and then
looking for cheap accomodation somewhere. Do you know if
one can do that at Lake Tahoe on a Saturday night, or would it be advisable to look for rooms away from the lake, or make reservations (god forbid -- but we have done it when necessary).
Laura
Laura,
I don't think Lake Tahoe has been frozen over since the last ice age - at least a few thousand years. Even in January and February (heaviest snow storms) people water-ski on the lake.
Cheap accomodation? (better forget Mendocino) anyway, there are both very elegant inns and inexpensive motels. I think that you will have little diffculty finding lodging when are planning on being there.
Mark
If it were me regarding the trips, I would take the Yosemite trip, only because I'm partial to highway 395. You'll pass the highest mountain in the continental U.S., Mt. Whitney. That's in Lone Pine, CA. Further up, you'll pass Mono Lake, an interesting lake that's up in the Sierrra's, but is a salt lake. It's the remnant of a huge lake that supposedly covered from Utah's Salt Lake to California. If you're into western history, the ghost town of Bodie is not too far from Mono Lake. Also, if you have the time, the hiking is great up in that part of the country. You could drive up into Nevada, and see Reno & Lake Tahoe. From Mono, probably another 4-5 hours. Anyway, I hope you have a nice time on your drive, wherever you decide to go. I'm glad this forum is here, to give anyone ideas of where to go in this spectacular country.
Robert,
Just a reminder -- these folks are starting in San Francisco and they will be unable to reach US-395 from Yosemite until at least the end of June. The road over Tioga Pass still has about 20 feet of snow on it!
Thanks for the regular posts of roadtrippers like yourself -- this forum is a constantly evolving & dynamic source of ideas.
Hi
Im still finalising my roadtrip. 3 weeks in June. Arrive LAX and stay in LA(california) for 3 nights, then haul up the coast to santa cruz(california) for 1 night then onto san fran(california) for a 2 night stay. Over to Lake tahoe(california) to stay for 3 nights then down to mariposa(california) for sightseeing at yosemite for 2 nights. Then down further to Vegas(nevada) for 2 nights, over to bryce canyon(utah) for 1 night then onto durango (colorado) for 3 nights, and finally one hell of a long haul back to LA(california) passing through the grand canyon for a rest break.
Things im going to do (hopefully) and in no specific order are, magic mountain, LA beaches, hollywood, beverly hills, cycle across the golden gate bridge, ride some trams, visit alcatraz, horse riding, getting some sun, ATV rides, white water rafting, visite silverton town(durango), gambling, see a magic show, visit the borg exhibit and any other ideas you guys can come up with. entire length of trip is roughly 4000 miles across 5 states in 18 nights/19 days. hardest thing for me to plan is the spending money which also covers petrols costs.
sites i used to help plan this trip are, expedia (good for directions and small maps of areas im visiting) and this site here --> http://home.planet.nl/~pegjong/usa_trip/index.htm .
Ive pre booked all my hotels allready, so0 that i can budget better, i would rather have just went and booked along the way giving me more flexibility, but my budget outweighed this.
Im travellign from Scotland over to LA to start my wonderful trip off, and am travelling alone, some tips on safety for lone travllers would be helpful, many thanks
hope this helps