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My software allows for optimizing stops. I put in Yosemite - Bryce - Zion - Grand Canyon and the mileage/time is almost identical between Bryce or Zion first, SLIGHTLY favoring Zion (15 minutes and 5 miles). If you go to Zion first, you take US-93 south through Alamo to NV-168 to I-15, and that would put you through Mesquite. However, that would make Cedar Breaks out of the way. Yes, Bryce first is about 45 minutes longer from Yosemite to Bryce than from Yosemite to Zion.
SW Dave so If I understand you correctly : From Lake Isabella: 155 to 65 through Porterville , Exeter, through 3 rivers on 198 and into Sequoia. Exit out on 180 towards Fresno, Ca41 --Oakhurst to Yosemete.
1. Gas stations/food along the way?
2. How many miles are we talking , start point lake Isebella to Yosemite entrance.
3. If you drove this straight through--how long would it take?
4. If you wanted to pull over for a quick snooze someplace on this route, could u do it?
Im just trying to get a feel for time and distances.
Thanks
Brian
Lake Isabella to Yosemite via that route is about 300 miles, and may take about 8 hours. Fill your tank in Lake Isabella and you will have NO problem. There are PLENTY of services in Porterville, Fresno, and Oakhurst, and in many other small towns along the route. There is plenty of civilization in that part of California.
If you want to take a nap, there's a Walmart in Porterville, 3 Walmarts in Fresno, and truck stops all up and down CA-99. However, you shouldn't need to if you are leaving Lake Isabella in the morning.
GLC thanks for the answer, I am glad you guys gave me your advice, I think I will go the DV , lake Isabella route and up that way. What I am thinking is when I arrive on the 29th. Drive that day:
1. LV to DV then to Lake Isabella and stay there that night ( any suggestions where to stay)
2. Then onto Yosemite the route discussed and stay overnight somplace while enroute. ( any suggestions?)
3. Driving from DV to Lake Isabela: 190 to 395 south to 178, correct? ( 199 miles) What about gas along this route?
4. By the time I get to DV from Vegas I will have already burned 125 miles worth of gas. Tank range is about 300 miles im guessing. So I would have another 199 miles to go.
Thanks
You are really overconcerned about gas stations. People LIVE out there and they have to get gas somewhere. 395 and 178 are well-traveled highways. Do you have a smartphone? If so, get the Gas Buddy app and the Hotels.com app. If you are concerned about making it from LV to Lake Isabella, just fill up in Pahrump on your way into DV - this will save you money anyway as I said in a previous post.
If you are spending a night in Lake Isabella, you should have no problem making it to Yosemite for the next night. If you want to stay IN the park, I'd look into a tent cabin in Curry Village. If you go to nps.gov, then find Yosemite, the site will have a link to in-park lodging and reservations. Your best bet for outside park lodging would be in Oakhurst.
Look in the green toolbar at the top of the page. Under Hotels & Cars you can find hotels for your towns and dates. A lot of the small "mom and pop" motels don't list with the service but it's a start. That's what I used to give you the data in a previous post.
GLC thanks for the info, yes I know I am a bit anal about gas, sorry about that.
How do park passes work? Given all the National parks I plan to go to in Calif , Utah and AZ, can I buy one pass for all parks? If so where do I purchase it, cost?
I do plan do some driving in all of them, I can't hike long distances like I used to due to a foot issue, buy I can hike some.
thanks again.
The National Parks Pass costs $80. It is valid for a full year and covers entry fees for every National Park, although it does not include extra things like camping fees. It sounds like it would be worth it in your case based on the parks you will be visiting. You can purchase it at the first park you visit.
Make sure to check with the Rangers at each park who will be able to tell you which trails will be best for hiking based on your desires and abilities.
I would disagree with GLC slightly about going from Lake Isabella to Yosemite in a day. Yes, you could do it, but I think it will have you fairly rushed going through Sequoia. I would stay outside Yosemite itself. Oakhurst would work, as it is still about an hour short of the actual Yosemite Valley. You might even look at Fresno, for another stopping point.
And I will also agree that you are being more than a little paranoid about gas stations. Not only do people live everywhere you'll be - but if there were no gas stations on a road, how would anyone ever drive on it? Better yet, how would the road have ever been built!
Hey Brian.
The reason[s] I suggested staying in Oakhurst in my earlier post was that A, it will give you more time to enjoy the drive through Sequoia and get out the car in the Giants forest, B, Oakhurst has a good selection of lodgings that are more budget friendly than many around Yosemite and C, the following morning you will have chance to explore other parts of the park like Mariposa Grove and Glacier Point on the way to the valley from the south entrance so that you don't miss them altogether, or have to double back to see them next day.
If you spend the next night in the park then Curry village is the budget friendly option other than one of the campgrounds. [Thats if any spots are available]
You are in for a great trip ! [with gas stations] ;-)
MM, well the Isabela to Yosemite part, I plan to do in 2 days, stop someplace half way or so. As far as staying at Yosemite. I already booked my self at Yosemite Rustic bug hostel on Highway 140, outside of the park. They claim they are about 20-30 min from park entrance.
I figure on staying at Yosemite for 2-3 days, then head out to the Bryce part of the trip throught Nevada, take 2 days to get there and do Bryce/Zion over 3 days, then onto the Grand Canyon from there. May try to swing by Cotton wood AZ( not certian though, depends on time element) for a day, have a friend there. Looking forward to this trip!!!
Thanks for you input !!
Brian
Southwest Dave, those sound like good idea's. I will do this, how far/long a drive is it from Isabela to Oakhurst? Oakhusrt to Yosemite?
Just looking to budget and plan my time. I will hike some, get out of the car, but not for hours and hours on end--my foot cant handle that any more.
The drive through Sequia sounds very nice!!! Looking forward to it!!
thanks
Brian