NYC to LA via Chicago, Vegas & SF

Still trying to decide what to do on the latter parts of the trip. One question I have is this:

Do you think it would be a) possible and b) advisable to drive from Death Valley (Furnace Creek) through Tiago pass and Yosemite NP, and stay in a town just outside the park on the western side, in one day? (We'll be there in mid-May - if the pass is not open, we won't go.)

I realise there would be no time for sight-seeing or hikes - just looking to drive through to experience the Tiago road and get a brief glimpse of the Yosemite Valley - so mainly wondering if it is possible in the first place.

I can save Yosemite for a future trip, so it's not a huge problem - just wondering if we can breeze through it this time.

I will post a trip report after the trip - really, really looking forward to everything!

Thank you for any advice.

Not sure about the 'advisable', but it is doable. I have done it twice. As you say, you will be just driving through the park. Maybe have time for a brief photo stop along Tioga Pass. You won't have time to stop at any of the other points along the way... in Death Valley nor along scenic 395.

If I am not wrong, that road does not go through the valley.

Lifey

If you take the Tioga Road into Yosemite, you have to double back quite a bit to get into the Yosemite Valley. It's doable, but not very efficient. You will have to leave Furnace Creek at the crack of dawn and it's going to be getting pretty late when you get out of Yosemite. The closest lodging to the park on the west side are a couple of lodges in El Portal on 140.

The best place as you come out of the park on 120 is Yosemite Bug. Not exactly five star, but quite respectable clean lodgings.

Lifey

I think you are mistaken - the Bug is on 140 between El Portal and Mariposa. The closest lodging on 120 is in Groveland.

Thank you guys.

Does anyone know the actual mileage of the above (Furnace Creek to the other side of Yosemite via Tiago Pass)? Google maps won't let me route it, as the road is currently closed.

Thanks again.

Furnace Creek to Yosemite Village is 300 miles. Figure about 8 hours with stops.

Thanks GLC.

We will spend one afternoon and evening in St. Louis. I have read elsewhere that parts of this city (east of the river and some of the northern parts, for example) have high crime rates and can be quite dangerous.

Can anyone advise as to any nice and safe areas / neighbourhoods for a stroll, a good meal and maybe a few drinks in the evening?

Our hotel is in downtown, very close to the Gateway Arch, just slightly to the North of it.

Many thanks in advance!

Subman

Which exact hotel? North of the Arch is not a very nice neighborhood. If it's the Days Inn, I'd recommend you cancel and reserve closer to downtown. Between the convention center/Edward Jones Dome and Busch Stadium is okay. Rule of thumb in STL is don't go north and don't go east.

If there's a baseball game that night, just follow the crowds, there's safety in numbers!

It's the Missouri Athletic Club (part private club / part hotel). Looking at the map, it's nowhere near as far as the Days Inn. It's basically on the west side of the Eads Bridge.

Do you think this area should be ok? There are quite a few other hotels nearby as well.

Can you recommend any safe areas for eating / entertainment?

Thank you.

You are just fine there.

The whole area between the Edward Jones Dome and Busch Stadium from the riverfront to several blocks inland is the heart of downtown and should be quite safe. Plenty of food and entertainment, but I can't recommend any specifics. I'd ask at the hotel about any particular areas to avoid, and for recommendations for specific establishments.

You might want to go to the casino boat.

Hi GLC,

Thank you very much for this information. It has put my mind at ease. We will of course be careful wherever we go.

You should have no problems at all in that part of St. Louis. Your hotel looks to be right next to Laclede's Landing, with plenty of dining/entertainment options. I've eaten there before, but couldn't tell you which exact spot. It's a nice place to walk around and just pick something you like. I know there is the new ballpark village area closer to Busch Stadium too that would be within walking distance, although it was still being built last time I was there.

Thanks Michael for this info.

St. Louis was the only stop on our trip that I had any concerns about - it's good to see that I managed to book the hotel in the right area. The hotel itself seems quite cool: it's an old building (1916) and still functions as a private social and athletics club. Back in the day, Harry S. Truman and Charles Lindbergh used to be members, amongst others.