San Fran -> Yosemite -> Death Valley -> Vegas (AGAIN!!)

[killer]

What would you recommmend? If we gave the 395 a miss, is the trip south from Yosemite through Bakersfiled and across to Ridgecrest and north east to death valley still a worthwhile road trip? Or would you still take the 395? Or bite the bullet and do both?!?!

cheers for the advice - its invaluable.

It's a tough call, unless you have been to Yosemite before or know you will in the future I don't see how you can miss it. It's a long haul north from Yosemite to US50 then south on 395 which is one of my favourite roads. The trip south from Yosemite is OK without being thrilling, there are some nice forests! Given your time constraints I think I would skip 395 this time. It's probably a better spring/summer road anyway and there are lots of things to stop and look at.

bob

(I'm driving north from Yosemite to US50 and over to 395 tomorrow, I'll let you know how it is 8-)

[Bob&Cathy]

If you plan to go to Yosemite, don't just see the valley. The park is big, but most of the tourists stay down at the main lodge and only see a small part. If you have time, drive around and see Toulumne Meadows, which is in the park, but on the eastern side. I think 395 is worth the drive. Although, it will add considerable time to your drive. The route south from Yosemite is not bad, but hardly scenic. If you take 395 south, you can go from towns like Lone Pine to Death Valley. It's a lot closer than going from Bakersfield. And, an added treat as far as I'm concerned is the scenery on the road. Plus, you go right past the highest mountain in the continental U.S., Mt. Whitney. And, in Death Valley, not that far away, is the lowest spot in the U.S. A 4X4 is not necessary, even in Death Valley. If you haven't been to D.V. before, it's a huge park, and a lot to see. Scotty's Castle is neat, and unique. Zabriskie Point is neat, and made famous by a movie of the same name in the '60's. The lowest point in Death Valley is called Bad Water.

I hope you have fun on your trip.

Be aware that D.V. can start to heat up in April & May. Bring lots of water.

[killer]

If you plan to go to Yosemite, don't just see the valley. The park is big, but most of the tourists stay down at the main lodge and only see a small part. If you have time, drive around and see Toulumne Meadows, which is in the park, but on the eastern side.

The whole eastern part of the park will still be under several feet of snow at the beginning of April, the road is currently closed just past Crane Flat and is unlikely to open until at least June.

I drove from Oakhurst (south entrance of Yosemite) to Lake Tahoe yesterday, I'd forgotten just how slow CA49 is, taking the northern route will add a full day at least to your travel plans and that's without looking at the interesting things along the way.

[Mark Sedenquist]

I drove from Oakhurst (south entrance of Yosemite) to Lake Tahoe yesterday, I'd forgotten just how slow CA49 is, taking the northern route will add a full day at least to your travel plans and that's without looking at the interesting things along the way.

Good catch, I was going to add that small detail last night, but forgot. CA-49 is a fun route, but you are right the maximum average speed is about 38 mph (there are some sections where one can achieve near 65 mph), but for the most part, it is slow back-roads lane.

Mark

[Bob&Cathy]

Thanks for the update on the weather conditions. I had forgotten about the snow in April.

Sitting here in So Cal, I forget about the conditions elsewhere in the state.

Thanks again for cluing me in about the snow.

[James Brown]

What would you guys recommend in terms of things to do in Yosemite at that time of year?

My main concern would be due to the time of year we'd be restricted by the walks etc we could do (neither of us ski).

In comparison would the 395 be more interesting? With things to see and do along the way?

Is there a website or post on this website that describes this route and its attractions?

thanks again for the help!