Kyras

Driving up for Sac Days, what do you suggest?

I'm driving up Friday morning from the desert near Palmdale/Lancaster in So. Cal, and I have time to take the long way. I could take Tioga Pass across (464 miles), Sonora Pass across (484 miles) or just come up 5 (354 miles) or 99 (351 miles). I know Tioga and Sonora Passes can be closed due to weather, and it will take about twice as long to get there that way (10 hours vs. 5 hours).

Any advice or opinions from my fellow S owners who live closer to the area?

Thanks.

Pstar

If it was me I would take 5 and get this part of your traveling done. You still will be doing alot of driving on Sunday and Monday taking the back roads to Reno.

Kyras

I figure I get to take it easy all day Saturday. I am leaning towards Tioga Pass since I've never driven it and it should be pretty. I was told by a motorcycle rider that I should drive the Sonara Pass but I think I'll be a little tired of driving by then and it is pretty curvy, I guess.

anotherbrian

I'd do Sonora Pass rather than Tioga Pass, unless you intend to drive into Yosemite Valley (you never get close to it if you stay on 120 from Crane Flat to Big Oak Flat).

While Tioga Pass is a nice drive, Sonora Pass takes you into more remote (high elevation, narrow, twisty road) areas that aren't as visible along 120.

If you _DO_ take 120, don't miss out on "Old Priest Grade". Immediately beyond Groveland/Big Oak Flat is a shortcut that takes you down to 49 in a fraction of the distance of 120. There is no chance to pass going down, so skip it if anything slow moving is ahead of you (while it's entertaining to watch the cars and trucks smoke their brakes ahead of you, it smells terrible).

Station

Tioga pass is great. That's the route I'd go. If you do, don't forget Yosemite's $20 entrance fee.

I agree about Old Priest Grade. What a fun drive!

Kyras

Thanks anotherbrian and Station.

Your replies are just what I was hoping for. I have a year's pass into the Parks from my trip to Colorado last August so I won't have to pay for Yosemite. I have to pull out a better map though, to see what you're both talking about on the Old Priest Grade.

anotherbrian

If you do take 120, you might consider driving in to Yosemite Valley, or up to Glacier Point (GP is ~40 miles each way from the Crane Flat intersection). The waterfalls are still at their spring flows, so it's a great time to see them.

Kyras

I've decided to take Tioga Pass. Now I'm considering driving into Yosemite too.

I found Old Priest Grade, I think. On my map it looks like a short cut just at Priest, although it doesn't show the name.

I can't find any Glacier Point though. Does it look down on Yosemite Valley? I found Crane Flat lookout Towers.

Kyras

Do any of you have Auto Club? I went to aaa.com and put in my membership number and you can make your own Trip Tiks. It's great! I have it all mapped out from Lee Vining to the Holiday Inn in Elk Grove, including the Old Priest Gardens shortcut.

Thanks for your inputs!

anotherbrian

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Kyras
I've decided to take Tioga Pass.