Trip Planning...

[Paul O.]

...from Denver to Yosemite, Kings C., Sequoia and back.



We are in the early stages of planning our 12 days to 2 weeks, September (second half) trip to see Yosemite N.P., Kings Canyon and Sequoia NP.

I have been wondering if it is possible to take the CA 120, a.k.a. Tioga Road, from Mono Lake to Yosemite Village at that time of the year. Also, is it reasonable to take that road with my rig (Tacoma and Scamp19). On the way back, a stop will be made at Valley of Fire and then I15 and I70 back home. Anybody has done something like it and may have recommendations? Thanks in advance.

[Mike Magee]

I towed a previous 16' KZ travel trailer on that road, no problems. I wouldn't hesitate to take my 19' Escape. You should be fine. I can't speak to the weather conditions in late September, but that sort of info is available online; according to this NPS webpage the road should remain open until late October or November.


Last I knew, there were plenty of boondocking opportunities around June Lake and Mammoth Lakes, on your way into the park. I camped for a night at Sagehen Meadow south of the lake (Mono) and it was super quiet; see freecampsites dot net for location.

[Paul O.]

Thanks, Mike!

[DSK]

Hwy 120 over Tioga pass is the only mid-Sierra pass I'd take. Its a long pull out of Lee Vining on the east, but the western size is very reasonable. Weather in Sept shouldn't be an issue.


Hwy 108 or Hwy 4, which are north of the park, are not suitable for trailers no matter what your GPS tells you.



Hwy 58 around the southern end through Tehachapi is a 4 lane hwy through the pass.

[Paul O.]

Thank you, David!


PS. I heard a lot about how people get in trouble by blindly following GPS or Google maps.

[Guide Guy]

We lived in Mammoth Lakes for 20 years and Bishop for another 20, and literally traveled over Tioga Pass countless times. One reason is our youngest son attended UCSC and Tioga was the quickest way there.

We towed our 17’ Casita with our Honda Ridgeline over the pass many times in both directions with no problems. The portion from Lee Vining to Yosemite NP is steep so take it easy and gear down on your TV, and don’t wear out your brakes. Going up is a slow and steady drive.

Yosemite is unbelievably beautiful from the entrance on Tioga Rd to the Valley floor. Stop at Tuolumne Meadows and Olmsted Pt. And, of course, don’t miss the Valley floor. The Park will likely be busy and it may be difficult to park while towing but at least drive through. There is an entrance fee for Yosemite so be prepared, and if you have a NP pass that should cover it.

Keep in mind that Tioga Rd is closed in the winter due to snow, and it gets lots of it! It can close as early as early September and as late as November, but sometime in October is more normal. Have another route in mind in case you can’t get over the pass. Hwy 50 through South Lk Tahoe to Sacramento is open year-round, weather permitting, and Tahoe is beautiful. Hwy 108 (Sonora Pass) has very tight turns on the east side of the Sierra so don’t try to tow there.

Have a great trip. You’ll love it!

[Guide Guy]

Here are some awesome spots to see along Highway 395:

1. Bodie State Historical Park Ghost Town, Hwy 270 turnoff: This is an awesome old mining town that’s really worth the visit if you have the time, but the last 4 miles is a washboard dirt road: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vnveLvhMZBvD...s.preview.copy
2. Mono Lake Vista Point (beautiful panoramic views): https://maps.app.goo.gl/g2zbxW1gBp6U5zdX8?g_st=ic
3. Mono Lake Park (restrooms and boardwalk to Mono Lake): https://maps.app.goo.gl/FLAipqetZJpZTUqE7?g_st=ic
4. Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center (winter closure, opens in May): https://maps.app.goo.gl/TPdXQzDBgUWguD227?g_st=ic
5. June Lake Loop Hwy 158 north junction (very pretty scenic drive by 4 lakes and Alpine town of June Lk, continues back to Hwy 395): https://maps.app.goo.gl/6grWnECVVrv6fRN77?g_st=ic
6. June Lk town (really cute Alpine town, lodging and several nice campgrounds): https://maps.app.goo.gl/kggBPzLXsY23vQLA8?g_st=ic
7. June Lake Loop Hwy 158 south junction (exit back to Hwy 395): https://maps.app.goo.gl/VEjXkptvShBJbVeQ8?g_st=ic
8. Mammoth Lakes town: https://maps.app.goo.gl/mBrYsNaXnvY3w1Ar6?g_st=ic
9. Link to Mammoth Lakes visitor guide: https://www.bluetoad.com/publication...&p=1&ver=html5
10. Mountain Ski Area (drive by Main Lodge): https://maps.app.goo.gl/z4WFaigFdgNxXBrGA?g_st=ic
11. Minaret Vista (awesome one of a kind view!) https://maps.app.goo.gl/s8MYwYNP5MqVLKwW8?g_st=ic
12. Twin Falls Overlook (gateway to the lakes basin, a great place to visit): https://maps.app.goo.gl/rRR8LnFokEzVsXtw8?g_st=ic
13. City of Bishop: https://maps.app.goo.gl/NqPSFikECd2VhvB98?g_st=ic
14. Laws Railroad Museum (this is really cool and kids love it!) https://maps.app.goo.gl/8Bz1itBPND9EG1LV8?g_st=ic
15. Schat’s Bakery (you’ll love it!) https://maps.app.goo.gl/UyfnsNfy9pg4yQC49?g_st=ic
16. Bishop City Park (serene park across from Schat’s Bakery with trees, a pond and benches) https://maps.app.goo.gl/kMsD3JyWJSbe...s.preview.copy
17. Browns Town Campground (very nice campground at south edge of Bishop, adjacent to Bishop Golf Course https://maps.app.goo.gl/UHDeEiJgJ3vp...s.preview.copy
18. Los Angeles Aqueduct Intake (Owens River diversion point to LA, see where LA’s water comes from) https://maps.app.goo.gl/KamGTKMiMCZM...s.preview.copy
19. Fish Springs Fish Hatchery (raises and plants more than a million trout each year. Park in the gravel lot and walk in the big gate) https://maps.app.goo.gl/EDKknwNj54AMFbXBA?g_st=ic
20. Manzanar National Historic Site (10,000 Japanese Americans held there during WW2, very moving visitor center): https://maps.app.goo.gl/gupubhkyuK6JPoE58?g_st=ic
21. Eastern Sierra Visitor Center (great VC and nice bathrooms): https://maps.app.goo.gl/4AEQWb3ycPnPXwf4A?g_st=ic

[Paul O.]

Thank you very much, Guide Guy, for such a list of interesting places!

[John in Santa Cruz]

FWIW, I've taken my Casita both ways over 108 and 4 at various times with my Tacoma 4x4 6 speed stick... drive carefully, stay in low gear on downgrades, and it was no problem. But I've been driving narrow mountain roads my whole life.

[Paul O.]

Originally Posted by John in Santa Cruz

FWIW, I've taken my Casita both ways over 108 and 4 at various times with my Tacoma 4x4 6 speed stick... drive carefully, stay in low gear on downgrades, and it was no problem. But I've been driving narrow mountain roads my whole life.

Thanks. That is my style of towing my Scamp, as well. My wife helps on the easy roads.

[Mike Magee]

I don't think anyone has specifically mentioned Devil's Postpile National Monument, just west of Mammoth Lakes. Interesting rock formation.





The drive into the park has perhaps a mile of steep uphill, then several miles of fairly steep downhill (a long coast downward); I rode my bicycle into the park and then took the bus back (with my bike loaded on the front of the bus). Perfect for an ebike, btw.

[jerrybob]

Some great fishing in those Sierra lakes....did it for 40 yrs....fished every lake up there....just beautiful. There is a trick to fishing those lakes......for a small fee....I could guarantee you a full stinger everytime. An ole timer taught me the trick many years ago, As for Tioga....go slow....have fun....just beautiful.

[Paul O.]

Devil's Postpile looks like somebody moved a piece of Devils Tower and tipped it over.



Thank you all!