Expert: Ernest Tufft - 3/30/2008

Question
Hi,
I am planning a 9 day long trip to CA and have got stuck on how much time should i give to Yosemite. Here is itinerary planned so far:
24 May - land at SFO (from DC). Visiting SF, staying in San Mateo.
25 May - Drive on US-1. Stay in San Luis Obispo.
26 May - Drive to Santa Barbara. Stay in Bakersfield.
27 May - Staying at Furnace Creek Ranch, Death Valley.
28 May - stay at Yosemite?
29 May - stay at Tahoe?
30 May - Visit Napa, Muir woods, Golden gate, Lombard street. Stay in SF?
31 May - Stay in SF close to airport - hotel booked.
1 June - Early morning flight from SFO.

I have not done the bookings for 28, 29 & 30 May. I am the sole driver and do not want to drive more than 4-5 hours a day. Dont know will Tioga pass be open by May 28 or not, as it might delay my plans by a day. Thus, should i consider removing lake Tahoe from my plan and giving that one more day to Yosemite?

Thanks a lot for your response.

Answer
The Yosemite national park website (be careful, there are a lot of imitations) provides Tioga Pass information, but I believe that you MAY be OK for so late in May.  Looking at your itinerary, I don't see the value of SLO, Bakersfield, and Death Valley for a first time visitor, unless you have friends in these places.  By may Death Valley will already by too hot for anything by a drive through;  Yosemite in contrast will be flush with spectacular waterfalls and wildflowers.  Given the short time frame, you may have to give up on Tahoe or Wine country, but with some adjustments, and lots of driving, Napa Valley can be seen on drive from Yosemite to San Francisco.  The travel distances between these places will wear you out.  Yes, Stay in SF, but not near the airport.  Rather, take BART from downtown direct into the airport.  The airport is freeway encircled industrial zone south of the city of no interest to tourists.  If you need more specifics, please reply or see Mapquest for an overview.