Expert: Ernest Tufft - 4/13/2008

Question
We are planning a trip to CA in June/July 2008.  There are a few things I
would like to know.

Can I drive from LA to Big Sur in one day and how long will it take on
Highway 1?

Can I drive from Big Sur to Santa Rosa in one day and how long will it take
and should we continue on Highway 1 or go another way to cut down the
time?

If I go to Yosemite NP do I need 1 or 2 days and if I go to Yosemite NP can I
see the Gaint Sequoias there and not have to stop at Sequoia NP?

Can I drive from Yosemite (Mariposa) to LAX in one day and how long will it
take?

I would love if you could help me out with these questions.

Thanks
Joanne

Answer
The answer to each of these question is theoretically yes, but whether or it one day driving for each is practical is another matter.  From LA to Big Sur is not too hard, given a very early start from LA.  I'd try a pre-dawn start to beat the traffic.  Use mapquest for route details as taking Hwy 1 to San Luis Obispo county may not be the way to go.  In any case, do not delay in the south central coast area or Big Sur can't be done in one day.  You want at least a coup;le of hours between San Simeon and Big Sur for best appreciation of dramatic hwy 1 views.  From Big Sur to Santa Rosa, take Hwy 101, not Hwy 1.  This will go through the Silicon Valley (San Jose), San Francisco, and the Golden Gate Bridge.  Again, don't dally along the way, and you can make this trip fairly easily in one day.  I do recommend 2 days in Yosemite.  One day for the valley itself, and another for Mariposa Grove, Wawona, and Glacier Point.  Skip Sequoia NP as you apparently don't have time.  The drive from Mariposa to LA can be done in one long and grueling day by average driver experience.  Good luck...