Expert: Steve Summers - 1/4/2009

Question
Hi there.
I'm coming to California in April / May.
4 Nights San Francisco - I then want to drive up to Yosemite for 2 nights then go to Death Valley for 2 nights before going onto Vegas and finally flying onto LA.
My question to you please is - the drive from Yosemite to Death Valley is I understand a long one. Where do you suggest we stop over night?  Somewhere with nice scenery etc.
Also - the drive from S/Francisco to Yosemite will I have to worry about road closures??
I aim to go to Yosemite 1st may.
Two adults on the trip.
Many thanks to you.

Answer
Hi Sally,

The drive from Yosemite to Death Valley is INDEED a long one if 120 is closed. It may not be open by May 1. If highway 120 is open through Tioga Pass, then I would suggest staying in Mammoth Lakes, just south of 120 on 395. It is a nice ski town, with plenty of places to stay comfortably. Or you could stay in Bishop, which is a little larger, about 50 miles south of Mammoth. This is really a spectacular trip.

If 120 is closed, you will need to go south on 41, then south to Bakersfield. Bakersfield is not really pretty. But Tehachapi is a bit nicer, so you could look into staying there.

From SF to Yosemite, you shouldn't have any problems with road closures unless there is a late spring storm.

The waterfalls should be spectacular! Get a fresh memory card for your digital camera, you're going to need it.

Have fun!