Expert: Ernest Tufft - 3/9/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have cancelled 3 trips to Yosemite over the years because I have heard such horror stories about the drive. I do not like very windy, hairpin type roads, or super sheer cliffs. I want very much to see this area and take my teens before they are too old to want to go with the folks, can you please tell me the easiest drive from San Diego into Yosemite? We would be staying at the Ahwahnee.

ANSWER: Hi Becky,

Your concern is an interesting one.  I frankly think that you will find the El Portal (Main Entrance) route from Merced quite satisfactory.  Most of the route from Merced is through the foothills, and while these have some turns, there are really no hairpin switch back type turns with vertical cliffs.  Bear in mind that Yosemite Valley is only at about 4,000 ft altitude, and in winter, the snow alternates with rain.  The all-weather El Portal entrance road follows the turns of the Merced River at the base of a deep canyon, much like you might find in places in San Diego, with the portion just preceding Yosemite itself being of some geological interest as it is much older and more heavily eroded than the granite cliffs found in Yosemite.  If you are afraid of heights, then stay in the Yosemite Valley and look up at the majestic water falls and such.  Hope this inspires you to go.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Ernest, I hope you can tellme how to get to this entrance. i am completely unfamiliar with the area and don't know how to get to the entrance you refer to. I had someone else recommend the drive in from Fresno via Hwy 41.  is that the same route you are talking about?

Answer
Please use www.mapquest.com, CA highway map, or GPS device to help with details.  The route your friend suggests via Fresno is the usual path for those coming from So CA, but this route enters the park at the south entrance, very close to the Maripsa Grove of Sequoia Giants, Badger Pass Ski Resort, Wawona Hotel, and turn off to Glacier Point.  The El Portal entrance, the all weather highway, enters the park at a much lower elevation.  Take hwy 99 to Merced, then hwy 141 east.