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California/best route from Sequoia to Death Valley

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Expert: Jason Curodeau - 9/10/2009


Question
Hi Jason (and thanks for previosu reply er Yosemite),WIll be going in Sept from Sequoia Nt Pk to Death Valley Stovepipe Wells. Website for Sequoia indicates cannot use 198 going south from Giant Forest due to steep windy roads. Our trailer/car length combined is 33'. Best alternate route? 180 all the way back to Fresno adds a full HOUR AND A HALF to the trip.243 looks windy too and not much quicker than going all the way back to Fresno. ANy ideas? The website says "maximum advised vehicle length 22 feet". By which I assume they mean total length of car and trailer.Is this road worse than Tioga?
Thanks so much
Frances

Answer
Frances,
Okay so you have a fifteen foot tent trailer who's roof is lower than the one on your 18 foot suv right? If this is the case and you can see clearly all around your vehicle I would not worry. The main thing is that you know what your turning radius is and that you are able to judge turns properly. If you are good at backing up and can maneuver your rig in city traffic than you should be fine. Those suggestions usually refer to class a motor homes and large fifth wheels. I can't promise there won't be any exciting moments but if you take it easy you should be fine. Keep alert, keep the speed down and let vehicles pass. Also when you get to the entrances to parks and national forests take a moment to stop in at the forest service and ranger stations. Let them know specifically where you want to go and they should be able to guide you quite well. Again the biggest obstacle is your ability to drive and be aware of how your rig tracks the road.  If you are not comfortable with this than I would suggest camping in areas near but not in your destinations. Then disconnect and day trip through the parks and monuments. I hope this helped and let me know if you have any other questions.
Jason Curodeau

California

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Jason Curodeau

Expertise

I can answer all questions regarding best routes of travel. Although I cannot predict traffic conditions, I can provide the most scenic and dynamic route for the traveller on a budget and or schedule. I also know the most direct and yet scenic routes.

Experience

I have had the opportunity to travel quite extensively throughout the Southwest and the Pacific Northwest, both as a resident and traveler. My search for adventure and new experiences has given me the thirst for the "road less travelled". Because I am not independently wealthy, the road I travel is as an admirer of the journey. As long as I can find a place to sleep for next to nothing, pack some food, and afford the gas I am down the road. If given a description of the prospective travelers needs I can easily provide them with detailed route options independent of their finances and suited to their needs. Most of my travels have been by automobile. I recently purchased a motorcycle and I am taking ten day trip from Joshua Tree to Auburn California and I am taking back roads and state highways the entire way. I will take a day trip around Lake Tahoe, where I lived for two years, and cruise the old highways of the Gold Mining era. I will cut across towards the Pacific and slowly wind my way down the coast taking in every minute smell and experience temperature changes subtly created by the shadow of leaves

Organizations
Some friends and I from the area have started a local music and art "zine" and have experienced some very positive community feedback.

Education/Credentials
I am currently a full-time, thirty-seven year old student and I am preparing to begin a career in primary education. I have chosen this field not only because I feel it will be rewarding but also for the travel time it will allow me. I anticipate frequent world travel in my near future.

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