Expert: Steve Summers - 11/22/2003

Question
Never been to either but think about taking a week (live in Ohio now) and would like to spend a few days visiting both Death Valley and Yosemite.
1) Where should I fly to? Las Vegas?, Los Angeles?
2) Do you recommend staying inside/outside either or both of the above and do you have recommendations on where to stay and what to do at each place.
I know the above question is quite open ended but perhaps a couple of places to stay in each and a couple of things to do in each would be good.
A couple of things may help, I am traveling with my adult daughter (just the 2 of us) and we don't like camping so any motel, bed and breakfast or any place with a room, bed and restroom would be O.K. We like to see new things and go hiking but nothing grueling.

Thank you,

Bill


Answer
Hi Bill,

You didn't say when you are coming, and that will make all the difference. This time of year, Death Valley is fine, but the Tioga Pass entrance to Yosemite is closed, which adds 200 miles to the trip. If you are going in the late spring, the pass should be open in May or June, depending on snow conditions from the winter. But from June to August, Death Valley is just too blasted hot.

So let's assume that we won't have Tioga Pass (hwy 120) open. I would fly into Vegas, see Death Valley, then proceed on to Yosemite. From there, you can go back south to LA, but San Francisco/Oakland is closer.

While in Vegas, be sure to see the fountains at the Bellagio and the volcano erupting at the Mirage. It's a cheap (free) thrill. It's too bad that they closed the free pirate show at the Mirage.

From Vegas, take 95 west for about 85 miles, then left on 373. Travel about 15 miles then turn right on hwy 190 into Death Vally National Monument. (It may be a desert, but there are a lot of mountains along the way).

The Furnace Creek Inn (760) 786-2361 and the Furnace Creek Ranch (760) 786-2345 provide motel accommodations. The Stovepipe Wells Village provides motel accommodations and limited recreational vehicle camping facilities. (760) 786-2387. The Panamint Springs Resort provides resort accommodations and camping. Tel (702) 482-7680. I recommend staying at Furnace Creek. See www.furnacecreekresort.com.

While in DV, be sure to see Scotty's Castle, the Harmony Borax Works, Badwater (lowest point in Western Hemisphere), and Dante's View.

From DV, take highway 190 about 100 miles west to US395. (If hwy 120 was open, you could go north and take hwy 120 to Yosemite Valley). Take 395 south about 40 miles, then take 14 south. DON'T TAKE THE 395 TURNOFF! If you just stay on the main road, you will be on 14. You have to turn left to stay on 395, but then you will wind up in San Bernardino. OK, so take 14 south for about 50 miles, then turn right on hwy 58. Go about 60 miles to Bakersfield, then take 99 north 115 miles to Fresno. OK, time to top off your gas tank. Exit at Shaw, turn left, then turn right on Blackstone. You will have a variety of gas stations and eating establishments to choose from. Once you have filled your tanks and stomachs, take the 41 north another 30 miles to Oakhurst to spend the night. Relax. You've driven over 400 miles.

Spend the night at either the Shiloh Inn (www.shiloinns.com) or Best Western Yosemite Gateway. Don't forgot your swim suit, so that you can relax in the spa. Both are family favorites of ours.

After a good night's sleep, take highway 41 into Yosemite Valley. Once you get to the park boundary, the speed limit is 35 mph, and it takes about 90 minutes to get to the valley. If money isn't a problem, I recommend the Ahwahnee. BEAUTIFUL is not a strong enough word to describe this craftsman style hotel. If you can't stay there, at lease visit it. Otherwise, check out the rooms and cabins at Yosemite Lodge or Curry Village. Do not stay in a canvas tent unless it is summer. If you cannot get lodging in Yosemite Valley, the Wawona is also very nice. See www.yosemitepark.com for lodging choices.

Even though the Valley is a very small part of Yosemite, it is the most poplular place in the park. While there, I recommend renting a bike and just riding along the miles of trails in the valley. When we stay, we spend a couple of days just biking the valley floor. If the trail is open, take the shuttle to Happy Isles nature center and hike up to Vernal Falls. If you have the energy, continue to Nevada Falls. An easier hike (but still beautiful) is the Mirror Lake/Meadow loop. Take the shuttle to the Mirror Lake stop and have a nice hike. In the winter, you can ski Badger Pass and skate on the ice rink in Curry Village. In the summer, you can rent a raft and take a leisurely ride down the Merced River. There are also a myriad of presentations by the Park Rangers and docents, so be sure to take advantage.

When you decide to leave Yosemite, you can take 140 down through El Portal (about 70 mies) to highway 99. Take 99 north about 60 miles to hwy 120 west(6 miles), which will take you to I-5 south (2 miles). Take I205 west about 17 miles to I580 west. From there, it's about 50 miles to Oakland, and about 5 more miles to SF. (If you want to go to LA, just take 41 from Yosemite to the 99, then 99 south to I-5, which take you to LA.) Yosemite to SF is about 200 miles, Yosemite to LA is 315.

Have fun!

Steve