San Francisco & Yosemite

[kdwilkins]

We're flying to San Francisco in a couple of weeks. The plan is to spend a couple of days in San Francisco, go to Point Reyes, Big Sur, Tahoe and Yosemite. My main concern... is Yosemite realistic in the winter? I know we'll need chains to get into the park. We have six full days there so we definitely want to make the most of it. Thanks for any thoughts and suggestions!

[joemusic321]

This site may be of use to you:

http://www.us-parks.com/yosemite-national-park/accessibility.html

[kdwilkins]

Thanks! I hadn't seen this site.

[jetcode]

I live here and I think you will find that with your itinerary you will be driving most of the time except S.F.. Tahoe, Yosemite are 5 hours from S.F. Bring chains just in case. Big Sur is 3 hours, make sure to see Santa Cruz, Monterrey, Pacific Grove, and drive as far south as Julia Pffiefer state park to take in the bridges. Take hwy 1 south from S.F. for the coastal drive. I live near Point Reyes and you could literally drive from there up hwy 1 on the coast through Tomales Bay to Bodega, Jenner, Gualala, on up to Mendocino and Fort Bragg. Stunning coastal scenery no snow. There are the Sonoma and Napa valleys, wine country as well. Lot's to do locally without the Sierras. I say that because I could spend 4 days in the Sierras alone. Yosemite in a day is a tease but doable. You will miss Tioga pass which in my opinion is just as beautiful as the valley floor and the drive down 395 to Death Valley is stunning. Tahoe is gorgeous and Reno is close by.

[kdwilkins]

Thanks for the suggestions! I was afraid Yosemite might be a bit of a stretch with everything we want to do. I know we’re going to Tahoe to do some skiing. He wants to go north up the coast and I want to go south so we'll have to work that out when we get there. :lol:

[jetcode]

Thanks for the suggestions! I was afraid Yosemite might be a bit of a stretch with everything we want to do. I know we’re going to Tahoe to do some skiing. He wants to go north up the coast and I want to go south so we'll have to work that out when we get there. :lol:

Do the coast in both directions and bring your camera!!!!

The North coast is a short day trip and the south coast is a long day trip. I think 2 days is better because I could spend a day just in Santa Cruz which is a an hour and a half from S.F.

If you want to see some spectacular redwoods go to Armstrong Grove in Guerneville which is east of Jenner on the Sonoma Coast. Feel free to contact me when you are here for more detailed directions. I have been up and down this coast for 20+ years, lived in S.F., Santa Cruz and Pescadero and now just outside of Point Reyes in Marin county.

[kdwilkins]

Do the coast in both directions and bring your camera!!!!

The North coast is a short day trip and the south coast is a long day trip. I think 2 days is better because I could spend a day just in Santa Cruz which is a an hour and a half from S.F.

If you want to see some spectacular redwoods go to Armstrong Grove in Guerneville which is east of Jenner on the Sonoma Coast. Feel free to contact me when you are here for more detailed directions. I have been up and down this coast for 20+ years, lived in S.F., Santa Cruz and Pescadero and now just outside of Point Reyes in Marin county.


Cool... thanks again!