Hey Gang
Taking my 35ft National Dolphin to Upper Pines tomorrow and want any feedback on the drive. Coming from So Cal up 5fwy, 41, them 140. Any driving restrictions on height, length, etc. to be concerned with? Tunnel restrictions?
RV driving to Yosemite July 04, 2010 08:56AM | Registered: 13 years ago Posts: 2 |
July 04, 2010 09:02AM | Registered: 15 years ago Posts: 1,372 |
Re: RV driving to Yosemite July 04, 2010 09:35AM | Registered: 13 years ago Posts: 2 |
July 04, 2010 09:57AM | Registered: 15 years ago Posts: 1,372 |
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btnme
thanks for the info Y_P_W
Re: RV driving to Yosemite July 04, 2010 10:43AM | Registered: 13 years ago Posts: 1,698 |
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y_p_w
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btnme
thanks for the info Y_P_W
No problem.
I also wanted to clarify that it's actually two bridges. They set up two bridges to access an old road across the Merced River from the slide area. The traffic is controlled in each direction via automated traffic lights. The paths onto and off of the bridge are at a right angles, so that's what the length restriction is about.
July 04, 2010 12:06PM | Registered: 15 years ago Posts: 1,372 |
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hotrod4x5
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y_p_w
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btnme
thanks for the info Y_P_W
No problem.
I also wanted to clarify that it's actually two bridges. They set up two bridges to access an old road across the Merced River from the slide area. The traffic is controlled in each direction via automated traffic lights. The paths onto and off of the bridge are at a right angles, so that's what the length restriction is about.
Actually, the original bypass bridges were built at 90 degrees, and they had a restriction of 28 ft! Now they are built closer to 45 degrees and so that is why longer vehicles can make it over.
Re: RV driving to Yosemite July 04, 2010 09:39AM | Registered: 13 years ago Posts: 1,698 |
July 04, 2010 09:55AM | Registered: 14 years ago Posts: 1,634 |
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btnme
Hey Gang
Taking my 35ft National Dolphin to Upper Pines tomorrow and want any feedback on the drive. Coming from So Cal up 5fwy, 41, them 140. Any driving restrictions on height, length, etc. to be concerned with? Tunnel restrictions?
July 04, 2010 10:22AM | Moderator Registered: 15 years ago Posts: 1,876 |
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Dave
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btnme
Hey Gang
Taking my 35ft National Dolphin to Upper Pines tomorrow and want any feedback on the drive. Coming from So Cal up 5fwy, 41, them 140. Any driving restrictions on height, length, etc. to be concerned with? Tunnel restrictions?
It seems to there there's a highway or two missing from your route. I'd take 5 then cross over to 99 at 152. Go north to Merced then take 140 to Yosemite. Avoid Wawona Rd in the park. It's being rebuilt and you can expect at least a half hour delay. There are usually several spots on that road with a half hour delay.
The bridges bypassing the rock slide will be no problem for your rig.
Re: RV driving to Yosemite July 04, 2010 10:41AM | Registered: 13 years ago Posts: 1,698 |
July 04, 2010 12:04PM | Moderator Registered: 15 years ago Posts: 1,876 |
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hotrod4x5
DO NOT go through Merced! Follow my directions posted above. Merced takes way too long as you go through city streets and traffic.
July 04, 2010 08:49PM | Registered: 14 years ago Posts: 1,634 |
Re: RV driving to Yosemite July 04, 2010 08:52PM | Registered: 13 years ago Posts: 1,698 |
Tomaaato Tomahhhto.... to each his own. I went through Merced once, I will never do it again. The roads I mention are deserted and 50-55 is easy.Quote
Dave
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hotrod4x5
DO NOT go through Merced! Follow my directions posted above. Merced takes way too long as you go through city streets and traffic.
I go through Merced all the time. It's no problem. The back roads would take longer.
Re: RV driving to Yosemite July 05, 2010 04:13PM | Registered: 14 years ago Posts: 923 |
July 05, 2010 04:44PM | Registered: 14 years ago Posts: 1,634 |
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AlmostThere
There is also the option for the 41 route to turn left onto 49 and head out through Mariposa to end up on 140 heading into the park. In fact, this is how my hiking group gets around the delays on 41 inside the park currently, when we head up to dayhike. 99 to 41 to 49 is fairly straightforward and fast - 41 is a freeway through Fresno and becomes two lane north of town, but remains a relatively quick drive until just after Oakhurst, where it becomes a winding curvy mountain route. But that's after the turnoff on 49, which is at the first light in Oakhurst.
July 06, 2010 10:58AM | Registered: 14 years ago Posts: 321 |
Re: RV driving to Yosemite July 06, 2010 11:14AM | Registered: 14 years ago Posts: 923 |
Re: RV driving to Yosemite July 06, 2010 05:59PM | Registered: 13 years ago Posts: 1,698 |
90 minutes from Oakhust to the valley sounds about right to me.Quote
PineCone
Sorry, I missed that post above, I thought only driving it with detours/delays in the summer was being discussed.
I'm a creature of habit, and have always taken 41 in all the way from Oakhurst. You've given me something to think about.
For what it's worth, per Mapquest:
Oakhurst to Yosemite Village via 41: 47.37 miles, 1 hour 26 minutes.
Oakhurst to Yosemite Village via 49 to 140: 71.02 miles, 1 hour 44 minutes.
July 06, 2010 07:10PM | Registered: 14 years ago Posts: 1,634 |
Add to that at least a half hour of road construction delays and another half hour for slow RVs that refuse to pull over. Also, mapquest/google maps, does not take into account the speed limit in the park is 45mph and on 49 it's 55.Quote
hotrod4x5
90 minutes from Oakhust to the valley sounds about right to me.
July 06, 2010 07:17PM | Admin Registered: 15 years ago Posts: 17,054 |
July 06, 2010 07:19PM | Registered: 14 years ago Posts: 1,634 |
July 06, 2010 07:30PM | Moderator Registered: 15 years ago Posts: 1,876 |
July 06, 2010 07:31PM | Admin Registered: 15 years ago Posts: 17,054 |
July 06, 2010 07:37PM | Registered: 14 years ago Posts: 1,634 |
Re: RV driving to Yosemite March 26, 2011 06:52PM | Registered: 13 years ago Posts: 39 |
Re: RV driving to Yosemite March 26, 2011 07:19PM | Registered: 14 years ago Posts: 923 |
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Marksm
We also have a large RV and would like to take a similar trip. Have clearance and road conditions change much since this post?
July 06, 2010 07:18PM | Registered: 14 years ago Posts: 1,634 |
As I pointed out already, 49 has a higher speed limit than 41. Even with no road construction the 41 route takes longer since it's a windier road with more traffic - and RVs that refuse to pull over. Plus, you get to see Arch Rock, Grouse Creek Falls, Cascade Falls, Wildcat Falls (if you know where to look) and great views of the Merced River all the way. The Cascade Falls picnic area is great! It has a nice swimming beach and none of the crowds you'd get in any of the Valley picnic areas.Quote
PineCone
Sorry, I missed that post above, I thought only driving it with detours/delays in the summer was being discussed.
I'm a creature of habit, and have always taken 41 in all the way from Oakhurst. You've given me something to think about.
For what it's worth, per Mapquest:
Oakhurst to Yosemite Village via 41: 47.37 miles, 1 hour 26 minutes.
Oakhurst to Yosemite Village via 49 to 140: 71.02 miles, 1 hour 44 minutes.
July 04, 2010 03:31PM | Admin Registered: 15 years ago Posts: 17,054 |
July 04, 2010 05:49PM | Registered: 15 years ago Posts: 2,321 |
July 06, 2010 08:50AM | Registered: 14 years ago Posts: 321 |
July 06, 2010 09:33AM | Moderator Registered: 15 years ago Posts: 1,876 |
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PineCone
In the off-season (not the peak summer months) and with no construction on Hwy. 41, which do you guys think would be
the fastest route into the Valley from Oakhurst: staying on 41, or taking 49 through Mariposa to 140 into the Valley?
Re: RV driving to Yosemite July 06, 2010 09:53AM | Registered: 14 years ago Posts: 923 |
Re: RV driving to Yosemite March 26, 2011 07:19PM | Registered: 13 years ago Posts: 39 |
March 26, 2011 08:48PM | Registered: 15 years ago Posts: 2,321 |