Planning a trip to Yosemite sounds amazing! It's great that you're taking a diverse group to experience it. As for your questions: Question (1): I'd suggest going on 140 and returning on 120 to avoid the cliff side of Big Oak flat road. It's a slightly easier drive. Question (2): For a midpoint town, consider Sonora or Murphy's. Sonora has good options, and Murphy's is cute. Mariposa is also grby sanderson - Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. News & Discussion