Community Forums

Mpowers112 · 09-21-2018, 04:30 PM

I am planning a trip from Oregon to China Lake in Southern California in a few weeks and am looking for some advise on the best route. I am stopping in Redding to visit family then heading south and have three or four days to get to China Lake after Redding. I prefer to stay off interstates if possible for numerous reasons and typically drive five or six hours per day.

My question pertains to traffic and road conditions for 99W south of Sacramento. Does 99 go through a lot of busy towns with stop lights and traffic south of Sacramento or further down south or would I just be better off staying on I5 for the majority of the trip even though I really don’t like driving interstates if possible?

Any suggestions would be appreciated. I only have 4 days to make the trip down and plan on taking my time back up north on the east side of the mountains if weather permits.

Mike 17NV McMinnville OR

coupevilleDF · 09-21-2018, 05:47 PM

99 south of Sacramento is freeway to Bakersfield and was in good shape when I drive it last in 2016. I-5 on my northbound trip was awful.

paparazi · 09-21-2018, 06:41 PM

Have you considered Redding to Susanville and then 395 South?

Mpowers112 · 09-22-2018, 06:24 AM

We will be returning from China Lake on the east side of the mountains and via Susanville is my planned route back. I would rather not return the same route as I go if possible. We love the drive on the East side of the mountains driving up through Mammoth, Reno, etc..

Thanks for all your comments everyone.

HighDesert · 09-22-2018, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paparazi

Have you considered Redding to Susanville and then 395 South?

If you go this route, the only real traffic you hit is coming into Minden, NV, then a lot of traffic on the new bypass around Renos, Carson City. Drove from Central Oregon to a friend's place in Bear Valley, Ca and was a nice drive. If you come down Hwy 97, to Klamatah Falls, then go to Merrill, Or and on to Susanville, then south.

beaverfever · 09-22-2018, 07:03 PM

the big difference between 99 and I-5 is 99 has a lot more on and off ramps with idiots trying to merge in or make a last second exits. i usually go south on one and north on the other just for a change of scenery

Unkgd · 09-22-2018, 07:14 PM

For variety to 5 and 99, cut over to Route 1 at Half Moon Bay below San Francisco. Lots to look at and not an interstate. Can pick up the 101 South in San Luis Obispo for the rest of the trip. Much better views than on the southern parts of 5 and 99.
You could pick it up farther north on 299, 36 or 20 as well. Would not recommend 299 or 36 for a long RV though. Both are very tight and twisty.

Skip426 · 09-22-2018, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beaverfever

the big difference between 99 and I-5 is 99 has a lot more on and off ramps with idiots trying to merge in or make a last second exits.

I avoid 99 for this very reason , unfortunately , you'll find idiots trying to get from LA to SanFran , faster on the I-5 than they could if they went via the airports .

Mpowers112 · 10-04-2018, 11:01 AM

Has anyone gone over Tioga Pass in October when leaving Yosemite? I am considering staying in Yosemite for a couple of days and would like to shorten my trip to China Lake by heading out through Tioga Pass. This would save me almost two hours vs the western route through Bakersfield but I would have to watch the weather.

I understand Tioga Pass is the highest pass elevation in California, thus my concern. Will I have any trouble in a 25 ft. Sprinter based diesel?

VanDiemen23 · 10-04-2018, 09:10 PM

you will have to check and see if they've closed the gate. Status will be on the CalTrans website. depends on weather. Roadwise, Tioga is no big deal.