Best way to go...

[lenOrge]

Hi...I'm looking for the best way to get from the Bakersfield, CA .to Petaluma, CA. Like , is it better to cross the Golden Gate or go further North and cross at ElCerrito. Thanks

2003 Brave 34D
2001 Tracker

[MonacoMama]

I would steer away from the Golden Gate if possible. I would definitely look at the "El Cerrito" route - or maybe even up through Napa and Hwy 37
JMHO

[lenOrge]

Ahhhh. Not much help, but thanks anyhow.....lenOrge


2003 Brave 34D
2001 Tracker

[dieselclacker]

Richmond bay bridge.

Dieselclacker

[lenOrge]

Thx Dieselclacker.....That's the info I was looking for. lenOrge

[jobriant]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lenOrge Hi...I'm looking for the best way to get from the Bakersfield, CA .to Petaluma, CA. Like , is it better to cross the Golden Gate or go further North and cross at ElCerrito. Thanks

Assuming you want to go up the Central Valley via I-5, here's the route I'd take:

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I-5 N to north of Westley

Bear L on I-580 toward Bay Area (Altamont Pass), go ~ 36.5 mi.

Take Exit 44b to I-680 North, go ~ 28.7 mi, crossing the Benicia Bridge (TOLL). (Note that the toll is going up dramatically -- 4 axles will cost $20.00.)

At N end of bridge, Exit L onto I-780, go ~ 6.6 mi

Take Exit 1b to I-80 E, go ~ 3.1 mi

Take Exit 33 to SR (State Route) 37, go ~ 21.5 mi.

Take ramp to NB US 101, & follow it N to Petaluma, about 10-15 miles, depening on where in Petaluma you're going.

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I've driven all these roads, as well as the others suggested here, in a 34-ft Class A towing a car. This is without doubt the route I'd take, once I got to the I-5 --> I-580 exit.

If you're towing a trailer, or if you're in a MH towing a car, your speed limit in CA is 55 mph, even on Interstates and freeways. Thus, our preferred route from Bakersfield north would be:

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From SR 99 in Bakersfield, take Exit 26 & go W on SR 58

Turn R on SR 43, all the way to SR 99 in Selma

Follow SR 99 N to Fresno, then exit to SR 108 W

Follow SR 108 W to Mendota, then merge onto NB SR 33.

Follow SR 33 N to SR 152, take SR 152 W through Los Banos to I-5.

Take I-5 N & follow the set of directions above....

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It's a few miles longer, but you'll deal with FAR less traffic, and you'll also avoid the serious crosswinds that often plague I-5 south of Pacheco Pass (SR 152).

Jim O'Briant
Gilroy, CA

[lenOrge]

Thanks jobriant...I'm actually coming from Lake Havasu City,AZ, but can get to Bakersfield. The rest is going to be virgin territory. I've done the GWB, and can do w/o the heavy traffic. lenOrge

2003 Brave 34D
2001 Tracker

[jobriant]

Glad to help out!