Community Forums

Billythedog · 01-04-2019, 08:50 PM

We plan to travel up the west side of the Sierra Nevada range visiting the Sequoia, King Canyon and Yosemite NP to Lake Tahoe. Does anyone have experience traveling that area in March; also recommended routes, RV parks etc.

Any and all thoughts very much appreciated!

Ron, Karen and Bella

2001 Newmar DS towing Buick Enclave

Blandry29 · 01-05-2019, 11:27 PM

Hopefully the government shutdown will be over by March, as both Kings Canyon and Sequoia are currently closed, and Yosemite has limited services. The length of your rig will determine many of the recommendations, as some campgrounds have length limits, and the lower entrance to King's Canyon has a 22' length restriction. Check the NPS websites.

March is iffy snow-wise in the Sierra, but the majority of your trip will be in the Central Valley along the Hwy 99 corridor, which is snow free, although still subject to thick tule fog. One strategy is to stay in an RV park in the valley, and toad into the parks for day trips.

Reservations in the Yosemite Valley campgrounds are usually booked out over a year, although you could get lucky. An alternative is Yosemite Lakes Resort (If you are a Thousand Trails Member) or Yosemite Pines RV Park in Groveland. These are about 15 and 30 minutes respectively from the entrance gate, have great amenities, and usually have reservations available.

Once you leave Yosemite, follow Hwy 49 North to Hwy 50. It is a scenic drive through the gold country, with lots to see and do. There are several limestone caverns with tours available. The entire town of Columbia is a State Park, with historic buildings, exhibits, and shops - and period costumes on the weekends.

Jamestown has a great railroad museum, Sonora and Jackson are quaint towns with tons of antique shops. Sutter Creek has great restaurants, Murphys is known for brewpubs, eateries, and entertainment. The entire Shenandoah Valley is littered with wineries that rival those in Napa, but without the snoot factor.

Once you reach Placerville, Hwy 50 is a scenic drive over the summit along the South Fork of the American River, and affords a breathtaking vista of Lake Tahoe as you descend.

Sounds like a great trip. Happy trails!

Rodg495 · 01-06-2019, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blandry29

Hopefully the government shutdown will be over by March, as both Kings Canyon and Sequoia are currently closed, and Yosemite has limited services. The length of your rig will determine many of the recommendations, as some campgrounds have length limits, and the lower entrance to King's Canyon has a 22' length restriction. Check the NPS websites.

March is iffy snow-wise in the Sierra, but the majority of your trip will be in the Central Valley along the Hwy 99 corridor, which is snow free, although still subject to thick tule fog. One strategy is to stay in an RV park in the valley, and toad into the parks for day trips.

Reservations in the Yosemite Valley campgrounds are usually booked out over a year, although you could get lucky. An alternative is Yosemite Lakes Resort (If you are a Thousand Trails Member) or Yosemite Pines RV Park in Groveland. These are about 15 and 30 minutes respectively from the entrance gate, have great amenities, and usually have reservations available.

Once you leave Yosemite, follow Hwy 49 North to Hwy 50. It is a scenic drive through the gold country, with lots to see and do. There are several limestone caverns with tours available. The entire town of Columbia is a State Park, with historic buildings, exhibits, and shops - and period costumes on the weekends.

Jamestown has a great railroad museum, Sonora and Jackson are quaint towns with tons of antique shops. Sutter Creek has great restaurants, Murphys is known for brewpubs, eateries, and entertainment. The entire Shenandoah Valley is littered with wineries that rival those in Napa, but without the snoot factor.

Once you reach Placerville, Hwy 50 is a scenic drive over the summit along the South Fork of the American River, and affords a breathtaking vista of Lake Tahoe as you descend.

Sounds like a great trip. Happy trails!

Hwy 49 west of Mariposa is a bear down thru a very steep and winding canyon. Not a good choice for a long rig towing. Might think about heading down to Hwy 99 to bypass that stretch.

Blandry29 · 01-07-2019, 01:39 PM

Agree with Rodg495 about that stretch of 49. It's doable, but it's a bit of a white knuckle ride. If you are accessing the valley via 120 from Modesto, it's not an issue, but if you come up through the south entrance on 140, It's best to leave Yosemite by the north entrance on 120 to avoid the grade.

The Priest Grade out of Big Oak Flat is also challenging, but easier, especially since they built the bypass. Take it slow in low gear, and there's no problem.

bigchick · 01-08-2019, 09:31 AM

we have enjoyed the jackson rancheria rv park

Billythedog · 01-08-2019, 11:23 AM

Thanks Bob, the information provided is very helpful particularly the route recommendations. The most challenging aspect of RV travel is not knowing which roads are accommodating of MHs.
Wish you safe and enjoyable travel!
Ron

Billythedog · 01-08-2019, 11:38 AM

Thanks, our current plan includes staying at Lemon Cove for Sequoia NP and Kings Canyon NP traveling to Oakhurst for Yosemite; which would have us traveling 49 towards 50 and Lake Tahoe. We will definitely consider your warning on 49 near Mariposa. If we were not hooked up would it be easier to travel through that area?
Again, thanks for your advise and stay safe and enjoy!
Ron

Wrktfsh · 01-08-2019, 12:49 PM

Historically the sierras and even southern mountains can get hammered in march with snow. Keeps us skiing into May sometimes. Just pay attention to the weather and be prepared to alter plans slightly if needed

BCam · 01-08-2019, 01:03 PM

You may be lucky in Yosemite and benefit from last minute cancellations even if you don't have reservations.

MrsChilerick · 01-08-2019, 06:09 PM

We’ve don that stretch of the 49 to the 50 twice in our 30 foot towing a short Jeep. The second time was a “bang head” moment. We avoid it and now with our longer rig and 4-door Jeep won’t consider it.

Only other suggestion is to stay aware of road closures parts of 120 in particular rarely open until late May or early June depending on the snow.