Best route avoiding Bay area from Calistoa to Hwy 99

[LovesToWine]

We will be leaving Calistoga (wine country) on an April Thursday morning and want to reach Hwy. 99 to head south. Please offer your best routes to avoid traffic and "messy" streets. I know many of you have done this so thanks in advance!

[Dennis_K]

First off you are in California, you really can't miss traffic or poor roads. Probably the best route for you is south on CA28 to CA12 and follow CA12 all the way to CA99.

[LovesToWine]

Thanks; Unfortunately, we are aware of California roads and traffic but at least it will get us to where we are going. I appreciate the help.

[captrcurtis]

Originally Posted by LovesToWine

Thanks; Unfortunately, we are aware of California roads and traffic but at least it will get us to where we are going. I appreciate the help.

Be careful on hwt 12 they get wicked crosswinds between Fairfield and Rio Vista and be very careful on oncoming traffic a lot of head ons through there.
I would go east on 80 take the I5 south exit and cut over to 99 through Lodi.

[LovesToWine]

According to the map, we will take Hwy 29 south to I-80 but there are so many routes to get to 80. Any suggestions on the best way? There are couple routes through Napa and then can continue to Vallejo or cut over on a short part of 12. Thanks!

[Scooter]

I vote for Hi 29 to Hi 12 to Lodi and Hi 99. Never driven this.

[captrcurtis]

Originally Posted by LovesToWine

According to the map, we will take Hwy 29 south to I-80 but there are so many routes to get to 80. Any suggestions on the best way? There are couple routes through Napa and then can continue to Vallejo or cut over on a short part of 12. Thanks!

Cut over on 12 you'll come out on 80 just west of Fairfield. Now I will tell you that going 80 to west Sacramento, business 80 to I5 will add miles. But my experience (I grew up in that area) I would not pull a very large trailer or 5th wheel out Hwy 12. If you do choose 80 then take hey 120 east off of I 5 once you're through Stockton and it's a straight shot to Manteca and Hwy 99.

If you do take Hwy 12 just stay on your toes for crosswinds and idit drivers wanting to pass. Safe travels

[Scooter]

I did not notice you are new and pulling a trailer....I withdraw my suggestion.

[saddlesore]

29 s to I-80e to I-5 s to 120e to 99 s.

[Dennis_K]

I have driven CA12 from Fairfield to CA99 too many times to count over the last 40 years and while there has been some wind I don't remember it being all that bad.

[captrcurtis]

Originally Posted by Dennis_K

I have driven CA12 from Fairfield to CA99 too many times to count over the last 40 years and while there has been some wind I don't remember it being all that bad.

Well, I guess it depends on one's idea of strong, bad etc. The stretch between Fairfield and Rio Vista typically has crosswinds of sustained 10-12 mph with multiple gusts of over 40 mph. I towed boats from low profile 18' jet boats to 24' cuddy cabins through that area probably, without exaggerating 3-4 times a month for over 30 years(during the summer months) . Before we left California in 2003 they averaged 1 head-on accident per month. Add to that the semi's that use that road pushing 65-70 mph to the actual crosswinds and it has spelled disaster for quite a few.

Further, once you cross the Sacramento River just out of Rio Vista you have about 45 miles of 2 lane road going through an agracultrual area with farm equipment crossing the road, semi's people pulling boats.

Now, there is a camp ground just after crossing the Mokelumne River so, there are campers pulling through there but, personally I would never pull my 33' TT through there unless it was the only way. But that's just my opinion.

[LovesToWine]

We went down Hwy. 29 (from Calistoga) to 12 then to Hwy. 80 to Hwy. 99. I worked well. We stopped in Sacramento at the Costco for gas and then went down 99 for our destination. Thanks to All!