Lake Iiabella CA to Sequoia National Park

[moldmkr]

We will be coming from Death Valley NP on our way to Sequoia NP. Can you tell me what Hwy 155 is like or are we better off on Hwy 178. We will be in a 40 ft MH.

Thanks for any input you might have.

Hans

[moldmkr]

We will be coming from Death Valley NP on our way to Sequoia NP. Can you tell me what Hwy 155 is like or are we better off on Hwy 178. We will be in a 40 ft MH.

Thanks for any input you might have.

Hans

[Kel]

Hwy 155 west from Isabella is steep and windey. You'd be earning your money driving that way. 178 is much better from Hwy 14 to a little west of Isabella but then it chokes down to a narrow two-lane with little to no shoulder following the Kern River and impatient commuters that run from Isabella area to Bakersfield. Traveling west on that skinny section is the better way because the river is on your right and what few wide spots there are, are on your side. Eastbound traffic has no shoulder and sheer rock face most of the way. There are rocky outcrops that trucks and RV's have trouble avoiding. My suggestion would be to take Hwy 14 south to Hwy 58 through Tehachapi. It's a long, steady downhill to the valley but 4-lane and not steep. Also, if you haven't heard, there are two hwys. getting into Sequoia. 198 from Visalia and 180 from Fresno. RV's aren't recommended on 198 and I agree. Let me know if I can share more. Good luck, Kel.

[bruceh]

Kel is absolutely correct. I tried the Lake Isabella way to DV once and my wife was white knuckles most of the way. She was sure that the right mirror was going to hit the rocks. CA 58 is a piece of cake, nice swoopy turns and not too steep.

I have never done 198 but 180 isn't bad.

[moldmkr]

Thanks Kel and Bruce for your input, for a while I thought I wasn't going to get a reply. I will look at the map latter today to check out your suggestions. I appreciate your info since I have never been out that way before with a motor home.

Hans

[hrhuggie]

I would have to agree with Kel and Bruce, 155 is NOT the way to go and 178 is much better but your best choice is 58, its a little longer but a lot easier on the nerves.
I drive 178 up to Isabella on a regular basis in our 40' but that is only because I have family up there and visit with them on our way through. I have been taking 32-40 ft motorhomes up that route for 14 years and while it doesnt bother me my wife has the the "white knuckle" experience each time. When we are not planning on stopping in Lake Isabella, we always take 58.
Now, if you want a real experience take 155 north out of Lake Isabella through Kernville, Johnsondale and then hwy 190 coming out in Porterville. I did it in a two seater and was fatigued at the end of the day.... but in a 40 footer!!!!! Extrodinary scenery though

[Tom and Patty]

Are you going to Yosemite too?

If so, you could see Yosemite first and travel over Tioga Pass. We have been over Tioga 4 times in the MH. Coming from the west, the driving is OK.

Here is a description of HYW 155 from the Mountain Directory. 23 miles from the top of the summit to Wofford Heights (Lake Isabella area). The descent starts with 9-10%, then 6-8%, one mile of 13% and 5 miles of 11%.....then a stop sign .

Of course you would be going the other way. Hugh is correct. Even in a car it is a work out.

Have fun and enjoy Sequoia. Be sure to hike Morro Rock if you are able. Kings Canyon is pretty too, but that is another grade .

Do you have a place to stay near Sequoia?