Stockton/Modesto to Bishop

[Kimbrough2]

I am looking for the best route from Stockton to Bishop. I will be making the trek in a few weeks. I will be towing my 30ft toyhauler with my 2002 Dodge at capacity, with no other choice for a new rig at this point in time. I am wondering which highways are better. I am trying to decide between 88 or 50 or 80 or I5/58. Looking for something that has the easiest hill climb. And advise, other than getting a new truck, is appreciated.

[NevadaNick]

You have to climb and descend no matter which route you take, i would go 88 just because there is less traffic.

[TampaDave]

Originally Posted by NevadaNick

You have to climb and descend no matter which route you take, i would go 88 just because there is less traffic.

Yeah 88 isn't bad at all, only question is, that stretch of 89 at the end. That road is LOADS of fun on a motorcycle but there are parts, I dunno about hauling a trailer down. Maybe stay on 88 and cut over to 395 south of Minden. If you do it that way, you only have to climb over carson pass which isn't too bad.

[Kimbrough2]

Originally Posted by NevadaNick

You have to climb and descend no matter which route you take, i would go 88 just because there is less traffic.

It's funny seeing guys tell me how well this pulls or that pulls, then you look at their location and see that they are in Oklahoma or Nebraska. Anytime I go 200 miles I am climbing 4500 plus feet. And it's usually 8k-10k ft.

[Kimbrough2]

Originally Posted by TampaDave

Yeah 88 isn't bad at all, only question is, that stretch of 89 at the end. That road is LOADS of fun on a motorcycle but there are parts, I dunno about hauling a trailer down. Maybe stay on 88 and cut over to 395 south of Minden. If you do it that way, you only have to climb over carson pass which isn't too bad.

I have on a few occasions found myself hating the very same road with my trailer that I was just raving about on a bike.

[twogypsies]

We've taken 50 numerous times but it is a climb.... as will be with all the routes.

You could just go south on 99 to 58 to 395 and come at it from the south. Then you'd avoid a big climb.

[TampaDave]

Originally Posted by twogypsies

We've taken 50 numerous times but it is a climb.... as will be with all the routes.

You could just go south on 99 to 58 to 395 and come at it from the south. Then you'd avoid a big climb.

There's that climb out of bakersfield. Which isn't horrible, done it several times in RV, but it is a climb.

Thing about the Sierras is, for the most part, the long gradual climb west to east and then the escarpment at the end, that's what you need to watch out for. 50 and 89 both have descents that could be pretty white-knuckle toward the end. Easy descents on 80 and 58; 88 is really easy if you're willing to go a bit out of your way before you cut over to 395, and has the advantage of spending as little time in the valley as possible. Which is everyone's goal

[Kimbrough2]

Originally Posted by twogypsies

We've taken 50 numerous times but it is a climb.... as will be with all the routes.

You could just go south on 99 to 58 to 395 and come at it from the south. Then you'd avoid a big climb.

Thanks twogypsies. You seem to always come in when I have questions.

[Kimbrough2]

Originally Posted by TampaDave

There's that climb out of bakersfield. Which isn't horrible, done it several times in RV, but it is a climb.

Thing about the Sierras is, for the most part, the long gradual climb west to east and then the escarpment at the end, that's what you need to watch out for. 50 and 89 both have descents that could be pretty white-knuckle toward the end. Easy descents on 80 and 58; 88 is really easy if you're willing to go a bit out of your way before you cut over to 395, and has the advantage of spending as little time in the valley as possible. Which is everyone's goal

I have decided to give 88 a shot. I believe I will take 88 all the way to 395. I have been up 88 as far as the maintenance station past Ham's and Cook's, just not with the trailer. Every time my better half brings me a camping spot, it always involves climbing the Sierra's or Siskiyou's or Cascades.

[R.Wold]

I agree with 99/58/395. The long way around but the grade on 58 is minor by comparison, 58 is in pretty good shape, and the traffic isn’t bad.

[Kimbrough2]

I have taken this route before. I was hoping that 88 was not much worse, as it would shave of a chunk of my time.

[Kimbrough2]

Originally Posted by R.Wold

I agree with 99/58/395. The long way around but the grade on 58 is minor by comparison, 58 is in pretty good shape, and the traffic isn’t bad.

You may be talking me out of 88. If I go around through 58, I also won't have the grade near Lee Vining.

Plus there's alot less chance of my better half getting altitude sickness if I take 58. Thanks again.

[Wildwoods22]

Lived just off 50 for 16 years. 58 to 395 definitely the easier grades. But, I think your 2500 should be able to do 88. Just be sure to take it all the way to 395. Don't be tempted to take 89 south as a shortcut. Did that with a 19ft trailer and aged 10 years on those twisty roads; never again, with or without a trailer.

[Ldubs]

I'm also in Northern Calif. Hope you come back and let us know what route you took and how it worked out for you.

Enjoy!