http://www.jimmys-adventures.net/hiking-yosemite-in-november/
Can I drive around Yosemite in November – my first visit to California from UK and I’m sure of weather etc..
Hi everyone
I’m visiting California for the first time 15-25 November. After going to LA and San Francisco I’m thinking of driving East to Yosemite. After this I would like to see Mono Lake and that area – how can I get to this area?
On the map it indicates that the pass between the two will be closed – is it safe to drive around this area (120 – 108 – 395) and what are these roads like at this time of year? Are they mountainous and bendy? Also I’d really appreciate an indication of how long this would take to drive in a standard car.
After this will it be okay to drive south on the 395 before coming back west to LA, or is this ever closed? Any other tips anyone wants to give about this trip are most welcome. I’m travelling with an 18 month old, so will not be skiing or involved in hectic hiking – but intend a more superficial tourist trip that she will enjoy.
Many thanks for your time
Hannah
To drive from San Francisco, through Yosemite National park, and on to Los Angeles is a journey of about 900 Km. You would probably need to stop for the night mid way. Fill up with gas (petrol) before entering the park. Night time temperatures in the park are just above freezing this time of the year.
San Francisco, through the park to Lee Vining, California, the first town on the other side of the park, is roughly 380 Km. and about half of it is mountainous roads. Lee Vining would be a good spot to spend the night. It is next to Mono Lake which you would want to see during daylight hours. Lee Vining is a very small town with two motels which are:
Murphey’s Motel
1-800-334-6316
Lakeview Lodge
1-800-900-6614
Highway 120 is closed, due to snow for a couple months in winter. If you call the motel, the desk clerk can probably tell you the specific dates it is closed. As of today it is still OPEN.
From the north end of town you will see a beautiful sun rise over the lake.
From Lee Vining to Los Angeles is roughly 530 Km, and US 395 is mostly a 4 lane divided highway. The largest town in the area is Bishop, about 80 Km away and a good place to get petrol and have breakfast. From Bishop to Los Angeles you will be driving in the high desert, and there shouldn’t be any problems. Just south of Independance, California you will pass the location (nothing is left) of the Manzanar Japanese Internment Camp from WW2.
Eventually US 395 will turn toward San Bernardino, and you will take Ca14 toward Los Angeles. Get petrol again in the town of Mojave. As you enter the town, to your left you will see lots of airliners in storage at the airport, and to your right hundreds of wind generators on the Techachapi hills. Just south of Palmdale you will go over a small hill, and if you look at the hillside you will see lots of curvy lines in the layers of soil. You are passing over the San Andreas fault. In the Acton / Canyon Country areas you may see some of the areas that burned in the recent fires.
You can get up to the minute road conditions in California by calling the toll free Caltran road condition hotline at 1-800-427-7623, and Yosemite Road conditions at 1-209 372-0200. You are planning a very scenic trip and I do hope that the road conditions allow you to complete it. Welcome to the United States, enjoy your time here.
Yosemite Hiking – KW21