Driving from Berkeley

[tmrettig]

Hello there,
The second Sunday in August, I'll be driving from Berkeley to Yosemite Valley.

Any suggestions of good routes? Stops along the way? Ways to avoid congestion?
Good fruit stands? Is the Tuolumne Sequoia Grove worth the detour?

-Tracy

[balzaccom]

Our 24 to 580..then take 120 up to Big Oak Flat. Between Manteca and Escalon, stop at Fisher Farms for great fruit---all grown by them and only picked when perfectly ripe. It's right where French Camp Road hits 120.

Hula's Burgers in Escalon is the best place we've found to eat in that area---or Old Priest Café at the top of Old Priest Grade about an hour later, as you climb out of Moccasin towards Groveland.

If you've never seen Sierra Redwoods, you owe it to yourself. The shortest route from Berkeley to Yosemite Valley, via Google, is on 120. and that will take you within about five miles of the Tuolumne Grove, just East of Crane Flat. Another option would be to hike down to Merced Grove, which is off the same road a few miles later. But it's about a two mile hike to the trees from the trailhead for Merced Grove. Tuolumne Grove has easier access once you get out of your car.

[Phil]

Hi Tracy,

It's probably best if you just head east on 580 to Highway 120 and basically drive straight to the park, unless you're interested in Livermore, Tracy and Manteca. You could do a side-trip to somewhere like Sonora for the history and quaintness of a Gold Rush era town, but you're going to add time, it's probably going to be stiflingly hot, and traffic conditions and congestion can be bad sometimes. There are plenty of fruit stands on the highway after you pass through Manteca and before you get to Escalon and Oakdale, and there are a few that should be obviously better than others. After you pass Lake Don Pedro, if you can handle some tight and steep turns, look for Old Priest's Grade Rd on your right. It'll save you some driving time and distance, but be sure to turn off your AC. The restaurant right at the top of the grade is pretty decent. Since you're going through there anyhow, Groveland is a cool little town to check out. There's a restaurant near the end of town that makes a pretty decent burger or breakfast, but that's your call, and when we were there a couple weeks ago, the quality wasn't what it used to be. Tuolumne Grove really isn't a detour at all since it's no more than 2-3 minutes from Crane Flat at the intersection of Tioga Rd (Hwy 120) and Big Oak Flat Rd(Hwy 41). Just turn left at the gas station and you're already basically there. If you're into big trees, it isn't Miraposa Grove, but it's worth seeing.

I guess that if it looks interesting to you, whatever it is, stop and check it out. Hope this helps.

[weendoggy]

I agree on the route and suggestions. The Iron Door Saloon (oldest in CA) in Groveland is a neat place for lunch. If you want to avoid congestion (on a Sunday) you best leave early to beat traffic in Yosemite Valley. That will be your worst adventure. Getting to the valley early would be my best suggestion to beat congestion. I tend to park in the Curry Village area and hike from there. Shuttle bus stops, deli, store and cafeteria are there as well.