| Author | Message | ||
| Peter River (Whitebus)
Registered Member Username: Whitebus Post Number: 154 Registered: 4-2009 Posted From: 208.54.14.92  Rating: N/A |
since the recent Ken Burns documentary, I've been itching to go to yosemite in my bus. has anyone done this? Last time I went I remember there being rock overhang that would take out a full size van, but I am hoping for another road that would take me there. it would be so cool to camp out in my van for a week, and wake up to the view of the El Capitan... | ||
| Cullen Newsom (Cullennewsom)
Registered Member Username: Cullennewsom Post Number: 141 Registered: 2-2009 Posted From: 98.200.242.221  Rating: N/A |
I once went in a rented pontiac that was less than a year old (in 2006). It would overheat going up the mountain with the A/C on. Of course, there was a heat wave in 2006. A rented car will go over anything. | ||
| RJ Long (Rjlong)
Registered Member Username: Rjlong Post Number: 1611 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 67.182.53.218  Rating: N/A |
Peter - Tour buses run in & out of Yosemite year-round. You can enter the park via Hiway 41 from the south, Hiway 140 from Merced, Hiway 120 out of Manteca or, if you're feeling really brave, Hiway 120 from Lee Vining. Hiway 140 from Merced had a major landslide a couple of years ago, and a temporary detour was constructed - it's passable in a coach, but requires real concentration. 140 is also the route that's sticking in your mind as having the rock overhang, which will make a convertible out of a coach or RV if you don't pay attention. Whichever route you choose, there's a lot of wheel-turning, but so, so worth it. There's bus parking (primarily for tour coaches overnighting with their groups) near Yosemite Lodge on the valley floor. Peak season is over, so this is a good time to go. Spring & Fall are spectacular in the park, but no real waterfalls in October. I used to run tours into Yosemite twice a week all summer long, been over every route so many times I've lost count. . . but I NEVER get tired of going to the park - and I'm just an hour south of the Hiway 41 gate. While you're there, see if you can find Fern Falls - the only waterfall in the park that's twice as wide as it is tall! FWIW & HTH. . .  | ||
| Sean Welsh (Sean)
Registered Member Username: Sean Post Number: 971 Registered: 1-2003 Posted From: 67.142.130.38  Rating: N/A |
Yes: http://ourodyssey.blogspot.com/2009/08/yosemite-in-high-season.html Just to clarify RJ's comments: the bus parking near the lodge is great for a day visit, however you are not permitted to sleep in a vehicle anywhere in Yosemite other than in an RV in a developed campground. -Sean http://OurOdyssey.BlogSpot.com | ||
| ED Hackenbruch (Shadowman)
Registered Member Username: Shadowman Post Number: 170 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 75.216.15.12 Rating: N/A |
We were there 2 years ago, stayed in Mariposa and drove the jeep in to the park. If i recall right there is a 29 ft length limit going in on 140 due to having to make a 90 degree turn as soon as you reach the end of the bridge. There is a rock wall right there in front of you and no room to jockey around to make the turn. I remember thinking that my 35 footer probably would not make it. Might want to call the park and ask if you are thinking of trying that route. | ||
| Sean Welsh (Sean)
Registered Member Username: Sean Post Number: 972 Registered: 1-2003 Posted From: 67.142.130.34 Rating: N/A |
The 28' limit on 140 was lifted in June of 2008. The limit is now 45'. Look that up here: http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/restrictions.htm (Anyone bringing a coach to Yosemite should read this page anyway.) Some of the tunnel restrictions are stated a bit unclearly -- the numbers are for the curb, and the tunnels are arched. We have no trouble in our 13'0" tall bus in either direction on 41 or 120 (we can not use 140 due to the 12'10" rock) if we hug the center line. -Sean http://OurOdyssey.BlogSpot.com (Message edited by Sean on September 29, 2009) | ||
| Peter River (Whitebus)
Registered Member Username: Whitebus Post Number: 155 Registered: 4-2009 Posted From: 204.62.64.30 Rating: N/A |
oh heck, if sean can make it in his bus I guess I can. | ||
| ED Hackenbruch (Shadowman)
Registered Member Username: Shadowman Post Number: 172 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 70.193.128.203 Rating: N/A |
Glad to hear the restriction is off. Thanks Sean. | ||
| Donald P Hann (Eagle19952)
Registered Member Username: Eagle19952 Post Number: 7 Registered: 11-2007 Posted From: 66.41.131.75 Rating: N/A |
Hello from a long time reader,enjoy your forum, My experience on Hiway 120 from Lee Vining I learned a number of valuable lessons, In October 2005 (I had arrived from Alaska,via Yukon Territory etc.) and was informed: A.There were no open campgrounds. B.You could not park/stop over-nite( the rangers would move you along....KNOCK KNOCK!!! C.I attained speeds as low as 18 mph up hill. D.I learned that my radiator was appropriately sized. E.You can't see any of the park in the dark. F.There is a place about a 1/4 mile into the park to turn around an Eagle pulling a 16 foot trailer. G.The drive back to Lee Vining is practicly free. Good Luck Enjoy | ||
| Laryn Christley (Barn_owl)
Registered Member Username: Barn_owl Post Number: 624 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 151.199.118.239  Rating: N/A |
Drove all through it with my 4106 without any problems. A healthy climb into it, but we just took our time. Go over Tioga pass if you can, it is absolutely beautiful. Check this site out: http://www.shannontech.com/parkvision/Yosemite/Yosemite.html#introduction |