Yosemite to Barstow with side track to Sequoia NP

We shall be travelling in late January 2009 from Yosemite to Las Vegas with one night stopover in between. We were planning to stop at Barstow but also want to check out the Giant Sequoias as well. Given that it is winter time, are the roads accessible (Generals Hwy 198 into Sequoia NP and out via Three Rivers and Visalia) or are we asking too much for one day travel? Your comments would be greatly appreciated.

Yosemite to Barstow with side track to Sequoia NP

These roads are generally open, though if you are traveling during or just after a storm, you may be required to up chains on. Its worth it. You might conisder your sleep over just in three rivers instead of barstow or continue on to Bakersfield and take your overnight there. From Bakersfield to LV you are looking at about a 4.5 hour drive.

Have a good time.

Yosemite to Barstow with side track to Sequoia NP

It is worth the detour if you have the time but check road conditions before heading up.

If you are thinking using Highway 180 from Fresno then taking the General%26#39;s Highway through Sequoia and out you can run into snow problems in January.

The Generals Highway between Grant Grove and Sequoia is plowed during the winter to keep it open, but it can close for a couple of days during and immediately after a snow storm.

So I%26#39;d check the conditions in Sequoia when you leave Yosemite. Call (559) 565-3341, extension 941, for road conditions in Sequoia.

If you take the loop, Hotel Charlotte is right, don%26#39;t drive all the way to Barstow. I%26#39;d stay in Three Rivers or Visalia for one night. Visalia is the larger and would give you more hotel (from budget hotels to Marriott to B%26amp;Bs) and restaurant choices for the night.

From Visalia to Las Vegas would be a 5 hour drive.

Thanks very much for the info guys. Taking your advice we shall look at staying at Visalia - may also take a look-see at the murals at Exeter which someone mentioned on another forum. Looks interesting.

We are looking to do something similar and drive from Yosemite to Las Vegas in April - we would like to drive via death valley though - can anyone recommend a good stopover point between the two? I was thinking Kernville possibly..

Good morning Tiger,

The natural route most folks want to take from DV into Yosemite is via Highway 120 out of Lee Vining. In April this route is still closed and you will need to decide on either the southern cross or the northern. The northern route (88/89) is incredibly scenic with many fantastic stop over points along the way, might even make this a two day drive if you have the time.

Have a fantastic holiday.

Thanks Hotel Charlotte! The Northern route does sound good but I think a little out of our way for this trip. A stupid question but if you are heading south from Yopsemite when is the soonest point you can cross over toward Death Valkey? I am assuming we need to go as far south as Bakersfield - or possibly the 155 which cuts off just before then.

Thanks for your help!

Tigerlily, that is correct. There are no highways over the Sierras between Yosemite and Bakersfield. Lots of hiking trails cross the mountains in that area but no highways.

How to patch a quilt