We live in the Central Valley in CA. We would like to pull the trailer (the one in the signature) through Yosemite to Mammoth in June. Has anyone pulled a 29' x 8.5' trailer through Yosemite.
Basically, we would take Hwy 41 North, 140 West, 120 East (Tioga Pass), to 395. I am concerned about widths on Tioga Pass and Yosemite Valley. Also, the grade from the eastern park entrance down to 395 is a concern.
I talked to the Rangers at the gate and they said I am allowed to pull the trailer through. Looking for experiences and tips.
The alternative is pulling to Bakersfield and crossing the Tehachapis. That would add about 4-5 hours to the trip.
You should be ok, I just heard someone saying they pulled through with no problems. Be ready for some hard pulls though.
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From Yosemite valley to 395 (essentially 120 Tioga pass) has lots of switchbacks. It will be tight, but can be done. I have never pulled thru there but have driven numerous times. Have seen mostly small class C and a few class A. Also keep in mind that stretch of 120 between Tolumne Meadow and 395 is some time closed up until last week in June. All depends upon the snow and how many rock slides need to be cleared by Caltrans.
Pulled through there a few times last year with TT in sig, though it was with the F350 in sig. It was very tight with some 5-10 mph corners but it was really no problem. Just don't try and stop and restart! Lane width is narrow as well and with a widebody like yours you have to be mindful of putting the TH tires off the shoulder. Just keep to the center stripes and you should do fine. And the D/A will pull (and brake) with no problem at all.
Coming down 120 to 395 is a bit steep and twisty in a few places but you will want to go slow because of the scenery. That's one of the most picturesque drives we've made.
I would at least drop the transmission down into second gear when coming down 120 toward 395 and use the brakes just to drop the RPM's down when they get too high and then let it go again and repeat as needed. If you get to going too fast in second, then consider even first. I don't know your tow vehicle or how much weight you are towing so if you do and have mountain driving experience you should be OK. If you don't have mountain driving experience take a second look. It is steep. Good luck
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tony_h wrote: We live in the Central Valley in CA. We would like to pull the trailer (the one in the signature) through Yosemite to Mammoth in June. Has anyone pulled a 29' x 8.5' trailer through Yosemite.
Basically, we would take Hwy 41 North, 140 West, 120 East (Tioga Pass), to 395. I am concerned about widths on Tioga Pass and Yosemite Valley. Also, the grade from the eastern park entrance down to 395 is a concern.
I talked to the Rangers at the gate and they said I am allowed to pull the trailer through. Looking for experiences and tips.
The alternative is pulling to Bakersfield and crossing the Tehachapis. That would add about 4-5 hours to the trip.
Thanks
Tony,
I used to work in the SCE Hydro division and lived in Big Creek, up near Shaver Lake and also was the Mono Basin Superintendent located at the Rush Creek Powerhouse in the Eastern Sierra at Silver Lake on the June Lake Loop. I have been up and down Tioga Pass and through the park via Hwy's 41 and 120 many times towing a 27 foot trailer dozens of times and even though there are a few tight spots, you should not worry about any of it. It's a piece of cake if you just take your time. If you have ever towed up Hwy 168 past the Tollhouse Rd. turnoff up to Shaver Lake, Huntington Lake or even Meadow Lakes or Auberry, then you have already experienced similar conditions to what you will face going through Yosemite or down Tioga Road. Relax and as I said, take your time and enoy the trip. No need for any white knuckles here.
Have a great trip and be sure to stop at the Tuolumne Grill for one of those great Tuolumne Burgers.
I own a house in Mammoth Lakes and suggest you try out the Whitebark restaurant in the new Westin Monache Meadows Hotel located off of Canyon Rd. in Mammoth. My first ever Kobe Steak and dang, it was the best steak ever. The Restaurant at Convict Lake, about 10 miles south of Mammoth and the Tamarack Lodge up on Mary Lake road are also excellent restaurants. Stay away from the Stove, The Mogul and the Charthouse, since they have been steadily going downhill the past few years.
I know it's more than you asked for but I thought I'd share it with you. Have a great trip!!
We've lived in Mammoth for 30+ years and drive this route about 8-10 times a year. I've towed all sorts of things across this pass without problems. Most of everything you've read above is good information. I want to stress the snow removal. The target date to open Tioga Pass is Memorial Day weekend. If its a hard or long winter the openning can get delayed.
The second point is, (after 30+ years) I don't even mess with this pass for my 30' TH. I'd drop down 99 to Bakersfield and across to Mojave and up the 14/395. Its relatively flat as compared to your chosen route, you'll have the same overall travel time because you'll average your highway speed on 99 whereas you'll travel at 15-35 mph ALL along highway 120, and its far safer due to no narrow roads or deer. Fuel is cheaper and you'll have much greater support if you should run into a problem.
The 120 route is pretty but you won't want to go to the village with your trailer. If you want to make a visit to the village go direct to Mammoth, drop your rig, and drive into the valley. Its about a 45 minute drive from Mammoth to the village parking lot.
When in June? There is no guaranty the pass will be plowed or open.
Otherwise it is a beautiful drive and will not be that difficult.
I would still consider going around. I believe all of Yosemite is 35 mph max where Tahachipi will be mostly 55. You will pay the entrance fee for Yosemite.
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Lane width is narrow as well and with a widebody like yours you have to be mindful of putting the TH tires off the shoulder. Just keep to the center stripes and you should do fine. And the D/A will pull (and brake) with no problem at all.
