hi all,
We have a summer road trip planned. We are starting out in the Vegas area and driving to Tahoe. From Tahoe we are going to the Redwoods in Northern California, and then plan to drive down the coast. Our last destination prior to returning home is the San Diego area.
It looks like out of Vegas to Tahoe we will be taking US95 to the 80. We are staying in the Meek's Bay campground on the CA side. From Tahoe to the Redwoods a bulk of our driving will be the 80 also. I plan on taking either Interstate 5 or the 101 for portions down the coast and to head to San Diego.
We are driving an Excursion pulling our 26ft. Toy Hauler. Any tips on roads or routes would be appreciated. Thanks
* This post was
edited 05/15/08 01:45pm by seliger5 *
Have you tried using mapquest to plan a travel route?
Place your first stop city and state, and your starting point city and state.
Then see what it gives you.
You can list camp grounds and / or list your favors the ones you want to stop at.
Then simply repeat the city and state each time and you will have a route.
You can figure out the mileage you want to travel and any stops along the way as well.
It can be adjusted for time or distance.
Sometime ago we used I-15 to CR-395 and cross over I think CR-50 from Lake Tahoe to San Diego. SR-50 will take you to I-5. There was one long up or down hill on the Tahoe side. As long as you do this in the summer months no snow.
I-5 is an inland route not close to water front. You will have to use 1 or 101 for the coast route. Some areas of CR-1 not recommend for RV.'s sharp and close curves. (2 lane road, 1up / 1dn.). You will spend much of you time in the other lane.
* This post was
edited 05/15/08 02:09pm by Tankcar *
Yes, I used Mapquest which gave me the routes and mileage. However, I was just curious if others had traveled these same routes and had any information regarding terain, hills, switchbacks, etc. Those don't always show on the map. Thanks
You didn't mension where you were going to visit the coast.
I made the 101 run in 1997. I was pulling a 23' FW.
Most is 1 or 2 lane road some divided, and some is not. From Santa Monica to Santa Cruz.
Some windie, and some not. For the most part all was good roadway.
From the north side of the golden gate to cresent city 1 lane road.
I wouldn't go to San Fransisco with any trailer,. Parked cars (Not necessarily in the curb lane), bikes, and Driver doors open with drivers talking to people on side walk 15 to 20 min's.
There is only one area I would stay away from when towing.
That would be the WEST Side travel route that borders Lake Tahoe.
I followed it with my tow vehicle only once, and will not to be repeated.
Hwy 49 has some of the same limitations as well. I went north from Bass Lake, on the return trip I saw the sign not recommed for vehicle with trailers. I now know why. I just wish the sign on the north direction.
* This post was
edited 05/15/08 04:48pm by Tankcar *
By my calculations, that is highway 89, correct? Mapquest says to take the 80 to HWY 89 and head south. I have about 15 miles of travel on this road. Should I alter my route?
If you are going in to Reno. Then CR-55 is south of Reno. How far ? It maybe to far south for you travel requirements. I-80 is an interstate, It will still get you to I-5.
From Vegas to Meeks Bay in Tahoe you might consider taking 95 to Schurz west alt. 95 to Yerington southwest 208 to 395 north to Carson City west 50 to thr Y in South Lake Tahoe-this is on the California side-north 89 to Meeks Bay. This route will save you a few miles. Placrs we have stayed this route Whiskey Flats Hawthorne NV. Have fun
NevadaJim is right. It will be very scenic and show you the area- what you want, right?
I just went over Donner Summit to Reno today (part of your 80 route to the coast) and they were working on about 30 miles of it. Freeway detours, one lanes, etc. but no stops (today). Everybody averaged about 50 mph. they will finish in 2009. If you like to see 10 giant excavators on steep mountain hillsides moving boulders, it will be very entertaining.
The slow lane (your lane) is very chewed up and rough from the semis and their snow chains so slow is really better. Just plan for more time.
From 80 to the Redwoods is tough cause there is no direct or easy way. You could drive to the Bay area and take a drive through the wine country to the coast over 2 lane roads or you can exit 80 early on and take a very scenic but also slow route on highway 20 over to the coast (just to mention 2 of the "slow" routes). Carefully analyze where you want to go on the coast and get back to us. The best strategy will be to realize "its the journey as well as the destination".
The Bay Area is a megapolis but just to the north the coast is remote, twisty and narrow- but beautiful.
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Rick n Andy n SandyPaws
Rexhall American Clipper 29': 2005
Suzuki Samurai; 1994
i have taken the 395 route, goes through some beautiful sites, not a bad road.
enjoy the trip, alot to see on 395, better than 80.
06 F250 6.0 TD,SC,SB,4x4,Towboss,3.73 rear.Firestone air bags,285/70 R17 3795lb tires,18000 slider; 04 38' Jayo Designer "Legacy" 5er; all I need now is satilite TV and hit the lottery; NAVY,"WE'LL NEVER FORGET,land of the free because of the brave"
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