Yosemite Hwy 120 or 140....?

[Homeslice]

I'm heading to Mammoth Lakes through the sierras Friday before LDay weekend and have a choice between taking the gradual northeast approach from Hwy 140 on to the Tioga pass

*OR*

heading north first then directly east onto Hwy 120 all the way through. With gas, brakes, and sight seeing in mind, which Hwy would you prefer?

P.S. Coming from Monterey.

[gwjones00]

Wow. That's a tough one. The maximum sightseeing experience is to come through the Wawona tunnel on Hwy 41 from the south. When you come through the tunnel, it is as if someone has unfurled a painting in front of you. Neither 120 or 140 provide the same "shock" value.

Both 120 and 140 offer some pretty impressive scenery of their own. 120 has some outstanding views of Half Dome and Glacier Point as you enter the valley, but it is a long a** drive from Stockton. 140 is a more direct route to the valley, and the arched rock over the highway is pretty impressive (if its still there). 140 also provides some outstanding scenery along the Merced River on the way in.

You say you are gonig to be on yur way to Mammoth? Then maybe the best is to come in on 140, and then out on 120, since 120 is the Tioga Road.

Whichever way - how can you go wrong?

[gwjones00]

And you better check the road report before leaving. Hwy 140 closed today due to a fire.....

[fishntoss]

You're not planning a trip to Yosemite Valley are you.. You're just trying to go West to East over the Sierra's?? Yes?? Also, is this just a three day trip to Mammoth for the holiday?

If you've never gone over the Tioga Pass, it's a worth while trip. Good luck whichever way you go..

[gwjones00]

FYI - Hwy 120 is still closed....

http://www.ksrw.sierrawave.net/eastern-sierra-news/2466-business-waits-while-120-remains-closed