Hi CSquaredC2 ~ welcome to the Yosemite forum.

Lots of travelers go from Sacramento to Yosemite. If you type "sacramento" or "sacramento to yosemite" in the Yosemite forum search bar just above, you can read many threads about this topic.

It depends on where you start in Sac. I prefer traveling down I5 to Stockton, then crossing over to 99. Some prefer 99 from Sac. Then hit 120.

Cheaper lodging in the Valley? Campground, Curry Village, Housekeeping Camp.

Accomodations are $$$ in the Yosemite area and book up fast. How long will you be in Yosemite, when do you plan to travel, how many in your group, and what will you want to do? If it's a first trip, staying in the Valley is a great way to enjoy Yosemite 24/7.

It's hard to know what to tell you for the best route Sacramento to Yosemite. Do you want fastest? Do you want scenery which will not be the fastest?

On lodging what is not too expensive for you? Is there a budget range you were considering?

Thanks for the tips. I'd be coming from the downtown area so I can jump on I5 or 99. In fact, I might go and come back different route to see different scenery.

As for costs of lodging, I just wanted to stay for as cheap as possible... Maybe around $120 or less but realistically, I have no concept of the area to really understand where everything is in relation to sights in the park. I have no problem staying in one place and driving if I need to.

As far as when, this is one of those trips I'll probably decide to jump in the car at the last minute and make a weekend trip of it. For instance I'm considering this weekend if I can make the lodging work. Leave Friday and come back Sunday. Other words, I'm open.

Thanks.

There is a huge advantage to waking up in the morning in the vally. If you check out www.yosemitepark.com you'll see that this weekend there is availability in a Curry Village for non-heated tent cabin, with breakfast included for $108 per night. If you'd rather not do breakfast you can get it for $89 per night. If you need an explanation for what a tent cabin is click on the accomodations:

www.yosemitepark.com/Accommodations.aspx

As far as route: take 99 south to Manteca and then 120 to the Big Oak Flat entrance into the park. If you are driving a not too big vehicle and you are a good driver then take the right turn onto the Old Priest Grade up rather than the left turn onto the new version. Cuts off a little time.

Thanks Suzie. That sounds fun actually. I checked out the website and now I'll call to find out what kind of night activities are going on.

Do you know how long I should expect for it to take me from Sac to Yosemite? I've heard anywhere between 3 - 4 hours - is that right?

Yes that's right. I'd count on closer to 4 hours than 3 though. It does depend on time of day and from where in Sacto you begin.

Good morning CSq.

Do figure on 4 hours to the valley from Sacramento. Also, the idea of a tent in November is not very comforting to all folks. You can find actual hotel/bed & breakfast rooms with many amenities, (including heat!) along highway 120 into the park in November that are under your budget price. www.StayNearYosemite.com will give you a good starting point.

Have a fantastic trip!

Hmm I thought he was coming this weekend or very soon so I didn't think an unheated tent would be a problem. I guess I missed that he was going in November.

If you have time either way for a scenic route oozing with history, I suggest Hwy 16 between Sacramento and Jackson, and Hwy 49 through the heart of the Gold Country. From the Bay Area and Sacramento, Sonora is a main gateway town to Yosemite. This is the heart of the Gold Country, and you'll see many of the historic Mother Lode towns: Sutter Crek, Mokelumne ("moe-kell-uh-mee") Hill, Angel's Camp, Columbia (short detour), and Jamestown, as well as Sonora.

These towns all have preserved historic districts, with many of the historic buildings containing shops, restaurants, hotels or B&Bs.

It's about 100 miles from Sacramento to Sonora, and another 70 from Sonora to Yosemite Valley. Hwy 49 is a Sierra foothill road, sometimes hilly and curvy, mostly two-lane and undivided, but entirely safe.