Around New Years.
Is it better to take I-80 all the way to Reno and then down 395,
or
CA-50 to 395?
Anyone made this trip? How long should I expect it to take?
I assume 120 across Yosemite high country is now closed. If it’s open, 120 is the fastest route.
The best route really depends on the weather. If 80 is open and clear it’s well over two hours faster than the southern route. If snow is forecast, I would go the southern route – 580 to 205 to 99 south then across 58 and finally north on 395. Google maps says 80/395 is seven hours and the southern route is 9 hours 40 min. Both estimates seem about right with minimal traffic and good weather.
Also, I assume you mean Mammoth Lakes, CA. There is a Mammoth, CA in the northeast corner of the state.
Before you head out, check weather and road conditions. That whole area between Sacramento and Reno can turn from clear and dry to just plain rotten seemingly in minutes.
For traffic and road conditions in the Bay Area, call 511 on your phone, or visit www.511.org - This will get you about as far east as Benicia and the Carquinez Bridge.
For points east, visit Division of Traffic Operations - Road Information - California Highway Information or call 800-427-7623.
Since you’re asking, it sounds like you may be unfamiliar with the Sierras. If the forecast includes snow, bring the appropriate chains or cables for your vehicle - there’s plenty of Kragens, Walmarts and the like in Sacramento. You probably will have trouble finding chains in SF. Be sure your car is in good running shape, and fill your tank in Sacramento. Gas prices tend to skyrocket east of Roseville, and don’t come back to sanity until Reno. Slogging along through Truckee at 5 MPH is not the time to find out that you’re low on gas. All the usual cold-weather survival stuff applies - have some drinking water, food and warm clothes. Gloves are good to have, as well as a good snow brush/scraper.
I’ve actually been there many times, but I’m used to coming from Southern California which is a much more simple shot through Mojave. This’ll be my first time coming from the Bay Area.
Take 50, but not all the way. As soon as you drop into the Tahoe Basin, turn right on 89 and go over Luther Pass. Then left on 88 and out to 395 at Gardnerville. Or, for a scenic route that’s just a bit longer, take 88 through Jackson & over Carson Pass. 120, as well as 4 and 108, are definitely closed for the winter.
Be aware that portions of 395 are over 8,000 feet, so if it’s snowing on the Sierra passes, odds are it will be snowing on 395 as well.
YES, This. IF you cannot take US50, you probably are going to be stuck on US 395 as well once you get over. If that’s the case, take the southern route through Bakersfield and go past my birthplace, Ridgecrest/China Lake.
If the weather is ok, take US 50. It’s a little more scenic than I-80 (but not by much!), but the view down into the Lake Tahoe basin from the pass simply cannot be beat outside of Yosemite! The downside is that it is a two lane road for something like 45 miles from the first spot you hit the American River up to the top of the pass and over into the Tahoe Basin.
The drive down 395, well, that’s special. Very special. 