some friends from l.a. are renting a cabin for new year's at mammoth. i did a quick google map check and it estimated about 6hrs. however, i just read that they close a certain "pass" during the winter? and it may be more like an 8hr (some say 12hr) trip, having to drive up to tahoe then down the 395.

has anyone ever made the trek from the bay up to mammoth this time of year? is it feasible driving alone? any tips?

 

when i used to DH, summer seemed to be worse at times.
as far as tips go: always a good idea to bring a buddy with on a long drive and sketch roads (2rd mountain pass as u near Mammoth)

 

Bring cold weather emergency supplies.

 

They close Tioga Pass which cuts through Yosemite. You can take 88 up to 395. You would just have to make sure that the section of road on 88 from where 89 hits it to 395 doesn't close in the winter.

 

Not to mention Yosemite is a BEAUTIFUL place to just stop and take a quick stroll

 

I drove there couple of season's ago in one of the worst storms and that took 12 hrs. Had to constantly check road reports because 395 was closed, luckily it opened back up. Drove back alone and it took about 7 hrs including stops and breaks. If you're going alone I'd recommend flying, the drive time + the cost of gas is not worth it imo.

 

What he said, the drive is easy unless it's been snowing and roads are icy then just like anywhere else visibility sucks and you gotta watch your speed especially driving in the evening and long stretches of the hwy's had no cell reception, for me at least it didn't.

 

thanks for the advice. i hadn't honestly thought of the emergency supplies other than snacks, but i'll be sure to pick some up. currently on the hunt for snow tires.

 

https://www.i-club.com/forums/norcal...%24340-246395/

 

i saw those. wish i hadn't gotten rid of my 16" stockers.