West from Yosemite on CA 120 to Vegas

[lochsa]

We're planning a 3 week trip out west from FL to CA this June. On the way back, we have a reservation at Yosemite and from their we'll be heading to Las Vegas.

Has anyone driven their Georgetown on that leg of 120/Tioga pass? I understand this stretch of road has some extremely steep grades along with a 10.4 ft clearance in one of the tunnels (folks have made it it 13+' buses/rvs by staying in the center).

Hwy. 120 to and through Yosemite

I have driven mountain roads before but never in my MH and I have concerns about it having enough horses and brakes to make it through (safely).

I know this must have been asked before on this forum but it tough using the search term 120

[buffalohunter]

I go over Tioga Pass every year. We camp at Kennedy Meadows which is right at the pass. On a hot summer day it would be a good idea to use pull outs once in a while to let the engine and transmission cool a bit and to make sure the brakes are not over heating on the down sides. Use low gears and take it slow. There is very little traffic and people are not usually in a hurry on that pass. Plenty to look at. Don't try to drive to Levitt Lake, that requires 4X4. If you find a place to pull over near the Walker River you might catch a nice trout or two. I think you can make it just fine. Just use common sense and take your time. Looking at the link in your post the tunnel should be no problem. Read Milia's comments and that should reassure you. Have fun

[mopargilley]

You can avoid the pass by taking HWY 140 west to HWY 99 south to 58 east to Interstate 15 north to Vegas big roads.

[lochsa]

Thank you Jim for the tips and Mopar the alternate route.

The safe/sure route: 483 mi, 8 hours 4 mins
The adventuress/scenic route: 408 mi, 7 hours 33 mins

I'd still like to hear from others who have taken the CA 120 route (especially if you've done it in your Georgetown).

[JLeising]

We took 120 through Yosemite twice last year in Class "C"'s - first trip in a rental (to see if we liked RV'ing); second in our new Solera. No problems either trip. Solera is 11.5 feet high - not aware of a clearance issue. We camped at Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite with the Solera - no hook-ups, but quite beautiful; 8600 foot elevation at campground; 35 foot maximum RV length at campground.
Check to make sure Tioga Pass is open through the park before heading there.
Avoid the Old Priest Road "shortcut" approaching the park from the west between Moccasin and Big Oak Flat - very steep, narrow and many sharp curves. Road somewhat narrow and curvy in park - but I had no problems with the two Class "C"'s - no experience driving a Class "A".

[fbconsults]

Been up and down Tioga several times, first with a TT, then a Fiver, then with 2 class As. Take you time (you will have to), use your lowest gear going down, easy on the brakes, enjoy the scenery. It is a much nicer drive than through the San Joaquin Valley. Avoid the temptation to go through Death Valley, temps will be in the 100s by then. Take 395 to highway 58 to Barstow, and then the I-15 to Vegas. Sam's Town has a nice RV park next to the Casino with reasonable rates. Off the strip and away from traffic with your RV.

Happy Trails, Forrest

[dashonthedash]

The stretch with the tunnels is not the one over Tioga Pass, but Big Oak Flat Road inside the Park, going into the Valley. I did the pass and the tunnels in my 10'6" high Winnebago without any difficulties, but have not yet been there with my 12'1" Georgetown.

[lochsa]

Thank you all for the feedback as this was all very helpful. I'll take it slow and steady. I read a bunch of great tips from existing posts concerning the best ways to handle steep inclines/declines (and what to expect).