Leave early to get past the crowds. If you want to avoid waiting in long lines for your breakfast and gas fill-up run, start your trip before 8 AM. When we lined up in the Starbucks drive through, we were back on the road not long after getting our food and drinks. Since we left Modesto early, we had no issues with crowds while pumping gas in Oakdale.

Pack food to go. The food in Yosemite could be very expensive. That’s why we visited Sons Farm Fresh & Bloomingcamp Ranch along the way in Oakdale. You can load up on seasonal fruits and baked goods before you journey up the mountains. Make sure you take note of the business hours of your stops. Bloomingcamp Ranch may not be open if you left Modesto before 8 AM, like we did.

As you cruise past Jamestown on Highway 120, keep your eyes peeled so you don’t miss the views. Right after crossing the James E. Roberts Memorial Bridge, you’ll catch a stunning glimpse to your left of the Don Pedro Reservoir bridge stretching over the sparkling blue water. Be sure to pull over at the upcoming vista point to take it all in and snap a few photos. (Note: While it’s a quick stop on your route, Don Pedro Reservoir offers boat rentals if you ever want to come back for a dedicated lake day!)

As you climb through Groveland, make time for a breathtaking stop at the Rim of the World Vista in the Stanislaus National Forest. Perched high above the canyon floor, this panoramic overlook offers a stunning, birds-eye view of the Tuolumne River canyon. It’s a spot rich with history, too. During the 1850s California Gold Rush, thousands of fortune seekers traveled this exact, rugged route to reach the nearby mines. Pull over, step out into the fresh mountain air, and take a moment to stand on the edge of history before heading toward the park gates.

Drive up the mountain with caution. After you past the Yosemite Junction, your journey ahead on Highway 120 will consist of a winding ascending road (New Priest Grade Road). So, make sure your driver is focused and steady for safety. The two-way mountain pass features intimidating straight drops right outside the passenger side windows. If you’re scared of heights, I do not recommend looking out your window. Though, you might miss out on the grand view of the winding roads carved into the opposing mountain side.  

Enjoy the shaded forest. Entering Groveland will give you immediate shade as giant trees block the hot sun and offer crisp morning breezes. Roll down your windows and take in the views of the historic small town of Groveland. Make your drive even more scenic with a “road trip” playlist playing as you cruise through town.  

Anticipate roadside maintenance delays. Vistors should expect slowing down to stop and go traffic due to active road construction and tree cutting. Fortunately, the maintenance crew are very good at their job, so the wait in traffic was only a moment. During the wait time, it's a good opportunity to roll down your window and take in that fresh Yosemite air.  

Use your National Parks Pass (if you have one). Once we pull up to the gates of Yosemite, the ranger at the entrance booth will ask for your ID along with the pass. Shortly after they let us in, they handed back our cards, along with a free map of Yosemite.  The daily entrance is $30, and the pass is $80 for a year's worth of visits. It could be useful for visitors who travel to national parks often. I recommend other visitors apply for a pass if they want quick access into any National park. 

Utilize the park ranger information booths: The ranger station is very accessible (the pullover stop, right after the entry gate). The staff were patient, kind, and excellent at mapping out the safest, most efficient routes. If you missed your chance at the beginning, there are multiple information booths set up everywhere in the parking lot of the Welcome Center. I spotted 2-3 people at every booth ready to help someone, and some were already assisting visitors.  

Look for physical highway markers. You'll have to rely on a physical map for directions because your navigation devices will lose signal as you continue deeper into the park. Make sure you know where you want to go before you make any turns. One wrong turn could lead you to a 20-minute re-routing. There are no shortcuts. Be prepared for unexpected changes in the route such as additional new lanes and sudden stops after winding turns. Lookout for the roundabout where the Ahwahnee Hotel and Yosemite Welcome Center are at.  

After a full day of arts, lake fun, and high-country sightseeing, make the scenic drive back down the mountain to your home base for the evening. Choosing to lodge in Modesto gives you the perfect transitional landing pad to wind down after a big day on the trails.

Dine and Unwind Downtown: Celebrate checking off your summer bucket list by diving into Modesto’s vibrant downtown favorite dinner stops. Refuel with fresh, farm-to-table dining, grab a cold drink at a local craft brewery, or enjoy a relaxed meal to cap off the day.

Rest Easy: Check into your room, crank up the air conditioning, and wash off the day’s adventure. Staying in Modesto friendly hotel rooms ensures a comfortable, premium night’s sleep that leaves you fully recharged and ready for whatever is next on your summer itinerary.

Check the Flow: Waterfall peak usually happens in May. If you want to see “ephemeral” falls like Ribbon Fall, aim for early spring.

Reservations: Planning is key! Check nps.gov/yose for the latest on vehicle reservations, as they are often required during peak spring weekends.

Layer Up: Spring weather is unpredictable. You might start your day in a t-shirt in Modesto and need a rain shell by the time you reach the mist of Vernal Fall. Spring in Yosemite isn’t just a trip; it’s a refreshing awakening. From the roar of the falls to the quiet beauty of the meadows, it’s all waiting for you just a short drive from Modesto.

Plan your spring escape today!