First Trip: Ideas for a route in CA

[Shazar]

Hello All!

So, in a few weeks, I'm heading to California for vacation. The plan is to rent a vehicle, and do some exploring and camping. I found this awesome company: https://www.pacificoverlander.com and plan to rent the 4Runner with pop-up tent. This will be my first time trekking through Cali by overland vehicle. I was there previously, and did the PCH/ Route 1 via car, from SF down to Monterey. This time around, I bringing my best friend who has never been to California. We're both professional photographers, and amateur explorers (via overlanding anyway). Since it's not my rig, I don't intend on doing anything that would either get me stuck, or jeopardize the vehicle itself. I am looking forward to camping out though!

The start point is SF, to pick up the rig: March 30th
The end point currently is SF also: April 5th

Things I'd like to see/ show my friend:
- Bixby Bridge
- Pfeiffer Beach
- McKay Falls
- Esalen Institute/ hot springs
- Yosemite/ Half Dome

Possibilities:
- Something between Yosemite and Sacramento (can visit a friend in Sacramento)
- Something between Sacramento and SF
- Or do I continue south along the coast until I have to turn back?
- If anyone wants to meet-up along the way, heck yes!

That's as far as I've gotten trip-wise. Any ideas or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Overland California]

All of your Big Sur items can easily be tackled in a few hours but you can spend a few days there. You're not going to get much more south than Pfeiffer Beach (technically you can, but there's not a lot to see) before you have to turn around due to the landslide knocking out Highway 1.

If you head to Yosemite, you'll also need a set of chains even though the 4Runner is 4WD. Its a requirement to carry chains inside the park when there's snow or a chance of snow. Try to get Pacific Overlander to add those in for you with your rental.

I'd also recommend hitting up Lake Tahoe while you're here. San Francisco, Big Sur, Yosemite, and a loop around Tahoe would be awesome.

 

[Overland California]

All of your Big Sur items can easily be tackled in a few hours but you can spend a few days there. You're not going to get much more south than Pfeiffer Beach (technically you can, but there's not a lot to see) before you have to turn around due to the landslide knocking out Highway 1.

If you head to Yosemite, you'll also need a set of chains even though the 4Runner is 4WD. Its a requirement to carry chains inside the park when there's snow or a chance of snow. Try to get Pacific Overlander to add those in for you with your rental.

I'd also recommend hitting up Lake Tahoe while you're here. San Francisco, Big Sur, Yosemite, and a loop around Tahoe would be awesome. Here's a quick Google Map route for you: https://goo.gl/maps/VoPXoLDvp9J2

 

[stickel]

If you have time you may want to check out Muir Woods Redwood Forest.

 

[Shazar]

Stan, thank you for the insight, and that route. I'll look into the Lake Tahoe part of the route. I really appreciate the info and map thank.

 

[OffWheelin]

Regarding Hwy 1 closure, you can go as far south as Gorda. You can cut across on the Nacimiento-Furgusson Road to get to Yosemite to avoid backtracking. It is a bit more adventurous and offers primitive camping in the National Forest. There are campsites https://goo.gl/maps/kLFCSKeFTxC2 and dirt roads where you can find your own spot. Check the National Forest website for more info.

This route puts you on lots of backroads. Good for photography. Cork & Plough restaurant in King City is good.
https://goo.gl/maps/csB6ZM1YzSP2

Photography:
You know about the coast views and McWay Falls
Coalinga offers photo sites from oil wells to old buildings.
Lake Tahoe is a highlight. Best views are from the southwest side, particularly Emerald Bay.
I would have sent you to the Mariposa Grove, but it is closed. https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/mg.htm Next time.
On the Oakland Bay bridge, get off on Yerba Buena Island / Treasure Island and see the old military property and warehouse buildings. There are great views of SF from there, particularly on the hillside right above the bridge and tunnel. https://goo.gl/maps/8Ffrg9LKHvL2
Oakland Mountain View Cemetery. Scenic old cemetery designed by Fredrick Olmstead, who designed New York's Central Park, among other things. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountain_View_Cemetery_(Oakland,_California)

Enjoy your trip.

 

[Shazar]

@OffWheelin Thank you for the information! I've been reading up and reviewing the routes that you and Stan the Man posted. I really appreciate all the insights. I'm excited for this trip, and you guys help a lot!