Advice on 120 vs 140 route option.

Question

We’ll be coming into Yosemite from Lee Vining at the end of June. After Tioga Road we will then head to Yosemite Valley.

Question is, should we then leave on the 140 and stay in Mariposa or double back on ourselves and rejoin the 120 staying Jamestown area?

Next day we’ll be heading for Monterey.

This is purely a scenic drive for us, so no hiking, just a few scenic stops. Realise its a long drive, not problem for what we want to see/do.

Answer

Hi! It sounds like you’re in for a beautiful drive through Yosemite and the surrounding areas. Both the 120 and 140 routes offer scenic experiences, but each provides a slightly different vibe. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide which option is best for your trip:

Option 1: Take the 140 to Mariposa

The 140 route from Yosemite Valley to Mariposa is a great option if you're looking for a more relaxed, scenic drive. It’s a bit more winding and offers views of the Merced River and the Sierra foothills. Mariposa itself is a charming small town with a historic feel, perfect for a leisurely overnight stay. The drive is fairly straightforward and not too long, making it a good option if you want to keep things easy and enjoy the scenery without backtracking.

Scenic Highlights: You’ll pass through the scenic foothills, with views of the Merced River and a nice rural atmosphere.
Mariposa: A charming town with historic buildings and some great dining options for a restful evening.
Pros: No need to double back; you can continue on to Monterey the next day without retracing your route.

Option 2: Take the 120 to Jamestown

If you’re looking for a different perspective, the 120 offers a route through the Tuolumne Meadows area and a more diverse range of landscapes. After leaving Yosemite Valley, the 120 heads east and provides a grander view of the Sierra Nevada mountains. It’s also a more direct route to Jamestown, a small historic town with a more classic California Gold Rush feel.

Scenic Highlights: You’ll pass through more expansive mountain vistas and have opportunities to stop for scenic views of the Sierra Nevada.
Jamestown: A quaint Gold Rush-era town with a number of museums and historic sites.
Pros: The 120 is a scenic route through beautiful countryside, and Jamestown is an interesting town to explore briefly.
Cons: It will add a bit more driving, as you’ll need to backtrack to continue south to Monterey the next day.

Which one should you choose? If you’re in the mood for a scenic drive without backtracking, the 140 route to Mariposa is a great choice. It’s more direct and easy to follow, offering scenic views along the way. On the other hand, if you’re willing to do a bit of extra driving and want to explore the Sierra foothills and Jamestown, the 120 is a fantastic option, though it does require a bit of backtracking the next day.

Since you mentioned that you’re not concerned about the drive being long and prefer scenic views, either option will be enjoyable, but the 140 to Mariposa might feel like a slightly easier, less stressful choice for the day after Tioga Road.

Safe travels, and enjoy the stunning scenery!