Highway 108 or 120 with kayaks

Question

Hello, we live near LA and are planning a drive to spend a few nights at Twin Lakes Resort near Bridgeport. We plan to visit friends in Santa Cruz and stop in Morro Bay on the way home. My question is should we take the 108 or 120 from Bridgeport? We have been to Yosemite Valley, so would spend the day stopping at scenic points, doing moderate day hikes, kayaking at Pinecrest Lake or Tenaya Lake (we have Oru kayaks). We'd probably spend the night in Sonora and drive to Santa Cruz the next day. Can anyone suggest which route to take? Has anyone kayaked both those lakes? Thank you!

Answer

Driving from Bridgeport to Sonora with a stop for scenic hiking and kayaking gives you two main route options: Highway 108 (Sonora Pass) and Highway 120 (Tioga Pass). Both have their own benefits, and your choice may depend on your interests, time, and weather conditions.

Highway 108 (Sonora Pass):

Higher elevation pass through the Sierra Nevada, offering dramatic alpine scenery and less traffic than 120.
Good access to Pinecrest Lake for kayaking, swimming, or picnicking. The lake is family-friendly and ideal for Oru kayaks.
Moderate day hikes are available in the area, including trails in the Stanislaus National Forest and near Sonora Pass.
Sonora Pass is typically less crowded than Tioga Pass and gives a more “off-the-beaten-path” Sierra experience.
Road is narrow and winding in places, so drive carefully—especially if towing kayaks or with a larger vehicle.

Highway 120 (Tioga Pass / Yosemite East Entrance):

Offers access to Tenaya Lake, which is stunning and perfect for kayaking with clear, cold water and surrounding granite scenery.
Several scenic stops along the way, including Olmsted Point and Tuolumne Meadows. Great for photography and short hikes.
Tioga Pass is more heavily trafficked during summer, especially with day visitors from Yosemite Valley.
Roads are wider and well-maintained, but the pass can still be chilly in the morning or late afternoon.
Requires Yosemite entrance fee; however, since you’ve been to Yosemite Valley, this route avoids the valley crowds and focuses on the high country.

Kayaking Notes:

Pinecrest Lake is calmer, with easy access and nearby amenities. Great for families and relaxed kayaking.
Tenaya Lake is more alpine and scenic, surrounded by granite peaks. Water can be colder, and winds can pick up in the afternoon.
Both lakes are suitable for Oru kayaks, but Tenaya may feel more remote and adventurous.

Recommendation:

If your priority is a more relaxed kayaking experience with family-friendly hikes and fewer crowds, Highway 108 with a stop at Pinecrest Lake is the better choice. If you want stunning high-country scenery, dramatic alpine lakes, and are comfortable with a more exposed environment, Highway 120 with Tenaya Lake is fantastic, especially if you leave early to avoid peak traffic.

For your plan of staying overnight in Sonora and heading to Santa Cruz the next day, either route works, but Highway 108 may make the day less rushed and more enjoyable with kayaks on board.

Highway 108 or 120 with kayaks

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