Trip to Lake Tahoe

[dames7]

From Phoenix, AZ to Lake Tahoe, what at the roads like and best way to go.

Pulling a 25ft Flying Cloud.

DA

[Phoenix]

We have taken the following route, which is scenic and probably not the fastest:

• US-93 (Grand Avenue) - Phoenix to Las Vegas
  
  
• US-160 - Las Vegas to Pahrump
  
  
• Local roads - Pahrump to Death Valley Junction
  
  
• US-190 - Death Valley Junction (through Death Valley National Park) to Lone Pine, CA. Note: Long, steep mountain grade over Panamint Mountains.
  
  
• US-395 - Lone Pine to Reno.

When we took this route a couple of years ago, all roads were in good condition; and most two-lane sections had convenient passing lanes.

You should probably check weather forecast while on the road, as some sections go through mountains.

[Nomad518]

We just had a storm pass through the area last night. New snow at the higher elevations in the Sierra mountains west of Reno into Tahoe. More precipitation forecast for today.

[McDave]

As Phoenix said, except that if you're headed to South Shore, you probably want to turn off of 395 at Minden or Carson City rather than Reno. You can also go over Monitor Pass south of Lake Topaz, but it starts off with a steep climb and switchbacks that might be a bit of a grind pulling a 25' trailer.


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[greenflag]

I use hwy 50 from Carson City. It is a much wider road and an relatively easy tow. You didn't mention what time of the year you plan to go. All mountain passes are open at this time I believe. I go to Death Valley every November. There is a steep pull from Stovepipe Wells and a steep downhill to Panamint Valley. The downhill is 10% for ten miles.

[dames7]

Going mid-June, not sure if NV or CA is best route?

[jbxx]

395 side will be great in June, cross over one of the southern passes.
I think ( someone else chime in here pleases) but there is some great
camping around Mammoth June lakes area. I just can't remember about
if there were spaces or where.
J.B.

[Nomad518]

Originally Posted by Nomad518

We just had a storm pass through the area last night. New snow at the higher elevations in the Sierra mountains west of Reno into Tahoe. More precipitation forecast for today.

You shouldn't have to worry about snow if you travel in June or July. With our current drought conditions, we'll be lucky to have water of ANY sort left by then.

[dames7]

Thanks for the GOOD info.

[weirdstuff]

Originally Posted by jbxx

395 side will be great in June, cross over one of the southern passes.
I think ( someone else chime in here pleases) but there is some great
camping around Mammoth June lakes area. I just can't remember about
if there were spaces or where.
J.B.

Mammoth Lakes = one of my favorite places on the planet! And if you have dogs, it's extremely dog friendly. You can hike with your dogs, and take them out on the lakes with you, etc..

[greenflag]

Hwy 395 through the Eastern Sierra is a beautiful drive. It is a good road with ample passing lanes in the two lane sections. I have been up hwy 95 through Nevada to Reno. It is a desert drive all the way pretty much. Death Valley can be pretty hot in June. Unless you have a stout tow vehicle with an equally stout cooling system, I would avoid it. If you are stopping in Vegas, I like the Oasis RV park. It is dog friendly and across Hwy 15 from Bass Pro Shop on Blue Diamond. Leaving Vegas take Hwy 160 (Blue Diamond) to Hwy 95. Take Hwy 95 to Hwy to Hwy 266 to Hwy 168 and over Westgard Pass. At the top of Westgard pass is an ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest.
Disclaimer:I have not towed over Westgard Pass but did drive it many years ago. It was not bad then. Head north on 395 to Bishop and Mammoth Mountain. Mammoth Mountain RV park is in the pine trees and much cooler than Bishop. Mammoth is bear country. Don't leave food out at night or an ice chest visible in your tow vehicle. Last fall I had muddy bear paw prints on the side of my truck and the rug outside my door. Call now for a reservation at Mammoth if you want to stay. Just before Lee Vining !/4 mile up on Hwy 120 (Tioga Pass Rd) is the "Whoa Nellie Deli" inside the Mobil Station. Inside and outside seating great food always busy.
If in Bridgeport around June 24 stop by the Paradise RV park for the So Cal Streemers High Sierra Paradise Rally http://www.airforums.com/forums/f288...ml#post1503318. Introduce yourself to some nice folks and fellow Airstreamers. They have a meet and greet on Friday night and potluck on Saturday night. The rest is free time to visit Bodie Ghost Town and fish or relax. Unfortunately I won't make this one.

Welcome to the Airstream Community. Have a safe and relaxing trip.

[McDave]

We boondocked on Westguard Pass a few days ago, a mile or so to the east of the turnoff to Bristlecone Pine forest. We pulled off on a dirt road and my ever-adventurous wife hiked down a half-mile or so and found a great turnaround spot where we could camp for the night. Then we continued on to Beatty, NV. There are a few flat spots to camp on the very top of the pass, but everything is pretty much on a slant otherwise. Beautiful drive from Big Pine to Beatty.


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When I retired, I thought about taking up armadillo breeding. It doesn't pay much, but the armadillos seem to like it.

Dave McReynolds