Am traveling to San Francisco for a conference in the last week of October, and could have up to 3 days free to do some photography. I am torn between the scenics and wildlife potential of the coast(Monterey to Point Reyes) or the other great place of Yosemite and Mono Lake. Any opinions as to which is better, wish I could do both? Any things about that time of year that would sway you one way or another? Thanks.
I'll state the obvious: the coast requires far less driving, so for 3 days you might end up spending 1/2 of the first and 1/2 of the third days driving should you travel to the Sierra. Still almost a month away and even then a bit early for winter to set in, but there is always the possibility of a storm blowing through and cutting off access to the Yosemite high country and Mono Lake via Tioga Pass. The Valley would still be accessible, and time of year (fall and winter) are great times to visit the valley (nice without the summer crowds). Should you opt for the coast I'll once again state the obvious: Big Sur, Carmel, San Mateo Coast, Redwoods NP, Point Reyes, etc...The not so obvious: there are some great vantage points I like for sunsets up high in the coastal mountains, such as Prewitt Ridge area (Big Sur),Russian Ridge (peninsula) and Mt. Tamalpais (Marin County) (good options to go should the fog have rolled in and blocked the coastal sunrise/sunset). Also some great hiking in these areas as well.
Posted by Lon Overacker on October 2, 2009 at 4:33 PM
Dan,
Greg already made some good comments/suggestions and I can only add on to them.
With the way the weather patterns are shaping up this fall, I think it's highly likely that Tioga Pass will be CLOSED and access to the Eastern Sierra would be through the Lake Tahoe area and not such a great option for a quick trip.
Having said that, the end of October is a great time for Yosemite! The only thing missing will be water in the falls, but autumn will be just be picking up in the valley. From SF though, you'll end up with only 1 full day in Yosemite. If you've never been though, it's a viable option.
And if you've never been to the left coast or any of those spots you've mentioned, from SF, you could do them all. One day down south, Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur. Another day up north at Point Reyes, and yet another at some local redwoods Like Muir Woods or Samuel Taylor State part (actually onthe way to Point Reyes.)
Lot's of options and the coast should be especially nice since the summer fog patters should be long gone by then.
Both options have great value so I guess it all depends on what you're hoping to see and accomplish. But again, Mono Lake... even if the passes were open, is probably a good 6 hr drive from SF and I personally think that's too much for the amount of time you have.
Hope this helps,
Lon
Posted by Dan Baumbach on October 3, 2009 at 10:02 AM
If you've never been to Yosemite Valley before, Go There. It's always a wonder to me and the first time is just amazing.
- Dan.
Posted by Dan Chung on October 6, 2009 at 12:47 PM
Thanks for your input, I will check the weather and the status of the passes, if open, I will head to the mountains, if not, I will try and find some sea otters on the coast.
If you are in the area during the weekend of October 30 to Nov 2, I am leading my Autumn in Yosemite Valley workshop. I have rooms reserved in the Yosemite lodge and room is still available in my workshop. If you are interested check out my website under the workshop page.
I agree wholeheartedly with Dan B. If you've never been to Yosemite, go there! It is absolutely astounding.
The winter weather pattern for NorCal is setting up. We will likely see storms of varying intensity about every 8--10 days (another is due this comng Monday 10/13). That said, you may hit a timeframe when Tioga Pass is open, and you can access Mono Lake. It is a wonderful day trip from the Valley, over and back. But, keep an eye on the weather! It can be sunny at Mono, and snowing hard west of the Sierra Crest. Another option is to simply keep your locations west of Tioga Pass. That way, if the weather gets crummy, you can beat a hasty retreat to lower elevations. The old adage, "Don't put a high pass between you and safety" is very applicable this time of year, in the Sierra.
Discussion
6 repliesGreg already made some good comments/suggestions and I can only add on to them.
With the way the weather patterns are shaping up this fall, I think it's highly likely that Tioga Pass will be CLOSED and access to the Eastern Sierra would be through the Lake Tahoe area and not such a great option for a quick trip.
Having said that, the end of October is a great time for Yosemite! The only thing missing will be water in the falls, but autumn will be just be picking up in the valley. From SF though, you'll end up with only 1 full day in Yosemite. If you've never been though, it's a viable option.
And if you've never been to the left coast or any of those spots you've mentioned, from SF, you could do them all. One day down south, Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur. Another day up north at Point Reyes, and yet another at some local redwoods Like Muir Woods or Samuel Taylor State part (actually onthe way to Point Reyes.)
Lot's of options and the coast should be especially nice since the summer fog patters should be long gone by then.
Both options have great value so I guess it all depends on what you're hoping to see and accomplish. But again, Mono Lake... even if the passes were open, is probably a good 6 hr drive from SF and I personally think that's too much for the amount of time you have.
Hope this helps,
Lon
- Dan.
Thanks again, always great input on this site.
If you are in the area during the weekend of October 30 to Nov 2, I am leading my Autumn in Yosemite Valley workshop. I have rooms reserved in the Yosemite lodge and room is still available in my workshop. If you are interested check out my website under the workshop page.
I agree wholeheartedly with Dan B. If you've never been to Yosemite, go there! It is absolutely astounding.
The winter weather pattern for NorCal is setting up. We will likely see storms of varying intensity about every 8--10 days (another is due this comng Monday 10/13). That said, you may hit a timeframe when Tioga Pass is open, and you can access Mono Lake. It is a wonderful day trip from the Valley, over and back. But, keep an eye on the weather! It can be sunny at Mono, and snowing hard west of the Sierra Crest. Another option is to simply keep your locations west of Tioga Pass. That way, if the weather gets crummy, you can beat a hasty retreat to lower elevations. The old adage, "Don't put a high pass between you and safety" is very applicable this time of year, in the Sierra.
-P