Yosemite Rock Climbing Trips

Rock Climbing - Advanced Learn to Lead weekend - Directions

Directions to Bowler Campground, Sierra NF for Southern Yosemite (May-Oct)

SF Bay Area North

Take 580 East, which becomes 5 South just past Altamont Pass. Take I-5 for 10 miles South to 132 East to Modesto. In Modesto, take 99 South to Merced. From Merced, take 140 East to Mariposa (+/-39 miles). At Mariposa, take 49 South (right turn) to Oakhurst and Hwy. 41. Take a left on 41, heading North. *

SF Bay Area South

Take 101 South to 152 East (Pacheco Pass). Drive east through Los Banos. Highway 152 turns into 99 South. Take 99 South 13 miles to the Yosemite/Millerton Lake Exit in Madera. Turn Left (Cleveland Ave.) at stop sign at the Chevron station. Get in far right lane, go across Railroad tracks and take the immediate right( this is still Cleveland Ave). Veer left after making the right and go 2 lights through Madera until you hit the 3rd light, just past a bridge over a creek-bed. Go left at this light on Yosemite Ave/145 East. There is a Valero Gas station on the corner, which is a good inexpensive place for gas. Take 145 East 15 miles to a light. Turn Left here on 41 (Southern Yosemite Highway) to Oakhurst*

Los Angeles Area

Take I-5 North to 99 North to Fresno. Take the Yosemite Exit, Hwy. 41, in Fresno. Go North on 41 (+/-45 miles) to Oakhurst.*

From Highway 41 in Oakhurst

*3 miles past Oakhurst, take the Bass Lake Turnoff, road 222. Go 3 miles to Bass Lake and stay left at Y (road 274), following the signs to the Pines Village/Resort. 2 miles on road 274 to road 434. At road 434 (Beasore Road), turn left. You're on your way to the campground, which is on the Beasore Road 29 miles up into the high country. You'll wind your way up the mountain on this paved road 13 miles and 3800' in elevation. You'll reach Cold Springs Summit, 7,308.' Now you're heading downhill. Automatic transmissions should be in LOW on downhill grades in the mountains. You'll pass Jones Store on your left; occasional gas, no phones, after 2 miles. After another mile, you'll come to a fork. At the fork, 1 mile past Jones Store, do not turn right. The road you're on veers left. Eventually the road will turn into an "improved" dirt road, with some semi-paved sections. After the road becomes "improved dirt" you'll pass Globe Rock on your right (there is a left fork here that some have been confused with-do NOT veer left here). Soon you'll pass Chiquito Creek, and now the road will seem like less than "improved." You'll pass a right turn to Jackass Meadow which is signed as such (do not take this right), then the Jackass Lakes Trail on your left (signed on your right), then Jackass Creek, and then you'll see a brown and yellow sign to Bowler Group Campground, Go right here, into the dirt loop and we are in the center campground.

A Few Tips on Mountain Driving

Pay attention--most people get lost because they do not pay attention. Stay on your road--do not turn off your road unless you are told to. Use low gears on downhills--if you don't, you may lose your brakes entirely. Watch for potholes--and be sure your tires don't go in the potholes. You should have a full tank of gas when you start up the hill (24hr gas at the Pines Village).

Please call the SYMG office with any questions. (800) 231-4575.

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