California in December

[IanGor]

I'm a British cyclist. A friend and I want to celebrate our 50th birthdays by cycling in California/Nevada next November/December (only time possible because of work commitments). We are planning a loop from Las Vegas, going to San Francisco, down the Pacific Coast route to San Diego and then back up to Las Vegas via Palm Springs. We are unsure about routes from Vegas to SF. Can anyone suggest possible routes and whether they can be cycled in late November/early December. Will snow be a factor? Any help will be much appreciated. We are planning three weeks for the trip, doing around 80 miles per day.

[aggie]

Snow could be a problem going over the passes from Vegas.  You'll need to check the weather and possibly the California Dept of Trans (DOT) to see if the passes are open.  Once you cross the Sierra Nevada range you shouldn't have any problems with snow.  Unfortunately there aren't many routes from Vegas to SF if snow closes the passes (once closed they are closed for the season).

The most scenic route, if the passes are open, is to take the 160 out of Vegas.  Then take hwy 372/178 to Shoshone.  Follow the 178 through Death Valley until it connects with the 190 west.  Follow the 190 until it meets the 136 (to Lone Pine).  Then take the 395 north until you reach the 120 that will take you up a very big climb into Yosemite.  Follow the 120 all the way to Manteca.  There are then a couple of ways for you to get to the SF bay area.  If snow has closed the passes (very possible) you either take the 395 upto Carson City, Nevada or take hwy 95 out of Vegas north to Fallon, Nevada.  You can then take hwy 50 to Carson and Lake Tahoe. 

It is very possible you'll run into some snow at the higher elevations.  If you get to Vegas at the beginning of November you may just beat the snow.  Also be prepared for rain on the coast route.  This is the beginning of the rainy season.

Hope this helps.  Good Luck.

[cgarch]

I would offer this additional comment regarding crossing the Sierra in Nov-Dec.: Caltrans closes (going north) Tioga (CA 120),Sonora (108), and Ebbetts (CA 4) at the first hint of snow - it can be as early as mid-October. Carson (CA 88) and US 50 are open all year. But just because they're open doesn't mean they're an easy ride if they are covered with snow and ice as they were this past November. Checking with Caltrans is essential to a sane trip. http://www.dot.ca.gov/cgi-bin/roads.cgi It can be quite cold and windy in this area for days at a time.

After re-reading your post, it seems the automatic assumption is that you would ride a loop headed north along the eastern Sierra. Novermber-December is not the time to do that route (IMHO - unless you really really want that kind of challenge). It would make more sense to cross the Sierra further south. Consider going over the Kern River Canyon (CA 178) and then head north through the western Sierra foothills. Work your way north to CA 49, then cross the valley at either Merced area or Modesto. There are several areas where you could cross the valley. Being on the western side of the Sierra would allow you to adjust your trip for time a lot easier. There are lots of roads in this area to choose from.

I'll defer to other comments for the southern half of the state.

Craig

[IanGor]

Thanks for all the useful advice. Very handy. If anyone else could help on a couple of queries. How many hours cycling in daylight can we expect in late November/December in the area? Are there enough motels open on the Pacific Coast at that time of year? 

I'm a British cyclist. A friend and I want to celebrate our 50th birthdays by cycling in California/Nevada next November/December (only time possible because of work commitments). We are planning a loop from Las Vegas, going to San Francisco, down the Pacific Coast route to San Diego and then back up to Las Vegas via Palm Springs. We are unsure about routes from Vegas to SF. Can anyone suggest possible routes and whether they can be cycled in late November/early December. Will snow be a factor? Any help will be much appreciated. We are planning three weeks for the trip, doing around 80 miles per day.

[cgarch]

8.5 hours of daylight is typical at that time, 0730-1700. Typically here in the Bay Area it is dark at 5 (1700) in Nov-Dec.. As for motels, yes, there quite a few and they will be open. Towards Big Sur there are fewer and south of Big Sur farther between. Shouldn't be an issue.

Craig

Thanks for all the useful advice. Very handy. If anyone else could help on a couple of queries. How many hours cycling in daylight can we expect in late November/December in the area? Are there enough motels open on the Pacific Coast at that time of year?