Things to do in Northern California?

[Sigarms]

Best??? Shortest maybe. The one lane part of 4 is certainly a thrill. Another option is to head north on 49 to Jackson, then Carson pass (88) to 89 north to Tahoe. Then west on 50 to Carson City.

How about this, would route 4 be the quickest time wise? Honestly, it’s not likely I’ll be hitting over 35 mph on the pass

That said, priority will be time in Carson City and Tahoe.

I loved going over Ebbets pass, wouldn’t mind a second go round if it saves drive time. Impression I got was if I would have hit Markleyville the first time over the pass, the drive and scenery isn’t exactly the same.

Rather save drive time, so if I don’t get to do the pass, I’m still good.

 

[Sigarms]

San Luis reservoir. Where I’m pretty sure I saw the Elk

 

[California]

it’s odd having low profile traffic lights literally on the on ramps (at the end of the on ramp) ... You expect to see a yield sign perhaps, but can’t say a 5’ tall traffic light.

'Ramp Metering'. A string of cars merging onto the freeway disrupts the existing heavy traffic. So when a freeway is at capacity, cars are held at those ramp lights and released in ones or twos at intervals. It's a measure to get more use out of overloaded infrastructure. Most of them are halfway down the ramp so you have time to accelerate.

I had to make an emergency stop to avoid rear-ending a stationary car as I got up to freeway speed for a smooth merge the first time I encountered one, on a business trip to Los Angeles. I had no idea they existed.

 

[California]

Yeah, In-N-Out Burgers. Excellent!

All over California. And now expanded into Arizona, Nevada, Texas plus a couple of other Western cities.

 

[Hughman]

Slightly different route that avoids Tahoe.
4 vs 88 are about the same timewise.

From Carson City to Angels Camp, California 95222 via CA-4 W.

2 hr 41 min (115 mi)
For the best route in current traffic visit Carson City to Angels Camp

 

[California]

I don't know how this fits into your plans but you might like to return via Lake Tahoe. It's gorgeous.

The route would be US50 from Carson City to South Tahoe, then south on 89 to 88.

88, Carson Pass, is where my ancestors winched their wagons up the canyons with block & tackle. After enduring the 40 mile desert out beyond where the Carson River disappears, and 3 months on the trail. Mom, b 1910, heard the stories first-hand from her elderly grandmother.

88 now is a top quality highway. It's not very direct but it is the designated route for huge 'permit' (oversize) loads with gentle grades and broad curves.

 

[ultrarunner]

Might be traffic congestion with the President also visiting Tahoe?

Air Force 1 South Lake Tahoe Airport??? Blue Angles have used it but I think Reno runway required or even the old military base where the air races take place in Stead?

 

[ultrarunner]

Glen Brook Tahoe rental... with Air Force 1 over the mountain at Reno Airport...

 

[California]

Might be traffic congestion with the President also visiting Tahoe?

Air Force 1 South Lake Tahoe Airport??? Blue Angles have used it but I think Reno runway required or even the old military base where the air races take place in Stead?

AF1 arrived Reno last Friday.

Biden is at Glenbrook this week, on the east (Nevada) side of Lake Tahoe. US50 comes down from Spooner Summit and skirts the edge of the community then turns south along the lakeshore. Google Maps shows light traffic at this moment. YMMV!

Bidens staying at Lake Tahoe home of climate activist Tom Steyer

President Joe Biden, his wife Jill, son Hunter and other family members have arrived at Lake Tahoe for a week of August vacation, and they are staying at a home rented from billionaire climate activist Tom Steyer.

www.reuters.com

 

[Sigarms]

Took 88 to Virginia City. Came back via Ebbett’s pass on 4.

Still a 10 hour day.

It would be a sin to take a road you’re not use to and not stop when you’re not used to the scenery! (And that takes time!).

Believe this is a part of the Carson Pass below

Believe this is Margaret lake

Virginia City is a tourist trap, but honestly it’s the first one in this trip, and it was MUCH needed by all of us.

The mine tour was more than interesting (very different from the coal mines of Pennsylvania) and we all had a great time and my son found a very cool gift fit himself that is very unique.

I also have to give myself credit. The third time over Ebbetts pass was a breeze driving and actually like a regular drive. Had my son take this one on one of the curves.

Have to ask, what is this place below on 4 north of Alpine lake?

Tomorrow is our last day. Very enjoyable trip and it has exceeded our expectations by far.

Have to laugh, on the drive back from Nevada, my wife made the comment “you know, I could see us moving to Nevada”

One last pic I believe taken on 88

California sure is a beautiful state!(please don’t take this the wrong was though, that’s exactly why my wife could see us living in Nevada lol).