kej
Well-Known Member
Earlier I posted suggestions on Hwy 395 in the Eastern Sierra/Owens Valley since that was where my Jeep was last week. But I usually I split time between the Bay Area and Lake Tahoe. So below are 10 suggestions for Northern CA.
I've taken a more touristic approach rather than wheeling only both because I do not know all the local wheeling opportunities and because there are things worth seeing that don't involve wheeling. Many of these have already been suggested and by the time you get to NorCal you may just want to point your Jeeps back to Michigan. But Oct can be a great time in NorCal (when it is not on fire). So, in no particular order, for your consideration:
Looking forward to seeing the posts on your trip.
I've taken a more touristic approach rather than wheeling only both because I do not know all the local wheeling opportunities and because there are things worth seeing that don't involve wheeling. Many of these have already been suggested and by the time you get to NorCal you may just want to point your Jeeps back to Michigan. But Oct can be a great time in NorCal (when it is not on fire). So, in no particular order, for your consideration:
- Hgwy 1 from Oregon to SF or SF to SLO: Windy and slow it can be spectacular when clear or fogged in with nothing to see
- Yosemite: Just drove through it yesterday and it was as spectacular as ever. Was able to get a day pass at the last minute and the COVID limitations have made the crowds not feel like Disneyland
- Highway 89 / 49 / 70 between Quincy & Truckee: tons of places to wheel and camp. My favorite ride is the shelf road and 200 steps to the fire lookout on the top of Sierra Buttes. But there are limitless trails, lakes, and campsites. Fires have become an annual problem.
- Lake Tahoe: Beautiful and lots of places to wheel, stay, eat, drink, etc. Even more wheeling spots in Western Nevada. Again fires have become an annual problem but fall used to be the best time of year.
- Burney Falls: On my bucket list. I have not been but have seen pictures and it has been recommended by several friends.
- SF/Marin: No wheeling and SF is a mess but there is still much to see on a day trip. Just sleep outside the city and don't leave anything of value in your Jeeps when in the city.
- Redwoods: multiple locations both on the coast and inland (which have different varieties of trees). Worth seeing if you have not seen before.
- Wine Country: Fall crush is a good time to visit Napa, Sonoma, Central Coast, Livermore, or Sierra Foothill wineries.
- Hearst Castle: Assuming the CA State Park will be open again. Unbelievable wealth from another time.
- Carmel/Montery: Worth seeing if you are in the area. Carmel is a cute town. The homes on the 17 mile drive are something. And the aquarium in Monterey is world class.
Looking forward to seeing the posts on your trip.
Sponsored