Here s an idea. Just before you depart call the toll free, 24 hour Caltrans Highway Information hot line at 1-800-427-7623. It will give you the up to the minute road conditions so you can then decide which route you would rather use. If you drive the speed limit using I-5 will take about 7 hours, and Ca 101 will be about 9 hours.
I-101 is not a bad drive and likely you ll NOT have to contend with the snow that usually impacts the Grapevine. It is a lenghtier drive and likely highway speeds tend to be a bit slower. In addtion, traffic tends to get busy in certain places like leaving the LA/SFV area, Ventura and Santa Barbara. On the other end you run into the traffic of the Silicon Valley. But hey the I-5 can sometimes be a bitter pill to swallow in terms of traffic as well. But if you ve been on one Interstate you ve been on them all so I think you will find I-101 a bit refreshing and actually find and see places you might actually want to stop and visit. And if you want to make it interesting you can actually drive up a portion of the PCH as well.
I drove up to Monterrey, CA last February on the 101 in what I would classify as gale force winds. The wind was blowing the rain so hard it felt like needles hitting us in the face. We even had to cling to the car when we got out. The SUV we were in was getting blown all over the road and when you re driving along a road that clings to the side of a cliff that drops into the ocean it makes for a very interesting trip. We even had to take a couple of detours since some large trees were blown over into the road. Check first to make sure there aren t high winds also on the 101 because it can be just as treacherous as the 5.
During storms like this, I d say easier . It s definitely longer in terms of miles, but I think it s a wise choice at this time. They are talking about snow levels in So Cal down below 2000 feet, so it s pretty much a guarantee that the grapevine (up and over the Tehachapi Mountains through Gorman) will get snow. And when it gets snow, you need chains, and it s pretty dangerous to pass through. If the weather is clear, driving to San Francisco takes 6 hours via I-5, or about 8 hours via 101. But if there s snow, I-5 can close down, and you could get trapped.Plan A should be to go via 101. If you hear that the grapevine through Tejon Pass is open with no restrictions (and no new storms on the way), then take I-5. 101 s a really beautiful drive, so enjoy it. You travel through a lot of rolling hill country. Nothing difficult, just curvier than I-5 and longer. Say hi to the Happy Cows for me. Good places to stop for a short break are Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo (go check out the Madonna Inn), and Salinas. Have fun. Be safe.
It s a bit longer and a bit curvy in certain spots, whereas the 5 is pretty much a straight shot. But it s certainly a more scenic and pleasant drive, with no cow farms stinking up the freeway.The grapevine can indeed be tricky. I ve experienced rain, fog, high wind, high heat, and snow while traveling the grapevine.
Definitely...I DO NOT like the 5 going north at all...no matter what time of year.. dry, ugly, and boring. ..and you re right, the grapevine can get a little dicey in the winter months. The 101 is much nicer...It will take you all the way into SF...and beyond if you choose to do so. Keep in mind it will take a little longer to travel north but well worth it...you ll see a little bit of the coastline on this route too.Edit 12/8/09: Oh, wow, I saw the news last night and the grapevine is snowy and very icy...good choice to take the 101...plus you will go through some great towns like Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo...or you can stop off into Solvang (just about a 10 min. drive east from the 101). ...enjoy your road trip!