I once had to travel through Las Vegas to get from Phoenix to LA.

I can do better than that. For our senior class trip to Hawaii, we travelled from Las Vegas to Dallas to Honolulu. No joke. It was somehow cheaper that way....

Steve, are you guys still doing the BYOBW in SF on Sunday? The local Autozone said they have some chains in stock but need a tire size to know if they have the ones you'd need....if you want to call them at 707 428 3994

Per Google Maps, the suggested non-ideal routes are all about the same. If all the roads are open the fastest route would be to take 120 at Manteca and cut through the valley and out on 49.

120 Route - 17 hours, 21 minutes.
NA's SIL Route - 18 hours
Alternate iSm route (using 140 to Mariposa) - 18 hours, 10 minutes
iSm route (using 140 all the way into valley then out on 41) - 18 hours, 16 minutes

So, assuming that 120 is not completely available (or would be worse driving than you want), I'd probably take Steve's route simply for ease of driving (generally less windy) and you get to see a big landslide that took out the road and requires a detour over the river. It requires a big ass climb out of the valley to get back up to the cabin, though, so if road conditions suck that could be annoying.

Hmmm, you may have something there Alex. 120 to 49 to 140 is a good deal shorter. I think I selected the route down the 99 to Merced so we could hit more towns with more auto parts stores.

But assuming the Manteca Wal*Mart is the tire chains mecca the internet makes it out to be, or - better yet - the AutoZone in SF referred to above has my brand - I think we'll take the shorter route.

Would I be missing anything if I skip Modesto, Turlock and Merced???

You can take whatever road you want. I'm just relaying the information on the way a person who has lived in Oakhurst for 40+years recommends that you go if you come from the North. Latitude means next to nothing when traveling on mountain roads with lower speed limits and more driving hazards. Shorter mileage doesn't mean faster travel times. Nor does it mean better driving conditions, more smll towns and stop signs, more cops and less confusion.

It is akin to getting to Santa Monica from Long Beach on a Friday Night. 110 to the 10 then back across town is MUCH faster than the more direct 405 north.

Yes it does which is a MAJOR PITA and a SLOOOOOW drive.

No, no and no.

Well, no matter what, this is the road we're taking, because according to Google Maps, it'll save us a whole 10 minutes! ;)

You know, WB asked for advice. I took the effort to make a phone call to the person who is an expert on driving conditions nd getting around in the Sierras. Personally, I suggest you take 120 from 395.