Highway 120 to Benton Ride

Motorcycle Roads & Rides > Routes > United States > California

Average Rating - This road has been rated by 3 visitors

State: California
Date Submitted: March 1, 2005
Submitted by: Steve McCauley
Motorcycle Road Length: 50 Miles

Written Directions

This route is located about 50 miles east of Yosemite National Park. Its easy to find if you just find the starting point in Lee Vining, CA. Just south of Lee Vining and Mono Lake, route 120 crosses US 395. You want to take 120 southeast (120 west is Tioga Pass to Yosemite National Park) about 47 miles to Benton, CA and highway 6. From here you can take highway 6 south to Bishop, CA or north east to highway 95 to Nevada.

Scenery

You will pass through Ponderosa pines, into wide open plateaus with snow capped mountains all around.

Road Quality

The road has gradual sweeping turns, long straight-aways for a little speed if you like, and roller coaster hills that will take your breath away. The road is in great shape

Roadside Amenities

There is a gas station and restaurant at the beginning and the end. Nothing in between except for one ranch. It's only 47 miles. You'll end up at the far east side of Yosemite National Park where you could spend a week taking it all in.

Additional Info

- View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo weather .

Nickname (optional) Steve McCauley

Add a Photo Add a Video


Reviewed by Guest on May 21, 2010 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Sin City Stan
motorcycle_year: 2009
motorcycle_make: Kawasaki
motorcycle_type: Cruiser
Comment: I have travelled this road three times and can count on one hand the number of vrhicles I encountered. For a good portion of time you're in rolling hills above 8000 feet. A real relaxing ride. Whenever in the area I will not pass up the chance to ride it.
Was this review helpful? Yes \| No

Reviewed by Guest on November 13, 2008 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: DollyT
Comment: When in the Benton area, check out all the Hot Springs for a nice soak after a long hard days riding. In Markleeville, you can camp at the Grover Hot Springs campground, and work out the kinks between the hot mineral pool and the cool swimming pool. Take a ride through Yosemite to the Hotel Charlotte in Groveland for a great day trip from the Benton and Markleeville area.
Was this review helpful? Yes \| No

Reviewed by Guest on August 16, 2008 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Ralph Barnett
motorcycle_year: 1998
motorcycle_make: BMW
motorcycle_type: Sport-Touring
Comment: Just did this ride last weekend and it was worth the detour. The roller coaster comment is definitely true and since there are no sharp turns, you can really enjoy the flight. Road was in great shape.
Was this review helpful? Yes \| No