Is it possible to take the I-5 to Sonoma County? (San Jose: rental, traffic)

[WannaBNorCal]

I was lying down pondering my move, and remembering the scenic drive on the 101, however, I did not like the "Cijos pass" (sp?), that incline was amazing, but something I would rather not have to do again.
I've driven the Grapevine with no problem, the 5 is rather boring I know. That's ok.

I need to look on a map, but I was wondering if anyone knew how I would get to Sonoma County from the OC via the 5?

-Where does it cut off to go East towards the Bay area?
-If I took the 5, can I get to the 101 as I get further into the Bay area?

Thank you for any and all input.

[sonarrat]

You would take I-5 to 580 West in Tracy, over the Altamont Pass, to 680 North (signs will say Sacramento). You'll go across the Benicia Bridge ($4 toll), then take 680 up to 80 West, followed very shortly by 12 West which takes you towards Napa and 121 to Sonoma County. Expect very heavy traffic on 580.

[WannaBNorCal]

Thank you! Do you know the elevation of the Altamont Pass? Is it higher thanthe Grapevine? Do you know what pass I'm talking about when I said the "Cijos" Pass?
It sounds like I'm going more west in yor post above.
I need a map! lol

[sonarrat]

It's only about 1000 feet, nothing too serious. The alternative to connect I-5 to 101 in Gilroy - which is 152, the Pacheco Pass - is 1300 feet and also a much more dangerous road.

[krudmonk]

Originally Posted by sonarrat

You would take I-5 to 580 West in Tracy, over the Altamont Pass, to 680 North (signs will say Sacramento). You'll go across the Benicia Bridge ($4 toll), then take 680 up to 80 West, followed very shortly by 12 West which takes you towards Napa and 121 to Sonoma County. Expect very heavy traffic on 580.

I was going to debate this, but after looking at a map I see how roundabout every route is. The north bay is very cut-off and broken-up, which is unfortunate for commuters.

[sonarrat]

Originally Posted by krudmonk

I was going to debate this, but after looking at a map I see how roundabout every route is. The north bay is very cut-off and broken-up, which is unfortunate for commuters.

That's about as direct as it gets - almost a straight northwestern shot. You could take 780 West to 80 East after the Benicia Bridge instead of 680 North, but I don't think that would save any time.

[DMenscha]

Drive up I-5 to Highway 12 out of Lodi towards Napa.

[18Montclair]

Originally Posted by sonarrat

Expect very heavy traffic on 580.

ugh...680 too.

[WannaBNorCal]

Thanks guys! I did look on the map and understood what sonarat was saying, pretty direct-yes.
...I did see how broken up it is when you go west at Tracy through it all...ug

Question about the traffic on the 580 and 680--even during the week, it gets congested? All day?
My friend is recommending I fly up and rent a car....

[ImRandy]

It is congested most of the day regardless of what day it is. Personally, I would take 101 because it is much more pleasant and you avoid the Altamont Pass and the Tracy/Lathrop area congestion all together. If you do go this route I would also suggest switching to 280 in San Jose rather than 101 all the way up.

Flying on the other hand saves you at least 6-7 hours of driving depending on where you are down there and it only take ~45 minutes. Might make things easier if you have a lot of places to look at. Many of the rental cars also have GPS navigation options now. Handy if you don't have a GPS navigation device or GPS enabled phone.

EDIT: This "Cijos" you're talking about wouldn't be the Cuesta Grade would it? Coming out of SLO? It used to be kinda freaky years ago but they widened 101 so it's a rather mild drive now.