You're not going to have much luck in avoiding the twisties.... To get across to Kernville you have to go across the foothills of the eastern Sierra Mountains. Just take your time and stop along the way to take advantage of some great views.

The steep descent isn't bad if you plan on taking it in first gear and let the engine compression help instead of brakes. It's one of those that once you reach the bottom you wonder why you were so worried about it.

You can come in from the south off of HWY 178 it's not as twistie but it's a lot more miles.

I could take an alternate route by crossing over to Reno/Fernley and take 395 south to Indian Wells, then take 178 west. Would that route be any better? Makes the trip a little longer, but on Google maps it looks like a nicer route.

I have never descended a hill that was so steep it required using 1st gear. Do you happen to know the % grade of that hill?

I don't mind some twisties, but 20-30 miles worth is not my idea of fun. Maneuvering a 40' bus up/down and around tight curves with a few logging trucks thrown in to the mix is not my favorite way to spend the day.

I haven't come in from the east on Hwy 178, so I'm not sure how good or bad it is for grades and twists. On the map it looks like a good coice compared to 155. But I'm guessing it would add about 200 miles to your trip.

If you go south on 99 to Oildale and then cross to 178 to get to Kernville. The road is less twistie and the grades are easier. You're only adding about 40 miles to your trip.

We ended up not taking the job in Kernville. FWIW, during our phone interview I asked about the best approach. They advised not taking 155, the drop from Alta Sierra is 11% and long. The better route was Bakersfield take 58 east and pick up 178. Best route was to approach from the west using the 395 to 178.

Back to looking for work...