going Napa Valley / RDD

[gtmize]

decided against Santa Monica with all issues at Venice beach

so headed to Napa Valley instead

best route across the Sierras into RDD from the East?

[waynemcc999]

Gary, first a picky point on geography... east of Reading (KRDD) is not the Sierra Nevada but rather the southern Cascades, as Lassen Peak (and nearby Chester Airport O05) is essentially the southern most volcano in the Cascade chain.

Now to the terrain... let's assume you're coming VFR from Susanville (KSVE) to the east of Redding (KRDD):
-- a flight plan of KSVE O05 KRDD would result in max terrain (per ForeFlight Profile +/-2nm) of 7333' MSL, so 8500' would likely work in smooth air,
-- and you could still drift up to ~10,300' (obeying the VFR rules) and have a solid 2700' clearance which should work with winds aloft say <25 knots.
-- make sure to cross any ridges at 45 degrees to the ridge-line.

But I may well be misreading your question... especially since I guess you're coming from Four Corners... but then Reading is not on the way from Four Corners to Napa. Likely I'm confused. Are you departing KFMN?
IFR or VFR? Thoughts, clarifications?
Enjoy,
Wayne

[gtmize]

Wayne,

This is what happens when a Gulf Coast Guy starts planning trips to Cali !!

Yes I am flying to St Helena / Harvest Inn BTW ..
FMN to BVU/fuel across the mountains to KAPC Napa Co A/P
which is only 30 min drive

So how would you suggest I cross ?

BTW .. don't know where I got RDD Reading as being close to St Helena

Thanks!

[waynemcc999]

Gary, now that (KBVU to KAPC) is indeed a question of how to cross the Sierra Nevada!

-- shortest, but pretty exposed: cross West of Mammoth via RBRTS CAINS
-- longest1, but safest: cross along Interstate 80 via TRUCK SIGNA
-- longest2: cross the Tehachapis (southernmost subrange of the Sierra Nevada) via PMD KTSP TTE
-- trickiest: zigzag thru the Trona gap of Restricteds and then over Lake Isabella via L72 (zigzags) L05 WRING

[gtmize]

Since I'm in no hurry seeing the Valley sounds like more fun
KHND PMD TSP TTE APC 3:30 from Henderson Vegas
Thanks

[waynemcc999]

That works! (to continue my pickiness: KTSP and KAPC)