Yosemite National Park

[exav8tr]

Will be going to Yosemite National Park after San Diego/Bakersfield in about two weeks.

What can you tell me about Yosemite? We will be staying at Yosemite Lakes 1000 Trails and right now have two weeks scheduled......Is this too much time for the park???????

Phil

[Art-n-Marge]

LOVE that area. I go at least once a year. This year it's another backpack starting at Tuolumne Meadows then walking to the Valley floor and includes a climb to Half Dome. Might do the RV in Fall.

The good news is that 1000 Trails Yosemite Valley is only 5 miles to the northwest Park entrance (The other is in the south and the last is way East off SR395. The bad news is there's still a lot of driving into the Park but the main Valley floor is still 25 miles drive, and much further to Tuolumne Meadows high country, Glacier Point (overlooks Yosemite Valley), etc. Get your reservation as early as you can!

For me I only need a week because I go there pretty much every year. Two weeks means you can rest in between from driving to all the attractions especially if you do a hike. There are many hikes (all heavily traveled and populated) and some short distance hikes but many of them are steep (I recommend Mist Trail to Nevada Falls or Vernal Falls if you are feeling extra strong.

Send me an email and I can provide plenty of recommendations and what to expect on most trails or locations in Yosemite, from short hikes to dining spots and how to protect your stuff from Bears (this is real important). Have fun there.

[NCFischers]

Phil,
It's been years since I've been there and it's one of the most beautiful places anywhere. I've tent camped there in all four seasons. Two weeks isn't too long. It sounds as though Art is your best resource. It is a big place and reservations are a must. Don't miss the Ansel Adams photography display. Enjoy.
Jim

[jretz]

Phil,

Having worked at Yosemite I can say that if you are into hiking, photography, nature viewing, or just site seeing, two weeks there will go fast. 80% of the park visitors only see 20% of it. Most of Yosemite is wilderness area but most visitors only go to the Valley Floor and Glacier Point, some drive through Tuolumne Meadows. There is a good shuttle service in the Valley.

A good hike, not to strenuous, is take the shuttle from the Valley to Glacier Point and hike down the Panorama and Illilouette trails, great view of Half Dome, Illilouette Falls and Panorama Point then on to Nevada Falls and the entrance to Little Yosemite Valley, from there you can take the "stairs" down to Verneral Falls and then on into the Valley. This is a great one way hike and one of many in the Valley.

Tuolumne Meadows has some great day hikes along with its backpacking. Hikes like the Glen Aulin trail to Tuolumne Falls is a doable day trip, if you are in some shape and acclimatised to the altitude.

Check out the visitors center in the Valley, great movie on Yosemite, and loads of information. The Ansel Adams studios has a free guided photo hike around the Valley, you have to sign up early.

Check out http://www.yosemitehikes.com for lots of information.

[jksimons]

jretz..my mom decided she wanted to do the panarama trail for her 50th birthday. We took the first bus up and caught the LAST shuttle in the valley. It is not a trail that I would not classify as not to hard. Most of it is downhill, expect the hard climb up from falls, but you need to be in pretty good shape to do even this trail. I will say the views are worth every bit of it, but I was 34 at the time and my legs hurt FOR DAYS! A few years ago my husband and I went to Yosemite and hiked the first day up and down the stairs to the top of Nevada Falls, and the next day to the top of Yosemite Falls, I think I figured between all of the that and the walking we did oin the valley we did 18 miles in three days, the panorama trail kicked MY but worse then that.

I love Yosemite and two weeks a great amount of time to appreciate the trip. Hope you guys have a great time and be safe.

Oh! Don't let me forget to remind everyone...ATT cell is very spotty now that the park contracts with verizon and tow service is contracted to one main service, and they only bill AAA. (lesson I learned after my 1k tow bill)

[exav8tr]

Thanks to all for the hints. We are really looking forward to this stay....