Where's a good place? How's the Yosemite Lodge at Yosemite Valley? They have no air conditioning. What about the Tenaya Lodge? Thanks.

Hands down, bar none, the place to stay is the Awahnee Hotel inside Yosemite Valley.

Tenaya Lodge was nice, the food was so-so, but IMO did not hold a match to the Awahnee.
Having been to the park numerous times, staying inside the park has been paramount to my enjoyment of the park. It is no easy drive into the park, so I've never enjoyed staying outside of it, like Tenaya Lodge is.

The Awahnee hotel has very good food and a grand dining hall w/50' timbered ceilings. All the while being surrounded by some of the most beautiful mountains. There are large fireplaces and great rooms.

Just a tip, go in the spring of early summer for the best waterfalls. I treated my parents to Yosemite this past fall, while it was still impressive, the falls were a little weak due to no snow melt occuring at that time of year. My parents were not disappointed, but I had viewed the waterfalls during April when they were huge.

Here is a shot of the hotel.

http://geoimages.berkeley.edu/GeoImages/BainCalif/CAL400/AWAHNEE.HTML


Below are some photos from the park and one of the hotel in winter.

http://www.elite.net/~tkidd/sierrawest.htm

Enjoy!!! it looks like I won't get out to that area of the country much anymore.




[This message has been edited by Sweet Willie (edited 08-05-2001).]

I saw it but couldn't get reservations three weeks from now.

This place is only 20 minutes from where Tenaya Lodge is located.

I've eaten here many times, food is very good!!!

Although I've never stayed here, I had asked to see some of the rooms, very nice.

http://www.relaischateaux.com:80/site/us/FicheAdherent?RcCode=sureau

I looked at Relais-Chateaux because I remember seeing their directory at UA RCC. How's the restaurant at the Ahwahnee?

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">How's the restaurant at the Ahwahnee?[/B]</font>

VERY GOOD!!! Sometimes they have guest chefs. The menu changes on a regular basis.

Seawolf, the Awahanee OFTEN has cancelations...and almost every time I've wanted to go, just by calling daily, I get in. The resturant is excellent -
Yosemite is one of my favorite places on our planet....and when you drive through the last tunnel and finally 'see' the valley...it didn't look any different 2000 years ago.... Enjoy!

------------------
Askworldtraveler, EXP,4 million AA miles+++

The Ahwahnee is really nice. The restaurant is very good for traditional fare - service was a bit haphazard, except for the sommelier. A very nice wine list - we enjoyed a Duckhorn Merlot a few years back. The restaurant used to have a strict coat and tie policy for gentlemen.

What about a cabin in the woods:
http://www.redwoodsguestcottages.com/
I have stayed here a couple of times and it was very nice.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">The restaurant used to have a strict coat and tie policy for gentlemen.[/B]</font>

Each time I've wore a coat, no tie. I was well dressed. Usually 15% of the men did not have coats on. Some of my stays were on cool Spring (April) nights so heat could not be an excuse.

I really liked Chateau du Sureau. Beautiful rooms and very good service. Very elaborate dinners, though--I found it a bit excessive after the first night.
I've had lunch at the Awahnee. The space is a bit overwhelming, the food's OK.

Does anyone have a recommendation for where to stay in or near Yosemite? My wife and I will be there Sept 3 - 6 and I've been unable to find a concensus on what the best options are. It seems in-park facilities are pricey, so maybe a B&B not too far away?

Thanks!

Outside of Park facilities, there is little choice for rooms. A stay at the Ahwannahee is a once in a lifetime experience and should be enjoyed. Yosemite is my favorite place in the World and gives a marvelous exhilerating feeling due to the high ion concentration from all the water falls concentrated in the Valley, that is surrounded by mile high mountains. Fall at the end of Oct is a fantastic picture of colors when the leaves change!

Wonderful air to breath.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by R&R:
A stay at the Ahwannahee is a once in a lifetime experience and should be enjoyed.</font>

Fully agree.

A search for Yosemite (in the upper right hand corner of the page) would have yielded:
http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/Forum38/HTML/000004.html

Have also stayed here, just outside the park: http://www.appletreeinn-yosemite.com/


------------------
Visit FlyerTalk Dining http://flyertalk.com/diningfr.shtml

Thanks for the info.

Sweet Willie, I did check topics from the past year...didn't do a search, though. Is it as bad getting into the park if you stay outside as some make it out to be? The Apple Tree Inn looks decent and seems to be fairly close...may give it a shot.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by ExpoTrac:
Is it as bad getting into the park if you stay outside as some make it out to be? The Apple Tree Inn looks decent and seems to be fairly close...may give it a shot.</font>

For the driver of the car the drive is not bad as you know the movement of the car on the curves of the road, after curve, after curve, after curve, after curve (did I mention the twisty roads yet?) http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/smile.gif

Plus you will need to be aggressive to pass in the few passing areas to make any time if there is a camper or very slow gawker.

The endless curves of the road are hell on my wife, she just hates them, so my mantra being "Happy Wife, Happy Life" we stay in the park.

To be able to have a nice breakfast and then walk out the door and start to experience Yosemite is not to be missed though. I also must confess that some of my Awhanee stays were business stays so it was not me footing the bill.

Now that $ is a little tight, I would stay outside the park and be fine w/it as any chance to see Yosemite I would take, but in no way would my wife.

I would urge you to dine at the Awhanee though.

------------------
Visit FlyerTalk Dining http://flyertalk.com/diningfr.shtml

OH to smell the fireplace smoke hovering at nite in the Valley, while the FULL MOON lights up the waterfalls, is a wonderful way to enjoy the day and nite. THen to listen to the bears outside the cabins, that are part of Hotel property and gaze at the mountains from the dining room windows over Breakfast is real living. A peak experience!

Or how about just sitting by the HUGH fireplace, while it crackles with flames sipping your favorite drink?



[This message has been edited by R&R (edited 08-04-2003).]

I am planning to drive from Las Vegas to Yosemite in early Dec. It's quite a long drive hence I would like to stop somewhere for a night, thinking of stopping near Death Valley. Any recommendation on where to stay around that area or is there another better place to visit ?

just FYI, at that time of year the Tioga Pass will be closed, you will have to come into Yosemite from the W/SW sides.

------------------
Visit FlyerTalk Dining http://flyertalk.com/diningfr.shtml

In fact, it's already closed:


&gt; This highway information is the latest reported as of Sunday, November
&gt; 2, 2003 at 06:54 .
&gt;
&gt;
&gt;
&gt;
&gt; SR 120
&gt; [CENTRAL CALIFORNIA & SIERRA NEVADA]
&gt; IS CLOSED FROM CRANE FLAT TO 5 MI WEST OF THE JCT OF US 395 /TIOGA
&gt; PASS/
&gt; (TUOLUMNE, MONO CO's) - DUE TO SNOW
&gt;
&gt; [EASTERN SIERRA NEVADA]
&gt; IS CLOSED FROM CRANE FLAT TO 5 MI WEST OF THE JCT OF US 395 /TIOGA
&gt; PASS/
&gt; (TUOLUMNE, MONO CO's) - DUE TO SNOW

http://www.caltrans.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/

Hi, I drove from Vegas to SFO this summer and the drive through Death Valley was really wonderful (even though a bit hot at that time of year).

I would definitely do it again if I had the chance. I drove down from Vegas to Shoshone and up the Valley (178 - Badwater, Devils Golf Course, Artists Drive...) stopping at Furnace Creek Ranch for the night.

It's a great drive, very easy going (left Vegas around 12), but it depends how much time you have. You can get from Furnace Creek to the south entrance of Yosemite in a day, but it's a long drive.

Mustn’t miss sunrise/sunset at Zabriskies Point (5 min drive from the Ranch) or Dantes View (30).

The sand dunes on the road out of the Valley just before Stovepipe Wells are also a must.

Have a great trip.

With Tioga pass close, is it still possible to drive from death valley to Yosemite in 1 day ? Or is it better to take I15 from Las Vegas through Bakersfield and Fresno and stop at Fresno for the night instead ? Would be nice to visit death valley but there does not seem to be an easy route across to the W side without backtracking.

If you really want to drive up in a day, and over the Sierras, the closest year-round route is to Minden/Gardnerville when you pick up CA88 and head to Jackson before heading south on CA49/120 to Yosemite. Bit on a long way around.

You could stop at Fresno if Tioga Pass is closed - or you could stop at Sequoia Natl Park, which is also on the way. There's a lodge at the top; hmmm, wonder if you have to come the other way around vs through King's Canyon. I could ask my sister; she's a park ranger there. I think Yosemite is 4 hours past Sequoia. I'm going to SNP for Xmas holidays & we're be-bopping over to Yosemite for a couple of days during that time, as I've not been.

------------------
Sharon

Thanks for all the tips. If I drive to Minden/Gardenville before heading back south, it seems quite a long drive from Las Vegas for a day especially if I am driving through death valley, is there a good place to stop for the night along the way ? I was looking at the map and it does not seems like there is an easy way to get to Sequoia NP from death valley, was told that a lot of the road will be closed during winter.

How's the drive like if I take I-15 and stop at Fresno? Is there any thing interesting along the way or is it pretty boring ?

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by EasyMac:
. If I drive to Minden/Gardenville before heading back south, it seems quite a long drive from Las Vegas for a day especially if I am driving through death valley, is there a good place to stop for the night along the way ? </font>

I've been told by some Reno residents that it takes 7-8 hours between Las Vegas and Reno (never done it myself). Yes, it is a long day in winter. Might consider driving to Lone Pine and then up to Mammoth or Lee Vining for the night, or even Bridgeport (various things to see along the way include the arrested-decay ghost town, Bodie. Also can recommend a hotsprings to go take a dip in.

Sequoia's near Fresno, so if you're going there it's not that far to SNP. I've emailed my sister to ask about road closings, etc, in early December. Will post when I hear back from her. Can't help you on the others. It is a long drive, though, from Vegas to Yosemite.

------------------
Sharon

Got this from my sister the park ranger at Sequoia:

Vegas to Yosemite is a very L-O-N-G day, approximately 12 hours. Death Valley is a cool park if they like deserts, if they're not desert people - keep driving. Sequoia /Lodgepole is about 8 1/2 hours from Vegas. They would enter the park from Highway 198 in Visalia and the road between the parks doesn't affect them until they leave. Yes, the road could be closed. It's too early to tell. Worse case scenario they leave the same way they entered, and add approximtely 45 minutes on to their next day of travel. Keep in mind, that chains or 4 Wheel Drive could be required on the General's Highway at any time. The park info # if 559-565-3341 and the Wuksachi Lodge is 559-565-565-4070.


------------------
Sharon

Thanks for the info. I will be driving a 4x4 SWU so hopefully I will be fine. I think I will try to stop at Lee Vining or Mammoth Lake area for the night, Hot spring sounds good http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/smile.gif I will be travelling with my mum and I think she will love it. Any recommendation on where to stay, preferably one with hot spring on-site.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by EasyMac:
Hot spring sounds good http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/smile.gif I will be travelling with my mum and I think she will love it. Any recommendation on where to stay, preferably one with hot spring on-site.</font>

Non on-site, that I know of. They're all undeveloped. There's several motels in Lee Vining, even more in Mammoth. A very few in Bridgeport though there's a B&B.

Travertine hot springs is just before Bridgeport. There's a turnoff to the right about 1/3 mile before town/small bridge and turnoff to a small highway/town's airstrip (ask for directions at the ranger station just before the turnoff). Follow the road and go straight when the paved section veers right. Keep going straight up, passing a shooting range on your right. Road will level off, veer right and then go up another steep hill. There are at least 2 main pools at the end of the road.

Buckeye is a bit harder to describe (and I forget the way though I'll know it when I see it). I think you head towards Twin Lakes (last turnoff to the left before you leave Bridgeport), turn onto the dirt road by Doc 'n Al's cabins (going past the caibs to your right and crossing over a small bridge. Follow this dirt road uphill, winding through a forest until you start to come down and cross over another bridge. There's a turnoff to the left for Buckeye creek campground. Turn to the left and keep going about 1/4 mile until you see this big dirt parking lot on your right. Park here and go down the hill (steep so mama may not want to try unless she's fit). Hot springs are at the bottom.

Oh, did I mention the hot springs are clothing optional?


There are also several ones in Mammoth, including a few in the river.

Thanks for all the help, finally decide to drive through death valley and stop at Mammoth Lakes for a night, hopefully get to make a stop at some hot spring on the way staying at Cinanmon Bear Inn then drive to Lake Tahoe the next day, spend a night there and drive to Yosemite the next day staying one night in the park.

The police are VERY vigilent/give out lots of speeding tickets on the way to Mammoth. Just an fyi...

------------------
Sharon

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by SkiAdcock:
The police are VERY vigilent/give out lots of speeding tickets on the way to Mammoth. Just an fyi...</font>

experience talking? http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/wink.gif

------------------
Visit FlyerTalk Dining http://flyertalk.com/diningfr.shtml

I have a friend who would be in Yosemite and wanting to goto San Fransisco. She wont be renting a car. Are there tour buses offering one way trip from Yosemite to SF ?

Your friend is going to California without a car?? No sympathy. But there are buses from Yosemite Valley to Merced, and buses and trains from Merced to SF and Oakland:

To get to Merced by bus from the park, take buses from either VIA adventures or YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transit System). You could then take Greyhound (probably you would have to change in Sacramento).

Greyhound (800) 231-2222 from inside California or www.greyhound.com (http://www.greyhound.com)
VIA Adventures 800-369-PARK (7275), (209) 384-1315
YARTS (877) 989-2787, www.yarts.com (http://www.yarts.com)
AMTRAK (800) 872-7245


[This message has been edited by mbstone (edited Jan 29, 2004).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by mbstone:
You could then take Greyhound (probably you would have to change in Sacramento)</font>If going by bus, the Greyhound bus should go from Merced to San Francisco
without any need to change.

When I lived in Fresno, I used to ridde the bus to go to Giants games as a teenager. The route was Fresno-Merced-Modesto using State Route 99, then west using State Route 132 to I-580 and on into the Bay Area.

Anyone have any suggestions for companies that do good tours of Yosemite?--assuming one doesn't want to drive. Overnight is preferable. I found a website for "a friend in town" --it looks interesting, but I never heard of them.

http://www.toursanfranciscobay.com/

....but if you don't want to drive this might be of interest:

http://www.amtrakvacations.com/amtrak_vac/destinations/yosemite.html

Anyone have any suggestions for companies that do good tours of Yosemite?--assuming one doesn't want to drive. Overnight is preferable. I found a website for "a friend in town" --it looks interesting, but I never heard of them.

http://www.toursanfranciscobay.com/

I found something that was less than $960:

http://www.etix.com/travel/servlet/onlineSale?action=viewTourDescription&route_id=3336&franchise_id=23

I found something that was less than $960:

http://www.etix.com/travel/servlet/onlineSale?action=viewTourDescription&route_id=3336&franchise_id=23

yes--but greyline is a day tour, not an overnight tour--the $960 price is for 5 people--so, if they offer a really good tour, its not a bad price.

yes--but greyline is a day tour, not an overnight tour--the $960 price is for 5 people--so, if they offer a really good tour, its not a bad price.

Perhaps you should have stated the number of people going on this tour in your opening post.

But the $960 price DOES NOT include lodging!!! Yosemite National Park Overnight 1 - 5 $960 (lodging extra)
Also, see this wording: Available April through October:
However, finding available lodging may require several weeks/months' advanced notice...depending on the season: contact us for suggestions.

So, even for 5 people, not such a spectacular deal, and lots of advance planning is still required to secure lodging.

Hi,

This is my first post - so go easy guys!

I'm doing a trip with some friends to include San Francisco to Las Vegas and we really want to visit Yosemite - although some of us drive, we'd rather not and was wondering whether it is viable to get the bus/bus+train from SF to some gateway to the park, spending a couple of nights at some lodging before continuing to LV. Is this a viable way to see the park (or at least a bit of it) or do we really, really need to do it by car?

Thanks for any help!

So were you trying to get to Las Vegas by car or train as well? I'd highly recommend renting a car. I think you'll find that a heck of a lot easier. Just my 2 cents :)

No, in that case we would all fly!

Welcome to FlyerTalk, bugfly!

While I definitely recommend driving, I know that there are several companies that provide coach (bus) tours from San Francisco to Yosemite, so that is something to investigate. Some useful info is on this page (http://www.nps.gov/yose/trip/travel.htm#transit), which, among other things, claims that Amtark provides combination train and bus service to Yosemite.

As to Las Vegas, flying is definitely the way to go.

Enjoy California!

Alex

More information is also found in this previous thread:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=302286

I'm curious as to what time of year your proposed visit is planned for? Also, since you're planning to stay over, it's at least viable (day trips without a car are essentially pointless)...

Bottom line, however you get there - it *IS* worth the effort :)

Thanks guys - I'll check out the links. I've visited the US West Coast quite a few times but the issue is that we are all 23 or 24 which seems to load car hire costs and together with the extra hassles it's not something i really want to investigate as of yet.

Cheers.

As mentioned before, from San Francisco you could use the Amtrak San Joaquin to Merced then the connecting bus to Yosemite.

Instead of back-tracking to San Francisco then going to Las Vegas there are 2 alternatives to look into:
1) Use the Yosemite Area transit bus (YARTS) back to the Merced Airport. There you can book a non-stop flight on Scenic Air to North Las Vegas airport. I believe Scenic will provide a free shuttle from North Las Vegas to McCarran (Las Vegas' main airport) which of course is adjacent to the strip.
http://res.scenic.com/cgi-bin/oecgi.exe/inet_cal_entry

2) Take the bus back to Merced then use Amtrak service to Las Vegas via an Amtrak connecting bus from Bakersfield to Las Vegas. Amtrak schedules for the entire run at:
http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/rail/pubs/ttsjapr2004.pdf

If you can get lodging on the valley floor in Yosemite, the best way to see the park is on foot. Many of the most beautiful features you can't drive right up to - you need to hoof it a little. There are quite a few not difficult hikes that will show you the wonders of the park. There are also some trams, but I'm not sure they run all year.

If you stay outside of the park: get a car. There have been promises of shuttle systems for years, but at moment I think you'd waste a big chunk of the day getting back and forth to the valley floor.

Yosemite Valley was closed this morning (5/16) due to rising water from spring rains and snowmelt. No word yet on how long until it reopens, probably only a couple of days.

Check the NPS web site for updates.
http://www.nps.gov/yose/

Pictures at:
http://www.nps.gov/yose/news/highwater/

I'm taking the kids to Death Valley (flying into SFO) and would like to drive through Yosemite National Park along the way but not visit. I know it cost $20 per car to visit, but do you have to pay just to drive straight through?

Yes, when I asked at the entrance gate if I could drive straight through without stopping and not pay they laughed at me.

I'm taking the kids to Death Valley (flying into SFO) and would like to drive through Yosemite National Park along the way but not visit. I know it cost $20 per car to visit, but do you have to pay just to drive straight through?

Unless something has changed, yes.

As Tioga pass isn't open yet, you won't be able to drive through at all! Updated conditions are available at http://www.nps.gov/yose/now/tioga.htm

In the past(3-4 years ago) you were able to drive through without paying, but were given a rather strict alotment of time.

As Tioga pass isn't open yet, you won't be able to drive through at all! Updated conditions are available at http://www.nps.gov/yose/now/tioga.htm

In the past(3-4 years ago) you were able to drive through without paying, but were given a rather strict alotment of time.

Wow, I hadn't even thought to check that. It's June! :o

I will take CA 108 to US 395 south instead. According to California DOT, it is open.

Sometimes when you arrive really early in the morning at Natl Parks, there isn't anyone at the booth so you can go in for free...however, sometimes exiting the park they check your receipt.

Sometimes when you arrive really early in the morning at Natl Parks, there isn't anyone at the booth so you can go in for free...however, sometimes exiting the park they check your receipt.
I should have mentioned that. At Yosemite the stations manned roughly 7am-5pm.

In the past(3-4 years ago) you were able to drive through without paying, but were given a rather strict alotment of time.

It had been that way for some time but too many people tried to beat the system by stopping for quick looks.

I will take CA 108 to US 395 south instead.

395 isn't a bad drive. There are lots of little towns along that way and some of the scenery is gorgeous.

State Highway 120 ends at the federal park boundary. That's one reason why the fee can be collected. You are travelling on a federal road (one of the few truly federal roads, since all US-numbered and Interstate highways are in fact owned by the states).

A close observer will notice official signs signalling the "end" of 120 near the boundaries, although as a practical matter, internal park signs refer to the route number for consumer convenience.

In Death Valley NP, the situation is a bit different. There Route 190 runs through the park, and is maintained by the state. Through travellers may avoid the $10 park entrance fee, which is collected more on a "volunteer" basis at visitor centers rather than at entrance stations.

Buy a National Parks Pass for $50. It is valid for 1 year. It's an awesome deal considering $20 single visit charge at Yosemite and some other places.
Drive through Yosemite (if the pass is open). The road has amazing views and there is a little known restaurant at 120/395 junction gas station (on the right) that serves some interesting items. But as mentioned before the road is still closed at approximately half way point.
BTW if you go to Yosemite now you'll face insane crowds in the valley and almost noone driving this open part of Tioga pass. Unless you really want to see the waterfalls go up there. ^

FYI
It may be too late for you, but the Tioga Pass is scheduled to open this Friday June 24th.

http://www.nps.gov/yose/

Its not only at Yosemite that this comes up, Zion and Shanadoah are 2 off my head that also charge.Yellowstone is another.

Best is as posted above buy an annual pass for $50 unless you dont expect to go to any other parks within the next 12 months.

I should have mentioned that. At Yosemite the stations manned roughly 7am-5pm.
Just got home from Yosemite a few days ago. At this time of year, with the extremely high volume of visitors (and revenue!), I think the entrance stations were staying open until 8 pm or later, especially on weekends.

My wife and I will be in SFO for 5 days this summer. We would like to do a one-day tour out to Yosemite - searching the web, it seems that there are a lot of different tour companies, but we haven't had much luck finding any specific recommendations of good tours. Has anyone done one of these tours? Can you share any feedback you might have on the tour company you used? Thanks!

I know there was a thread re: this somewhere. You might want to do a search in the San Francisco forum, as well as in Travelbuzz.

Cheers.

can't offer any advice on a tour outfit. however, yosemite is a very self-guided-friendly park, with basically one single-direction loop drive with pullover parking at each scenic stop. they give you a park map upon entrance, and you can pick and choose the sights/hike that appeal to you. rental car can be $20 from SFO. drive to yosemite is about 3h. if you haven't visited muir woods in marin and it's sequoias, then the sequoia grove south of yosemite is also worth a stop (but squeezes your day-trip timeframe further). last tip, remember you're in cattle country out there and a nice steak can be had at the branding iron in merced.

My family used to go to the Ahwahnee for Thanksgiving when I was a kid (and only when we won the 366 days in advance call in.) Last year I convinced my mother we should go again, since we couldn't get one of the 4 parlors or suites that we usually do she got us 2 rooms in the cottages.

I'm curious if anyone has stayed there if you can tell me anything re: what the cottages are like, pictures on the NPS site are generic beyond belief, don't indicate if there are fireplaces or not, don't say how many rooms to a cottage, etc.

Also, as I am currently going through a pretty disabled phase I am not sure what to do there as the normal stuff would seem to be off limits (max walking 30 min/day, max standing no more than four 10-15 min sessions) any suggestions re: interesting non-hiking things to do in November?

Thanks

I'm visiting SFO in early February and would like to take a trip out to Yosemite - I visited it in summer a few years ago, and I think in winter it might actually be even more amazing, if that's possible!

Looking at hotels I'm probably going to end up staying at the Apple Tree Inn (the Ahwahnee is definitely out of my price bracket!) However, I'm a bit nervous about booking in case the park is closed due to the weather.

I know freak weather can and will happen, but is there a good chance I'll be able to get to the valley at the beginning of February? I'll probably be in a 2WD car but with chains, entering via Highway 41.

The Apple Tree Inn is is about 1 hour 15 minutes south of Yosemite Valley, in good weather. If you are coming from SFO, 4-5 hour drive to the Valley, then another 1.15 drive. Yosemite Lodge is a more reasonable alternative to the Ahwahnee. Other options include El Portal, 30 minutes west of the Valley on 140. I'm not sure why you are entering the Park via 41 if you are coming in from SFO.

Thanks - the Yosemite Lodge looks much more conveniently located and is of a similar price to the Apple Tree.

I would have been using the 41 just because that's where the Apple Tree Inn is. It would certainly make more sense to come in on the 120 or 140 if I was staying in the valley. Looking at the Yosemite National Park website, the 140 looks like it's rarely closed, so I should be OK!

Many thanks!

Just a gentle suggestion, 140 had a rock slide last spring and so now there are certain restrictions regarding vehicle length,(http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/restrictions.htm
http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/conditions.htm

There are also many road construction areas in the park, continuing for a while, check the following site for information regarding the latest delays right before your departure.

http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/upload/daily.pdf

Also you can call 209-372 0200 Press 1 then 1 again for road conditons in Yosemite, press 1 then press 2 for weather.

Enjoy your Yosemite experience!

I am planning on a trip with my family of 4 member for July 4th weekend for a 1 night stay. Can you recommend any good place to stay? Thanks in advance.

I'm planning to visit Yosemite next month. I was browsing online some links that will show me the place and this is what I got: www.mapjack.com/Yosemite Any tips you can give? What are the things I should bring? Thanks.

Welcome to FT though!

I'm going to move this to the CALIFORNIA board where it will see a wider range of responses - but to start it'd be helpful if you post

where you're coming from = - are you flying, driving, where are you staying etc.
- if you're camping - it will likely be HOT there in July!

The best site for info is the National Park service site itself
http://www.nps.gov/yose/

which answers anything you might want to know! I'm sure folks who have been there will weigh in as well.

thanks

squeakr
MOD San Francisco

I'm planning to visit Yosemite next month. I was browsing online some links that will show me the place and this is what I got: www.mapjack.com/Yosemite Any tips you can give? What are the things I should bring? Thanks.

Wecome to FlyerTalk, djark! The most important thing to bring to Yosemite is a wide variety of clothing. Be ready for hot, cold, and rain. If you like to hike, bring appropriate shoes, socks and packs. You can buy snacks, water and the like in the park.

Also, if you want to splurge on a nice dinner at the Ahwahnee dining room, bring along semi-formal attire for that. They've loosened the dress code a bit, but I still wear a jacket & tie when there. Get reservations well in advance if possible.

Enjoy Yosemite -- it's an incredible place.

Anyone ever do a motorcycle trip to Yosemite from the Bay Area? Any tips on getting to/from, e.g. roads to avoid (or to use), places to stop on the way there/back, etc?

Thanks.

For the youth, backpacker, or low-end tourist to Yosemite; the Green Tortoise (http://www.greentortoise.com/adventures/yosemite.national.park.sierra.html) bus does 2 and 3 day trips to Yosemite (and the Sierras) from San Francisco for $170-230 which include meals, entrance fees and a bunk on their sleeper bus (or camping under the stars or in your own tent).

http://www.yosemitefun.com/ is very useful for planning a Yosemite trip.

Be sure to have drinks and snacks in the car with you on the way there (even though you can buy some in the park). The last time I was going to Yosemite, there was an earthquake in the lower Sacramento Valley which caused rockslides that took out part of the road into the park. Thus, we had to caravan in: 6 am, noon, 6 pm. We had to sleep in the car in a camp site outside of the park (near Lee Vining if I remember right) before we could actually get in the park. There were limited places to eat, there were people and lines everywhere... etc.

Yosemite is just stunning no matter when you go.

http://www.leevining.com/ I remember there was a nice B&B on the main street of the town. I don't know about the other places, though... (Mono Lake is dumpy BTW... I'm just throwing out the link in case it is useful to someone...)

If you're going soon to Yosemite, be warned that it's a bit smoky from the multitude of forest fires (but there is no danger from the fires themselves; you won't be *that* close).

A suggestion is to drive down to Glacier Point for a nice view down into the valley, and of Half Dome smack in your face. The Glacier Point view area is far from a quiet wilderness place, but the view can't be beat and hey, there's an ice cream shop there :)

Also, to update some of the info earlier in this thread, the National Parks pass is now $80 (not $50), but a one-time entry fee to the park will set you back $20 so the pass can be worth it if you're going to more than one park. Plus, hey, the money's for a good cause.