California - Help! Yosemite - Which campsite?

Hello,

First time visiting Yos & from the UK so not got much in the way of recommedations to seek out so it would be great to get some advice here.

We have 2 nights only to visit; Aug 29-31. We would like to camp and will be coming up from Las Vegas -not sure of the route but understand it will take us about 8 hours via Tioga Pass. We would be looking at a 7pm arrival so I it rules out the first come first served sites i supect. So... looking at making an advance reservation on recreation.gov (is this the best site to make a reservation?) it looks as if campsites are already booked and my only options now are: Crane Flat, Hodgdon meadow, Tuolumne Meadows & Wawona.

Could anybody recommend one of these? We are looking for a site as close to the key sites as possible. We will have limited time here so looking for somewhere that is in the thich of it, lose to ammenties & possibly ideal for our route per our late arrival into the park.

Also, any trail, route or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

You are probably not going to get a place anywhere in Yosemite Valley (which is in the "thick of it") for August. The time to book was long ago. And, you do have to book at the official site for camping. For hotels (mostly all full for the Summer) http://www.yosemitepark.com/Accommodations.aspx.

I suggest you grab whatever you can get IMMEDIATELY. Personally, I like Tuolumne Meadows which has great beauty, lots of short day hikes and is up in the "High County." Be sure you are equipped for chill weather sleeping as it can get towards freezing even in August.

We are going to Yosemite this coming weekend and it was a long hard reservation slog to get even one night in the Park and we ended up in Wawona (which is nice in and of itself with a historic hotel and giant Sequoia groves).

From T Meadows you can drive to the Valley in an hour or so--and it is a stupendous drive. By the way TM is the first area in the Park you hit on the Tioga Rd coming from the West, after a mile high climb out of the desert.

Look out for the bears. The rangers aren't kidding about the danger to your car and tent if you leave any food at all inside. Use the lockers provided.

PS reread the OP's post. Keep in mind that this is a wilderness park, long on trees and mountains, not so long on hotels and stores. But, do be SURE to eat one meal in the Ahwanee Hotel dining room. You'll understand when you see it. Don't stay there (even if you could get a room which you probably can't) as the rooms are way overpriced.

And, don't worry about not being in the center of things. You can see all the famous Valley sites in an easy day just walking around the Valley.

Keep in mind that the Park Service has SEVERELY restricted traffic in the Valley to protect the experience. Look into the various bus services in the Valley.

Finally, keep in mind that the Tioga Rd can be closed by snow even in late August. Not likely, but check before you set out as it is the only way over the Sierra for a long way. Big story today in the L.A. Times about how the Park Service is blasting heavy drifts on the Tioga Rd so they can START plowing the twice normal snow depth to open the Rd. Not anticipated to open for several weeks.

Sorry to respond at such length, but I love Yosemite. God bless Teddy Roosevelt, John Muir and the Sierra Club for protecting it.

Las Vegas (which will be painfully hot in August) to Yosemite in one day is a long day of driving. Look at Google Maps. It gives the shortest route as 7 1/2 hrs. to Yosemite Valley, but that's by a pretty boring route, largely up Hwy. 95. A more scenic, and just flightly longer, route is to take 95 north to Hwy. 266, and then west over Westgard Pass to Hwy. 395 (probably won't have time to see the Bristlecone Pines-- oldest living things-- unless you can stretch that part of the trip to 2 days).

Where are you going after Yosemite? Back to Las Vegas? To San Francisco? Other location? That could affect where it'd be best to stay (in terms of reducing overall driving especially on your first and last days).

http://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm is the park's Web site. Hope you've looked at it. Also that you realize that the park will be crowded, including roads and campgrounds. Tuolumne Meadows is scenic, with Alpine-like scenery, but is further Yosemite Valley than the other two places. While it could be a hassle to pack and unpack, I'd at least consider one night in Tuolumne (for the scenery and shorter drive from Vegas) and one in Crane Flat (closer to Yosemite Valley so you can spend more time there). As noted, Tuolumne would be a shorter drive from Vegas but longer drive to/from Yosemite Valley. If you are driving back to Las Vegas after Yoslemite, I'd stay there both nights.

But I do agree with the above: book NOW. The chances of Tioga Pass being closed by snow in August are minute. Even with this year's snow, the road will certinly be opened before August. But check http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/tioga.htm for updates. The alternatives include Sonora Pass to the north, making for a longer trip to Yosemite (not feasible inone day) and Hwy. 58 to the south (boring). According to http://www.monobasinresearch.org/data/tiogapass.htm, the very earliest it has ever closed was Sept. 4, back in 1943, but average is Nov. 1.

Tioga Pass is still closed, and may be for some time although I expect it will open by July.

Both Tioga Pass and Wawona are quite some distance from Yosemite Valley, at least in my book.

I would opt for one night at Tuolumne and one at Wiwona. Toulemne is one of my favorite places, though it doesn't have the iconic sights like the Valley. Wiwona is quiet and lovely. You will drive through the valley to get from Toulemne to Wiwona.

Two nights isn't really enough time. If it's 8 hours from LV, why would you only arrive at 7 pm? Could you not get an earlier start. Frankly, I'd skip Las Vegas to spend more time in Yosemite.

Thanks for all of the feedback & advice -very useful.

First off -we have missed the boat so to speak and I now see the urgency in booking a camp spot as soon as possible. I am assuming that these were the only sites available over our dates per the recreation.gov site -as I could not see anyway to book on the park's site.

Can not commit any more time to Yosemite sadly, our dates are fixed and we only have 2 days in Vegas anyway. Plan on leaving at 7am giving us 12 hours to get up there if we stick to out 7pm arr. target, this should give us enough time to take in some sights & there will be more than one driver so the long drive is manageable, of course pensing on Tipga being open... can there really be snow in late Aug? Still unsure what route exactly to take... either way, glad we have opted for an SUV.

To be honest, I think we would rather not switch camp sites... I am amazed that it is an hour+ from Wawona into Yosemite, with that being en route it would be ideal to shave time off the journey however the more central crane flats sounds appealing. After yosemite we are hading back to LA, we are in no rush & plan on leaving Yosemite early evening to give us 2 full days.

I assume the valley is pretty easy to navigate -appreciate with only two days we will miss out on alot of the good hiking and have to focus on the key sites & photo oppourtunites... hopefully at the very end of Aug through the week foot traffic might be less although by the sounds of it I doubt it. We are four 20 something guys so should be able to cover alot fast.

So... my questions are now? Is Wawona, Crane Flats & T meadows... what to pick! Recommednations for all three here :confused:

Also, on the journey up from Vegas... how would you recommend we spend our 3-4 hours of sightseeing we have give ourselves en-route? We like good photo oppourtunites as we plan on doing this again in the future, this is just a whstle stop tour to see & snap so to speak.

Thanks guys, apologies for the tedious questions.

395 is definitely fqr more scenic than driving up the central valley. It's shorter too, although it's also slower. It's hard to imagine that Tioga Pass won't be open by August.

I know little about Crane Flats but I presume it is the closest campground to the valley of the three you name.

-If you camp at Tuolumne Meadows, Google Maps estimates a bit over 6 hours from Vegas, taking Hwy. 95, then Hwy. 266, etc. to Hwy. 395 and north from there to Tioga Pass cutoff (about 45 minus. more to Crane Flat; another hour to Wawona). A scenic route, especially on Hwys. 266 and 395 and 120.Possible stops include the Bristlecone Pines, off of 266, Mono Lake, and Bodie State Park (ghost town). Or you could just drive at a leisurely pace, stop when you see a scenic view, and get to Tuolumne early enough in the day to walk around, and go see Yosemite Valley the next day.

-Wawona is an even longer drive from Las Vegas than are Tuolulmne Meadows or Crane Flat if you go via Tioga Pass. I think Tuolumne or Crane Flat would make most sense. Google Maps says a bit over 6 hours to get from Crane Flat to L.A., via Hwy. 41 (through Wawona and Fresno), Hwy. 99 and I-5. . From Tuolulmne Meadows to L.A., Google Maps says 6 hrs., 23 mins. via Tioga Pass, Hwy. 395 and Hwy. 14 (retracing part of your route from Vegas, but you could see things you missed on the trip up, and also see, near Lone Pine, Manzanar historic site and Mt. Whitney) or 6 hrs. 43 mins. via Hwy. 99. On Hwy. 14 you'd pass through Red Rock State Park and, close to the historic town of Randsburg and Vasquez Rocks County Park, site of many film and T.V. shows. Hwy. 41 is scenic but Hwy. 99 and I-5 not.

-Yosemite Valley is easy to navigate, but on many of the roads you have to use the park's shuttle busses. You can park at a few places. Best probably Yosemite Village, where the visitor's center is. Get oriented and go from there. If I read things correctly (always a possibility), you would have one full day in Yosemite Valley, and parts of two days (the first and third) which you could spend elsewhere if you don't drive back to the valley. There are lots of short hike possibilities in various parts of the park, including several places along the Tioga road. Look at the park's Web site for details. There are likely ranger-led walks, especially in Yosemite Valley. The hike to Mist Falls is scenic and not too bad if you're in reasonably good shape (on to Nevada Falls if you can).

First off -we have missed the boat so to speak and I now see the urgency in booking a camp spot as soon as possible. I am assuming that these were the only sites available over our dates per the recreation.gov site -as I could not see anyway to book on the park's site.

You are correct. Campsite reservations are managed centrally.

So... my questions are now? Is Wawona, Crane Flats & T meadows... what to pick! Recommednations for all three here :confused:

Crane Flats is the most central of these. It is roughly halfway between Tuolumne Meadows and Yosemite Valley. If you are opposed to splitting your nights at two sites, I recommend Crane Flats. If you are willing to move for the second night, consider booking the first night at Tuolumne and the second at Crane.

Also, on the journey up from Vegas... how would you recommend we spend our 3-4 hours of sightseeing we have give ourselves en-route? We like good photo oppourtunites as we plan on doing this again in the future, this is just a whstle stop tour to see & snap so to speak.

One option would be to push to Yosemite and spend a few hours late afternoon/early evening in Tuolumne Meadows. Another idea would be to visit Mono Lake. It is near the eastern entrance to Yosemite.

Another idea would be to visit Mono Lake. It is near the eastern entrance to Yosemite.

-You will see Mono Lake from Hwy. 395 as you approach Lee Vining and Hwy. 120 west, but best views of the famous tufa towers are probably from Hwy. 120 east. Lots of examples online, including http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4GGLL_enBR354BR354&q=mono+lake+photos
-You should also get some nice mountain views from Hwy. 168 (if you take the Hwy. 95/266/168/395 option), even if you don't have time to go all the way to the Bristlecone Pine area. For example, http://www.itoda.com/photos/albums/canyonlands%2Carches%2Cgrand-canyon%26yosemite/5-12.jpg If you had a tad more time, or didn't need to go beyond Tuolulmne the first day (and I do see the pros of pushing on to Crane Flat), the Bristlecone Pines MIGHT be within reach. See http://www.pcimagenetwork.com/bristle/bristle.html But if your only photo stop were Tuolumne Meadows, you wouldn't be doing badly http://www.oceanlight.com/html/tuolumne_meadows.html Crane Flat will be lower and more forested. I prefer Tuolumne, but, as noted above, Crane Flat is a bit closer to Yosemite Valley. Enjoy. Sorry I input so much, but it's one of my favorite areas.

Firstly, thank you for all the feedback. No need whatsoever to apolgise for too much input.

I have still to book a site, there is definite benefits to both (Crane Flats & T'Meadows... ruled out Wawona as it is A) a greater distance & B) further from Y.Valley). This trip entails so much moving around, I really do think we should stay in the one spot. We will want to get up and go on our only real full day, planning on doing a long hike & see alot of sites (no half dome hike permits available on our days which looked ideal:(). Crane flats is closer to the action and LA for our return, T'Meadows looks more picturesque... swinging towards crane flats though.

It does look as if the quickest route; '95-266-120-Tioga' is the most scenic route so that is ideal... we like photo stops.

All of the options back to LA seem fine time wise, we will take the most scenic(14) seeing as there is not much in it.

Now thats Yosemite almost sorted... now I need to sort out something for our night at the Grand Canyon right before Las Vegas. Seeing as we will have the camping gear for Yos with us and the next few night will be in hotels, I was thinking we should camp here also. Plan on again arriving late, and getting up early to go over to, even hike down the Canyon so if there is any site recommendations here it would be great.

Thanks again.

-If you're exiting Yosemite via Hwys. 395 and 14, you'll lose some of the advntge of staying at Crane Flat, but no biggie.
-Just one night at the GC? Too bad. Where would you be coming from? The North Rim of the GC is higher, cooler, greener and less crowded than the South Rim and a bit closer to Las Vegas (plus the road goes through part of Zion Natl. Park). It has far fewer options for accommodations, but if you're camping that should be less problematic. May still need to reserve a campground. I think you can only hike so far down into the canyon, from either rim, before needing a wilderness permit (and if it's a day hike, you wouldn't want to go down too far, anyway; coming back is the tough part). I hope you're not thinking of driving from LV to GC one day and back the next. Would be rushed. I'd use the time in Yosemite. Have a good trip.

-If you're exiting Yosemite via Hwys. 395 and 14, you'll lose some of the advntge of staying at Crane Flat, but no biggie.
-Just one night at the GC? Too bad. Where would you be coming from? The North Rim of the GC is higher, cooler, greener and less crowded than the South Rim and a bit closer to Las Vegas (plus the road goes through part of Zion Natl. Park). It has far fewer options for accommodations, but if you're camping that should be less problematic. May still need to reserve a campground. I think you can only hike so far down into the canyon, from either rim, before needing a wilderness permit (and if it's a day hike, you wouldn't want to go down too far, anyway; coming back is the tough part). I hope you're not thinking of driving from LV to GC one day and back the next. Would be rushed. I'd use the time in Yosemite. Have a good trip.

Gone for Crane Flats... booked one of the better sites per the recommednations I could find on the net. T'Meadows looked like a better site, however I wanted to be closer to Yosemite -albeit still a distance. I will try calling in the days leading up for any cancellations in the more central sites.

Also booked the Mather camp ground at the GC south Rim, again picking a review site. We will be coming from LA, setting off in the AM and hopefully arriving late afternoon, early evening... quick sunset view of the canyon at night and then a good few hours the next day spent here before heading off to Las Vegas(for 3 nights) Via Hoover Dam... we do not mind getting into LV about 8-9pm.

It does look as if the quickest route; '95-266-120-Tioga' is the most scenic route so that is ideal... we like photo stops.

No, it's not the most scenic route, but it is the most reasonable route that you can finish in a day while allowing yourselves time to get out of the car and appreciate the scenery. I recommend stopping at the south side of Mono Lake along route 120 (look for signs for the day-use area) and planning to spend a few hours of daylight in the Tioga Pass area of Yosemite.

We will want to get up and go on our only real full day, planning on doing a long hike & see alot of sites (no half dome hike permits available on our days which looked ideal:().

Hiking Half Dome in a day requires top physical shape. The trail from the valley is 17 linear miles round-trip with 5000' of elevation gain.

For a more approachable day-hike consider the trail to the top of Yosemite Falls or the trail up Vernal & Nevada Falls. These are strenuous hikes with elevation gains of around 2500'. With whatever time you have left after one of these hikes, you'll find plenty of sightseeing and photography opportunities around the valley floor.

All of the options back to LA seem fine time wise, we will take the most scenic(14) seeing as there is not much in it.

You might consider spending your last day at Yosemite visiting Glacier Point early in the day and then heading home via routes 41 and 99 to I-5.

Some random thoughts from a local:

No, the route you have listed is nowhere near the "most scenic." It might be the fastest but will involve long stretches driving through the really ugly Nevada desert. Most scenic would involve getting west to 395 as expeditiously as possible and doing the bulk of the northbound driving on 395 past Big Pine, Bishop, Mammoth Lakes, Devils Postpile National Monument (probably no time to see it, mores the pity) and Mono Lake, before starting up 120 to the Pass. A little longer but infinitely more scenic and enjoyable to drive. You will want to stop at Lee Vining to fuel the car and yourselves. There are no services once you start up 120 until you get to Tuolumne. There is a service station near Crane Flat but it operates on a pretty limited schedule.

Tioga Pass is still closed as of today but should be open in the next week or two. It has been a near record year for snow in the high country. Crews have actually punched a narrow lane all the way through but drifts are still close to 10 feet near the top. A few bicyclists have made it over but cars are still blocked off. I am sure you will make it just fine but there may still be snow along the route even in August. Be aware that you WILL want to drive Tioga Pass in daylight. It is arguably the most spectacular driving you will do on this trip. Also, if possible, leave an hour or two for a walk around the Tuolumne area. It is beautiful and the famous domes are accessible for strenuous hiking. Also, be aware that you will be driving the Tioga Road (highway 120) directly into the setting sun. At almost 10,000 feet, it is very intense and could really impact enjoyment of this drive. Getting a very early start so you can get over that stretch of road before the sun sinks too far into your eyes is advised. Don't forget sunscreen. Bug block wouldn't hurt for hiking and camping.

Although you seem to be leaning toward returning to LA by the same route you came via 120 back over Tioga Pass to 395-14, there are a few reasons to consider the more westerly route via Wawona, the South Entrance and Highway 41 to 99 and I-5. That route passes Glacier Point (tremendous views over the Valley) and the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias in the southern part of the Park, which you should definitely see. After leaving the Park, this route does drop out of the mountains into farm country but 99 to I-5 is the fastest route back to LA. If you do decide to see the Big Trees, this is the only reasonable route back to SoCal.

I really can't remember but seem to recall that there is a shuttle bus stop at Crane Flat so you might be able to avoid the parking nightmare in the Valley. You will be given a map and Park newspaper when you pass through the entrance station at Tioga Pass. The map is helpful but the "newspaper" has shuttle info, including stops, as well as info on various ranger programs.

For hikes, there are several trails near Crane Flat and back along 120 that take you near the rim of the Valley. From inside the Valley proper, there are several nice walks but all will be crowded in August. You will never get permission for Half Dome but the Yosemite Falls trail has some great views and the trail from Happy Isles to Vernal and Nevada Falls is nice. Most of the day visitors drop out at Vernal or before and the push to Nevada Falls will be less crowded. Take some rain cover and walk the Mist Trail rather than the longer John Muir Trail. You WILL get wet. If you are really feeling your oats, you could try the trail up to Glacier Point but don't even consider it unless you are VERY strong hikers looking for a workout. I did it years ago and lived to regret it. Much more enjoyable to drive up and do the walking on fairly level trails. :)

Some random thoughts from a local:

No, the route you have listed is nowhere near the "most scenic." It might be the fastest but will involve long stretches driving through the really ugly Nevada desert. Most scenic would involve getting west to 395 as expeditiously as possible and doing the bulk of the northbound driving on 395 past Big Pine, Bishop, Mammoth Lakes, Devils Postpile National Monument (probably no time to see it, mores the pity) and Mono Lake, before starting up 120 to the Pass. :)

I actually was suggesting hitting 395 at Big Pine. Perhaps you're suggesiting going through Death Valley. Certainly a valid option, and one I would unhesitangly suggest at most times of the year. However, although I love DV, I would hesitate to recommend it for the time of year OP is traveling, especially given the short amount of time they'd have (unless they will drive through very early in the day and not stop to see the park's scenic splendors). The drive between LV and DV is not, IMHO, particularly scenic, whether one goes via Pahrump, but they would see DV, and if they can stand the extreme heat, I'd say go for it.

Note I was not recommending Google Map's suggestion of the quickest route, that is taking 95 to 266 and cutting up to Hwy. 6, thus bypassing much of Hwy. 395's beauty. Nor was I suggesting staying on Hwy. 95 all the way to Hwy. 6 and heading west from there. My suggestion, perhaps not clear, was to take 266 to Hwy. 168, and follow that to Big Pine on Hwy. 395. I thought 168 was pretty scenic, especially as one approaches 395 (the Bristlecones would be a bonus, but OP may not have time for that). Big Pine is about 45 miles north of Lone Pine, where they'd hit 395 if they drove through Death Valley. To me, the choice is between Death Valley and Westgard Pass (168). Either would take on to Hwy. 395, which I agree is scenic, especially north of Bishop, when it gains altitude. I do agree it's a pity OP wouldn't likely have time to see Devil's Postpile or even Bodie State Park.

I actually was suggesting hitting 395 at Big Pine. Perhaps you're suggesiting going through Death Valley. ...
No, I agree with you. I was responding to the OPs "most scenic route," which didn't even mention 395. I was assuming he was considering 95 all the way to Hawthorne and then west to Lee Vining. That would be a spectacularly dismal way to go. :)

Per the NPS Yosemite website, Tioga Road will be open to traffic at 8 AM on Saturday, June 18th, albeit with some restrictions.

http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/tiogaopens611.htm

Just back from Yosemite Valley.

The Park is jammed with Germans, Italians, Japanese and even some Americans!

We got one night at the Wawona Hotel--and that was all we could get. The desk guy told me they have been sold-out since he started working there two months ago.

So, stayed in Fresno one night, then drove up to the Valley (around three hours total) hiked to the base of several Falls (Yosemite and Bridalveil are REALLY pumpin'). Then had wonderful meal at Ahwannee--a must stop just to see the historic hotel.

Weather in the Valley was around 70 F and sunny.

Enjoy, but don't go without some place to stay.

I actually snagged a last minute summer cancellation at the Ahwanee once -- so if someone is determined to stay there (it isn't cheap), keep trying.

Thanks for all of recommendations and advice.

Sounds like we are even lucky with a Crane Flats spot, and I was wise to book now. The half moon hike does seem optomositic, however even if we could get passes it would take over our only full day. The partial hikes towards this way taking in Nevada Falls, & the Yosemite Falls hike sounds good.

Seems like several routes to take to/from. Going back to LA we will want the quickest way possible to maximise time at Yosemite, however going to we will leave Las Vegas at 7am, with an intended 5-6pm arrival at Crane Flats giving us 10-11 hours to get up here. I guess detours and spending time somewhere en route will be tough and the best we can hope for is some good photo oppourtunities. It sounds like we will see enough greenery at Yosemite, and the idea of driving through Death Valley does appeal -I of course appreciate it will be hot though at this time of year.

Crane Flat is a very nice campground, environment-wise, less hectic than the Valley and even better than Tuolumne Meadows (that one is huge and can be noisy, even if the area is beautiful).

Good choice.