Yosemite National Park

[tagalong]

Can anyone give us some ideas about Yosemite?  We have an extra day and are thinking of spending it there?  We hear it's beautiful.  Any special entrance to enter?  Any spots that are a must see??  Any areas to skip?  All input appreciated!

[Paxton]

First find out if you have to "park & lock" before entering the park and then take a shuttle into the Park. 

Either way, when you get to the visitors' center, you will already be in a beautiful area. Your choices will be self-evident. It is MAJESTIC! 

If you can Google it, you'd find out all you want to know... with photos. 

Enjoy! 

[hubcapsc]

When I went it was very crowded. The pathways to some of the easy to get to places
were paved, and there were so many people it was like jostling down the sidewalk
in a big city. We stayed overnight, and our friends from California made the arrangements
months in advance, the (really nice old) park motels are always booked. You're doing the right
thing by planning out your visit ahead of time, if there's a way to turn a visit to Yosemite
into a day trip, I guess it would take some planning...

-Mike

[LandElephant]

what time of year are you going?  If you have just one day I would go in the southern most entrance (Fish Camp) and hit the Mariposa Grove (take the shuttle and here the story about how the park was formed).  that's about 2 hrs.

The head up to Glacier Point (heading north).  You won't regret that ride.  Then into the valley from there.  Leave from the main gate (El Portal) and follow the river back out to Mariposa.  That's a full day of easy riding and scenic rubber necking.  Don't forget a stop at Bridal Vale Falls. If you are interested go to the main lodge for a beer (or non-alcholoic beverage) sit outside and enjoy the scenery.

Keep in mind that Yosemite is busiest the week before and the week after each holiday (Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day).  Tioga Pass generally isn't open until Memorial Day depending on snow.  Monday - Thursday are the best times to go to have less crowds, and spring time is better than fall because there is more water flowing on the falls plus it's a tad cooler.

Hope that helps.

Charlie Morse
Land Elephant

[Oss]

we rode down by car from Tahoe 88/89 awesome roads and then went into Yosemite from the East
on 120  That road was maybe even more awesome both ways than Yosemite itself

IT was crowded when we were there, and the waterfall was dry

We made it back to Tahoe by around 9pm   Better to stay overnite if you can plan way in advance

[donaldcc]

  I have been there at least 30 - 40 times and it is a spectacular place.  All seasons have things to do and places to see.  Short hikes are Bridalveil Falls, Lower Yosemite Falls and Vernal Falls up the Mist trail.  If you have time head on up to Nevada Falls.   Every year someone goes over the barriers there into the little pool before the falls and slips and goes over to death.

  If you enter from 395 through the East entrance you get some great views as you head up to Tioga Pass.  From there you can head down to the west entrance to the valley floor.  when you ride in there it takes your breath away.  check out the climbers on El Capitan.

  It is one of my favorite parks.  Take Paxton's suggestion and search internet.

http://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm
East entrance

[Michael K (Az.)]

Remember, if one day is great, think how cool two days would be! Great place, even with too many peeps in your way.

[Gary]

A beautiful place to tour indeed. A world of difference between a bike and cage tour. Bike it if at all possible, as someone else had mentioned, it takes your breath away.

I think I've been in through most or all entrances now. Because we were staying in Mammoth Lakes our primary entrance was through the east side off of Hwy 395.

The stop and go traffic due to too many tourists is less fun on the bike, clutch in clutch out, brake, repeat.

The main villiage was a freak'n madhouse with people and making the effort to make our way to the main or gift shop area was pointless. Inside that area was also a congested madhouse. No souvenir t's that trip.

The falls mentioned are worth hitting, bring food if possible for a nice roadside picnic, otherwise you could be fighting the masses for food and gas.

This shot coming in from the east side...



Misc area shots




Careful, the "want" for a great shot can cost you a spot on your lens for the duration of the trip, and maybe even longer. But being in the presence is indescribable.


My riding partner and son Nick in the center taking in the rain mist of the falls.



This being the greatest deterrent


But at least you have this surrounding you as you wait




We went during the middle of June and survived. Lake Tahoe is another sight to see due north if you haven't been and have any time.

Hope you have a great trip.