Oh Yosemite. For those who haven’t enjoyed its splendor, let me just start by clueing you in that tingles and goosebumps await you. Some may want to simply lump it in with other national parks, but Yosemite captivates you in a way that truly leaves its own unique lasting impression. Just try not to lose your breath as you exit the highway 41 tunnel and the grand view of Yosemite Valley dares you to look away, or even blink for that matter.
The Journey to Yosemite
Yosemite National Park is located in east-central California in the Sierra Nevada mountains near the Nevada state line border. It’s about a 3 ½ hour drive from the San Francisco bay area and roughly 5-hour drive from Los Angeles. The nearest airport is Fresno Yosemite International airport and it’s about 1 ½ hour drive to the park.
To beat traffic and make the most of your trip to this marvel of nature, I recommend starting your road trip in the early pre-dawn hours. Though this may sound like sheer ridiculousness for some, I’ve been repeatably able to have my family on the road by 4:00 AM when we leave from our Orange County, CA hometown. Our car is all packed the night before, our kids stumble half-asleep to the bathroom to “freshen up” and then we’re off! The rewards are zipping through Los Angeles without traffic and arriving at the gates of Yosemite park prior to 9:00 AM for a full day to soak it all in.
Though there are five different entrances to Yosemite park, we have always entered at the south entrance on highway 41, which boasts the famous Tunnel View of Yosemite Valley with El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall all battling for your attention. However, as we’ve ventured out to explore each one, I will say that each entrance offers its own visual delights with various terrains and vibes. FYI, there is a $35 entrance fee for each car (valid for 7 consecutive days).
Yosemite Valley (Where You Want to Be)
Be aware that regardless of which entrance you use, if your final destination is Yosemite Valley (and it should be), it will be about 45 more minutes of driving within park before you reach the valley. But frankly, the beautiful drives along mountain sides, waterfalls, creeks and blankets of lush forest let all anxiety slip away as you literally feel your body become recharged by nature. Though Yosemite Valley is a must for any first visit, the entire park has a great variety of views and experiences to offer throughout its 747,956 acres.
Within Yosemite Valley, there are 5 main spots to hang your hat for the night:
- Yosemite Valley Lodge (reasonably priced cabin style accommodations)
- Curry Village (discounted pricing for smaller canvas tent cabins)
- Housekeeping Camp (reasonably priced for “homestyle” tent cabins)
- North Pines Campground, Lower Pines Campground, and Upper Pines Campground (low priced standard campsites)
- The Ahwahnee Hotel (rustic-luxury historic hotel)
If you’re with smaller children and want comfy amenities, I recommend the Yosemite Valley Lodge. To try something a little more adventurous and different, you may want to check out Curry Village or Housekeeping Camp (and take comfort in that both have clean restrooms and showers). For the extreme budget, any of the campgrounds deliver a great natural experience but be aware these campsites book up extremely fast 6 months in advance. And for those who love nature but love to spoil themselves even more, the Ahwahnee Hotel is the way to go. In fact, wherever you end up staying, make sure to stop by the Ahwahnee Hotel and sip a cocktail in its picturesque courtyard facing Half Dome.
Note: Cellular service is spotty in the valley so a good alternative may be to bring quality walkie-talkies if your group plans to separate.
What To Do in Yosemite Valley
Flat out, my favorite thing to do in Yosemite Valley is to hop on a bicycle and ride throughout the roads and trails sprawling through the valley. The pure bliss of riding under the green canopies of foliage or through the tall fields gently waving in the wind, is unparalleled. Best yet, pretty much any place you’d want to visit in Yosemite Valley is accessible by bike. If you’re not able to bring your own bikes, you’ll be able to rent bikes at either the Yosemite Valley Lodge bike stand, Yosemite Village bike stand, or the Curry Village Bike Rental shop (check availability).
Next on the list is to either lounge by, play in, fish in, or raft the Merced River which winds all throughout Yosemite Valley. You can bring your own raft, or rent one at the Curry Village Tour and Activities kiosk (check availability). I highly recommend rafting the river at least once to gain a unique experience and perspective of the park. And don’t worry, it’s normally quite the tame, slow-moving river with nothing to be concerned about.
While you’re in Curry Village, wander around the campus for various shops and eateries, especially if you’re staying in the campground sites and need a touch of civilization.
For the proper village feel with even more to offer, spend some time at Yosemite Village for a larger variety of shops, restaurants, and park exhibits. One gem to give your body some rest is at the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center where you can watch the Spirit of Yosemite 55-minute film and learn all about the history of the park and its unofficial founder, John Muir. Right next to this small theater is the Yosemite Museum with intriguing exhibits about the Native Americans who inhabited the area for centuries.
Close by the visitor center and museum is lower Yosemite Falls where you can safely get close enough to feel the spray of the falls and take some postcard pics. Though it has some risk, my sons and I (along with many other folks) are compelled each visit to climb the large rocks spread along the foot of the falls and see where adventure takes us. It takes some careful navigation up and around the rocks with water gushing all around, but you genuinely feel you are living out an exciting experience worthy of a scene in a Mark Twain novel.
No Yosemite Valley trip would be complete without a hike on one of the many trails to choose from. The Bridalveil Fall trail is a quick family friendly hike which of course has the reward of the close waterfall encounter. Taking it up a notch is the Happy Isles trailhead that leads to the Mist trail. There are some steep inclines and your legs may burn, but you can rest along the way to view either the bottom of Vernal Falls or venture further up to the top of Vernal Falls for beautiful pics. If you’re in average shape, you will feel quite satisfied with this accomplishment, and happily head back downhill knowing you completed a “hiking must” of Yosemite Valley. FYI, the Mist Trail is actually the beginning of the famous Half Dome trail (14.2 miles roundtrip), and it should be on your bucket list for when you’re mentally and physically ready. I’ve done it a few times, even once all by myself, and it’s everything you imagine it to be, but oh man, your feet will be throbbing and you will have some memorable body aches.
And then there’s rock climbing. Yosemite is world famous for rock climbing and you will encounter people from all over looking for their chance to scale the mountainsides. This is actually the one activity I’ve not yet done in the park, and I’m not sure I will. They have guided tours and beginner courses for those looking to dip their toe into this brave hobby, but don’t be surprised to see tiny lights glimmering in the night on several mountainsides from all the rock climbers peacefully sleeping above their doom.
To give Yosemite Park its due credit, plan to stay a minimum of 3 nights so that you can enjoy the variety of activities it has to offer. Though the valley is typically the prime destination, make sure to also leave a day to drive around the park to areas such as Tenaya Lake or Tuolumne Meadows. Yosemite has a near limitless amount of treasures to discover, and I can guarantee you will craving to return with a higher sense of adventure.