Goin to Yosemite

“I am going to Yosemite for three days. What are some of the 'must see' things, and which are the absolute must hike trails.
Also, any suggestions for a good lodge or nearby motel?”

“If you are goin out of the valley, El Portal is the only option for hotels.
You might want to try the trail to Cathedral Lakes. Make sure you turn around to get a view of Fairview Dome.
After you have seen the valley, drive to Glaicer Point.”

“The Mist Trail is a tourist cliche but it is so beautiful you have to do it. Hike at least to the top of the second falls, whatever that is.

Another great hike is to the top of Yosemite Falls. Wow, what a view.

If you are in great shape, I'd zoom up the Mist trail, and do Half Dome in a long day trip. You don't need ropes or equipment if you climb up the back side via the steel cables.”

“When are you going? We'll be backpacking towards Half Dome on Fri 8/24 from Happy Isles to Sunrise Camp.”

“Ever see photos of the Young Lakes area near Tuolumne? GORGEOUS.

Do that, if you can. You'll have to pack in though.”

“the JMT from toulmene meadows to the valley is a great hike and place to play with the bears!Cathredal lakes! You will have a great time wherever you may go!”

“I just got back last weekend from there with I-am-om and we had a great time in Tuolumne Meadows. It's absolutely gorgeous! I'd recommend driving to Glacier Point or taking one of the trails and hiking there..we drove.

According to the pictures and feedback in one of my brochures, Gaylor Lakes & Granite Lakes looks like a nice short hike 3-6 miles with a 700-1000 ft elevation gain. There is the Tuolumne Meadows Lodge you could stay in too.The number is 209 372-8413. Have fun!”

“I'm going to Yosemite next weekend. I think I'll give the Mist Trail to Half Dome a try.”

“What I would like to know is, can you drive through the park from Wawaona rd (south end of park?) to the valley...this time of year especially. I'll be coming from the south and was told the "valley" was famous for the waterfalls. None of the maps I could find on the net gave me the information I am looking for.”

“Yes you can make the drive all the way into the valley. I havn't heard if they were affected much by this last weeks snows but just carry chains. They do their best to keep the road open. You won't regret it. Lots of water in the falls and river for sure with all this rain. It may be too early for wild flowers but I'm not sure what the two weeks of warm weather between storms may have brought in. Enjoy!”

“You will need chains. I was just up there last Saturday and chains were required 5 miles leaving the valley going to Wawona.

I'm planning on heading up tonight after work for a few hours to hopefully get some full moon shots. :)

Here's a few shots from last Saturday:

Bridalveil Falls from the "Tunnel View" Lot


Fern Spring
”

“Hey, Ivy, when will you be there? There's a small group of us who'll be there the weekend of April 9th.”

“You can always check out the webcams for current conditions (although the Sentinel Dome cam is down right now):

http://www.yosemite.org/vryos/TurtlebackCam.htm”

“What's going on April 9th?”

“thanks jvz. I was just going to "wing" it but your post was helpful and I took off that morning for Yosemite after reading it.

wannabp....what's the iteniary for the 9th? I would LOVE to go back! That might be a hard weekend for me to get away however.”