Visiting Yosemite
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Visiting Yosemite in Winter
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Visiting Yosemite in Winter
Aug 2010
We are thinking about a trip to the snow for Christmas with
my extended family (eight adults and four kids) and would
like any advice about Yosemite during the holiday season. Is
there any type of cabin/house to stay in within a decent
drive to the park that has a kitchen? We don't need to all
stay in one house but we do need at least one or two
kitchens between all of us and a decent place we can gather.
Also, what are the crowds like during the holiday season?
I'm worried Tahoe may be too crowded and over-priced but
would like a beautiful, snowy setting with skiing and other
activities for the kids (ages 2-10). I'd love suggestions on
specific places to stay, in Yosemite or elsewhere in the
mountains. Thanks. dreaming of a white christmas
Let me recommend Long Barn Lodge near Dodge Ridge (the ski
area). It is out in the Yosemite direction but both lodging
and skiing are very family oriented and much less expensive.
Long Barn is the town. The little resort area has cabins and
hotel rooms. The largest condo/cabin is very nice -- 2
bedrooms, two baths (the upstairs one with a jacuzzi), and a
fold out sofa in the living room. They also have a skating
rink there. There are also sledding areas on the way to
Dodge Ridge. Call 209-586-3533 or see www.longbarn.com
coco
I'm from NY/CT, and my DH took me to Yosemite for my b'day
last Dec, (for the snow! ;-) at the charming Homestead
Cottages / see: http://www.homesteadcottages.com/ Cindy &
Larry were great hosts, and it was a quick drive over to the
park each day, and in winter it's comparatively empty,
according to those that brave the crowds in summer. We
cooked dinner each night, then enjoyed the cozy fireplace.
Have fun! --Now hankering for a good Nor'East-er!
We recently stayed at Cedar Lodge. It's 15 miles from the
park. We arrived late and our room had plumbing problems, so
they put the five of us in this awesome condo-like space
that sleeps 12. Upstairs there is a master bedroom with a
fireplace, sitting area, and a huge bathroom with a jaccuzi
tub. There's also a bedroom with two double beds, a bedroom
with a queen bed, and a bathroom. All the rooms have TVs.
Downstairs is a living room with a fireplace and a TV, a
dining room, kitchen, bathroom, and laundry. The outside has
a pool and a hot tub. It's landscaped beautifully, but you
won't see that in the winter. It's only about $400 a night,
off-season. You better try to book it now, though. Good
Luck! Sabina
There are some great cabins for rent in Wawona, just inside
the south entrance to the park. All sizes and types. You can
check them out on this site:
http://www.redwoodsinyosemite.com/book/query.html maia
Sept 2008
According to tripadvisor, Badger Pass is a great place for
novice skiers/snowboarders. I'd like to take my two teenaged
sons there this winter but would like to avoid hotels. Usually
we rent a house or condo but the choices are few...mostly
lodges, etc within Yosemite. Curry village looked okay but they
don't have weekday rooms. Any recomendations? Where else is
good for beginners?
susan
Try googling Yosemite West. This is a development of privately-owned
homes very near to Badger Pass - maybe 30 minutes? Many are available
for rent. Badger Pass is a great place to learn to ski or board - have
fun!
Anon
Jan 2008
We plan to rent a house in North Shore Tahoe or outside of Yosemite
with friends within the next two months. We need three to four
bedrooms. We'd like a house in clean, good condition, but not
''luxury.'' We'd rather pay a reasonable cleaning fee than spend the
last morning vacuuming and washing sinks. We've rented houses on the
North Shore before, but none we've especially liked and not for years.
We've never rented outside Yosemite, the key would be finding a place
fairly close to the entrance. Any tips on specific houses/property
management companies would be appreciated.
amg
You can rent homes WITHIN Yosemite. There are a couple of
private areas where people own houses and rent them out. I
have stayed in Yosemite West several times (it is within the
park and about a 30 min drive from the Valley; very close to
the road up to Badger Pass/Glacier Point). My favorite
place we have rented so far is ''Pine Arbor'' though I am
not sure if it is big enough for your needs. There is a
yosemitewest.com website that lists all the available
options. Once when I was looking through vrbo.com, I
noticed many other options listed there for rental houses
within the park. You might search around on there too.
Loves Yosemite so much I got married there
We stayed at a wonderful, reasonably priced vacation rental
in Wawona-- it is inside the park (South entrance), walking
distance to the Wawona Hotel & small store, near the
Mariposa Grove of Big Trees, & about 40min from the Valley
(there is a shuttle from the hotel)
It slept 4 adults & 2 kids VERY comfortably-- you could
easily get in a few more kids... perhaps more adults who
don't need a lot of space...
http://www.vrbo.com/38212
We have had LOTS of luck with VRBO listings over the years!
Virginia, a VRBO lover!!!
December 2006
We are planning a trip to Badger Ski area in Yosemite in
February. We have a minivan which we could buy chains for. Will
we be okay with that or should we rent an SUV. We are from the
east coast so we know how to drive in snow, I was just not sure
how the roads are or how well and quickly they are plowed when it
snows. Thanks
New to Yosemite
You'll be fine as long as you have chains and know how to put them on yourself. We've been going skiing in
Yosemite for years in our Volvo wagon. Most years we haven't needed to use the chains, but a few times we
have, so it pays to be prepared.
They'll post signs if you need to be using your chains
You'll be fine. If you're used to driving in snow (I'm a native midwesterner), you will likely be stunned at
how bad some Californians are at it. In fairness, they don't have many chances to practice it. But then many
seem to think that AWD makes up for that lack of experience, which . . . no.
(especially without snow tread tires)
The big advantage of AWD is that in most snow/road conditions, CalTrans permits AWD cars to forego chaining up
(in other conditions all cars must chain, so even if you rent an AWD, you'll need to carry chains; check with
the rental company). So if you have AWD, you usually get to skip that lovely slog in the slush on the
roadside. Practice putting your chains on at home, and see how you find it. If you get cable chains,
installation is pretty easy. Personally, in difficult conditions, I'd rather drive a car I'm familiar with,
even if it means chain installation.
Check your route and road conditions carefully. Hwy 140 will probably be your best bet in bad weather, because
it stays at the lowest altitudes into the park, but it may be slower because of the one-way section (there was
a big slide earlier this year that closed the road for a while, and the current bypass around it is only one
lane, so it has signal-controlled one-way driving). If the weather is clear and has been for a while, 120 can
definitely be faster into the park.
Before you leave, check the CalTrans road condition website at:
http://www.caltrans.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/. It's constantly updated with closures and chain requirements. Once
you're on the road, call 1-800-GAS-ROAD, which is the CalTrans info line, same info as the website.
Have fun!
Loves Yosemite
Anytime during potential snow season (At least September through
April) you are required by federal law to carry chains in Yosemit National Park. They will ask you if you
have them at the entrance station, and they may ask to see them. We were up there one April in a 4 wd little
wagon and really neaeded the chains. But that was on Hwy 120 that goes through Groveland.
What I would say is that your van will probably be fine. If it is snowing don't take hwy 120 as it is higher
elevation and probably far more exposed to weather from the north. Instead take the road that goes through
Mariposa (140). It was closed by a rock slide earlier this year, but is now open. Make sure you check the
Caltrans and yosemite national park web pages before you go for info on roads. Once you are in the valley if
you are staying there, you can take the shuttle up to Badger Pass. Have a wonderful time. Yosemite is
amazing in the winter
We go to Badger Pass several times a year with our children in our Honda Odyssey using chains (actually
cables) and it is fine. Always of course call the CalTrans number for road conditions and there is also a
number to call for Yosemite road conditions. (check the website which I think is www.nps.gov/yose. Normally
the roads into the park from the south and the west (120) are plowed and so is the road to Badger Pass
(Glacier Point road).
Have fun!
Let it snow
We go for a winter trip to Yosemite almost every year.
Yosemite generally does not receive heavy snow in the winter.
Unless is has snowed in the last 1-2 days before your trip to the park, chances are that the roads in the
valley will not have any snow on it. Badger Pass is higher up (7000 ft+), and the road will likely have snow
on it, but the Park Service and/or CalTrans does a good job of keeping it groomed - if you have chains on your
minivan, you should be fine.
A minivan with chains should be sufficient for Yosemite snow and ice. Much of the road down to the valley is
shaded, so it can get icy. This past spring, I drove my minivan with spidertrax (special chains for minivan
that are really easy to put on)in Yosemite valley. At the time, chain controls were for the first
13 miles from the gate (Big Oak Flat entrance)- for all cars, trucks, vehicles regardless of 4wd or AWD. Since
it is a national park, you need chains for SUVs and other 4WD or AWD!
You are required to carry them with you into the park.
Have fun!
Jennifer
Re: Snowy vacation that is NOT TAHOE (Nov 2005)
GREAT place for small family for snow is Yosemite! Winter is
EMPTY and they have fantastic and CHEAP cabins (heated with
bathrooms & showers) at Curry Village. The Curry Village
restaurant is open and there is plenty of snow for playing. If
you'd like, there is even a little downhill ski area, perfect
for little ones.
Enjoy!
Re: Snowy vacation that is NOT TAHOE (Nov 2005)
I heartily recommend Badger Ski Park at Yosemite. It is within the five-hour limit
you have specified, they have a great kids' snow play area, excellent cross-country
trails that one can use with either skis or snow shoes, and downhill ski areas as well.
You can rent skis or snow shoes and do as much or as little of the trail as you want.
But book lodging early (now) because it's pretty popular. Here's a good web site
about Badger:
http://www.yosemitepark.com/content3col.cfm?SectionID=118&PageID=483
Lori
Re: Snowy vacation that is NOT TAHOE (Nov 2005)
Check out Badger Pass in Yosemite. We love it.
Burr
Feb 2003
My kids want to go play in the snow and I don't want to deal with
the Tahoe traffic. I'm curious if anyone has stayed at the
Tenaya Lodge near Yosemite and has any feedback. Is it a long
drive? Is Lodge nice?
Thanks,
Jennifer
If you can afford the lodge (they sometimes have discounts for
$99/night, but generally it's double that) then Yes, it's really
nice - indoor pool, excellent restaurant, just a couple miles
from Yosemite's south entrance (though about 45 minutes from the
Valley). It's about a 4 hour drive from the Bay Area, not
counting stops.
- Vern
I stayed there about 6 years ago -- in the summer. I didn't
like it very much. It is south of Yosemite and so it is a
longer drive than if you stay at one of the facilities in the
valley. I believe it was also very expensive. My mom and I
felt like it wasn't the best choice out there. I'd try to stay
in the Valley and take the half hourish drive to Badger Pass --
which is a beautiful place to enjoy the snow in Yosemite.
Have fun.
anon
We visited Tenaya Lodge about 18 months ago. I think the drive
was ok, but don't think we'd go back -- it was a little too
Holiday Inn-ish for our taste. There are video games in the
room which our children were badgering us to play (vs. playing
in the snow). There is a nice indoor pool. They also send you
a LOT of mail (electronic and postal) soliciting a return visit.
-- a mom
Tenaya Lodge is a very nice facility. The only drawback to
staying there is that it is about an hour drive to get to the
valley floor. So if your plan is to go to the activites down in
that region Tenaya Lodge is not the place to stay. Better to
rent a place nearer to the valley if that's where you plan to
spend your time. If not then go for it, I am sure you'll enjoy
it.
Juliette
Feb 2003
We would like info and recommendations about snow play in
Yosemite. Recommendations already posted are mainly for Lake
Tahoe.
Specifically info about snowboarding, sledding, skiing and snow
shoeing. Where, costs, equipment, tips, etc? All for beginners.
We will be there for 3 weeknights in February. Thanks
There is only one ski/snowboard place in Yosemite and that is
the Badger Pass Resort up near Wawona and Glacier Point (off of
Highway 41 about a 45 minute drive from the valley in the
winter). It's quite lovely there and if you like cross country
skiing or snow shoeing they also groom the Glacier Point road
which is closed to cars in the winter. I'm not sure about
sledding spots, but I'm sure you'll find some once you get
there.
If you're staying in Yosemite Valley, you can take a free
shuttle bus from the valley to Glacier Point. I think it leaves
hourly. It's nice to relax and look at the scenery and it
definitely cuts down on traffic on the narrow, sometimes icy
road.
In the valley, definitely check out the ice skating rink in
Curry Village. It's open in the day time and evening. A great
place to enjoy the views of the valley rim. There is a nice
bonfire area at the ice rink and they sell hot cocoa.
Enjoy!
candace
Badger Pass has everything you're looking for.
Joan
Our family of five just got back from skiing at Yosemite last
weekend. Badger Pass is great for beginners, with no lift
lines and few ''hot shots'' terrorizing the newbies. There's a
tubing hill that's new this year and also cross-country skiing
and snowshoe walks which are fun and easy to do. Everything is
located at the Badger Pass site. You have to rent the Badger
Pass tubes to use the hill, which has a little tow rope that
pulls you back to the top. I did see people walking by with
plastic sleds and disks but don't know where they were using
them.
We came up Hwy 140 into the valley, and there was no snow along
the way. It was a great drive, actually. Once we hit the
valley there was patchy snow on the valley floor, but it hadn't
snowed since December and although beautiful, the snow wasn't
more than a foot or two deep at the very most. Up at Badger
Pass skiing was ''spring conditions''--again, no snow since
December, icy in the morning and slushy in the afternoon.
Still, there was enough to keep us amused, and my kids, who are
proficient skiers, enjoyed themselves even though the resort is
so small. I felt totally safe letting them ski the hill, as
you can see pretty much the whole mountain from the day lodge.
My husband skiied with my youngest, who's 8 and the most
proficient of the bunch; he ran his first NASTAR race course.
As I said, it's a great learning hill, whatever your level.
If you're staying in the valley, the shuttle bus to Badger Pass
is free and takes about half an hour in good weather with clear
road conditions. It was great not having to worry about the
drive to and from the ski area. Also, a ski desk located just
inside the Yosemite Lodge lets you get your rentals and buy
lift tickets the night before--they fit your boots and then
transmit all the info to Badger Pass, so when you get to the
ski area in the morning, you just walk in the exit of the
rental area and your skis, snowboards, boots and poles are all
set out and waiting for you. This was an awesome service, but
they may only have it on weekends, so check. In the valley
itself the snow is scant but there's enough to tramp around in
and make (icy) snowballs. Plus, you get world-class scenery.
One caveat about Yosemite in winter--we discovered that all the
food services tended to close a good deal before their stated
hours. And the cheaper the food, the earlier the place
closed. At 7:35 on a Friday night after driving up all
afternoon, our options were the Mountain Room and the
Ahwahnee. We chose the Mountain Room as it was cheaper but
dinner was still 100.00 for a family of five, and that was with
kids' menus. You can eat in the bar of the Ahwahnee but there
are no kids menus there and a turkey sandwich is 15.00. I kid
you not. Bring your own food if you can. There's a reasonably
well stocked grocery store in the valley, too.
Enjoy your trip. Hope it snows some this week for you.
Beth
Yosemite is great in the winter. We were there last weekend
with kids each age from 2-9. Badger Pass is the ski area.
There is a free shuttle from the valley. At the pass there are
rentals of snow shoes, cross country skiis and downhill skiis
and snowboards. Lift tickets are reasonably priced (I forget
how much because I didn't ski). Cross country ski trails are
free and very nice, some groomed some not. There is also an
inner tubing hill for $9 a tube which was great fun with our 2
and 3 year olds. In the valley there is a beuatiful ice
scating rink and enough snow(or there was a week ago) to play
with a saucer and make a snow fort and snow people. And of
course-it's so beautiful there. Have a great time.
Rebekah
Badger Pass is set up to be your winter play center from the
valley floor. Check out their web site:
http://www.yosemitepark.com/html/badgerpass.html
You didn't mention crosscountry but it is some of the most
beautiful in the world.
Robert
Yosemite Valley is at ~4000 feet so snow doesn't usually stay -
you have to climb out of the Valley in order to get to snow. But
nothing is easier than skiing in Yosemite in the winter -you can
just stay in Yosemite valley and can take (free?) shuttles back &
forth to the Badger Pass Resort(~45 minutes away). Badger Pass
has downhill of all varieties, cross-country track skiing and
rentals for everything. Badger is generally thought to be a
beginning/intermediate resort and it caters to families. Look at
the Yosemite National Parks Concessionaire's website for details
on pricing.
You can rent equipment either in the valley or up at Badger Pass.
I don't know about snowshoes but I would guess you can rent them
too. If you were driving, you could cross-country or snowshoe
out of Crane Flat.
It is extremely beautiful and peaceful in Yosemite in the winter.
I recommend it highly.
The Yosemite Park website has information on snow activities. There is skiing,snowboarding, and snowtubing (their tubes, for a price) at Badger Pass. No charge for cross country if you have your own equipment, but other activities cost. There is no where to sled near Badger Pass, but there is a snow play area along the road between
Crane Flats (near the entrance from Highway 120) and Yosemite Valley. One year when we were staying near the Highway 41 entrance we walked a short way along the (snow covered) road to the Mariposa grove and found a place to sled.
Signed: Cynthia
July 2002
Has anyone stayed in the heated cabins in Yosemite's
Curry Village during the winter? Can you recommend
them or no? Also, we are thinking of renting a camper
this summer for a long trip out to the Midwest. Does
anyone out there know of a company that rents campers
(preferably camper vans) for longer trips? We saw one
company that rents VW Westphalia vans, but they were
expensive in our opinion (a little more than $700/week).
Maybe someone out there on the list has a camper they'd
like to rent?
Thanks!
Linda
We stayed in the heated cabins at Curry Village in Yosemite
with our 4 yr old daughter last February for the tail
end of winter. It was great to not be in a hotel and
have to be concerned about noise. The cabin was comfortable,
if basic, and a big plus for her was the ice rink nearby.
The only drawback we found was getting decent food - the
food served nearby is pretty dreary fare thats been sitting
under heat lamps for hours, or hot dogs fresh out of the
microwave. Because of the bears you cannot leave any
food at all in your car if it is unattended - they will
smash the windows to get to an empty bag of goldfish
crackers. So, your best bet is stocking up on snacks
and keeping them in your cabin, in a cooler, even though
you are not officially supposed to keep food there either.
They need Alice Waters to do something about their food
offerings. Also, keep in mind that it can be a long slippery
hike between cabin and car. Our daughter loved taking the
shuttle bus all around the valley - we got off at every
stop!
kristin
We spend 4 wonderful days in Yosemite during the Christmas
vacation. We rented a cabin without bath at Curry Village
for the first night and moved to a cabin with bath for
the remaining two nights. I made reservations in October
for the Christmas vacation and there wasn't much to choose
from. I had to be very flexible for the dates...
If you have children, I recommend the cabins with bath.
Very convenient when the kids play in the snow all day
and need a warm bath to calm down.
Also, you don't have to go out to the public bathrooms
in the middle of the night. Those cabins are well heated.
We had to turn the heat down and open the windows! Curry
Village has a cafeteria open during major holidays. The
food is good, but it can be a little bit expensive. For
2 adults and 2 children (our son didn't have to pay
because he was under 4 years old) expect to pay around
$25 for breakfast and $32 for dinner. Bring a cooler
and plan your breakfast and lunch if possible. Saves
you money. The store has some sandwiches and other
goodies, but here again, nothing is cheap.
As for activities, depending if you have children or not
and depending their age, you can have fun what ever you
do. Of course, you have to go and see the falls. You
can rent skates at the Curry Village rink ($3.50) and
the admission is $6.50 for adults and $5 for kids. If
you want to slide, bring a toboggan or a sled. There
is a great spot at the exit of the park on road 120.
You can go and ski at Badger pass. But the winning
activity for us was...making a snowman! Free and fun!
Check the park's web site at www.yosemitepark.com.
You can make on-line reservations and check what is
available. As for us, we're already planning for next
year...
Isabelle
We stayed in the heated cabins in Curry Village in
Yosemite this past December. The cabins are small
and spartan, but they are warm. The heater in the
cabin was blasting when we first arrived, it was great
to walk in to a nice, warm cabin. We had a great time.
Don't know if there's still snow there, but there was
lots of it while we were there, and it snowed twice
during our 4-day stay. It was beautiful. We brought
our saucers and plastic sleds, and found a sled run
within a 5-minute walk from our cabin (saw some other
people using it). We went ice skating at the outdoor
rink, built snowmen, tromped through snow-covered meadows,
hiked to some of the falls, and took the shuttle-bus to
the Awahnee for hot chocolate. It was great. The only
downside in the winter are the limited food options.
Not all of the restaurants are open in the winter.
The dining hall at Curry Village itself only offers an
all-you-can-eat buffet during the evening dining hours,
which we found to be over-priced and not very good food.
We preferred going over to the Food Court at Yosemite
Lodge, where there was also a ranger program offered
in the evenings (history of Yosemite, etc.)
colleen
Where to Stay between Christmas and New Years?
Oct 1999
Any recommendations for a reasonable place near enough to visit Yosemite
for a few nights between Christmas and New Years? We have an 8 year old
and 11 year old. Yosemite accommodations are sold out, though the lodge
where the women were murdered is still available, I couldn't bear it.
Thanks,
Wendy
We stayed at the Apple Tree Inn, just a few minutes south of the south
gate of Yosemite last November and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was family
friendly with family suites, swimming pool and complimentary buffet
breakfast. There are two or three units per building, so you feel like
you're in a cottage in the woods. It's newly and tastefully constructed
and decorated and the price was reasonable, although we were there
off-season. There is a fireplace in each room, which was quaint and
pleasant, even though they were gas-burning instead of wood-burning.
They are in Fish Camp on Highway 41 and the phone number is
1-888-683-5111.
We got reservations at The Redwoods: My husband stayed there on a ski trip
this past
year and apparently they are beautiful ski-type cottages. We plan to eat
thanksgiving
dinner at the tenaya lodge, which also has some lodging.
You can look at the Redwoods web page at:
http://www.yosemite.com/http/business/yos0005.htm
and Tenaya Lodge at:
http://www.tenayalodge.com
I don't know about Christmas, but we were able to get Thanksgiving
reservations as
recently as two weeks ago.
Myriam
I've been to Yosemite off and on the last 25 years and have never had to
get reservations outside the park. The trick I've learned over the years
is not to write it off even around the businest times. I've learned that
many people tend to cancel reservations the closer it gets to the time they
have to be there. I like the Lodge and the Curry Camp ground cabins,
they're very nice. Try calling them about 2 1/2 weeks before the time you
want and ask for any cancellations. And then keep calling everyday after
that.
Margo
We've stayed several times at The Redwoods, a group of rental cottages in
Wawona at the Southern end of the park (near the Wawona Hotel). It has
always worked out very well for us. The prices seem reasonable (many
between $120-$150 per night) considering that you get a fully furnished
cottage with a bedroom or two, fireplace with firewood, fully equipped
kitchen and at least one bathroom. While you might get a motel room
cheaper, you save on food, so we figure it works out close to even. It's
great for us with the kids (2 and 4) since we can take nice nature walks
right the front door! The Chilnualna Falls trail starts there, and climbs
up along a lovely waterfall and creek valley. There's also a small store
there in case you forget anything, and while it's a bit pricey, they cater
to the whims and palates of Bay Area tourists.
Wawona is about a half-hour drive from the Valley, but frankly, every time
we try driving there, the kids aremore interested in the sticks and bugs at
their feet than the stunning views of Half Dome. Oh well, maybe in a few
more years... ; )
You can The Redwoods on the web at
http://www.redwoodsguestcottages.com
Debbie
Visiting Yosemite in Spring
Feb 2008
I am feeling really derelict about living in California for
so long and never taking my kids to Yosemite. Is it crazy
to go there during Spring Break? Is it too late to get
decent lodging? Will it be cold? Can you hike Vernal Falls
without freezing or slipping? How do you deal with food?
What is a must-see and what do you avoid? BTW, my kids are
13, 11 and 9, and pretty intrepid hikers. Any advice is
much appreciated since the archives mostly had info about
winter. Thanks BPN community!
--Derelict Mama
Definitely go! There are lots of places to stay within Yosemite that are not
necessarily official park lodging. Google ''Foresta'' and ''Yosemite West''
to find listing for cabins that are within the park boundary but privately
owned. Try also www.vrbo.com for Yosemite.
We have three children, 9,12, and 15 and we go to Yosemite often. Spring
will be beautiful. Falls will be roaring with all this rain/snow. You can
do Vernal Falls but will get wet. Take cheapo packable ponchos and wear them
on the steps next to the falls. We did it for the first time when our
youngest was 5 and he did fine. Only caution, at the top it is very easy for
a curious kid to easily get too close to the edge - get ahead of them!
Other great hikes/partial hikes - go to Glacier Point and hike part way down
the 4 1/2 mile all downhil trail - fabulous views. You can also take the bus
to Glacier Point (about $20 each?) and then hike the whole way down - leaving
your car near the trail head. But it is ALL downhill - takes half a day.
Mirror Lake is great; renting bikes in the valley is very fun. Weather
should be good but of course, very changeable - take layers. To avoid
crowds, take day trips up the higher country, around Lake Tenaya (assuming
395 is open that far.)
If you rent a house, you can do some cooking there - try to bring groceries.
Store in Yosemite Village isn't too bad. Breakfast and lunch at the Ahwahnee
are great fun and not as big a splurge as dinner there. Camp Curry has
several eating options as does Yosemite Village area.
Yosemite lover
Go on the web site and see if anything is available for your dates, and keep
checking every day (or more) for cancellations. OR get a room or two at a
place outside of the park, and any of the roads that lead into the park. You
may good advice on places outside the park if you go to the US talk page for
Fodors.com, or if you go to tripAdvisor.
If you go into the Park in April or earlier, you will need to have chains
with you. It is a federal law so don't try to buck it. Also, it does
sometimes snow in April and sometimes very heavily (I was there for one, I
know), and the Forest Service does not always plow their share of Hwy 120
well. It may be cold. It may be warm. It will always be amazing no matter
what!. For food, we take some up but put it in the Bear proof lockers. We
also buy some at the cafeteria at Curry or at Yosemite lodge. It isn't
cheap, but, oh well. If you are in teh Valley, get out for walks when it is
less crowded, before breakfast. Whether or not you stay in the Valley, it is
best to park in a lot and take the free shuttle buses around.
If you have time to hike up to the Mariposa Grove of sequoias, do so. In the
Spring before the tram runs, it is much quieter. A great time to be there.
Also, staying at the Wawona lodge in the park is a nice alternative to
staying in the valley. it is about a 45 minute or 1 hour drive to the Valley
from there. Not bad at all. If you plan to be there on a Sunday, call ahead
to make reservations (as soon as you know you are going) for the pricey but
unforgettable brunch at the Awahnee. Wow. It's like the dining hall at
Hogwarts mixed with Great Lodge decor, and the food IS good.
Anon Wanna Be Valley Rat
March 2003
My family is considering a trip to Yosemite the first weekend in
April. It turns out that all winter-related activities will be
over by then--no skiing, tubing, ice skating etc. Are there
activities that time of year that a 6 year-old would enjoy? The
reservations clerk I spoke to suggested the 2 hour valley bus tour
(not so sure how much my daughter would enjoy that), hikes and
bike riding. Other ideas? Thanks.
Debbie
Yosemite is April is a great idea!! Consider a ranger-lead
walk/hike. Definately bring bikes - there are bike trails
throughout the valley. Waterfalls should be beautiful and most
are easy to get to - walking or biking.
Enjoy!
My favorite memories of Yosemite when I was little was of
horseback riding with my family. You can go through streams and
meadows and take in all the lovely sites. You can sign up for
guided horseback rides of 2 hours, 1/2 day and full day. Here
is a link with more information:
http://www.yosemiteparktours.com/summer/activities_horseback_rid
ing.htm
Really wonderful if your daughter is ready for horses!
Visiting Yosemite in Summer
Dec 2008
I love the tent cabins at Tuolumne Meadows and for many years went
every summer. Now I have a little boy I want to introduce to the
wonders of Yosemite. Those of you who have tried this with a
toddler, what would you say is the minimum age? This would be in
June, when it is still pretty cold. How old is old enough to not
have to be constantly stressed out he is going to hurt himself? I
also don't want to impinge on anyone else's enjoyment if he wakes up
during the night. I don't anticipate we would do too much hiking. Is
two old enough or should I wait? Any suggestions from those of you
who have done this would be seriously welcome.
love Tuolumne Meadows
We camped at Whitewolf in Yosemite with our two-year-old twins (it was the
first time we went camping with them). We were not prepared for the cold at
all (we've since become better prepared) so they were pretty cranky wandering
around the campsite in the a.m. They slept fine at night even with the cold,
unlike my husband and myself! Other than that it was great and was the first
of many many camping adventures we've taken with our kids.
You didn't say how old your toddler is, but I would think a 2 year old would
be fine -- I don't know about younger just because I never did it.
One tip: keep a training potty in the tent cabin with you so you don't have
to get up and troop off to the bathroom all the time. Well, you still do, to
dump it, but at least you don't have to worry about 'making' it in time.
Erin
March 2008
I would like to know where the best place to camp in Yosemite Valley is. We
have 3 children, 6, 4 and 1. We are thinking Tuolumne, but is the Upper or
Lower Pines better? Or is there a better campsite in Yosemite. We are looking
for somewhere close to the water, close to the bathroom and has running water.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Wannabe Yosemite Campers
Hi campers
We went in May just before Memorial day and it was great with
very full water falls. We were unable to get camping in the
regular campgrounds through the reservation system on
line--all the spots are grabbed up very fast, I think they are
released 5 months prior. We ended up at Housekeeping Camp and
enjoyed the place, and there were many families with kids.
It's a notch up from regular camping--they furnish an
enclosure and matresses and electric plugs and a light, and
there is a laundry and showers on the site. You can also get
a cancelled regular camp spot at the campground reservation
office near Camp Curry.
Have fun!
Yosemite fan
June 2007
The time i can take off for vacation has changed so I have to find new vacation plans
for the 3rd week of august. I was hoping to find camping at Sugarpine State park or one
of the campsites (not curry village) in Yosemite Valley during this week. of course
these are all booked up. Does anyone have any experience getting last minute
reservations at these places. Any other recommendations for places to go camping that
would be fun for a 4 and 6 year old (long hikes are out of the question and I need to be
able to cook food).
Looking for suggestions, ideas and inspiration.
desperate camper
Try Fallen Leaf Campground which is right near Camp Richardson. It's a National Forest campground
with all teh same stuff and they even have good ranger programs at night at a beautiful new
ampitheater on the Lake Tahoe side of the street. A short path takes you right to Fallen Leaf
Lake which is big and beautiful and a bit quieter than at the state park.
There are great campsites in Yosemite that don't take reservations and since you're staying for a
week, as long as you don't arrive on friday or saturday (rather sunday or monday) just hang out in
the campground until someone clears out and it's yours for the week. We love these because they
are SO much quieter than the big ones. Downside (to some) is they don't have all the ammenities.
frequent camper
June 2004
I'd like to take my children (ages 8 and 10) camping this
summer in Yosemite and Tahoe. Can you recommend the best
places to camp? We're not ready for backpacking yet,
so I would need the kind of campground where you drive in.
In Tahoe, my goal is to be near a sandy beach (are there
any camp grounds within walking distance of Lake Tahoe??).
In Yosemite, my main goal is to see Half Dome with as
little driving in the park as possible. Thanks for
any recommendations.
- eager camper
In Yosemite, the most obvious place for you to camp is right in
the valley. Just call the park and tell them what you're
looking for, but do it soon, the valley campsites fill up VERY
quickly for summer.
Have fun
June 2003
Hi,
we are going camping for the first time with our 4 year old. Do
you know any campgrounds near Yosemite with running water
toilets and possibly showers? It seems that finding space inside
Yosemite this time of the year is next to impossible.
Thank you!
Laura
Take a look at ''California Camping'' by Tom Stienstra. It lists
and describes many campgrounds in the general area where you
want to go.
Katy
My experience is that if you are tenacious, you can get lodging
in Yosemite Valley. Their cancellation policy is: if you cancel
up to three days before your arrival, you get a full refund--so
people do cancel three days before their scheduled trip.
If you keep calling (559) 252-4848 or go online (google search:
Yosemite Reservations), you will most likely be able to secure
some lodging in the valley. My family got two beautiful rooms
(overlooking blooming dogwood) at the Lodge over Memorial Day
weekend by calling every day for the week before. The Lodge or
Curry Cabins (with bath)are both nice options. Good luck!
Linda Williams
In order to get more info. aboaut camping outside Yosemite go
to Yosemite.com or NPS.gov (national park service). Click
around on that website for camping outside Yosemite Valley. If
you can camp during the week your chances for a reservation
increase and if you can wait until early September, you can
probably get into Yosemite itself. This will be our third year
going to Yosemite's Tuolomne Meadows and I literally call the
first day that is designated to make a reservation for the
dates I want (5 months in advance). It is part of my routine
now as I have learned the system. Do you have to go to
Yosemite? There are some nice camp grounds in Lake Tahoe.
There are some California campground books that can be helpful
too. Good Luck. Remember, generally Yosemite camping
reservations for the summer require a 5 month advance camp
reservation call. Good Luck!
Happy Camper
June 2004
RE: Summer trip to Tahoe or Yosemite
We are doing the same thing next week (6 adults, 1 kid) and were
able to find what looks like really nice lodging for a very
reasonable price.
http://www.idiom.com/~slbrown/cabin/
Where we're staying while in Yosemite: it's at 5500' so should be
cool, 3BR 2BA can sleep up to 10, has a full all-electric
kitchen, linen service if desired. It's not luxury living but
fits our needs well.
http://www.evergreenlodge.com/cabins.html (another option)
Not sure of your Yosemite options if you need lodging where you
can cook meals as well. But for both Tahoe and Yosemite
lodging, you might try Vacation Rentals by Owner -- a website
by which private owners list and rent their vacation
properties, sometimes for a great price because they cut out
the middleman/property management company. Check out
www.vrbo.com and select geographically.
Re: Kid-friendly cabin near a lake May 2003
Bass Lake is about a 3-1/2 hour drive from the Bay Area; 15
miles south of the southern entrance to Yosemite. It is a
beautiful lake, great for swimming. It is popular with
waterskiiers. You could look at basslakerealty.com for
rentals. We rent our cabin through them. It is kid friendly
for older kids who can be on their own - i.e. it's not fenced,
and near a hill.
ellen
More Advice about Yosemite
May 2003
We are seeking dog friendly lodgings for a trip to Yosemite.
The website doesn't have info on this. Please let me know if
you have a cabin or know of a cabin where dogs are allowed. Our
dog is well-behaved, female, 30 pounds, 3 years old, has her
vaccinations, is on Frontline to prevent fleas and ticks, clean,
does not have doggie odor, is an inside dog, and is potty
trained to go outside. We always pick up after her. She is
crate-trained, however we don't keep her in the crate for more
than 2 hours, so basically she is with us all the time.
hana
You might try the Redwoods in Wawona a few miles inside the
South Gate. Rustic but serviceable. You have to schlep down
into the valley each day, but we didn't find it that much of a
hassle. Website indicates that some of their cabin owners allow
pets. Check them out at http://www.redwoodsinyosemite.com/
norm
I don't have a recommendation but I would like to remind you that
in Yosemite dogs are not allowed on hiking trails (not even on a
leash). Are you really sure you want to take your dog to Yosemite?
You would either have to leave him in your room/cabin or stay on
the road and the parking lots if you take him with you.
Ina
Take the train to Yosemite!
From: Holliday
A few years back my daughter and I took a weekend trip to Yosemite in
winter. We boarded Amtrak in Emeryville and rode the train to Merced.
From Merced a cushy tour bus takes you up to Yosemite. We had great fun
playing in the snow, visiting various parts of the park, and ice skating
outdoors was really fun, too. Call the park for info.
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