vic

Planning 2 days in Yosemite. Driving from Monterey Wednesday night, driving into Yosemite Thursday morning , staying at Yosemite Lodge Thursday night. Leaving for SF Friday evening.

Questions:

Where should I stay Wednesday night?
Fresno, Oakhurst, Mariposa, Merced?
I was thinking I should stay in Oakhurst
and see Mariposa Grove on the way in.
Is that the one with the tree has a tunnel in it? Are the other Sequoia groves as good?
I could get a cheaper hotel though in
Fresno through Priceline.
Merced is a more direct drive.


What is a good 2 day itinerary?
What should not be missed besides
the obvious stuff?
Where is best to eat in Yosemite?
Is it difficult to drive at night from
Monterey to Oakhurst/from Yosemite to SF?

Sandra

Vic,
One thing I'd recommend is to take the hikers bus to Glacier Point - We took it one way to the top and then hiked down to the Valley - about 5 miles. It was a wonderful hike with tremendous views - you can take the bus round trip also if you're not into hiking. The driver was interesting and explained lots about the ecology of the area. Can't recommend restaurants - we were on a budget and brought stuff with us that we rounded out with burgers but one thing I can recommend is drinks on the outdoor patio of the Yawanee (sp?). We enjoyed wonderful drinks/snacks after hiking sitting outside and just relaxing and looking at the great views. Shorts and hiking boots were ok there.
Enjoy your visit - I love Yosemite and can't wait to go back.

Liz

It's only 4.5-5 hours, Monterey to Yosemite (and pretty boring), could you stay another night IN the park? Otherwise, Oakhurst might be good, there are at least some restaurants there. There's not much to eat in the park, other than the Ahwahnee. Yes, there is a tree with a tunnel you can walk through at the Mariposa Grove. We spent 6 days in the park and didn't get enough. One of our favorite things was renting bikes to ride the (easy) bike trail through the valley. Enjoy your trip!

vic

Thanks to those who answered so
far. Anymore input?

rob

don't know which way you're coming in...but our drive from san fran airport to yosemite was pure hell,..mostly becuase the interstate was like a parking lot at that time (it was about 2pm). the drive back wasn't bad.

the only place we ate at during our stay was at the cafeteria (for breakfast) and the buffet place at yosemite lodge. the buffet was pretty good...

we did several day hikes, the most impressive being vernal falls...less interesting was lower (or was it upper) yosemite falls trail.

mariposa groves is a nice way to spend a half-day if you can squeeze it in...otherwise don't push yourself.

kam

I'm not a hiker, but husband takes all visitors down from Glacier Point to the valley floor. The view from the top is spectacular. If I were to do one fairly strenuous hike, this would be it.

BillJ

Vic, I just posted some Yosemite info on a nearby thread. I strongly recommend you consider your transit night in Mariposa, 140 from Merced. (See the other post) From Monterey, go east to Los Banos, continue east on 152 take 59 to Merced. In Merced, pick up 140 to Mariposa / Yosemite. I agree that the drive through the Great Central Valley can be boring and dull, but once in the mountains, 140 wins hands down over 41. IMHO, of course.

vic

BillJ,

When you say the Merced route is more scenic do you mean it is more scenic after Mariposa. Because I'll probably be driving at night to Mariposa. Also isn't Oakhurst closer to Monterey. If I go via Oakhurst I can stop off at Mariposa Grove on the way. What do you think?

BillJ

The "scenic" part of 140 would probably start after Mariposa by most folks' definitions. The Merced River Canyon is just before you enter Yosemite.
Depending on the time of year, nighttime through the great central valley is wise. July & Aug can be over 100 F. Be sure to get A/C in your car. Why not go in one way and out the other? Go in on 41 after a night in Oakhurst, out on 41 down through Mariposa - Merced.
I don't think Oakhurst is closer time wise. In fact, it might take a little longer.
If you choose to go by way of 41, don't go all the way to Fresno. You can pick up 41 off of 99 through Madera, or go to Mariposa on 140 and take 49 over to Oakhurst.

vic

BillJ,

I can save about $40 if I stay in Fresno instead of Oakhurst, the night prior to driving into Yosemite, by using a Priceline hotel. Do you think that is wise?

BillJ

$40 bucks is $40 bucks. Wise? Only you can decide that. It'll take you about 3 hours to get to the floor of the valley from Fresno. I just noticed a minor error on my above post. You are going IN on 41, so go OUT on 140 to Merced.
You'll be fine. Glad you're staying in Yosemite. You will enjoy it immensely.

Anon

Pay the extra $40 & stay in Oakhurst. Fresno & Merced are the pits.

Mary

Kam (I think I asked you a question on another thread as well), how strenuous is the hike down from Glacier Point? My husband and I are reasonably fit, but do the trails head steeply down?--I find that a bit intimidating. We'll be there for a couple of days in August, and are really looking forward. Thanks.

Mary

Sandra

Mary- In case Kam doesn't answer. We found the hike down was pretty easy - just wear good hiking boots as it was loose gravel in spots. I have a "fear of heights" that sometimes kicks in and the trail was wide enougth that I could hug the wall and not have any problems with the wide open views. I don't remember any real steep parts, just lots of switch backs and wonderful views. We actually met a lady from England who was at least 70 who was doing it both ways. I think we saw her going up and then she passed us on her way down. "We" were 3 women 50's who are sort of active but not in the best of condition.
You'll love it.

vic

Thanks to all who posted tips.
I didn't know about the glacier point walk. How many miles is it? Also can anyone recommend a nice budget accommodation in Oakhurst? Is there anything worth seeing between Monterey and Oakhurst or should I do this drive at night?

vic

I just reread the posts and I see that the glacier point hike down is 5 miles. Still looking for answers to other questions though.