Expert: Steve Summers - 7/5/2004

Question
We are driving from Seattle to San Diego, then on to Las Vegas, mid August.  Two older adults one teenager.  After San Francisco we want to see Yosemite and possible Sequoia (for the giant trees).  We will leave SF early in the morning and will have one night to spend for Yosemite, and one night for Sequoia. We are not big on hiking or walking more than a mile or so once we get to Yosemite (we have a car, obviously), but would like to see the highlights of Yosemite.  Which entrance is best, what place to stay, how to see the most in one full day etc. how to use the shuttles to our advantage, tips etc.  Or do we really need two days for Yosemite and skip Sequoia?  Your thoughts and ideas would be good.
Thank you.

Answer
Hi Ellie,

Having just come back (7/5) from Yosemite, I can say that you should spend both days in Yosemite for two reasons: First, there is so much more to do and see in Yosemite. Second, it is just too much to drive from Yosemite to Sequoia. It is 211 miles from SF to Yosemite via I-80, I-580, Highway 99 and highway 140. However, that will take you about 4.5 hours of driving time. Add about an hour for a meal stop in Modesto or Merced. It's quite a bit.  From Yosemite Valley, it takes about 3 to 3.5 hours just to get the 90 miles to Fresno, then another 90 miles to Sequoia (and another 3-3.5 hours). Frankly, it's just a bit too much driving, especially when there are two groves of Giant trees in Yosemite.

Here is what I recommend:

-Take the El Portal entrance into Yosemite. It's the closest to SF (all entrances are very scenic). Try to book a motel room or cabin at Yosemite Lodge. The tent cabins are OK if you don't mind very close quarters and a lot of noise. Housekeeping Camp is a little better if you brought your sleeping bags. It is in a great location. If you cannot find any suitable accomodations in Yosemite Valley (www.yosemitepark.com), then go to travelocity.com and do a search for your dates in the city of El Portal, CA. You shoulc be able to find some accomodations close to the valley. Once you enter the valley floor, the first thing you should do it go to the "tunnel view": Follow the signs to highway 41, and go up the hill a couple of miles. There is a pullout to the right, just before you get to the tunnel. The view is spectacular-- you see El Capitan, Bridalveil Falls, and Half Dome. If you are going to take the Grand Tour, however, you can skip this and go straight to your accomodations (or the day use lot).

-In the valley, I HIGHLY recommend the GRAND tour. This gives you the BEST of Yosemite all in one day. You get the Valley floor, Glacier Point (AWESOME views), and big trees tour. Make sure you have LOTS of film or a new blank memory chip for your digital camera. For details check out Activities->Tours at the yosemitepark.com site or call 209- 375-1621 for times and reservations. For your second day in Yosemite, go to the visitor center, Yosemite Museum, and Pioneer cemetary. Have lunch at Degnan's Deli, but be aware that the sandwiches are pretty big. The soups are good too. Take the shuttle or walk to Yosemite Falls, which may only be a trickle by August. If you have time, take the shuttle to the Ahwahnee Hotel, it is beautiful.

-Shuttles are a breeze in Yosemite Valley. Familiarize yourself with the overall layout of the valley and the shuttle route with the map located at http://www.nps.gov/yose/trip/shutmap.pdf Note that some stops are transfer stops (3 & 10, 5 & 9, 14 & 20), and these can be used to get to your desired location faster. If you have any questions, just ask the driver. The drivers are very helpful. If you do not stay in the valley, then get to the day use lot as early in the day as you can. It fills up quickly, as do all the lots in the valley. The shuttle system is the best way to get around. We always stay in Upper Pines campground and take the shuttles from Happy Isles. There are a couple of places in the West Valley where the shuttle does not go, but if you take the Grand Tour, you can see those places.

-If you stay in the Valley, rent a bike for the day. There are miles of bike trails in Yosemite, and they are quite easy to ride.

-Bears: There is no need to really fear the bears, but we aren't talking Yogi bear, either. The important thing to remember is to lock ALL food in the bear lockers while in the valley. If you leave any food in your car, even in the daytime, you stand a good chance of having your car broken into by a bear.

To exit Yosemite, take the south exit. If accomodations are unavailable in the Valley, you might want to book a hotel in Oakhurst after your second day. It takes about 20-30 minutes just to drive out of the valley, then another hour to drive south to the edge of the park. Then another 20-30 minutes to Oakhurst. This is a good hotel/rest/meal stop on your way out. Get your gas in Fresno- take 41 to Bullard, exit the freeway, turn right, and it was 2.13 a couple days ago on the corner of Bullard and Blackstone, when it was over 2.30 up and down the state. From Fresno, take 41 to 99 south, until it merges with the 5, then you can continue to LA & SD.

Do you have an extra day or so? Instead of just taking 99 to 5, how about going to the coast? Take 41 south past Fresno, and keep on 41 until you get to highway 46. Take 46 to Paso Robles, go on 101 for a couple miles, then take 46 to the coast. Spend a night in San Simeon, Morro Bay, or Cambria, and go to Hearst Castle. It's worth the drive and the extra time. See www.hearstcastle.com for info and reservations. Besides the beauty of the coast, you can marvel at Hearst Castle. Then you can go south on 101, which takes longer, but is worth it. Tips: Exit Madonna Road in San Luis Obispo to grab a bite to eat. IHOP is good for breakfast. Take a look around the Madonna Inn, and don't miss the men's room there. (Yes, really).

Have fun,

Steve