Expert: Steve Summers - 7/16/2007

Question
Hi Steve.  My husband and I will be visiting Yosemite and Sequoia, arriving in Fresno around 3PM on Sunday May 4  and leaving Fresno 6:45AM on Sunday May 11. (You have to get those frequent flier tickets early, y'know) Do you think we'll freeze?

We'l probably go to Yosemite first, in order to avoid potential weekend crowds.  How may nights should we spend in each Park..4 and 2 or 3 and 3? The first night we will probably arrive pretty late, so we won't see much til the next morning.  Can you suggest the best route and approximate driving times?

Can you recommend the best way to see the parks? We are not real hikers, but do enjoy 1-3 mile walks.

We want to thank you in advance for taking your time and generously sharing your expertise.

Answer
Hi Marlene,

Springtime weather is SO hard to predict in the Sierras. Do I think you'll freeze? Probably not, but it is ALWAYS best to be prepared. It's way too early to predict how cold or wet the winter will be. You might havet to pack shorts as well as a parka. Check nps.gov and google "Yosemite weather" a couple weeks before your trip.

Personally, I would spend as much time in Yosemite as possible. It's our favorite place in the world to camp. BTW, where are you planning to stay? I hope it's the lodge or a cabin, because those tent platforms don't offer much protection if it gets cold.

From Fresno, there's really only one way in: Through the souteh entrance. It takes about an hour to get to Oakhurst, then about 30 minutes to the south entrance gate, then another 90 minutes to get to the valley floor (45 miles at 30 mph). Figure about 3 hours from Fresno to the valley floor along highway 41 all the way to the valley, then follow the signs to the east end of the valley where there are places to stay.

I would say the best way to see the parks, weather permitting, is by bike. There are bikes for rent in the valley, and miles of bike trails. The bus system in the valley is also good, and it will take you just about anywhere you want in the valley. There is also a shuttle bus that will take you to Mariposa Grove and/or Glacier Point (weather conditions permitting). There are many places to hike in the valley, ranging from easy to difficult. If you take a bus to Glacier Point, you can take 4-mile trail or 8-mile trail down to the valley. Another good hike is to Vernal and/or Nevada Falls, about 1.5 miles each way from Happy Isles Nature Center. Mirror Lake is a nice easy hike. Or you can just walk around the valley.

From Yosemite, it's still a 3 hour drive to Fresno, then about 2 hours up to Sequoia via 198.

Have a great time!