AboutMaryJo Mellado Willey Expertise I have been going to Yosemite National Park since I was 10 years old (back in 1970), and consider one of my favorite places in the world. I have camped there, stayed in cabins, Housekeeping, and the tent cabins in Curry Village. I have gone on various hikes, and visited different sites.
I beleive I asked you some questions about lodgepole! :)
I was just wondering if you can help me out.
I want to plan a trip for next yr to yosemite. I want to know whats the best month you recomend going. When there is decent weather and GOOD falls. Also which campground do you recomend. I am looking to possibly pitch my own tent. But If you know of something affordable like loddging that might be nice. I'v never really been there and want all the information I can possibly get I know it books realllly fast so I want to reserve ahead of time.
Also I would like to be somewhere close to the Half Dome climb. And possibly other hikes. or what do you recomend doing for first timers to the park? something great with falls!:)
Thanks in advance for all your help! :)
Nicole
Answer Hi Nicole,
I may have answered questions about Lodgepole since we do go to Sequoia. :)
If you can possibly get a campsite in the valley, do so. There are three now - North Pines, Upper & Lower Pines. Study the campground maps and try to get one near the river, if possible. North Pines is the largest campground, and Upper Pines is near the stables. If those fill up & you can't book them, look at staying at Housekeeping. I usually stay there when in Yosemite, because I like having my own space for a campfire, and you cannot do that at the tent cabins in Curry Village.
The best time to go and see the falls would be the end of June - before Independence Day weekend, but you can still go in the beginning of July and have a great view of the falls.
One of the most popular hikes, for a good reason, is the one to the top of Nevada Falls. You'll go past Vernal Falls, and then on up to Nevada. It will take you pretty much all day to do both & come back down. That is also the same trail you would hike to Half Dome, if you are wanting to climb it. If you ARE planning to go to Half Dome, you'll want to keep track when the cables go up.
If you are big on falls, try taking a tram up to Glacier Point, and then hiking the 8.2 Panoramic trail down past Illouette (Hidden), Nevada, and Vernal Falls down to the valley - now that is a good hike, but pretty long.
Have a wonderful time, and let me know how your trip went.
