Revisited Yosemite in late spring to get a glimpse of a roaring waterfall feels. It did not disappoint. In mid-June of the year following the pandemic the family went ahead a drive to the famous climbing park that is Yosemite.
How to get there
From Moreno Valley, it’s about 6 hrs and 50 minutes to Upper Pines campground. Hubby and I drove through 60W, to Hiway 71 towards Pomona, then CA 134 W to Ca 99 N towards Fresno. Travelled 132 miles to CA 41 N to Yosemite Park. About 63 miles, take the second exit from the roundabout. Before this, is where you’ll pay the entrance fee of 35$ assuming you have day pass already secured.
Entrance Reservations -updated Jan 2022
Reservations are not required to visit Yosemite National Park. As always, we strongly recommend that you make a reservation if you plan to stay overnight in Yosemite.
If you think you’re there yet, No. You still have about 30 miles of the calculated slow drive to the the park. Driving next to the cliffs and winding mountainside. Pay attention while driving as this a narrow cliffside road. Otherwise, enjoy the view.
Need to know
During summer, make sure you avail yourself a day pass before going. You can’t visit the park without it. If you have an overnight reservation inside the park’s hotels and campground, NO NEED FOR A DAY PASS PERMIT. The reservation as well as the day pass is good for 3 days use multiple entry.
Ready you 35$ entrance fee/car. They accept credit/debit cards (preferred use during pandemic for a contactless transaction). Alternatively, flash them you America the Beautiful Annual Park pass, and get in with ease. https://store.usgs.gov/pass/index.html – get the pass here.
Bring printed reservations, maps and other online resources as little to no service inside the park.
Accommodations, Food, Supplies
There are 2 general stores inside Yosemite Valley. Both have all the necessities on sale. They even have fresh produce. And for those camping, wood, fuel, ice are available for purchase. Small camping gears like headlamps and survival gadgets are also on sale. I did not notice if camping tents, sleeping bags or chairs were on site though. Check the website https://www.nps.gov/yose/learn/index.htm for more info.
An upscale Ahwahnee and a family-friendly Yosemite Valley Lodge, saves you travel time to and from the valley. Several Campgrounds are open. Check the website for details.
Things to do
Upper Pines Campground – late lunch and set up camp
Hike Vernal falls- took us 5 hrs to finish taking the Clark’s Point coming down.
Tour the valley- rent some bikes and visit the meadows, Yosemite and Bridal Veil Falls, Ansel Adam Museum, Visitor Center, Yosemite Village, The Ahwahnee Hotel, El Capitan.
Take a dip at the sentinel or cathedral beach. Bring a pack lunch to El Capitan or Cathedral Picnic Area.
Hike Nevada Falls. or Climb the half dome.
Drive up to Glacier Point. Stop by Washburn Point. Both will grant you breathtaking views of the falls and the valley.
Visit Mariposa Grove- Marvel at the giant Sequoia Trees. Check the website if is open. It was closed due to the recent hurricane that toppled down some of the trees.
Tenaya Lodge
Tenaya Lodge is an award winning 3 star resort hotel about 45min. from the valley. Note that it means it’s 30-40 minute drive from the valley to the entrance and only about 10-15 from entrance to the resort.
We stayed for 2 nights. It’s a huge property, with pools, a camp, trails and a kid obstacle course, among many other things to do. It has two restaurants and a coffee shop. Good hotel, easy access to the valley but quite expensive for my taste.
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