sluggo

I need some insights for the last portion of a trip to California next May 28-June 11. We are two adults, mid-50s, from New England. Here's how it's shaping up:

4 nights -- San Francisco --Three days exploring the city (husband has never been) and one for areas north of the city.

3 nights -- Monterey peninsula (husband has never been)

3 nights -- Yosemite (1st trip) -- 2 nights in Yosemite Lodge and because I messed up when I booked, the last night at Yosemite View Lodge in El Portal

3 nights -- Lake Tahoe

Assuming it takes 6 hrs to drive from Monterey to Yosemite's south entrance, this gives us nearly three days in Yosemite. Weather permitting, we'd take most of a day (I think) driving to Tahoe via Tioga Pass, Mono Lake and Bodie, giving us all day Thurs and Fri at Tahoe.

Now I am wondering whether we should take one of the Tahoe days and add it to Yosemite? Or would four days there be too much? When we visit national parks, we participate in Ranger programs, go on short walks, visit the visitor's centers and museums and soak in the beauty. We have spent 1.5 days each in Zion, Bryce, the Grand Canyon and Rocky Mountain; four days at Yellowstone, 2.5 days in Acadia and two in Grand Teton.

We are going to Tahoe because it looks beautiful whenever we see it in movies. We are not gamblers. We'd drive around the lake, enjoy the scenery, maybe go for a couple walks and relax. Usually at the end of a vacation like this, we relax the last day before flying home.

Thoughts?

Gardyloo

I would take the extra day and travel to the north shore of Tahoe via the Gold Rush country on the west slope of the Sierras instead. Gorgeous, historic country, lots of very interesting small towns, some virtually ghost towns, good restaurants, plenty to see. In late May or early June the weather is grand, the wildflowers peaking, and in general it's about as nice as California gets IMO.

sluggo

I'm intriqued, Gardyloo. What are some of the towns we should see? We expect to stay in Tahoe Vista.

Gardyloo

Unfortunately, Fodors own mini-guide to the Gold Rush country (on this website) is pretty sketchy, as it includes the city of Sacramento along with the countryside bits. Go to http://www.malakoff.com/goldcountry/maintcgc.htm for more comprehensive info and links, although some of the reference links are dead. Bottom line, though, is that California Hwy 49 (get it?) is one of the west's great scenic roads, and towns like Amador City, Murphys, Chinese Camp, Volcano, Columbia (amazing restored old west town) and Grass Vally, among others, are fabulous touring destinations. I would pick them over Mono Lake and (possibly still snowy) Tioga Pass any day. Start googling for "Gold Rush Country" or topics like that.

Not familiar with Tahoe Vista - north (scenic) end of the lake or south (commercialized)? Big disparity IMO.

utahtea

There is a chance that Tioga Pass won't be open early June. It all depends on the snow this winter & early spring. It has opened as early as Mid-May and as late as July 1st! If it is open...please do take that route...it's very scenic!

Mono Lake is pretty but not much to do there. Bodie is my favorite ghost town. They really have done a great job preserving it. You might need to make this a day trip from Tahoe if Tioga Pass is closed.

I love driving all around the lake. The paddle boat trip on the lake was really special! Virgina City is a neat old tourist trap.

I have spent a lot of time at both Lake Tahoe and Yosemite. If I had the choice of an extra day in Tahoe or Yosemite...I'd always choose Yosemite.

Utahtea

TripleSecDelay

If you're interested in seeing Bodie before driving there, surf on over to pbase.com and search for "bodie". You'll find plenty of galleries displaying Bodie in color and in b/w.

TripleSecDelay

Casting a vote for Yosemite, taking into consideration the time of year, you will beat the bigger crowds to the area.

carcal

We made the exact same trip last year & it was wonderful. Our last leg to Yosemite was the best!! We stayed at Yosemite View Lodge in El Portal due to friends telling us about their stay there & we were very pleased. The drive into the Park every morning was wonderful! The restaurant on site was good. Have a good trip.

J_Correa

I like the recommendation to spend an extra day between Yosemite and Lake Tahoe travelling Hwy 49. Lots of great stuff to see there.

I love Yosemite and Lake Tahoe - I am not a gambler either and there is so much to do in Lake Tahoe other than go to casinos. The drive around the lake is terrific. I would also recommend a cruise on the lake. I like the cruise from Zephyr Cove to Emerald Bay on the MS Dixie, which is a paddle wheeler.

GP

Hi sluggo

My vote would be Yosemite. My two cents is I really like Gardyloo suggestion

Have Fun
GP

sluggo

That Hwy 49 option is looking interesting, particularly if Tioga Pass is snowed in. Distances on my map are not helpful, not knowing road conditions. If we start from El Portal, would we have time to visit some of the sites along Hwy 49 and get to Tahoe Vista on the north shore of Tahoe by nightfall? Or should we do more along Hwy 49 and spend the night and a morning there before going on to Tahoe for a day and a half?

kolohegirl

It's a no brainer in my book..........
YOSEMITE
YOSEMITE
YOSEMITE!

mpf

Your itinerary sounds good;

One day traveling to Yosemite. Night 1
Two days sightseeing. Night 2,3

One day Tioga Pass (which is part of the Yosemite experience, Mono Lake, and Bodie enroute to Lake Tahoe - Night 1

Two days Lake Tahoe, Night 2&3

Four days may not be too much at Yosemite, but you will be short changing your visit to Lake Tahoe, and little time to relax the last day as there is much to see at Lake Tahoe, too.

I think you planned your trip very well. Well balanced.

Radium

If Tioga Pass is open then, it is spectacular, and Mono Lake is very cool to see (quite different from other lakes). If you like historical stuff, Bodie is fascinating as well. There are some good trails at Tahoe, beaches with lovely views, and various boat cruises. (I prefer the historical ones, once again.) The Truckee - Donner Lake area is also interesting. If you like that kind of thing, it's also not horribly far to Virginia City in Nevada.

Unless you're going to do some lengthy hiking, you can see the highlights of Yosemite easily within a few days. Of course, you may never want to leave--most folks don't, it is so enchanting!