You are in for a real treat. Did you get a tent/cabin or a regular cabin? No fires mean no fires, so the marshmallows might be out.

Panaroma Point Trail would be a good one. You will have an option of the Muir Trail or the Mist Trail the last couple of miles-I would choose Mist Trail. To do this trail, you will want to take a shuttle to Glacier Point for the trailhead. You will want to see Glacier Point anyway.

If you have never been to Yosemite or Sequoia, then definately walk thru Maripossa Grove.
Perhaps head up to Tuoluome Meadows and do a hike there.
This is an hour or so from the valley area. Have a meal at Wawonna Lodge while there.

A nice short trek at sunrise is to Mirror Lake-reflection then is really cool.

Sunday Brunch is nice at the Awahnee.

Have a great trip!!!!

Just looking there is Housekeeping camp also is that nicer than Curry village?

Thanks for your reply I got a canvas tent that was all that was left is that ok?
Oh can we not go and use the fires somewhere else?

thanks i will check out those trails, do we have to get a permit ?

Don't need a permit to "dayhike" any trails in Yosemite-with the exception being Halfdome.

I am not 100% sure, but I think you can have a fire at Housekeeping Camp, but you can't in CV.

They are similar sleeping situations. Either one would be fine. I don't think there is somewhere else in the park you can just build a fire to roast marmallows. Perhaps, a ranger-led evening program might have a fire that people roast marmallows at--not sure.

Have you done the halfdome? Maybe i'll get a permit for that then..
Ha I just wanted the fire to maybe cook on an evening for dinner oh well ..

To answer your question about Rt 120. http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/bofrdclosed12.htm
You will likely be entering on Route 140 from El Portal.

You should not be attempting Half Dome unless you are in shape and are willing to abort the hike if a storm is in the offing.

The most recent fatality on Half Dome was associated with a summer storm and lightning.

"Perhaps head up to Tuoluome Meadows and do a hike there."

You won't have to 'head up' to Tuouome Meadows since you will be driving through there on your way into Yosemite from the east. Definitely spend time there before heading on to the Valley

Forget the fires -- especially in August. You won't need/miss a camp fire and the fire danger in the Sierra is likely to be at the highest warning level. Just forget a camp fire . . .

Also -- IMO forget about the Half Dome trek. In August it will be a zoo (even w/ the permits) There are MANY other amazing walks/hikes you can take and not have to walk single file in a loooooooong line of other hikers.

There are also many ranger led interpretive walks offered most days. Usually very informative.

Once you arrive in the Valley and park the car --you won't need to touch it again until you leave the Park. The shuttle buses will get you everywhere and you won't have to deal w/the traffic/parking.

If you did do Half Dome that would take all of your effort and all of your time for the two days you had there. It is an all day event(meaning before sunrise and after sunset-this is a very serious hike). The permits are hard to get anyway.
I wouldn't do it in August, I wouldn't do it on my first trip there, and I wouldn't do it unless I had several days there. The rest of the area is just as spectacular. If it is hot, the shadoe of the Maripossa Grove or the altitude of Tuoluomne Meadows would offer a bit of comfort. Rafting or floating would be an option too.

As suggested - consider a Ranger walk, and/or renting bicycles, etc. So much to see that hoofing it all the way to the top of Half Dome isn't necessary your firs time.

Check out the schedule for the various events when you arrive.

We love staying in Curry Village - and check around with the Rangers as to where you might be able to find a fire pit. I think the people camping along the river may be able to do that - but it's been a while so I can't say for sure.

They have a pretty decent pizza place in Curry Village - and the pool there is also great - as you can look right up the cliffs to Glacier Point.

And there are also buses that take you around the Valley Floor, and you can easily walk along the trial/bikepath past Yosemite Falls. We also love to go out to El Capitan and from the meadow - watch the climbers - and if you have a small pair of binos - it makes it a lot easier.

http://tinyurl.com/7z23v5w

I love the hikes from glacier point to the valley. all downhill and the sights are incredible.you can buy tickets for the shuttle bus when you check in to curry village.as far as going to mariposa grove is concerned be warned that the traffic in and out of the valley can be ugly.

If you can, call Ahwahnee and ask to speak with teh concierge. SHe was incredibly helpful in getting us in for my DH 40th B-Day when bokking was tight. In fact she got us one of eh suites that looks out on teh meadow and it was perfect with all the people that flew in from everywhere...

Personally, I can't stand Curry Village. The tent cabins are jammed so close together it's like what I expect tenement living was like in the early part of the 20th century. There is NO auditory privacy - you hear everything around you, from crying babies, loud children, even just normal conversations. I like tent camping, but found CV to be a very stressful environment in the middle of one of the most beautiful places on earth. I won't stay there again.

Curry Village in the summer is a bit like the barrio.

Have stayed there a number of times and if you try to get a place closer to the rocks - over to the right from the stage area (as you face the cliffs) - you have fewer people around you and it's normally been fairly quiet for us. Wish I could remember the # of our favorite tent, where we stayed several times and had good fortune I guess. Yes, in some of the other areas it can be a bit busy though.

You might also try for one of the wood cabins in Curry Village - but they are usually the first to be rented.

We've stayed in every accommodation in Yosemite from the campsites to the Ahwahnee. Is Curry Village tents better than being outside the Valley? Yes! Is it acceptable. Yes. But probably at the lower end of the places I've enjoyed. One step up from Housekeeping, IMO.

Tomsd mentioned the Pizza. It is very good pizza. Maybe just because we were super hungry. But we were suprised by how good it was.

Nah, not because you were super hungry. The pizza is seriously good.

You might also try for a condo at Yosemite West...these are not in the Valley, but about a 20 minute drive away.

bookmarking

Ah I am slightly worried now about Curry Village, i have read so many dodgy reports.
We are staying at the Dorchester in London for a couple of nights before we fly and then the Wynn in Las vegas and then Curry Village haha oh god what a difference..
The thing is i would rather be in a central location than drive more when we get there when we would have already been driving enough and also uif the traffic is bad there I would rather be central so we can walk and forget the car.
I do not mind basic living or camping at all so if that's the case then I'm ok with Curry village I just dont like the idea of not being able to move etc ??
I have just been on yosemite website and it will be 1600 for the three nights in the Ahwahnee, is it worth it? I was trying to economise on this bit and splurge on a plush hotel near the coast..?

Anyway I'm gutted about the highway 120 (how inconsiderate of it ha) I have heard it's a very nice route, so how will we get from LV to yosemite now (15, 58, 99, 41?) What's that route like? Do you not think th eroad will be fixed by then?
oo i've just found this
http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/bofreopen.htm

Ok so The half dome is a hassle getting a permit etc so will miss that then. I found this website blog which was good to read
http://www.sarahlavendersmith.com/2010/08/a-yosemite-grand-slam/
I will definately do the early morning runs to Mirror lake from curry village and then another morning to sentinel beach as they seem to be on a path?
Shame you can not remember the numebr of your tent tom ..
So do you guys suggest just turning up and then talking to a ranger about walks??
Renting out bikes sounds good ..
aparently the sunset at glacier point is good ?

Keep trying/checking the other accommodations besides the Ahwahnee if you have some concerns about Curry Village. I think however - if you do wind up in Curry - request a "quiet" section - and also - they will work with you if you said you have someone too noisy next to you. People check out every day and it's not that hard to move from one tent to another, and there are quite a number of tents.

As for where to splurge - the Ahwahnee is marvelous - and if you got a place on the Coast with a view - to me that is the most important amenity.

Will also ask my wife if she can remember the tent number. I have a number in mind but hesitate giving it if I am not sure.

You can check ahead online to see what Ranger talks/walks/programs are offered/scheduled - and then when you arrive - they can tell you more. As far as I recall - you just show up - and don't need a formal reservation. We also went on a Photography walk - again with no reservation/charge.

Usually - there is also an evening program/slide show in the Curry Village ampi-theater, which can be fun.

The sunset is/can be great at/from Glacier Point -and sometimes in the summer - they let Astronomy clubs set up their telescopes and offer free viewing to Park guests - in exchange for being able to camp there free. The first time I looked through a big scope and saw the different clusters in the Milky Way - (they start with M's as I recall) - it was a veritable eye opener.

Hey - maybe if you buy one of the great Wynn robes - and wear it in the Curry Village tent - you might feel more upscale, eh?

Another fun run is along the trail that leads out to and beyond the main Yosemite Falls. There are some great viewing spots along there - including a window to the lower falls.

It's also fun to run/bike along/around the meadows and in the morning or the late afternoon - you can sometimes see deer just casually munching away.

BTW - if you are in good shape and want to do Half Dome - have at it. Start early - take some water - and you will beat much/most of the crowds, and it's nice to be walking back down the trail as people are still huffing up it. Just be sure that it looks clear - as if I didn't mention it -when you get to the top and have to climb up the last part - - there is a sign: Warning - Lightning strikes every month of the year on Half dome.

LOL. Just read Sarah's great post and she is spot on - and definitely - start early if you are going to do Half Dome.

I just skimmed her blog - and will read it again - but think she said you only need permits on Fri and Sun - or during the weekend?

Way back when I was in good running shape - I was partially inspired to climb/hike Half Dome by a guy in my office in San Diego - as he said he and his wife camped up there for his 40th BDay - and at night - they could lean into the wind and not fall down.

Just consider Curry Village an adventure. I can fully enjoy something in Vegas and then an adventure in a National Park as well. Just totally different way of doing things. You could always rent an RV and do it that way. Or even real tent camping. It's really fun to me any way. I must admit my wife doesn't really care for that type of thing though. She will stay about anywhere as long as there is a bathroom in the room.

Well the Curry Village tents are just that -- alternative accommodation to the campground without the luxury of a fire-pit. The only difference is that the tents have twin beds, and electric lights. Food must be kept in lock boxes by the parking lot. Communal bathrooms and showers.

But the upside to these sparse accommodations is that the cafeteria is there, the amphitheatre is there, the Curry Village pool is there, and it is surrounded by some of the most gorgeous scenery ever. Bike rentals and river raft rentals are there. The free shuttle is just outside the parking lot. So you can take the shuttle up to Happy Trails, Yosemite Village, Yosemite Falls, and the Ahwahnee. Or you can rent a bike and bike there, or take a walk or run there.

If it were me, and I was going to be there for 3 nights, to conserve $$, I might spend one night at the Ahwahnee, the two in the tents. I'm a huge fan of the Ahwahnee, but because it is an historic hotel, it does not have all the modern conveniences and the rooms are, in general, very small. So many would say it's not worth it because it is very expensive.

Instead, you can go there, enjoy the bar, the restaurant, the common rooms, and the outside area. Everything, I guess, except for the room itself and the small pool.

I personally like the pool not at Curry Village but the one at Yosemite Lodge -- which you CAN go to -- I think they upped the cost to $5 for the day, but that includes towels and use of their shower facilities. There is another bike rental place right outside the pool.

I'm not reading through the whole thread again (too many multiple posts to digest) -- so someone else may have posted this: I saw where you are disappointed about hwy 120:

The rockfall was to the west of Yosemite in January and will have NO effect on your visit in August (they expect full repair by some time in April). And besides - you are coming in from the east so it wouldn't have effected you in any case . . .

>>wouldn't have affected you<<

Hate it when I do that

what about that effect on you visit? I'm not sure either way. lol I would have to look that one up. Hey, it only took you and hour.

Did you by chance miss the webpage about 120 reopening? http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/bofreopen.htm

Tom: That is old news - after the initial slide. But the road was seriously damaged. Perhaps you missed the current situation???

http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/bofroadrepairclosure212.htm

spirol: Nope - it only took me about 3 seconds -- when I came back to check in on the thread that typo jumped out and bit me.

And the road being closed in Feb for a few weeks will affect August how?

And if you decide to try it - here is a Curry Village Map (click on first prompt below) and it looks like they may have closed where we used to stay - which was just below "enter" of the "Area closed - do not enter". (Think that was out of concern for occasional rocks dislodging/falling from the cliffs).

Again, if you call/email the front desk - and request a "quiet" area - perhaps all the way to the right - or the far left - I think they will try to reserve/hold one for you.

The second page shows what a two cot tent looks like. Quite comfortable really, especially if you have a couple of "beverages" before turning in.

And the 3rd is a pic of the cafeteria - which has decent food - but seems to have become a bit pricey. They do have a separate coffee counter and pastries, etc - or we used to like to wander over to the visitor center for morning coffee and rolls - or check what's available in the store.

The last one is the webpage for making reservations - which it sounds like you have already done?

http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/bofreopen.htm

http://www.yosemitepark.com/Accommodations_CurryVillage_LodgingDetails.aspx

http://www.yosemitepark.com/Accommodations_CurryVillage_GuestServices.aspx

http://www.nationalparkreservations.com/yosemite_curry_village.php?gclid=CMKdpbv51a4CFQ0FRQodZV6KzQ

Not sure if I properly cut and pasted the Curry Tent location map - but here is an older map of the tent layout (again - different from the one I was trying to find - which shows the closed areas) and we used to stay in the tent area numbered in the mid 70's, but think that is closed now. It was pretty quiet - not far from the Nob Hill showers - but far enough.

Below that - is a bit bigger one of the area. The bus stops right in front of the entrance to Curry Village - just ask someone or listen and watch for where it goes. You can also see the bus symbols on the map.

And the third one is for Yosemite Lodge - which we also liked and from their dining room - you can see upper Yo falls.

http://www.yosemite.ca.us/maps/curry_village_map.jpg

http://www.yosemite.ca.us/maps/curry_village_area_map.png

http://www.yosemite.ca.us/maps/yosemite_lodge_map.jpg

Dang - can't seem to find the pdf that had the latest/current layout for Curry Village - showing the closed area - but if you contact/email? the Curry Village Front desk - they could probably provide a link or possibly mail you one.

And here is an overview map of the Yo Valley Floor, and the second one of the shuttle bus routes, and the third one has some of the hiking trails/routes. It's also fun to hike upside Yo Falls (a good little climb) - and friends of mine camped up there too - but that was a long time ago. Not sure if they allow that anymore.

http://www.yosemite.ca.us/maps/yosemite_valley_overview_map.png

http://www.yosemite.ca.us/maps/yosemite_valley_shuttle_bus_map_summer.png

http://www.yosemite.ca.us/maps/yosemite_valley_hiking_map_2006.pdf

Well the time stamp is about an hour different


You can search on Youtube for Curry Village and Housekeeping camp to see video

That's funny spiro -- my time stamp shows almost an hour difference now, but when I first looked, it showed a 6 minute difference!

Well now mine shows 7 minutes. lol good thing this isn't a crime scene

Nope, it still showing an hour, I was looking at the wrong one

spirol: I meant that I posted the typo and didn't preview or look at it. Then when I came back to the thread later -- the second I jumped to the end of the thread --there was the mistake staring me in the face . Took a couple of seconds to post the 'oopsie' . . .

Tomsd: "And the road being closed in Feb for a few weeks will affect August how?"

I know it is hard to keep up - but the OP has mentioned twice about being disappointed the road is closed. I posted she shouldn't worry because the road will re-open in April, and even if it doesn't, the closure would not affect them coming in from 395. So you jump in and ask why a short closure in Feb affects August. IT WON'T - Isn't that is what I said??

Hey thanks for the heads up on the hwy 120 closure in the park. We will be up there in mid may and we will keep an eye on the road news. By the way, last May we were up there and stayed in a tent cabin at curry village. It was fine. (anf the snow fall made for a magical morning). We have also stayed in the curry cabins on years when we called early enough, but they can be hard to get. We have stayed at lodge at the falls, too. I do not prefer housekeeping, but have not stayed there. To me a tent cabin at curry is preferable to a housekeeping nook.

Early morning walks at Stoneman meadow , near curry village, and along the river's edge are lovely.

tom: If you want to keep kicking this poor dead horse - you lose. Half of the '70s - and all of the '60s and the '50s and . . . the '80s and the '90s and . . . - all spent in N. Calif. (Half of the 70's I lived in the UK.)

The other Tom here with some more pertinent news: http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_20129935/yosemite-road-closed-by-rockslide-set-reopen
As long as there are no more rockslides between now and August you should be good to go.

If you want a permit to hike to Half Dome, you need to apply immediately. This is the website to apply: http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/hdpermits.htm

I've hiked to Half Dome numerous times...you need to be in good physical condition. Take plenty of water. Leave at sunrise or before. Bring gloves (for the cables), a sunhat, sunglasses, snacks, a whistle, and a windbreaker. Wear hiking boots that you have already broken in...tennis shoes are not good enough. Bring a flashlight just in case you aren't down before sunset.

It's a fabulous view at the time and a challenging hike.

janis,
Are you an attorney or politician? I bet you never lose at anything.