nightxsky

My husband and I are planning to spend a few days in Fresno next month. We would like to see some of Yosemite and also make a visit to General Sherman in the Sequoia National Park. Should we rent a car? Or are there any tours that run from Fresno to these locations?

And any recommendations on specific things to see at either?

Thanks!

tovarich

I would spend all my time in Yosemite.You can see the giant trees in the Mariposa grove there.Paul

daisee

You will be better off with a car. Yosemite and Sequoia are two different directions-about 2.5 hours apart if you go from Yosemite to Sequoia. In May you should be able to get a room at the Lodge or Curry Village in Yosemite. YOu should stay at least one night in the valley, 2 would be ideal. Mariposa grove is beautiful, Sequoia has more of coarse, and some amazing groves. We love Crescent Meadow in Sequoia and the caves are fun. There is only one lodge in Sequoia NP, otherwise you can stay outside, but keep in mind it's almost an hour from the entrance of Sequoia to the groves, depending on which way you go in. Same for Yosemite.

Dayenu

You can take Amtrak train, connecting bus to Yosemite, and free shuttles in the park, takes some planning, and may be a pain.

I don't know of any tours to Sequoia except Elderhostel programs.

Curious

I have to ask: Why in the world are you spending time in Fresno?

Curious

nightxsky

Thanks for all the help!

Curious - My husband is being sent to Fresno for work, I am tagging along so that we can spend the rest of the week in Yosemite.

onemoneygirl

While in Fresno it might be worth your time to have visit La Boulangerie in Fig Garden for a lemon pastry with coffee... its an outdoor mall with a nice mix of local specialty shops (Not just Paper is my absolute favorite card and stationery store) and chain stores, like Pottery Barn and Talbots. For a bit of local flavor you might want to visit the Sierra Nut House located on North Blackstone in the same shopping center as the Nordstrom's rack in the corner. The Elbow Room has great cocktails and I've heard the food is great too but in the past 30 years, I've only had drinks there!

Sequoia is the perfect place to get an early start on the day, pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the drive and take lots of pictures of the trees, especially the General Sherman Tree!

Yosemite will be wonderful with the falls still running and as others have said, staying in the park is the ultimate.

Enjoy your visit!