Yosemite Trip May 2017
Apr 7th, 2016, 04:05 PM
#1
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Yosemite Trip May 2017
DH and I have been wanting to go to Yosemite for a long time. Because I have read how quickly the lodging in the park fills up, I am looking to make some plans for May, 2017. Considering Yosemite Valley Lodge, probably the first week in May. No travel plans yet, but will probably look at flights into Fresno. We are in our mid-50s and really enjoy day hikes (2 - 4 hrs at a time), photography, picnics in scenic settings, and marveling at nature. Here are some questions I have that I'm hoping to get some feedback on:
- I'm hoping this time frame is late enough to avoid snow but early enough to also avoid crowds. Oh, and also, in the right timeframe to enjoy the gorgeous waterfalls. I'm willing to visit the park only on weekdays and avoid weekends if that will make a difference with the crowds.
- Is it practical to fit in Sequoia and Kings Canyon in a week long trip, as well as Yosemite? I'm thinking three nights at Yosemite, and four nights closer to the other parks.
Appreciate your thoughts! Thank you.
- I'm hoping this time frame is late enough to avoid snow but early enough to also avoid crowds. Oh, and also, in the right timeframe to enjoy the gorgeous waterfalls. I'm willing to visit the park only on weekdays and avoid weekends if that will make a difference with the crowds.
- Is it practical to fit in Sequoia and Kings Canyon in a week long trip, as well as Yosemite? I'm thinking three nights at Yosemite, and four nights closer to the other parks.
Appreciate your thoughts! Thank you.
Apr 7th, 2016, 10:59 PM
#2
A week is good for Yosemite and Sequoia. But IMO Yosemite merits more time than Sequoia/Kings Canyon. Flying into Fresno works -- but service to FAT is quite limited. Other options might give you better schedules/fares -- depending on where you are coming from Sacramento, San Jose, Oakland or SFO could also make sense.
May is a fabulous time at YNP and the waterfalls are at their best.
W/ 6 nights I might consider something like fly into SMF and stay 1 night in the Gold Rush country along hwy 49 (Angels Camp, Sonora, etc.) then 3 nights in Yosemite Valley, 2 nights for Seq/KC, and then fly out of Fresno or possibly Burbank or Ontario. I you have 7 nights -- you could add 1 night to any of the above)
May is a fabulous time at YNP and the waterfalls are at their best.
W/ 6 nights I might consider something like fly into SMF and stay 1 night in the Gold Rush country along hwy 49 (Angels Camp, Sonora, etc.) then 3 nights in Yosemite Valley, 2 nights for Seq/KC, and then fly out of Fresno or possibly Burbank or Ontario. I you have 7 nights -- you could add 1 night to any of the above)
Apr 8th, 2016, 08:29 AM
#3
Allegiant planes come to Fresno from Las Vegas and Phoenix/Mesa. http://www.allegiantair.com/
If you fly to SMF if you don't want to rent a car there, you can take Amtrak to Merced (San Joaquin) and take a YARTS bus into Yosemite.
The second or third week in May might be warmer with less chance of snow.
If you fly to SMF if you don't want to rent a car there, you can take Amtrak to Merced (San Joaquin) and take a YARTS bus into Yosemite.
The second or third week in May might be warmer with less chance of snow.
Apr 8th, 2016, 09:18 AM
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Sounds like a great trip. I've used fresno from vegas to get to Yosemite and it worked well. I had a midnight arrival into Fresno, stayed on the north side of town, and was on the road to yosemite bright and early. Does anybody know if Mariposa grove will be open by May 2017? If so, then coming in from the south takes you right through that part of the park.
Apr 8th, 2016, 09:20 AM
#5
>>If you fly to SMF if you don't want to rent a car there, you can take Amtrak to Merced (San Joaquin) and take a YARTS bus into Yosemite.>The second or third week in May might be warmer with less chance of snow.no way of telling -- Early May can be warmer than late May.
Apr 8th, 2016, 11:54 AM
#7
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Thank you for the replies. I have not yet looked at flights so I may have to be flexible. Coming from Iowa, so we don't always have the best options either. Going west usually means connecting through Denver or Phoenix.
Honestly, I would like to go later in May, but I worry more about crowds, especially close to Memorial Day. I think we'd rather risk the cold!
I have also read about the Mariposa grove closing, and so hoping it will be open by then.
Honestly, I would like to go later in May, but I worry more about crowds, especially close to Memorial Day. I think we'd rather risk the cold!
I have also read about the Mariposa grove closing, and so hoping it will be open by then.
Apr 8th, 2016, 12:18 PM
#8
This is a suggestion if you are unable to find suitable lodging in the park. It is a good alternative. The hotel we stayed in is the Shiloh Inn in Oakhurst. We also stayed in Mariposa on the way back. Mariposa has more charm than Oakhurst but the lodging is far more expensive. Following is an edited excerpt from our TR. If Mariposa grove is open (Mariposa grove is not near the town of Mariposa), Then Oakhurst would be closest- no more than a 20 minute very pleasant drive from Shilo Inn.
Getting an early start and ignoring Fodorite suggestions, we left for Oakhurst, a town utterly without charm, located not far from the Park’s South Entrance. Fodorites suggested that we skip Oakhurst and either stay in the Park – but there were no rooms available- or stay in a town with more charm, like Mariposa. We chose Oakhurst because we wanted to see Nelder Grove in the National Forest near the South Entrance.... What Oakhurst lacks in charm, it makes up for in convenience. There are lots of well priced motels, fairly decent restaurants, a huge Raley’s supermarket where we were able to stock up on picnic goods, and the usual chains found in strip malls. We stayed at the Shilo Inn – a place that I would highly recommend. At a price of about $70 [this was several years ago] it was the lodging bargain of the trip. Our room was huge – I’ve stayed in so called suites that were smaller, well furnished and spotlessly clean. Shilo Inn offers free coffee and tea in the lobby 24/7, has a friendly staff, a small pool, sauna and work-out room. It is a scenic 20 minute or so drive to the Park’s South Entrance. It also has free wi-fi. The included breakfast was excellent – the best of the trip.
Getting an early start and ignoring Fodorite suggestions, we left for Oakhurst, a town utterly without charm, located not far from the Park’s South Entrance. Fodorites suggested that we skip Oakhurst and either stay in the Park – but there were no rooms available- or stay in a town with more charm, like Mariposa. We chose Oakhurst because we wanted to see Nelder Grove in the National Forest near the South Entrance.... What Oakhurst lacks in charm, it makes up for in convenience. There are lots of well priced motels, fairly decent restaurants, a huge Raley’s supermarket where we were able to stock up on picnic goods, and the usual chains found in strip malls. We stayed at the Shilo Inn – a place that I would highly recommend. At a price of about $70 [this was several years ago] it was the lodging bargain of the trip. Our room was huge – I’ve stayed in so called suites that were smaller, well furnished and spotlessly clean. Shilo Inn offers free coffee and tea in the lobby 24/7, has a friendly staff, a small pool, sauna and work-out room. It is a scenic 20 minute or so drive to the Park’s South Entrance. It also has free wi-fi. The included breakfast was excellent – the best of the trip.
Apr 8th, 2016, 12:31 PM
#9
I should have also mentioned that both Mariposa and Nelder groves feature giant sequoias so if Mariposa is closed, then Nelder is a great alternative. Nelder is near the south entrance of Yosemite. A major difference between the two is that Mariposa grove is often crowded, and I imagine that if it just reopened, it would be even more crowded. Parking can be tight. On the other hand, if you go to Nelder grove chances are that you will almost have it to yourself and parking should be plentiful.
Apr 8th, 2016, 01:59 PM
#10
Unfortunately neither Oakhurst nor Mariposa are great locations for visiting Yosemite Valley.
Both are a minimum 90 minute drive from Yosemite Village.
If you can't get accommodations in the Valley, the best place to book is Yosemite View Lodge in El Portal -- it right outside the park entrance gate and is less than a 30 minute drive from the Village.
>>Honestly, I would like to go later in May, but I worry more about crowds, especially close to Memorial Day. I think we'd rather risk the cold!
Both are a minimum 90 minute drive from Yosemite Village.
If you can't get accommodations in the Valley, the best place to book is Yosemite View Lodge in El Portal -- it right outside the park entrance gate and is less than a 30 minute drive from the Village.
>>Honestly, I would like to go later in May, but I worry more about crowds, especially close to Memorial Day. I think we'd rather risk the cold!
Apr 8th, 2016, 02:42 PM
#11
"Both are a minimum 90 minute drive from Yosemite Villag "
Janisj, I usually agree with you and in fact have successfully followed your advice in the past but do not agree here. Yes, but there is lots to see along the way. There is far more to the park than the village and valley and there is little need to drive directly there passing other sites.
Janisj, I usually agree with you and in fact have successfully followed your advice in the past but do not agree here. Yes, but there is lots to see along the way. There is far more to the park than the village and valley and there is little need to drive directly there passing other sites.
Apr 8th, 2016, 03:45 PM
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I have also stayed at www.blackberry-inn.com several times, which is quite close to the park entrance and is a beautiful drive. The owners are delightful, the room are better than anything else in the area and the hummingbirds they have on their grounds are nothing short of amazing.
If the price is not prohibitive, I highly recommend it.
If the price is not prohibitive, I highly recommend it.
Apr 8th, 2016, 08:19 PM
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Make your reservation for Yosemite Lodge a year and a day in advance and go DURING THE WEEK. Everyone's right you can never tell, but I would aim for midMay, hoping for falls and dogwood blossoms and if you are really lucky an open Glacier Point and Tioga Pass Road. Pay the extra money to stay in the Valley, stay at least 3 nights, better 4. If Sequoia is open (higher elevation), weekends would be more OK there, also need to book in advance.
We go once or twice a year, have tried many alternatives, and feel best in the Valley or In White Wolf or Tioga Pass Resort (high country--lodging won't be open in May).
Buy a copy of Yosemite Valley, secret places, read my trip report about beat high season crowds in Yosemite (truly high season starts with memorial day).
The dogwoods are amazing when they bloom, right up there with the falls in magic land.
We go once or twice a year, have tried many alternatives, and feel best in the Valley or In White Wolf or Tioga Pass Resort (high country--lodging won't be open in May).
Buy a copy of Yosemite Valley, secret places, read my trip report about beat high season crowds in Yosemite (truly high season starts with memorial day).
The dogwoods are amazing when they bloom, right up there with the falls in magic land.
Apr 9th, 2016, 10:36 AM
#16
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So much great information – thank you!
Cmstraf, can you tell me, why the reference to booking 1 year and a day in advance? Is that because that is the maximum amount of time in advance they allow you to book?
Also, does anyone have suggestions on a single lodging location that would be a good base for the Sequoia/Kings Canyon portion of our trip?
Cmstraf, can you tell me, why the reference to booking 1 year and a day in advance? Is that because that is the maximum amount of time in advance they allow you to book?
Also, does anyone have suggestions on a single lodging location that would be a good base for the Sequoia/Kings Canyon portion of our trip?
Apr 10th, 2016, 08:15 AM
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Yes. It is the maximum time. You might want to double check because they just changed management. Also, I am one of those people who will make reservations at 12:01 to get best rooms or free flights or whatever. You get best rooms at this time or at least best shot at them.
If you stay at the Ahwahnee (hopefully the lawsuit which has disgustingly renamed it the Majestic), it is Very Expensive and can be magical. IMO, in May, I wouldn't stretch to such luxury Unless I could get a featured room with a balcony (Well Worth Extra Money). But this is because we are room freaks more than public space freaks. I would and did fork over money for the Ahwahnee in high season because of it's location.
The Lodge is our regular home. Ideal rooms are in Dogwood, Aspen, or Tamarack. You want back facing room (front facing means facing parking lot) with either patio (downstairs, great for bikes) or balcony (upstairs, has cathedral ceilings and no one over you). These three buildings have only 8 rooms in them. We prefer them and also Hemlock. We tend to vote for lovely feeling over views of falls (which can include views of parking lot).
If you stay at the Ahwahnee (hopefully the lawsuit which has disgustingly renamed it the Majestic), it is Very Expensive and can be magical. IMO, in May, I wouldn't stretch to such luxury Unless I could get a featured room with a balcony (Well Worth Extra Money). But this is because we are room freaks more than public space freaks. I would and did fork over money for the Ahwahnee in high season because of it's location.
The Lodge is our regular home. Ideal rooms are in Dogwood, Aspen, or Tamarack. You want back facing room (front facing means facing parking lot) with either patio (downstairs, great for bikes) or balcony (upstairs, has cathedral ceilings and no one over you). These three buildings have only 8 rooms in them. We prefer them and also Hemlock. We tend to vote for lovely feeling over views of falls (which can include views of parking lot).
Apr 10th, 2016, 08:28 AM
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Thinking again about how far away you live from Yosemite, I cannot urge more strongly that you stay in the Valley itself. An advantage of midMay as opposed to early May is that if the weather gods are kind, Glacier Point Road will be open and maybe Tioga Pass Road itself.
I myself am so excited about prospect of the falls after a very wet winter that I have made several reservations for 1 night in the park from MidMay to MidJune (I will cancel all but one). Have not yet told DH and may go with friend. Whoever I go with, we will spend one night in either Oakdale (Best Western) or Groveland, then leave for Valley very earl yin the morning.
I myself am so excited about prospect of the falls after a very wet winter that I have made several reservations for 1 night in the park from MidMay to MidJune (I will cancel all but one). Have not yet told DH and may go with friend. Whoever I go with, we will spend one night in either Oakdale (Best Western) or Groveland, then leave for Valley very earl yin the morning.
Apr 10th, 2016, 03:39 PM
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I've been experimenting with the online reservation system, just to get a feel for how the dates work. I find that today, 4/10/2016, I can make a reservation for 4/11/2017, but not after that. So I see what you mean about the one year and one day.
So let's say we decide we want to book a room for May 15-17 for 2017. Does this mean I should call on May 14, 2016, to book the room for 5/15/2017; call again on the 15th to book the room for 5/16/2017, and call again on 5/16, to book the room for 5/17/2017? And hope I get the same room for all three nights? Or, since these are all weekdays, would I be safe to just wait until 5/16/2016 to call and book for all three days?
Appreciate the insights of those who have done this before!
So let's say we decide we want to book a room for May 15-17 for 2017. Does this mean I should call on May 14, 2016, to book the room for 5/15/2017; call again on the 15th to book the room for 5/16/2017, and call again on 5/16, to book the room for 5/17/2017? And hope I get the same room for all three nights? Or, since these are all weekdays, would I be safe to just wait until 5/16/2016 to call and book for all three days?
Appreciate the insights of those who have done this before!
Apr 10th, 2016, 05:04 PM
#20
>>Does this mean I should call on May 14, 2016, to book the room for 5/15/2017; call again on the 15th to book the room for 5/16/2017, and call again on 5/16, to book the room for 5/17/2017? exactly one year ahead -- and no you don't call subsequent days for each night. I'd call sometime the week after May 16. For instance right now you can book May 3-6 2017 (lots of availability) no problem. Don't panic -- you can get in.
