Hang20

Hello planning a trip next summer that would include a couple of days in Yosemite and Sequoia/King's Canyon. Started looking for lodging in the park but things have been booked for several months in both areas. I will keep trying to get into the park but we are a family of 5 so we don't have as many choices in rooms. I communicated yesterday with the owner of a condo in West Yellowstone. They say it is 15 minutes from the valley (just to have a central location). Has anyone stayed in this area? I can find it on google maps and it seems like a good choice, any pros/cons? Also if you have been in the area we are searching in the Kings Canyon and Sequoia as well. The lodges are currently booked. Any other suggestions?
Trail suggestions and "don't miss this" suggestions are welcome too.
Thanks!
Hang20

dbdurand

It appears that you are confused between Yosemite and Yellowstone National Parks. Indeed, there is a town named West Yellowstone just outside the west entrance to Yellowstone NP. I stayed there many years ago, but it has nothing to do with Yosemite.

dbdurand

I looked further and found a "Yosemite West" area that claims they are a 30 minute drive from the Valley. Is that what you meant?

Hang20

Yes I did mean West Yosemite. I know it sounds so much like West Yellowstone--I changed it once in my question but missed it the second time. There is so much on the forum about how things are not close. I just wondered if this was an option someone had tried and how far things really were.

janisj

It is NOT 'West Yosemite' . . it is Yosemite West. And yes, it is a good area to stay. Yosemite West and El Portal are the ONLY places I'd stay outside of Yosemite Valley. Anyplace else is a very long drive.

So check both Yosemite West and the Yosemite View Lodge (a motel) in El Portal. Either would be a good choice for a family.

Hang20

It looks like this area is good if I am coming in from SF (or leaving to go to there) or if we are headed to Sequoia next. Does that sound right?

janisj

yes . . .