Hi all - I am planning a one week road trip San Diego to San Francisco, with 3 older relatives (each is 70 yr old; so not looking to do much, if any, hiking etc.). I have mapped the drive along PCH, with stops at LA, San Luis Obispo and Monterey. I am also considering Yosemite - but somewhat concerned by reports that it may be very crowded, hours of traffic jam, etc. - especially I plan most of my "sightseeing" to be from car (and short walks). Any advice on how crowded Yosemite Valley will be in 2nd-3rd week of June (so BEFORE schools are out in the state)?

Any alternative suggestions on must visit places?

Thanks much in advance; nervously looking forward to it.

With just one week to come up along the coast, heading over to Yosemite (you really need a full day, preferably attached to an overnight) will take a chunk out of your time. Many schools will be out at the end of the second week of June, and prime vacation season will be underway. I'd recommend saving Yosemite for another trip when you're not concentrating on the coast.

To Monterey, add the quaint villages of Carmel (and see the mission) and Pacific Grove.

Last time I was in Yosemite it was Mothers Day weekend- I thought it was pretty crowded - it was a beautiful May weekend- you had to circle the lots to find a parking spot unless you got there pretty early. If your relatives are not into walking, there are trolley tours of the valley floor that gives you a nice overview of the area but I think you would need to be there early to book.

I am not sure it would be worth it if you only plan a drive by

First of all -- many CA schools let out earlier than the middle of June. It is <u>extremely</u> late to be planning a trip to Yosemite for this June. Driving around Yosemite Valley is definitely not recommended. It is better to park the car and take the trams which go to all the beauty spots.

But honestly - w/ so little lead time you'll do better to skip Yosemite this trip.

adban,
I hadn't been to Yosemite in 56 years but drove myself up at the end of October (for Fall colors) from Berkeley area and then went up with a retiree group in mid-March this year (taking Amtrak).

June is difficult there, crowd-wise and July is said to be insufferable. But if you go up in early June and on a WEEKDAY (never on a weekend) you stand a chance.

I think you'd want to stay overnight. Can't get a reservation in Yosemite Valley in that short a time but the closest place outside the nat'l park is Yosemite View Lodge in El Portal and they have shuttles that go back and forth. I stayed there in October and enjoyed it.

In March (somewhat rainy weather) we took the valley tram (a bus as it was still 'Winter') BOTH days because it's so interesting and things never look the same on any two days in Yosemite anyway. $23/per person for a 2-hour ride.

I liked that you can take free shuttles and get on and off in Yosemite Valley proper, but you should know in advance where you want to go. The valley 'tram' ride is a must though.

I have photos of what the sites on the tram ride were like, in my March 'Winter to Spring' photo set from the two trips. If interested, see
http://www.pbase.com/andrys/yosemitetrips

Now I'm a bit possessed by that place and want to go up again in the Spring but will probably hop on Amtrak to do it. It's nice not having to drive around in Yosemite. Just park your car for the day or at your motel in El Portel and take the shuttle buses. It's a glorious place.

I'm going to be different here. At age 70, if they haven't seen it, then they surely should.

I think a few hours in the valley would be great. Just walk up to Bridal Veil and Yosemite Falls(maybe 10 minute walks). Have a meal in The Awahnee.
I would also see Maripossa Grove, if they haven't ever seen the giant sequoia trees. They can ride the tram/train thing there and not have to walk much either. Maybe a meal at Wawonna Lodge, which is a couple miles from maripossa grove.

Heart Castle and McWay Falls would be on my list to stop along the coast. Monterey Bay Aquarium is nice. Elkhorn Slough boat tour is very good too. They could do some short walks at Point Lobos as well.

Another option would be to skip Yosemite and head to Sequoia. You want have the waterfalls, but there are some great viewpoints and the trees there are better than Yosemite. It won't be as crowded. You can easily just walk up to the General Sherman tree(largest living thing on earth).

won't*

Glacier Point in Yosemite should be a stop to make too.

Most of the South ((USA) is out of school by May 30th so don't forget about the rest of the country.

I don't know why I just didn't say 31st haha