Of all the national parks and other scenic wonders we've experienced in the West, Southwest and Rockies, Yosemite is the most magnificent. Its beauty and majesty are almost beyond description. What's so special about Yosemite? For one--and I'm not sure how well I can convey what I mean--more than any other place we've been, we never felt so much a part of the environment we were in.
A few general comments:
1. Plan a visit of at least 3-4 days. We stayed 4 nights and 5 days. No, we didn't see and do everything, but we got a good Yosemite "smorgasbord."
2. Forget what you've heard about traffic james, at least weekdays. (We arrived on a Monday and left on a Friday.) We never had more than a 2-car wait entering, leaving or within the park. Yes, Yosemite was crowded, but we never felt that humanity was overwhelming us.
3. It's great to know that you're just about guaranteed good weather in the summer. It was sunny, no clouds with temps in the mid to high 90s, but it was never that hot. (And, happily, no mosquitos in August....at least not this year.)
4. Get up early and do the valley sights before the daytrippers start arriving mid-morning. I can't tell you what a wonderful feeling it is to be "alone with nature."
5. Don't spend all your time in the valley. Some of our most memorable experiences and most beautiful scenery were encountered driving to the outer reaches of the park and beyond. Our recommended musts (in no particular order) are: Tenaya Lake, Tuolomne Meadows, Oldstd Point, Tiota Pass, the tufas in Mono Lake, Glacier Point and its neighboring Washburn Point and Vernall Fall (more about this last spot in the next paragraph).
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...continuing....
6. If I had to pick a personal high point, it would be climbing the total uphill one-and-one-half mile trail, with the final half mile totally comprised of more than 700 steps, to the top of Vernal Fall. First of all, the views from the trip up, the top and the trip down are incredible (including some beautiful rainbows at the foot of the falls). And, second, what an accomplishment to brag about!
7. It's a photographer's paradise! SOmeone remarked to me that even the worst photographer becomes a pro at Yosemite. 'Tis true.
After Yosemite, we spent a few days in the Gold Country and Sacramento. Enjoyed that part of the trip, too (though nothing could compare with Yosemite). Recommend visits to Murphys, Sutter Creek and especially Nevada City. But, IMO, forget about Columbia State Park. We also enjoyed Old Sacramento.
And finally, I want to thank those of you whose input was invaluable in our planning. A special, very special thank you to Kam, who so willingly shared so much info, insights, opinions and recommendations. Our trip certainly wouldn't have been the same without her contribution. So, thank you, thank you, thank you.
Any questions?

Howard,

I enjoyed reading your detailed and very well-written Yosemite trip report. After vacationing in the Tetons (which we thought were magnificent) you are enticing this reader to tour Yosemite.
My question is if you were to return to Yosemite would you go the month of August?
Thanks for posting!

Hey, I'd go anytime! Seriously...the next time I'd like to go in April or May. The Yosemite veterans tell me that's the best time, as the waterfalls are at their zenith. In answer to your question, yes, I'd go again in August (but I would probably avoid a weekend again).

Great trip report Howard. Made me want to go as well. How would you rate the hiking compared to Bright Angel--level of difficulty?

To: CMcCaniel
Unfortunately, we never took the Bright Angel Trail at the North Rim. (We weren't smart then!) That's longer, isn't it? What I can tell you about the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall is that the park's "Yosemite Guide" newspaper (and other sources) list the hike as "strenuous," when referring to that last half mile or so of steps. The first part of "normal" (my word) uphill hiking is termed "moderate." From our observations on the climb, even the veteran and/or healthy hikers were stopping to rest. And, we did encounter people who told us they gave up before reaching the top.
I want to add one other point about the hike: The trip down was tricky, as the sand on the steps made it slippery.

Yosemite is the reason I moved to California from Michigan 28 years ago. I believe it is more beautiful and unique than Switzerland. Anytime of the year is great, especially if the winters have a lot of snow, the falls will be fantastic into summer. In the spring, mosquitos may present a problem. One of my goals in life was to hike the trails to the top of Half Dome. It was an experience I'll never forget.

Thanks for your trip report, Howard, and I so pleased that you loved Yosemite as much as we do! For other folks who might be planning to go, know that the Tioga Pass that Howard wrote about closes normally sometime in November and doesn't reopen until about May. But, Yosemite is wonderful all year round. Another reminder is if you want to stay in the park especially at the famous Ahwanhee Hotel, reservations are taken one year and one day ahead of your dates, and yes, you need to book it then! You can cancel within 3 days of arrival with no penalty.

Thanks for your reply Howard. Sorry..thought you'd done Bright Angel. My husband and I both run and actually, it was our 20 something yr old kids that had more trouble with Bright Angel. gt; Downhill is certainly harder on your legs. I don't remember how Bright Angel was described, but perhaps that was described as moderate too. I take it someone in decent shape would be fine?

I do have a little bit of acrophobia. Once up the temple/pyramid in Tulum, Mexico I turned around and thought I might have to spend the rest of my life up there. gt; Ended up going back down on my rear-end. If it's not too open at the top I'd be ok I guess. I'd hate to miss it!

We also loved the challenge of Vernal Falls. For an idea of what it's like see http://www.cyberhikes.com/HYNP01MP.HTM
We took a lunch with us and the three of us had to sit in a circle facing out in order to fend of squirrels and Steller jays. Best memory of a great trip.

Howard,

What a great trip. I'm looking forward to ours during the first week of October. We will be there for 4 nights (Wawona Hotel). Where did you stay, and did you have dinner at the Ahwanee?

Howard.
You are quite right,Yosemite is a fabulous place. I have just returned to England after a fly-drive tour of Cal/az/utah. I have toured California before and this trip I wanted to see some of the places I missed last time, but I decided I had to spend some time in Yosemite again. One of the things that made me come back, being a hiker, was the Vernal falls hike that you describe. Being a few years older this time I was a bit concerned about whether it would be too hard for us now. In fact this time we carried on to the top of Nevada falls and returned via the easier John Muir trail. One thing I would suggest to anybody who does this walk is to go to Glacier Point the next day for a glorious view of where you had hiked. The sense of achievement makes all those aches and pains you are feeling worthwhile.
BTW We stayed in a cabin on both visits. Last time though the cabin was located in a quite area next to the Lodge. This time though the cabin was in Camp Curry. This was an experience to say the least. It was a bit like staying in a childrens summer camp. I have to say it was mostly a pleasant experience but if I where to go back I would pay the extra for bathroom facilities.
My only real regret about my whole vacation though is it makes me wish I had enough money to visit your wonderful country every year.

Responding to all you Yosemite lovers:
*Gail: Dod I ever admire you for climbing Half Dome. Oh, to be years younger! (For the unknowing, that's a 17-mile climb!)
*Kam: YOu're right about reservations, not just at the Ahwahnee, but all hotels, etc., at Yosemite.
*CMcDaniel: I'm impressed that acrophobia has not stopped you. Great!
*Liz: I checked out that website, and it's great! How did you ever find it? It vividly brought ball all the memories of our hike. Loved your picnic story. And, I can believe it, too. We picnicked every day....one of the joys of being in Yosemite.
*Kim: We stayed at the Yosemite View Lodge on Route 140 in El Portal, just outside Yosemite. It's the closing lodging to the park. We were a mere 13-14 miles from Yosemite Village (actually closer than the Wawona hotel!). We hightly recommend the place. Very large room with kitchenette (stove, microwave, refrigerator, dishes and flatware), hot tub, fireplace and balcony overlooking the Merced River. If you call, ask for a room overlooking the river. Plus 2 restaurants (excellent pizza) and a store on the premises.

Thanks for a great report Howard brought back some good memories of our trip there last September, we also did the Vernal falls hike which was quite something nothing lke that in the UK! Just hope Colorado in a couple of weks time is as good.

The postings by Alan and Jan brought back another recollection of the trip. We were amazed at--and delighted by--the number of European and Asian tourists enjoying the park. And, they weren't daytrippers, either.
Alan, I loved your description of life in Curry Village. We thought about going on to Nevada Falls...but then we got realistic about our limitations!
Jan, you'll love Colorado. If you're going to Rocky Mountain National Park, remember that's 15,000 feet up there and the air is thin! No way would or could we have done a Vernall Falls-type hike there!

Wonderful trip report! We also did the Mist trail- with children- and all managed pretty well although we also returned via the John Muir trail (watch out for those horse poops!) What amazed me were the people doing it with 40-pound backpacks! We got some spectacular photographs taken with an Olympus panorama point and shoot. Yosemite is truly awesome in the fullest sense of the word!

I can't help jump into this conversation. As life long residents of the central San Joaquin Valley, we never tire of trips to Yosemite. One of our favorite spots in the world, right in our own back yard. IMHO, the "best" time (if there is a "best") would be April/May. The falls are glorious, the trees are bursting with every shade of green you can imagine, the river is "plum full" and it is usually not very crowded. Winter, especially Christmas, can also be a magical time.
All of the contributors here have good ideas. The Ahwanhee is a fantastic place to stay if you can get the reservation. Yosemite Lodge is our second choice.
As a child, my family used to camp for weeks at a time on the shores of Lake Tenaya, now only day picnics are allowed. We love Tuolumne Meadows, and the highway down to LeeVining and Mono Lake is a hoot. Tuolomne Meadows has a "high Mountain camp" avalable during the summer. Tent cabins, with family dinning in a large tent. The cooks are all chefs from the Ahwanhee hotel, and the food is incredible. I know, my son cheffed there one summer, and by the way, using that as a base, hiked lots of mountains.
Yes, the Tioga Pass road is closed in winter.
We learned to ski at Badger Pass, one of the oldest ski hills in California.
I hope all you folks return to Yosemite some day. It's never quite the same, always a new grandeur to see.