IS THERE A BETTER SCENIC DRIVE TO YOSEMITE? HAVE NOT MADE FLIGHT PLANS YET/CAN'T DECIDE WHICH DIRECTION TO GO? THANKS

We have driven into the Valley from both the West side (from San Francisco) and from the South side (from Fresno through Oakhurst). They are both incredibly beautiful drives. On balance, though, I prefer going in from the South. After a windy road after Oakhurst through a beautiful forest, you see the Wawona Hotel (gorgeous in itself), but the best part is going through this long tunnel and at the end shooting out with this completely mind-altering view of El Capitan and Bridelveil Falls, to name a few. Right after the tunnel, there's a parking area to the left, so you can stop and just take it all in before heading down to the Valley floor.

Driving in from the east (coming from Reno for example) is truly a magnificent drive. And you can stop at Tahoe on the way, coming or going. But when are you going? That road is closed in the winter.

From Reno to Yosemite will be the best of all entrances into the park.

BUT BE AWARE Tioga Pass into the east entrance of Yosemite is usually closed until mid- May to June. Take that into consideration. Here is a link to show previous opening of Tioga Pass (Hwy 120)

http://www.nps.gov/yose/trip/tioga.htm

Utahtea

THANKS TO ALL OF YOU FOR YOUR HELP! WE WILL BE STAYING AT THE YOSEMITE VIEW 5 NIGHTS IN JULY. COMING FROM THE DALLAS,TX AREA WE CAN FLY INTO ANY DIRECTION.