Your night in Oakhurst is a wasted night imho. There is not much to see around Oakhurst. Are there openings in Wawona? If so, that would be a good solution. Why are you entering through the southern portal?

Doing the Valley as a drive by on the 23rd is a mistake in my estimation. Not enough time.

Have a great trip.

dish - Wawona was our fist choice but there is nothing available. We figured we could see part of the Sierra Vista Highway or maybe do the Steam Train trip nearby. It would be nice to spend more time in Yosemite but DW loves being near the ocean, so I wanted to maximize our time on the coast while getting a taste of Yosemite and perhaps return another time.

Going down to Oakhurst and coming into Yosemite thru the S. is adding a couple of hours to your trip. You should spend the two nights at the same place. See the Mariposa Grove of redwoods, but spend the bulk of your time in Yosemite Valley. That will be your highlight, not working your way there.

MY

Did you check the condos and cabins at Yosemite West? Very convenient. I haven't stayed there for years, but they were once quite nice. Just google "Yosemite West" -- it's a private inholding within the NP>

Thanks Azzure - The Yosemite West website looks very interesting. I'll call Monday when their office opens.