Family Reunion Suggestions to Yosemite for 25 in Nov or June 2013
 

Trying to plan for 15 Adults, 10 Kids age range 90 - 1 yr old. Would love a single home or a couple side by side, but just don't know where to look... any suggestions would be wonderful. We will have limited transportation as some will fly...

Fly to where LAX, SFO, OAK or FAT (Fresno)? From Oakland or Los Angeles the people who fly can take the Amtrak San Joaquin to Fresno and taxi to the Fresno airport to pick up vehicle(s).
There could easily be snow in Yosemite in November.

Try Yosemite West --the only residential area w/i a reasonable drive of the Valley. Condos and privately owned homes. But you will <u>definitely</u> need enough cars so everyone can get around.

http://www.yosemitewest.com/
http://www.scenicwonders.com/

W/o cars your only practical option is to stay in the Valley at Yosemite Lodge or Camp Curry.

Do you have choice between Nov and June? June will have more of the park open and warmer weather for hiking but more crowds. November might even have room for you in one of the lodges in the valley if that is not too expensive.

In June 2013 - with a year's time - you might all be able to have fun staying in Curry Village - and besides the tents (2 or 4 to a tent - maybe 6? - sleeping on beds with wool blankets) - they also have some wood cabins in Curry that you can reserve for the 90 year young-un - etc.

Again - all depends on availability - and not sure when they open up reservtions but here is the source, and you can also check for the Yosemite Lodge, etc. http://www.nationalparkreservations....FcwBRQodkXMYVA

Now - if you go in November - as noted - you could get snow - which could be magical - but just so you are forewarned. :)

June

http://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals...yosemite#a8030

BTW - I would try to get on the Valley Floor/in the park vis a vis having to drive in - and go through the gate every day - definitely waiting in line if it's June.

There are also great buses to take you around the valley floor - and we also like to rent bikes - or even a small float to go down the river.

If you don't find suitable lodging elsewhere closer to the park, you could have some of the crew stay at the "BUG Hostel" near Midpines. There is a YARTS bus stop at the foot of the driveway. http://www.yosemitebug.com/lodging.html
They do have a good variety of lodging there but you have to deal with parking up to 100 yards from your rooms.
It is about 25 miles from the hostel to the western entrance of the park.

Tomfuller: Would you actually have part of the group stay an hour away from the rest at the BUG?? 25 miles from the park entrance is NOT 25 miles from Yosemite Valley. Midpines (where the BUG is) is at least an hour away -- and longer in the crowds of June.

I know you recommend the BUG every chance you get - but in this situation is makes absolutely NO sense - none!

Not a good idea at all . . . .

bookmarking

I believe it was couched as an alternative - if lodging was not available right in Yo.

>><i>I believe it was couched as an alternative - if lodging was not available right in Yo.</i><<

But it is absolutely not a viable/practical alternative, so why even suggest it.

I think tom was just giving another option if all else fails. I certainly wouldn't do it and I certainly wouldn't take all the train trips he suggests, but it is an option.

oops two toms.

I just suggested the BUG to the people who wanted to stay in a hotel in Merced. The YARTS bus takes people to Yosemite from the bus stop at the foot of the driveway.
If suitable lodging for the entire group in the Valley or in El Portal is not available or affordable, the Bug is the next best option rather than Mariposa or Merced. If anyone is coming from Fresno and entering Yosemite from the south, a motel in Oakhurst is better than entering the park after sunset.

No, the next best option for <u>twenty-five</u> people are rentals in Yosemite West as suggested. It is even closer than El Portal, and a HECK of a lot close than the BUG or Mariposa or Oakhurst fer cryin' out loud!

(Some think the exact same recommendations fit every single trip, no matter the situation)

We stayed at the Homestead ranch which is a very comfortable house. Not sure how many it can sleep but we sure enjoyed it (we were just a couple with our dog). If you stay here, you drive right by the BUG to get into Yosemite so that might work if you want to have some stay there too. Here's the Homestead website http://mariposa.yosemite.net/homestead/

Four Seasons Vacation Homes
Telephone: (866) 875-8456
Located with the park, these vacation homes allow you to visit Yosemite yet enjoy the comforts of a home. These rentals are fully furnished. Many of the units have hot tubs and other amenities. Rates vary by the unit and the season.


Redwood Vacation Homes
Telephone: (866) 875-8456
Vacation homes for rent within the park. Fully furnished homes with a variety of amenties. These vacation homes can accommodate from 2 to 17 people.