Lake Tahoe to Yosemite: advice needed
 

My DH and I are visiting Tahoe and Yosemite in September. We will fly into Reno, stay 3 nights at South Lake Tahoe, and then drive down to Yosemite NP. We could not get lodging reservations in the valley (yet), so we are staying in Oakhurst for 2 nights. We will fly out of San Francisco for the return.

Does this sound like a good plan? Would it be better to spend one of the nights on the east side of Yosemite? Are roads/passes inside YNP usually open in early-mid September? Any additional advice for routes, lodging, itinerary, etc? Thanks!

>>so we are staying in Oakhurst for 2 nights. <<

I wouldn't. Have you checked if there is availability at Yosemite View Lodge in El Portal? Much closer to the Valley than Oakhurst. Oakhurst is a 90 minute drive in, El Portal is about 25 minutes - plus El Portal is much nearer your route from Tahoe over Tioga Pass.

All the roads will be open - they aren't right at this moment due to a wild fire, but that should be under control in a couple of days.

I agree with Janis. Oakhurst is way out of the way. El Portal is handier, but keep checking, every day, for in the Valley accommodations. Definitely go to Yosemite via Tioga Pass. Soooo beautiful.

Thanks Janis and Michelle. I'll see what I can find in El Portal. Read an older post about the motel in Oakhurst, which is why I chose it. Hopefully, we'll get something in the Valley!

Oakhurst is to the south of the park if you are coming from Fresno. You will be coming in from the north an east.

Try the Condos at Yosemite West. This area is about 25 minutes from the valley floor and close to Glacier Point. Nice alternative if valley is full.

Thanks for additional info :)

Check out the tents (permanent structure) and cabins in Yosemite Village - Camp Curry. They usually have a waiting list/line in the mornings - and that is far better than having to drive into the Village floor every day.

You can also call daily and maybe get a cancellation.

A bit rustic but fun. http://www.yosemitepark.com/curry-vi...FUMLMgodqG0AmA

Thanks!

read trip report I just wrote. Call and call and call for cancellations in yosemite valley. you will get them.

spend night in Tioga Pass Resort if it is possible. (moderate cost) Road should be open. If not spend night in Lee Vining. This road is too beautiful to do quickly. Follow my crowd advice in Yosemite Valley. It won't be as bad in Sept, but still will be crowded. Eat at Ahwahnee breakfast at least once. do expect great beauty, do not expect (any) water.

don't miss it.

buon viaggio

Call several times away. Yosemite View Lodge is OK alternative, but if you don't give up, you'll get place in valley.

order yosemite association guide in advance from yosemite conservancy.
its excellent.

excuse terseness, i have friday night brain death but wanted to write this.

Thanks, cmstraf...will do.

We are just back from a trip to USA which included some time in Yosemite. We stayed in Yosemite West and found it fantastic! This is where we stayed http://www.tripadvisor.com/VacationR...alifornia.html

Canceled the Oakhurst reservation, made one for Yosemite View Lodge, and still checking for the Valley.

Good choice. Hopefully Yosemite Lodge will come through - but if not Yosemite View Lodge is perfectly fine.

Now that lodging is settled, more or less, what are some recommendations for walks/hikes, must-see sights, other activities, food?
We aren't regular hikers, but we can handle easy to moderate hikes. We did manage to hike down - and back up!- to/from Crater Lake, if you're familiar with that trail. I would prefer less strenuous than the back up part.
Food--we like local specialties, cute/funky eateries, etc.

We will be there in about 2-1/2 weeks! We should arrive at the NW entrance around mid-day, have all of the next day, and morning or a little later on the 3rd day.

We are recently back from Yosmite. I have a trip report as well. You can click on name to find it. We stayed at Yosemite View Lodge and we used this website http://www.yosemitehikes.com/. to plan our hikes. It has great information.

outdoor1's TR thread has discussions re a few easy walks/hikes in YNP.

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...ival-guide.cfm

Taft Point, the various meadow walks, and lower Yosemite Falls, among others, are all easy peasy.

Thanks for posting the link janisj. Hope the earthquake didnt effect you at all.

There won't be any water at Yosemite Falls, this time of year. Might be a disappointment.

Instead you might walk as far up the Mist Trail as you feel comfortable.

Camp Curry has availability but not everyone likes to use a shared bathroom. The tents themselves are okay.