Short solo trip from Reno to Yosemite in Mid-May. Loved Yosemite, but driving to/from was much longer and more ardous than expected. Tioga Pass is expected to be closed until late June, so took 80 West to Sacremento, down 99 and then various roads to 41 - the SW enterance. Left at 10:15 am and arrived 3:30 p.m. Checked in Tenaya Lodge - very nice, Marriott-like. Went to park and visited the Mariposa Grove and Wawona area before dark. Loved the sequoias and enjoyed a drink on Wawona Hotel verananda. Back to hotel for dinner and bed. Had breakfast next a.m. and hit the road to Yosemite Valley - it really IS a 90 minute slow winding mountain drive to the valley, but when you pop out of the tunnel - WOW! Stop with everyone else for pix! Waterfalls everywhere! The valley drive was lovely, many stops. Saw movie, sent postcards from PO, unimpressed by Yosemite center. Bought sandwich picnic at deli. Took bus to Falls, walked, very impressed, took bus around valley a bit. Reparked at trailhead and walked to Happy Isles Nature Center intending to walk the Vernal Fall trail. Frankly, I didn't make it - it was all uphill and after 30 minutes, I turned around and came back. Asthma kicked up and am too out of shape sadly. But rallied and continued wandering and taking pix. Ended up at The Ahwahnee Hotel for a beer and nibblie - lovely. Nice place if you are loaded. By 7 pm I figured I better hit the road back to the Tenaya Lodge and just made it after sunset - pretty drive. Next a.m. went back to the Valley, parked at Curry Village (resembles summer camp with cabins and tents), took bus and hiked to Mirror Lake with no problem. Then wandered around valley taking more pix on my way out of the park headed to 120 NW entrance and hoped to slip in Hetch Hetchy - missed the turn and by the time I realized, was long by so kept going - it is a 90 minute drive from that direction as well! Now a short word about Hertz navigation system - it's idea of freeways and mine are different. Rather than continuing on 120 out to 99 and north, it took me up 49. Let me just say that 49 is a scenic road, but when you are not intending to take a long scenic road for 3-4 hours, it gets tiresome... And the signs are not particularly great either - so warning if you are driving solo - keep map nearby and stop and look! 4 hours later I made it to 80 - may I say that I drive a lot of mountains, but 4 hours of weavy, windy, mountain, 15 to 50 mph does wear on you. Once I realized what I was in for, I enjoyed the 49ers valley route of Cavaderos County, San Andreas, Sutters Mill, etc. By the time I hite I-80, the mountain passes to Tahoe and Reno were nothing and I made it safely back to Reno for late dinner. Travelled Sun - Tuesday, covered 850 miles. Gassed up in Reno, outside Oakhurst, and again in Cavederos. I loved Yosemite, wished I had come with kids, enjoyed Tenaya (esp. over Yosemite Lodge, Wawona), wished for Ahwahnee, and needed a navigator! But I have lots of killer photos and a renewed vow to get in shape! Thus, for those planning short trips, consider the amount of driving vs. the beauty of Yosemite. Before Memorial Day, the crowds were nonexistent - I know it will be a different story come this weekend!

Glad you enjoyed yourself! Yosemite takes your breath away, doesn't it? We did a similar trip as you. We flew into Reno and made it sort of our "home base". We drove to Tahoe and back one day (another beautiful spot). We then took off to Yosemite. Since it was early Sept., Tioga Pass was open. We stopped very often taking photos. We made it to the Valley before sunset and stayed in one of the Tent Cabins. This was fun, would be great for families, but also romantic for just the two of us. We got an early start the next morning, touring the rest of Yosemite. We drove back (not through Tioga) to Reno and arrived late that evening. We also took a day trip to Napa Valley. Lots of driving, but one of our favorite vacations! We rented a convertible and enjoyed the beautiful weather. We also went to Tahoe for another day and enjoyed nights in Reno.

Dear weski:

Nice trip report. We were in Yosemite last Friday. First time for our 13 year old daughter. 2nd time for DH but first time to see the Mariposa Grove. His first trip ever to Yosemite was our honeymoon. It was great, as usual!!

Question: Were those bushes blooming with white flowers dogwood?? Do you know?? I hope someone can help.

MY

Yes, dogwoods, as in "Aren't those dogwoods beautiful."

Thanks!!!