Can we see the sequoia trees in Yosemite or are they in the Seq. Nat Park only?

If we need to go to that park, can we enter from the east, Rt. 395? Or is Rt. 180 from Fresno the best way to enter? Need to find the shortest, preferably scenic route between these 2 places.

Yes, the Mariposa grove, near the south entrance. It's about a 45min drive from Yosemite Valley.

Dolores
Where are you coming from and when are you traveling?

We're flying from Florida and planning to arrive for last week next May. I'd like to avoid Mem. Day but some of us work and could use that extra day.
Should we avoid Mem Day week or is the crowd not too bad then?

Dolores
Where will you be picking up your rental car and where else will you be visiting.
Hwy 395 is a quite some distance from Yosemite/Sequoia, and the Tioga Pass will probably still be closed due to snow on Memorial day.
As far as driving to the park on Memorial Day ... May 25,2009 falls on a Monday.
I would definately advise against visiting over the 3 day holiday. The parks will be jam packed with people
Do you have your lodging reserved?

Doloras, where are you coming from when you are in CA? Knowing you are coming from Florida does not help us help you with a driving route.

180 does not go to Yosemite. 41 out of Fresno goes into the south entrance of Yosemite through Oakhurst and Fishcamp. You could visit the Mariposa Grove of Redwoods.

If you are coming from the eastern entrance you will be on 120, also called Tioga Road. You can visit redwoods in the Tuolumne Grove if you will not be able to make it to the south entrance, otherwise I suggest the Mariposa Grove.

For some background -- here is the OPs other thread w/ some questions about Yosemite/SF/Tahoe etc.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=35163026

Dolores: Now that you've decided on May - you need to know that Memorial Weekend will be very crowded at both Tahoe and Yosemite. Which places are you still planning to visit? You won't have to go to Sequoia?Kings Canyon to see big trees. There are the Mariposa and Calaveras groves plus others near San Francisco (different species of tree but still "redwoods")

You cannot get to Sequoia Nat. Park from the east.The road stops at the Onion Valley trailhead out of Independence.
For Sequoia Park you'll need either 180 from Freson or 198 from Visalia.
From LA the Visalia route is closers and from San Franciso, it would be via Fresno.

I go to Tahoe on Memorial Day weekend and it's not crowded unless you spend you time in south lake tahoe. Everywhere else at the lake is fine. It's not exactly warm enough to do boating or swimming at the end of MAy. It's also considered the weekend owners come to Tahoe to get their cabins ready for the summer season.

Yosemite on the other hand will be crowded and quite a bit warmer than Tahoe.