SF-Yosemite-Monterey Peninsula
Oct 17th, 2016, 07:18 AM
#21
Janis is correct. Waterfall flows are always a trickle this time of year. Drought or not. Our rainy season is in the winter. However, we had some rain this weekend so they may have picked up. Always beautiful.
Oct 17th, 2016, 08:17 AM
#22
You've gotten the correct answers. Sorry you will miss most of the falls, but there is so much additional majestic beauty. Mirror Lake will be dry, as well. 
FYI, the only color we saw (a little over a week ago) was the reddish browns of dead trees that have died from a combination of drought and a disease being spread by beetles. It was actually quite pretty, but lost a bit of the beauty when I realized I was looking at dead trees, not ones changing into their autumn colors! We'd heard the aspens were turning yellow, but we didn't see that anywhere.
FYI, Mariposa Grove is closed due to controlled burning. But again, there is SO much beauty--more than enough to be enthralled.
FYI, the only color we saw (a little over a week ago) was the reddish browns of dead trees that have died from a combination of drought and a disease being spread by beetles. It was actually quite pretty, but lost a bit of the beauty when I realized I was looking at dead trees, not ones changing into their autumn colors! We'd heard the aspens were turning yellow, but we didn't see that anywhere.
FYI, Mariposa Grove is closed due to controlled burning. But again, there is SO much beauty--more than enough to be enthralled.
Oct 17th, 2016, 10:30 AM
#23
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My first trip to Yosemite was in Autumn, so not much activity with the falls. There are a couple that are stream-fed, like Bridalveil, but no water in Yosemite Falls. I was still in absolute awe of the place. It was amazing.
Oct 17th, 2016, 01:40 PM
#25
Even though Mariposa Grove is closed, there is Nelder Grove, a few miles south of the south entrance. Nelder Grove, although not a grand as Mariposa, has scattered Sequoias and a lot of redwoods. Chances are you will have it pretty much to yourself if you go. It is quite beautiful in its own right. If you stay in Oakhurst you will pass it on the way to the south entrance.
Oct 17th, 2016, 05:52 PM
#26
Songdoc- the aspen colors are best at the very high elevations and on the eastern side of the Sierra. Maybe next time you are out this way!
https://www.monocounty.org/things-to...g/fall-colors/
https://www.monocounty.org/things-to...g/fall-colors/
Oct 17th, 2016, 06:12 PM
#27
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I was speaking to the innkeeper in PG today. She advised me to go from SF to Mariposa and stay in that town. She said it is a short 15 minute ride from Mariposa to the Yosemite Valley, and a 4 hour ride from Mariposa to the MP. Is this accurate information? She also suggested we stay in Mariposa rather than in the park itself. What do my Fodor Friends think of this?
Oct 17th, 2016, 07:40 PM
#32
And one more thing . . . long stretches of the road in from Mariposa are posted 25 and 35 mph . . . and they are strictly enforced both in and outside of the park. So it really is a slow drive.
Oct 20th, 2016, 06:53 AM
#35
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Next question: My flight doesn't get in until 3:30PM, so by the time we get luggage and the car, I guess we won't hit the road until 5 or so. I don't think I want to drive the entire distance to El Portal after the flight, in the dark,(partially due to bad memories of being lost in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, in the dark, in a snowstorm, with no cell service and low on gas) so am looking to drive part way there and continue early the next morning. Are there any suggestions where to stop for the night? Thanks!
Oct 20th, 2016, 04:07 PM
#38
I'd personally stay in Tracy but that Hampton Inn would be OK -- just don't wander around Merced.
Driving to Merced takes much longer than 2 hours -- in the afternoon commute count on at least 3.5 hours. (assuming this is a weekday)
That is why I suggested staying closer to SFO. There is a DoubleTree and a Courtyard in Livermore -- probably other but those are the only ones I know. That would take about 1.5-2 hours at that time of day.
Driving to Merced takes much longer than 2 hours -- in the afternoon commute count on at least 3.5 hours. (assuming this is a weekday)
That is why I suggested staying closer to SFO. There is a DoubleTree and a Courtyard in Livermore -- probably other but those are the only ones I know. That would take about 1.5-2 hours at that time of day.
Oct 20th, 2016, 04:22 PM
#39
Depends which route you are taking to Yosemite. If taking 120, then Tracy would be good. If going south on 101, over Pacheco Pass on 152, to 59 and 140, then look at the Casa de Fruta motel or La Quinta in Los Banos. I grew up in Los Banos. La Quinta is next to a pretty good restaurant and bar. There is also an old fashioned Basque restaurant in town. Casa de Fruta has a restaurant, fruit stand etc. reviews for the motel look good.
Not sure which route you are thinking about.
Not sure which route you are thinking about.
