Another reason that late September is nice is that the road up to Glacier Point, Washburn Point and Sentinel Dome will still be open. And you will not be required to use the shuttle.

That point in the road where you turn the corner and the side view of Half Dome appears is for me the loudest "WOW!"

Me too!

To give you an idea (some of these aren't of the Glacier Point Rd -- but just a google images search for it so most are)

https://www.google.com/search?q=glac...2jlQZ_#imgrc=_

My goodness, yes! Don't miss Glacier Point. A few years ago I took my mum to Yosemite. It immediately became one of her favorite places and we sent calendars every year. During that visit, we spent hours sitting at Glacier Point, eating lunch, not really saying much, but a very, very fond memory. Mum is now 92 and not very able to look after herself anymore. She's moving into a care home in Edinburgh next week, but Yosemite is still a vivid and wonderful memory.

While you are in San Francisco let me recommend a trip to Muir Woods, beautiful redwoods!http://www.nps.gov/muwo/index.htm

So glad you have decided to stay in the Valley while at Yosemite, the views surrounding you are awesome.

Surely you jest. Never skip Yosemite. I have been to almost every National Park and I think Yosemite is the most breathtaking and beautiful of them all. Forget the falls and Mariposa. There is much more to see and do.

But please do not stay at Wawona. There is not much to do there and it is a windy one hour drive to the valley. The valley is very compact and once there you will never need to get in your car for your stay. Free shuttle busses and bike rentals are all you need.

If the valley is sold out keep trying as cancelations become available.