Has anyone ever stayed in these? Or seen them? My wife and I will be in Yosemite in mid-September, and these are available. Seems more scenic and quiet than the descriptions I see in Curry Village, Housekeeping, etc.

We don't need anything fancy, we're used to camping, staying in a tent, etc.

But -- according the map Tuolumne is a good bit away from the central stuff? Any thoughts about this? How long would the drive be (or via the shuttle bus) to the major places to see in the park?

Would appreciate any advice, we're trying to book ASAP! Thanks.

I would stay at Tuolomne Meadows to see the high country areas of Yosemite; truly a beautifull area. Great medium-distance hikes. Not a place to stay if you want to go down into the Valley, Glacier Point, etc (I think it might be 2 hour drive). The road is fairly slow. You might choose to spend a couple of nights up at Tuolomne and then one at Wawona, Fish Camp, or El Portal if you can't get lodging in the Valley. The crowds in the Curry area will ease off a bit (and quiet down) in September when the kids are back in school.

In the Yosemite Guide, Summer 2002, it states Tuolumne Meandows campground is 55 miles from Yosemite Valley.

"Free shuttle bus service is provided throughout the eastern portion of Yosemite Valley year-round. In summer, free shuttle buses run from Wawona to the Mariposa Grove, and from Tioga Pass to Tenaya Lake. Hikers' buses run daily to Glacier Point late spring through autumn and between Tuolumne Meadows and Yosemite Valley late June through Labor Day. Call 209/372-1240 for hikers' bus fee, schedule, and reservations, or stop by any tour desk."

Tuolomne meadows are great for hiking but you are at 9000 ft and it can get quite cold at night. It is a little more than an hour drive down to the valley floor on Tioga Pass which is gorgeous but not a road you would want to go back and forth on or drive at night. You are driving on carved out rocky outcrops. I would consider staying there a couple nights to do some hard core hiking and explore that area. Curry Village is fine and convenient for seeing all the valley sites. It shouldn't be too crowded midweek in September since school has started back up. Be sure to go to the Ahwanhee Hotel (they have a great Sunday brunch although its expensive. Have fun.

Tuolumne Meadows is a great place to stay in the summer for back country hiking and scenery.

But - it is NOT the place to stay for visiting the Valley or other parts of the park. By mid-Sept it will likely be very cold at night and it could even snow.

Tuolumne is gorgeous - but the drive down into the valley would take a minimum of 90 minutes each way and could take longer. I assume the valley is the main reason for your visit - if so stay in Curry Village or elsewhere in the valley.

Ditto what everyone else said about being inconvenient for valley sights. But I just wanted to add that we LOVED our stay at Tuolumne last June. It was great to get away from the crowds and the location is beautiful. Lots of good hikes in the area. If you're used to camping, the tent cabins will seem luxurious. Mid-September will be cold at night, possibly freezing temps but there's a wood stove in the unit with wood provided.

Many thanks to all that have replied to this. This message board is incredible!

We booked 4 nights in Yosemite. The first two in Housekeeping non-river units (all that was available there, I'll check later for possible cancellations at the river) with our daughter, who lives in Oakland. The second two at a Tuolumne Tent Cabin. We're really looking forward to it!

All this preceeded by 2 nights at Grants Grove in Sequoia / Kings Canyon!