I am taking the train from Chicago to San Francisco and have another 3 days to explore California. I am planning 1 night at Yosemite, any other suggestions.
I am excluding San Francisco as I have already explored that city

I presume you are renting a car. Its going to take several hours to drive from SF to Y... why not spend 2 nights there so you can have one full day to explore this glorious park, and then use the other two half days to make a wider driving loop to and from SF.

starting from SF - 1 night in Yosemite really doesn't leave you much time in teh Valley/Park. I'd stay a minimum of 2 nights in Yosemite Valley.

The 3rd day I'd spend either in the Gold Rush/wine country along HWY 49 north of YNP -- or -- on the coast south of SF like Monterey or Santa Cruz.

(or spend the full 3 days in YNP)

When is your trip - that can make a huge difference.

You definitely need to make reservations at Yosemite now for whenever you'll be there if you want to stay either at Yosemite Lodge at the Falls or Curry Village: www.yosemitepark.com

thanks. I thought it only took about 3 hours to get from SF to Yosemite. I might book the extra night after all. I was not sure what there was to do at Yosemite, and thought I might be a little restless after 3 days on the train.

My trip is the first week in November. I already have a confirmed reservation at Curry Village for one night. I will definitely extend it to 2 nights based on your feedback. Thankyou one and all. As an Aussie I am really keen to see as much as I can, but I guess I should try and enjoy it all as well and not just rush

Have just done some further research. Will I have trouble driving here in the first week of November and therefore need to rent a 4wd and chains?

"Will I have trouble driving here in the first week of November and therefore need to rent a 4wd and chains?"

Absolutely no way to tell until a day or two before your trip.

The Valley is not that high, and the road in isn't very high either. Usually early Nov is OK - But even this weekend there is snow expected at higher elevations. BTW - very few if any rental agencies will allow chains on their cars. But a 4WD w/ or sometimes w/o snow tires is usually enough.

You are already taking Amtrak--did you know they run a train/bus bridge to Yosemite?

We've had good weather in November, but you never know when you could get some snow. We've already had some snow in the higher elevations near Lake Tahoe this week.

It will take at least 4 hours to get from SF to Yosemite Valley where Curry Village is located.

Utahtea

was at a conference last fall in oakland and added a side trip to yosemite. it took a good 4 hours to get there. there is always traffic getting out of the bay area. i would guess if you are staying in the valley you'd be okay - you could still get snow but probably not a blizzard...
but the east side at 8000 feet might not be available to you.

Thanks TrvlMaven, I did not realise that. I will look into it. That might be better as it will allow me to relax and really sightsee. I will look into that.

Actually, the train does not go to San Francisco but to Oakland. If you have no desire to be in the Bay Area, why not disembark in Sacramento and drive from there? It will save an couple of hours or so of train time and driving.

good idea to get off earlier, however I am on the GrandLuxe train and I do not think it stops before Emeryville. I actually have my accomodation booked at Emeryville. Good advice though, I will contact them and find out

We did Yosemite and Lake Tahoe together one year and really enjoyed it, although I am not sure what kind of shape Lake Tahoe is in after the fires this year

"I am not sure what kind of shape Lake Tahoe is in after the fires this year"

Lake Tahoe is in absolutely FINE shape. The fire was in a very small area in one corner of the Tahoe basin.

But getting from YNP to Tahoe in November is problematic - since Tioga Pass is almost always closed for the season by then. One would need to either head back down into the Central Valley, north to Sacramento and then Hwy 50 or I-80 to Tahoe -- or up hwy 49, then 88 or 50 to Tahoe from there. And chains could be an issue on any of those routes.

All great advice and dead on! I was going to suggest getting off in Sacramento also as it would save you some time.

Again, there is no way to tell if you will be able to get to YNP in November. Last week there was snow and today it is 88 degrees.

Chances are you will be able to, but if a big storm blows in it could shut down some of the roads or make them so bad you don't want to drive.

I would rent a 4WD and have chains just in case. With a 4WD it has to get really bad before you have to put on chains. But you are required to have them in your vehicle anyway.

If I were a betting man I would say there is an 80% chance you will have no problems.

don't know how yosemite is in november but i second spending more time there. love that park, i got married there last month! you will love it.