Yosemite flooded, need back-up plan
May 17th, 2005, 05:03 AM
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Yosemite flooded, need back-up plan
Our Yosemite plans -- two nights at Yosemite Lodge in the Valley, one night at Yosemite View Lodge in El Portal (river-view room)-- are seriously in doubt due to flooding, so I turn to Fodor's for a back-up plan.
From San Francisco, we will drive to Pacific Grove and spend 2.5 days (June 2-4) seeing the Monterey Peninsula. June 5-7, we were to be in Yosemite. On the 8th, we were going to drive through some of the gold rush towns along Route 49 and spend that night and the 9th at Lake Tahoe. We also have all day the 10th for the Tahoe area and will spend the night in Reno before leaving for home the 11th.
We are from Connecticut and this will be our first (and probably last) time in any of these places.
Sooooo... Should we spend an extra day (June 5) in the Monterey area and two days seeing the Gold Rush towns? Is there enough there to make it worthwhile? Or are there other places between Monterey and Lake Tahoe that would be better? Or perhaps one extra day in Monterey, one day in the Gold Rush area and one extra day in Lake Tahoe? What's a good town to stay in in the Gold Rush area?
We enjoy beautiful scenery and are not interested in wine country or casinos.
I am one of those people who books hotels, etc. many months in advance, so this is killing me, but I'm trying hard to be flexible and hoping the experience of people here will help me salvage things.
From San Francisco, we will drive to Pacific Grove and spend 2.5 days (June 2-4) seeing the Monterey Peninsula. June 5-7, we were to be in Yosemite. On the 8th, we were going to drive through some of the gold rush towns along Route 49 and spend that night and the 9th at Lake Tahoe. We also have all day the 10th for the Tahoe area and will spend the night in Reno before leaving for home the 11th.
We are from Connecticut and this will be our first (and probably last) time in any of these places.
Sooooo... Should we spend an extra day (June 5) in the Monterey area and two days seeing the Gold Rush towns? Is there enough there to make it worthwhile? Or are there other places between Monterey and Lake Tahoe that would be better? Or perhaps one extra day in Monterey, one day in the Gold Rush area and one extra day in Lake Tahoe? What's a good town to stay in in the Gold Rush area?
We enjoy beautiful scenery and are not interested in wine country or casinos.
I am one of those people who books hotels, etc. many months in advance, so this is killing me, but I'm trying hard to be flexible and hoping the experience of people here will help me salvage things.
May 17th, 2005, 05:59 AM
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Thanks for the idea, but... we've done Hwy 1 from Cambria south to San Diego, and it is very nice, but we don't want to retrace that trip. More important, we need to go from the Monterey area to Lake Tahoe.
May 17th, 2005, 06:31 AM
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I heard on our news last night that they expect the flooding to subside in 24 to 48 hours. The river was suppose to crest last night. Part of the flooding came from the warm rains and rain usually disappears by June. Of course with 183% above average snow pack, this could spell trouble for a while. I just wouldn't go cancelling reservations until the very last minute to see how things pan out. I heard on the news that campers were staying at the Lodge so the Lodge was OK.
We've spent a week traveling the entire Gold Rush Highway 49 from one end to the other and want to do it again. Lots of interesting cities. We've also spent several days in the Lake Tahoe area and we don't gamble at all. It's just a very scenic area. Take a paddle boat cruise on the lake to Emerald Bay.
You can watch an early version of the news I saw:
http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/news/0516..._yosemite.html
Utahtea
We've spent a week traveling the entire Gold Rush Highway 49 from one end to the other and want to do it again. Lots of interesting cities. We've also spent several days in the Lake Tahoe area and we don't gamble at all. It's just a very scenic area. Take a paddle boat cruise on the lake to Emerald Bay.
You can watch an early version of the news I saw:
http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/news/0516..._yosemite.html
Utahtea
May 17th, 2005, 06:53 AM
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Sutter Creek on Hwy 49 has some nice little B&Bs, restaurants and it's near the Amador, Calaveras, ElDo County's wine countries....near Tahoe too.
Up a bit further up Hwy 49 is Coloma. Nice little state park where gold was discovered.
A Few B&B's there too.
Sounds like no matter where you go you'll still have some fun.
Up a bit further up Hwy 49 is Coloma. Nice little state park where gold was discovered.
A Few B&B's there too.
Sounds like no matter where you go you'll still have some fun.
May 17th, 2005, 06:59 AM
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another option that is not too far out of the way is to drive north from san fran a bit on rte 1 --it is amazing and not as crowded normally as the monterey area--you could then get back to sf an go to lake tahoe....
May 17th, 2005, 07:03 AM
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What about seeing if you can get a reservation at Sequoia or Kings Canyon National Park? I don't know what the availibility is, but it would be worth checking out. This way you would still have a national park in the sierras experience. Sequoia and Kings Canyon are further south than Yosemite, so you would have a longer drive on the day you drove through the Gold Country.
May 17th, 2005, 08:41 AM
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May 17th, 2005, 11:55 AM
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Thanks for all the ideas so far, everyone. Utahtea, a big thanks for the link to the local TV news. The falls are unbelievable! You said you enjoyed Hwy 49. Any places stand out in particular?
Anyone else have more suggestions for Hwy 49?
From the latest reports, I'm feeling more positive that the park might be open after all. If we need to cancel Yosemite, it'll have to be no later than May 31. Now we just have to have a back-up plan and make cancellable reservations elsewhere as insurance.
Anyone else have more suggestions for Hwy 49?
From the latest reports, I'm feeling more positive that the park might be open after all. If we need to cancel Yosemite, it'll have to be no later than May 31. Now we just have to have a back-up plan and make cancellable reservations elsewhere as insurance.
May 17th, 2005, 02:50 PM
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sluggo, you may want to re-check the cancellation policy at Yosemite on your reservation.
You noted in your last post that you would need to cancel by May 31 for a stay that starts (from your first post) in Yosemite on June 5. That's 5 days in advance, if I am counting correctly. The current terms and conditions on the YosemitePark.com website state cancellation must be 10 days prior to receive your deposit back. Curiously enough, my reservation confirmation states the cancellation is only 3 days prior to get the deposit back.
My reservation was booked last July so perhaps they have changed the terms since then. With the chance of flooding high going into early June, I fully intend to hold them to the 3 days they state in my confirmation.
You noted in your last post that you would need to cancel by May 31 for a stay that starts (from your first post) in Yosemite on June 5. That's 5 days in advance, if I am counting correctly. The current terms and conditions on the YosemitePark.com website state cancellation must be 10 days prior to receive your deposit back. Curiously enough, my reservation confirmation states the cancellation is only 3 days prior to get the deposit back.
My reservation was booked last July so perhaps they have changed the terms since then. With the chance of flooding high going into early June, I fully intend to hold them to the 3 days they state in my confirmation.
May 17th, 2005, 04:37 PM
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In Mariposa is the California State Mining Museum. In Columbia is the Columbia State Historic Park
On Hwy 49 it's fun just to walk around the small towns like Mariposa, Coulterville, Jamestown, Sonora, Columbia, Angeles Camp, Murphys, etc.
Don't know how far on Hwy 49 you want to go. Placerville was know as "Hangtown" and just above that is Coloma where gold was discovered at at Sutter's Mill, which is now part of Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park.
Here are a few websites:
http://www.historichwy49.com/home.html
Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=484
Columbia State Historic Park
http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=552
We started in Oakhurst and drove the over 300 miles of Hwy 49 to Loyalton and took a whole week.
Utahtea
On Hwy 49 it's fun just to walk around the small towns like Mariposa, Coulterville, Jamestown, Sonora, Columbia, Angeles Camp, Murphys, etc.
Don't know how far on Hwy 49 you want to go. Placerville was know as "Hangtown" and just above that is Coloma where gold was discovered at at Sutter's Mill, which is now part of Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park.
Here are a few websites:
http://www.historichwy49.com/home.html
Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=484
Columbia State Historic Park
http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=552
We started in Oakhurst and drove the over 300 miles of Hwy 49 to Loyalton and took a whole week.
Utahtea
May 18th, 2005, 08:11 AM
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<On Hwy 49 it's fun just to walk around the small towns like Mariposa, Coulterville, Jamestown, Sonora, Columbia, Angels Camp, Murphys, etc.>
When we lived in the San Joaquin Valley, we used to love to take this drive and would do so every year. We could easily do it in one day, hitting all the little towns in a loop drive. We haven't done it now for years and I miss it. Jamestown has a neat train museum (used a lot by Hollywood), there's a stage ride in Columbia (nice gold rush town), and some caves to see near Angel's Camp if I recall correctly.
We live near San Luis Obispo, and things are warming up to the 90's inland by this weekend, so looks like warm weather ahead. Bass Lake near Yosemite is also nice to visit. You don't want to miss the Mariposa Grove before entering Yosemite Valley for the redwoods!
For our 25th anniversary, I offered to take my wife to Paris. We are opposites on planning for travel, and she preferred something much simpler and nearby us. When I asked where SHE would like to go, she picked 4 nights at Yosemite Lodge and 3 nights in Carmel (we honeymooned at the Highlands Inn there). We joke now about that choice, but it was one of our nicest, most leisurely trips ever. I don't know if they still do it in Yosemite, but we were able to take a guided moonlit tram ride in the valley, complete with blankets and hot chocolate. We rented bikes and rode around the valley and also hiked a portion of Bridal Vail Falls. It was a very good choice after all. If the raft rental for Merced River in Yosemite Valley is operating, it's very worthwhile and you will see views you cannot see from driving the valley floor. They pick up and return you and the rafts at the end of the river ride. It's a very safe and tranquil ride, no white water. Other good views are from lookouts at Vernal Falls and Yosemite Falls, also making for pretty good hikes. When viewing Glacier Point from the meadows on the valley floor, imagine a man-made fire falls that we used to view every evening when camping there in the summer as kids. You might be able to see a video of it. They used to build a huge bon fire and shove it off the point every evening. Was spectacular!
We were just in PG and Carmel last week and ate at Joe Rombi's in PG, which I highly recommend. In Carmel, we lunched at Casanova’s and also had an excellent dinner at Little Napoli on Dolores Street near 7th. We have tried many restaurants in the area and highly recommend these. Make reservations! Don't forget the peninsula drive, and Point Lobos, and the shore-line walk from PG to Monterey which should still be in bloom!
My wife's boss in San Luis Obispo is very active, wealthy, and has traveled much all over the world. A customer was recently in and asked him his favorite travel destination of all, and I was surprised that he answered Yosemite! He also has a home in Lake Tahoe, so you made some excellent travel picks.
Personally, I would cancel staying in Reno and try staying in Lake Tahoe instead, if it's scenery you are after. Reno is bland and full of casinos; although nearby Virginia City can be fun.
If you're big John Steinbeck fans, Salinas is just a short drive from Monterey, east on hiway 68. Last week we ate lunch at the Steinbeck House (where he was born and raised), and were surprised. The gourmet lunch (set lunch menu) and setting will take you back a hundred years in taste and atmosphere. We also enjoyed the Steinbeck Center where you can see his 1960 GMC truck and camper from "Travels with Charlie". We had a great trip, and are sure you will too! Enjoy!
~ ben
When we lived in the San Joaquin Valley, we used to love to take this drive and would do so every year. We could easily do it in one day, hitting all the little towns in a loop drive. We haven't done it now for years and I miss it. Jamestown has a neat train museum (used a lot by Hollywood), there's a stage ride in Columbia (nice gold rush town), and some caves to see near Angel's Camp if I recall correctly.
We live near San Luis Obispo, and things are warming up to the 90's inland by this weekend, so looks like warm weather ahead. Bass Lake near Yosemite is also nice to visit. You don't want to miss the Mariposa Grove before entering Yosemite Valley for the redwoods!
For our 25th anniversary, I offered to take my wife to Paris. We are opposites on planning for travel, and she preferred something much simpler and nearby us. When I asked where SHE would like to go, she picked 4 nights at Yosemite Lodge and 3 nights in Carmel (we honeymooned at the Highlands Inn there). We joke now about that choice, but it was one of our nicest, most leisurely trips ever. I don't know if they still do it in Yosemite, but we were able to take a guided moonlit tram ride in the valley, complete with blankets and hot chocolate. We rented bikes and rode around the valley and also hiked a portion of Bridal Vail Falls. It was a very good choice after all. If the raft rental for Merced River in Yosemite Valley is operating, it's very worthwhile and you will see views you cannot see from driving the valley floor. They pick up and return you and the rafts at the end of the river ride. It's a very safe and tranquil ride, no white water. Other good views are from lookouts at Vernal Falls and Yosemite Falls, also making for pretty good hikes. When viewing Glacier Point from the meadows on the valley floor, imagine a man-made fire falls that we used to view every evening when camping there in the summer as kids. You might be able to see a video of it. They used to build a huge bon fire and shove it off the point every evening. Was spectacular!
We were just in PG and Carmel last week and ate at Joe Rombi's in PG, which I highly recommend. In Carmel, we lunched at Casanova’s and also had an excellent dinner at Little Napoli on Dolores Street near 7th. We have tried many restaurants in the area and highly recommend these. Make reservations! Don't forget the peninsula drive, and Point Lobos, and the shore-line walk from PG to Monterey which should still be in bloom!
My wife's boss in San Luis Obispo is very active, wealthy, and has traveled much all over the world. A customer was recently in and asked him his favorite travel destination of all, and I was surprised that he answered Yosemite! He also has a home in Lake Tahoe, so you made some excellent travel picks.
Personally, I would cancel staying in Reno and try staying in Lake Tahoe instead, if it's scenery you are after. Reno is bland and full of casinos; although nearby Virginia City can be fun.
If you're big John Steinbeck fans, Salinas is just a short drive from Monterey, east on hiway 68. Last week we ate lunch at the Steinbeck House (where he was born and raised), and were surprised. The gourmet lunch (set lunch menu) and setting will take you back a hundred years in taste and atmosphere. We also enjoyed the Steinbeck Center where you can see his 1960 GMC truck and camper from "Travels with Charlie". We had a great trip, and are sure you will too! Enjoy!
~ ben
May 19th, 2005, 03:47 AM
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That was lovely, Ben! Thank you for the stories and tips.
As I make back-up arrangements in case Yosemite floods again -- 2 nights on Hwy 49 and an extra day at Lake Tahoe -- I am more hopeful that the conditions in the park will be fine and we'll get to see some incredible waterfalls.
Rest assured that Reno is just a place to sleep before our plane leaves. We'll remain around Lake Tahoe for the day!
As I make back-up arrangements in case Yosemite floods again -- 2 nights on Hwy 49 and an extra day at Lake Tahoe -- I am more hopeful that the conditions in the park will be fine and we'll get to see some incredible waterfalls.
Rest assured that Reno is just a place to sleep before our plane leaves. We'll remain around Lake Tahoe for the day!
May 20th, 2005, 07:08 AM
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Latest info from Yosemite is that Tioga Pass Road will not open til at least mid-June, but they are projecting that Glacier Point Road will open on May 27.
They still anticipate further flooding. See the following for details:
http://www.nps.gov/yose/news/2005/tiog0519.htm
They still anticipate further flooding. See the following for details:
http://www.nps.gov/yose/news/2005/tiog0519.htm
May 20th, 2005, 11:01 AM
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Forecast has river flooding at Pohono Bridge starting later this evening and continuing thru Sunday morning. Has potential to close west entrance to park. They are not projecting out beyond that at this time.
May 20th, 2005, 01:00 PM
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Great news that Glacier Point will likely be open just in time for our trip. With hot weather forecast for the next week, we'll keep an eye on the NPS website. As a back-up I booked two nights in Jackson and an extra night at Lake Tahoe.
May 23rd, 2005, 08:46 AM
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Latest info from NPS site:
"Tioga Road progress May 21
Starting location: 20.6 miles from gate
Ending location: 22.2 miles from gate
Distance plowed: 1.6 miles
Snow depth: 6 feet
Glacier Point road will open to the public Wednesday, May 25, at 8 am"
Merced River is again above flood stage at Pohono Bridge.
"Tioga Road progress May 21
Starting location: 20.6 miles from gate
Ending location: 22.2 miles from gate
Distance plowed: 1.6 miles
Snow depth: 6 feet
Glacier Point road will open to the public Wednesday, May 25, at 8 am"
Merced River is again above flood stage at Pohono Bridge.
May 23rd, 2005, 03:18 PM
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hi sluggo,
we just returned from our trip to yosemite. we were there last monday when the park closed the valley.
how about staying at condos at yosemite west? that's where we stayed. when we were turned away from the valley, we spent the day at mariposa grove. and since glacier point road will be open then, you could spend a good chunk of the day hiking up there as well.
or spend a night up north in the hetch hetchy area (a nice place to stay is evergreen lodge) and hike to wapama falls. the hike is beautiful right now with all the wildflowers in bloom.
be sure to call the hotline for road conditions at 209/372-0200.
the waterfalls are spectacular!! it's really special to see all that water volume. be sure to bring a poncho for the walk to bridal veil & lower yosemite falls and the hike on the mist trail to nevada & vernal falls. most importantly, bring BUG SPRAY, as the mosquitoes are already biting!
tina
we just returned from our trip to yosemite. we were there last monday when the park closed the valley.
how about staying at condos at yosemite west? that's where we stayed. when we were turned away from the valley, we spent the day at mariposa grove. and since glacier point road will be open then, you could spend a good chunk of the day hiking up there as well.
or spend a night up north in the hetch hetchy area (a nice place to stay is evergreen lodge) and hike to wapama falls. the hike is beautiful right now with all the wildflowers in bloom.
be sure to call the hotline for road conditions at 209/372-0200.
the waterfalls are spectacular!! it's really special to see all that water volume. be sure to bring a poncho for the walk to bridal veil & lower yosemite falls and the hike on the mist trail to nevada & vernal falls. most importantly, bring BUG SPRAY, as the mosquitoes are already biting!
tina
