Yosemite in 3 or 4 days
 

I may visit Yosemite for 4 nights or so at the end of September. Anys suggested sights and intineraries.

I arrive from the eastern U.S. and plan to see Monterrey/Big Sur (maybe San Simeon?) before or after Yosemite.

In Yosemite, I can hike about 6 to 8 miles a day, usually in two or more separate walks.

Thanks for all your help.

Take the shuttle to Glacier Point and hike down to the valley. I have friends who have taken the trail up Yosemite Falls. You may want to see the Giant Sequoias near the Wawona entrance.

Does 3 or 4 nights sound like enough to see the highlights of Yosemite?

3 or 4 days is a great amount of time for Yosemite. You can spend a couple days hiking around the valley, a day checking out the Wawona area and/or hiking down from Glacier Point, and then if you have another day, head up to the high country.

Any ideas wherer to stay while visiting Yosemite for 3 to 4 days? Again, I hope to spend another 3 to 4 days on the coast, around San Simeon and/or Monterrey, either before or after Yosemite.

I'd try the Yosemite Lodge in the valley - by staying in the valley, you eliminate having to drive back and forth, so you have more time. There are also some hard-sided cabins and I believe motel style rooms at Curry Village. The tent cabins at Curry are pretty basic, but they will do in a pinch. Of course the Ahwannee is gorgeous, but rather expensive. If you can't find any availibility in the valley, try the town of El Portal, which is a short drive in. A lot of people like the Yosemite View Lodge there. Mariposa has several options and is about 30-45 minutes down the hill from El Portal. Yosemite West has private condos for rent as well although I've never been there. Many people have had good things to say about them. Just beyond the south entrance in the Tenaya Lodge, which is nice - large hotel with a couple pools, a spa, restaurants, and so on. It is about a 45 minute drive from there into the valley.