Yosemite June 2023
 

Some Yosemite questions:

I am on my last bucket list item in California, Yosemite. This is likely my only visit. Planning on June 6-10, 2023.

Lodging: I have found that it usually makes sense to stay inside a national park. Yosemite Valley Lodge caught my eye since this seems to be a good balance between affordability and location, rooms go for $288 plus tax. Unfortunately, that is booked up now so I booked Curry Village to have something. Maybe cancellations will show up at YV Lodge for part or all of the stay.

Are there rentals close to the park entrance that make sense to consider also? It’s nice to have a kitchen, but it is also nice to not have to queue for entry in the morning and bother with reservations.

Priorities for visit:

-Reasonable flow of water in major waterfalls (checking the webcam of Yosemite Falls today the volume of water now would not be satisfactory).

-Glacier Point shuttle is in operation so that a ride up then a hike down into the valley is possible, I see that the road is nearly always open by the third week of May

-No smoke in the air

Nice to have:

-Not extremely crowded.

-Access to Olmsted Point

Is 4 nights enough for Yosemite if there is an entire day lost to a single hike? I am thinking Glacier Point down to the valley floor for the long hike. For someone who is uncomfortable with heights (but had no problem climbing the chains at Ayers Rock, 800 ft gain, 1 mile long), is the half dome climb recommended?

There are rentals in nearby Yosemite West and Foresta (any place else will be 1 to 2+ hours from the Valley and to be avoided)

There will likely be cancellations at Yosemite Valley Lodge because, as you've discovered) people book months ahead and plans change. But another place to look is Yosemite View Lodge in El Portal just outside the west entrance to the Park. It is a very large, nice motel on the river. My order of preference (assuming the Ahwahnee was out of the budget) would be 1) Yosemite Valley Lodge, 2) Yosemite View Lodge, 3) Curry Village, 4) Cedar Lodge (also in El Portal). Curry Village is on the Valley floor of course so location may trump quality of accommodations to move it up to #2.

I think 4 days is a perfect length of time if one is doing a bit of hiking. No way of telling now what the waterfalls or smoke situation will be next year. Waterfalls entirely depend on the snow pack built up over the winter, and smoke depends on if there are any wid fires in the general area. Typically the waterfalls are at their best from late April through mid June. And 'normally' June is before serious fire season.

Re Half Dome -- I did it once years ago, when it was much less crowded (permits were not required). The video on the NPS website give a terrific view and explanation of what to expect. https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/halfdome.htm

Thanks, checking I see that the half dome lottery for permits is about a 20% success rate so not even a likely possibility.

Yosemite View Lodge looks great but it also has booking availability issues, they seem to only open up reservations 90 days in advance and already for that 90th say the cheapest rooms are taken. Cedar View looks good too and easier to reserve, but again next June isn't open yet except for non-refundable rates and I want to be able to cancel.

I found the flow of the Merced River online and it appears that the flow has dropped about 50% since early June.

I was able to reserve Kings Canyon lodging for 2 nights, I hope that is enough.

Looks like you are there just after the full moon. There is a small possibility that you'll be able to view a moonbow on Yosemite Falls.
This site is currently giving the 2022 predictions, but they'll presumably switch over to 2023 at some point.
https://www.yosemitemoonbow.com/

Good luck on your Half Dome permit.

If Glacier Point road is closed you can always hike up 4mile trail from the valley, then take the Panorama trail back down.
It's a good prep hike for the trek up Half Dome, maybe with a rest day in between...

I love the Ahwahnee Dining room. Breakfast and lunch are very nice there and cost a bit more $ than other dining options in the valley but the ambiance and views from the windows are beautiful. Very casual attire is fine for breakfast and dinner. Dinner is also fun there but a bit more pricey. They used to require nice attire for dinner but it has become much more casual, no shorts, T-shirts, tank tops, flip-flops, or baseball caps.

Great answer by janisj! How much snow falls in the winter and how fast it melts in spring are not predictable.. If you have to stay outside the park, there is YARTS bus service that goes into the park from Merced and Fresno. The first bus into the park is at the El Portal Post Office between 0730 and 0740 every day. The fare this year is about $10/person each way (cash or credit card). Many years ago I drove into the park and had a tough time finding a parking spot. We stayed at the "BUG" hostel near Midpines. There was a YARTS bus stop at the foot of the driveway there. Visit yarts.com for this years schedule which ends in September.

If Glacier Point Road reopens on time after construction, the Sentinel Dome/Taft Point hikes are worth looking into rather than the full hike down to the Valley, also not so difficult for the height-challenged.

Another hike is Mist Fall trail, to as far as you want up to the top of Vernal Falls. Scenery and not as difficult.. Staying in Curry Village has the advantage of being able to walk to the trailhead instead of waiting for the shuttle bus.

We alway stay in Camp Curry. Sometimes you do get lucky and the motel units show up on the booking website.

Thanks for the additional advice, especially on hikes.

I knew in-park lodging was in demand but I didn’t think 11-1/2 months out would be too late. Even in Kings Canyon I was only able to get 2 nights in a cabin but maybe that will be enough. If I go straight from Yosemite that gives 4 hours of daylight to explore one sequoia grove, a full day for a hike (Morro Rock?), then a half day for another sequoia grove.

Assuming using SMF for nonstop convenience and because it’s an easy airport, how much time would a stop to tour the capitol consume, and anything else nearby worth checking out if flight time allows?

If you wanted to rent a car from a downtown location in Sacramento, (might be cheaper) you can take a Sacramento Regional bus (Rt. 142) or a Yolo bus (42A) from SMF to downtown Sacramento.
Many years ago I did get a tour inside the capitol building but I don't know if they are still available. The capitol grounds east of the building are nice with trees with identifiers next to them.
Another way to get from Sacramento to Yosemite without renting a car is to take a bus/train combo from SAC to Stockton and San Joaquin train to Merced where you connect to the YARTS bus into the park.

The Capitol, Capitol Park and Rose Garden should take 2 hours. . Old Sac is OK but I am not a fan. Railroad Museum is fabulous and could eat up another couple of hours.

If you are at all in to art galleries -- definitely visit the Crocker. A lot larger and more diverse collections than many realize. https://www.crockerart.org. I would actually devote time to the Railroad Museum and/or the Crocker over the Capitol. Capitol Park used to be great but except for the Vietnam Memorial and the rose Garden -- much of the rest of the park is a homeless lounge/hang out space.

Another fun site is the California Automobile Museum https://www.calautomuseum.org - walkable from the Crocker.

Thanks for the additional suggestions. For some reason now Delta is now offering 3 nonstops/day (in Oct 2019 there was only one) so some flexibility to accommodate Sacramento sites.

I did snag a one night cancellation at Yosemite Lodge so conceivably if I keep checking could build up 4 one-night reservations to make a complete visit.

I know it's boring but planning to stage the trip out of that strip of chain hotels just west of SMF in Woodland by the Costco, can stay free on points and it's easy to/from the airport.

Maybe look at the chains on/near Del Paso Road instead. Some of the usual suspects -- HI Express, Four Points by Sheraton, Hampton Inn, Homewood Suites, Hilton Garden Inn (there are two - Airport/Natomas is better, South Natomas is less convenient), Marriott TownePlace -- maybe a few others. These are even more convenient to the airport and are in the right direction for driving to Yosemite. Would save about 20 minutes during the morning commute time congestion The whole drive through he Sac metro area in the morning will be slow/congested in the morning and saving even 20 minutes would help/

When looking for flights to/from SMF, look at Spirit and Southwest Airlines. In late May, I had my first flight(s) on Spirit from SMF to ORD (via Las Vegas). On the way back in early June, I flew on full Southwest planes via Denver.
The California State Railroad Museum at the north end of Old Town Sacramento is my favorite museum within walking distance of the Sacramento Amtrak station.

Be careful with Spirit. Anecdotally only, but it they cancel you are SOL.

Southwest if you aren't using Delta points and don't care about being jammed in like sardines.

Delta is a much nicer experience, IMO.

Our last two stays at Yosemite View Lodge started as one day reservations six months in advance then piecemealed into three and four night reservations. Last trip was two nights Yosemite View two nights Curry Village tent until about ten days prior when out of the blue two nights showed up at Yosemite View and grabbed them. Yosemite View like many in park lodgings when in the room you say "I paid $250.00/night for this" then step outside and say "Now I know why".

Definitely yes to the Panorama trail, many highlights in one hike. Another neat l hike we did was the shuttle bus from the Valley up to Tenaya Lake then hiked to Clouds Rest (higher than Half Dome) then down into the valley via the mist trail. From Nevada falls into the valley same route as Panorama trail.

Sorry, not Yosemite View Lodge (El Portal) it was Yosemite Lodge at the time and now I guess Yosemite Valley Lodge..

The OP is uncomfortable with heights, therefore Cloud's Rest would be a HARD NO. But hiking up Mist Trail from the bottom as far as one's lungs and legs prevail up those steps should be ok. Def bring poles for the down.

I would include a day out in Tuolumne Meadows (you drive by L Tenaya). There are some other shorter easy to moderate hikes in Tuolumne Meadows area. In June there can still be snow and high water in this area, though.
https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/tmhikes.htm

Assuming the route will be open, I would consider a day trip going all the way out to Mono Lakes as well (sunset photos).

I agree, the free movies in all Delta coach seats (Airbus and Boeing jets, not CRJs) seals the deal for me, and I have the miles, and it's nonstop.

Also there's the possibility this will happen: https://www.wzzm13.com/article/trave...2-6591b70f2c24

Another reason to go carryon only.

It's all good now. By checking daily for cancellations I was able to get 4 nights at Yosemite Valley Lodge (although 2 nights king bed, then 2 nights double beds). So 4 nights Yosemite Valley, then 2 nights Kings Canyon in a cabin, then a seventh night in Sacramento. I was able to get fairly low miles redemptions for flights, at least based on the recent Delta inflated redemption rates. Rental car (compact) for a week was just over $300 @ Enterprise via the Costco portal which is a nice change from the $700+ that has been happening the last year. I think a compact will be fine for these parks. Fairly reasonable costs all around except the Yosemite lodging is a splurge, but I think there is value for the convenience of the central location.

The video of the Half Dome hike looks rather frightening and arduous so likely won't even try to get tickets. A few years ago I did a 20 mile day hike in New Zealand, fairly level, and I practically went into shock afterward, couldn't stop shivering for a half hour.

Looks great. The extra cost for Yosemite Valley Lodge is more than worth it IMO/IME being within a short walk (like less than 5 mins depending on which bldg you're in) of the base of Yosemite Falls.

Plus you get parking.

With Delta, is it worth upgrading to Comfort + or another of the premium seating categories? All flights are full now and probably will be in the future.

Congrats on the hotel booking.

We have deleted a number of posts that did not contribute to the OP's trip.

I'm with MLGB about Tuolumne Meadows (had to check, then re-check spelling), essential as far as we're concerned. We enjoyed it, but had an additional weird experience there when a young man appeared to be trying to take his own life by jumping. We assisted in getting him some medical attention afterwards. Mrs Z in particular deserves a medal for her actions that day.

Am assuming that the road will open by your June date.
Hope it goes well.
I am done. the unexpected cry for help

Re dining inside Yosemite, the options have been affected by pandemic staffing issues. Be sure to visit the website prior to your trip for the latest, and perhaps bring some of your own food or visit Degnan's for grab n go.

And if the only option at Ahwahnee breakfast is the buffet, don't do it!!!

Not a big deal but flights now canceled both ways, so moved to other nonstops but outbound 2 hours later, now arriving at 1 pm.

The scenario for the first day was:
•Arrive SMF after already traveling 5-1/2 hours
•Get bags, take shuttle, rent car
•Drive to Yosemite with grocery stop en route
•Arrive Yosemite Valley Lodge, check in, dinner

Is a 1 pm start from SMF putting too much pressure on day one? We’d planned a big hike the first and third days.

Another possibility is to fly out the evening before and sleep near airport, then relax the next morning. Adds about $200 to the trip, extra hotel night and dinner.

Personally I'd do the drive to Yosemite on the same day you arrive SMF.
June, long daylight hours so you won't be driving in the dark.
That way you get to your destination and can enjoy the next day already being there.

Definitely drive after arrival. 1 PM is good re traffic and if you wait til the next morning you'll have commute traffic all through Sacramento, Stockton etc. It could be a nasty drive.

I suggest you go via Merced and Hwy 140 -- the distance is about the same using Hwy 120 but 120 is much more twisty/turny for a longer distance.

I'd stop for groceries in Merced - there is a Walmart practically at the junction of Hwys 99 and 140

Thanks for the advice, won't change plans.

I tried to update the Enterprise reservation and of course moving it 2 hours later they want to raise the price $100. I asked once and I think the unwritten policy of major chains is they will honor the car/price 24 hours from reservation time, and 2 hours late is pretty common in any event.

I'm confused about this statement. AFAIK you get a 30 minute grace period on late returns, but if you are asking will they honor the reservation if you arrive two hours late, probably, if they still have a vehicle for you. Enterprise has the best ratings, hopefully you will get good service.

Anyways keep an eye on rates, you could find a better deal between now and June of next year. I think I saved over $300 on a week's rental in North Carolina for last month, by checking back. I was a little bit after my pickup time and Alamo still had a car for me (Alamo is part of Enterprise Holdings along with National). A couple trying to do a walk-in rental were out of luck.

Yes, I will keep checking for lower rates, but note that the high rates of recent years have now moderated so there will be no big drops for me, $300/week is a pretty good price already.

Actually, the late pick up policy is in writing, but I am pretty sure it was not Enterprise the time I asked, so perhaps a broad policy across major brands:

https://www.enterprise.com/en/help/f...ht-delays.html

In most places it has dropped but yes $300 is (relatively) good and is about what I paid in NC last month.
And your flights may change again (at least once!)

Background: I have a slew of Virgin Atlantic points I got from a Chase Ultimate Rewards Points transfer, which I was hoping to use on Delta flights. I booked the original tickets to SMF with Delta miles, refundable, hoping I could book the same flights with Virgin Atlantic points.

A few months ago the outbound segment opened up and I booked it with VA points and got a refund of the Delta miles. Now the return has opened up (but for one day later) so I booked that and got the Delta miles back.

I have decided to add Lake Tahoe, a third stop to the itinerary, with the extra day. So how many nights in South Lake Tahoe, 1 or 2, if the flight the last day leaves SMF at 1 PM? It there any hustle required at all to make that flight leaving from there if I spend 2 nights at SLT? Note that I have a free night certificate to use up by August so that's why looking at SLT, there is a Holiday Inn Express there. Plan to spend the entire last day, a Tuesday, driving around the lake and enjoying a second sunset over the lake, unless spending the last night in Sacramento is recommended.

Editing to add that as another stroke of luck, the 8 day rental will be at a lower rate than my old 7 day rental rate was.

OK - are you asking IF you can stay at Tahoe until the morning of a 1PM flight out of SMF - the answer is no. Like, Hell No :)

If you are staying a South Lake Tahoe you'd be taking Hwy 50 down the hill to Sacramento then I-5 to the airport. More than likely there will be major construction points along Hwy 50. It has been a VERY heavy snow season (and it isn't over yet) and there has been a lot of road damage which they really won't get to til May or June.

Even without delays in the mountains the traffic on the Hwy50 corridor through Eldorado Hills/Folsom/Rancho/Sac can be stopped up at any time. That would usually be about a 2:20/2:30 hour drive -- but any SNAFU could easily make it 4 hours. Then you have to deal with the rental car return, and wait for the shuttle - just no.

Meant to add; Since it is light late in June, I'd stay at Tahoe until after an early dinner and start the drive down the hill by around 6:30 or 7PM. There likely won't be any active road work going on at that time (unless there is some night freeway work in the Sacramento area). You'd be out of the most twisty/mountainous bits by the time the sun is low and in your eyes. Stay in any of the chain hotels in North Natomas and head to the airport in the late Morning.

You could still drive around the lake if you wanted, and have plenty of time to drive to Sacramento that evening (Same issues re road works if you decided to take Hwy267 or 89 and I-80 from North Shore/Truckee)

Thanks for the detailed reply. The flight is actually at 1:57 pm if that makes much difference.