Ok, need advice, what do you think my chances are finding lodging at Yosemite the weekend after Christmas. This is spontaneous trip and hoping we could find something in Yosemite at that time. Any advice? if not on valley floor, any lodging near by? Thanks.

I would check out the Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite. www.tenayalodge.com The property is very nice with an indoor pool, jacuzzi, on-site restaurant and even spa services.

Bass Lake is another possibility. I would recommend the Pines Resort. Stay in a spa-suite, they are heavenly with all the amenities. Ducey's on the Lake is excellent for fine dining. www.basslake.com to check it out! Have fun!! ***kim***

Hi kairous1. If you go to www.yosemitepark.com, they have real-time, online booking. You can check there several times a day, and sometimes snag a cancellation (if rooms are tight). It will also give you a great deal of info on accomdations and the park in general. I was just there in Nov. and had a great time. Hope you do too!

As long as it isn't New Year's Eve, you should be okay in finding accommodations. Keep in mind to watch the weather. A few years back at the beginning of January, I guess it warmed up a bit and the entire valley was flooded when it rained.

The Tenaya at Fish Camp is indeed quite nice at that time of year. Do bring snow chains.

I've heard of people having success with CALLING the park reservation center, rather than waiting till the Web site is updated...

But the web site is real time. As soon as a reservation is released (canceled), it appears on the web site. Anyway, I've had tremendous luck with it.

Other towns you could consider are El Portal and Mariposa. They aren't too far from the Arch Rock park entrance.

Some tours may block rooms for their clients, so very close to your arrival date try calling Yosemite Lodge. Or if you're willing to pay, try Amtrak tour reservation and Parlor Car Tours in San Francisco.