mbrn

Hello all,
my family is planning to spend 1 day at the Yosemite National Park. We have never been tehre and I would really appreciate any help with defining a 1-day itinerary and a place to stay in or near the park. We would like to do some light hiking and definitely want to see giant sequoias and waterfalls. In addition, we would like to drive (?) around around the park to see the "highlights." Does it make sense to stay in Mariposa?
Any help and suggestions are welcome.
thanks

cd

mbrn
Call asap for the Yosemite Lodge on the Vally Floor and when they tell you they have no vacanies, call back in a couple of days as there are always cancellations. Mariposa Grove is a 45 min drive from there but a beautiful drive and the Redwoods are awesome! The Lodge is within walking of Yosemite Falls and if you eat in Yosemite Lodge restaurant, ask for a window view of the Falls.

elberko

Fodor's has good Yosemite info, including a "Best in one day" plan:

http://www.fodors.com/miniguides/mgr...&feature=30002

Mariposa is quite a drive from the valley. If you can't stay IN the valley try one of the places in El Portal.

HowardR

Why only one day? Try to squeeze more to see the splendor of Yosemite. While one day is certainly better than none, one day is a tease!

youngtom2910

it depends when you are going--in the winter many roads are closed. don't know exactly when they open. there are sequoias in a part of the park near wawona, I think. you can see some falls from the valley, and hike pretty close to them pretty easily. there is a beautiful lake right on the road in the park. I am blanking on waht it's called. of course the rock formations are spectacular and can be seen from various points--half dome, el capitan, cathedral rocks. the ahwanee lodge is also spectacular and woud be a good place to stop by. as far as a place to stay, the ahwanee is very expensive--you might try yosemite lodge, a motel-like accomodation in the valley.

J_Correa

There is an open air tram tour around the valley which I highly recommend. The tour is narrated by a park ranger so you get a lot of information about the area while taking in the terrific views.

Since you only have a day, definitely try to stay in the park. This will maximize your time. If you can't get lodging in the park, try El Portal. It's a little closer than Mariposa.

iamq

A nice, light hike is the walk up to bridge below and before Vernal Falls. You could also continue on up the Mist Trail to the top of Vernal Falls which gets you almost too close to one of the classic falls in the park. One of my favorite walks in the Valley is to pick up the valley trail by the Yosemite Lodge and keep walking. It takes you along the river and the views are fabulous and ever changing.

Momof3boys

We were in Yosemite last summer and couldn't get a reservation at the Yosemeite Lodge; although, I should have kept calling. Ahwahnee was too expensive, and Mariposa too far from the valley. We stayed in a private development right off the main road halfway between the valley and Mariposa called Yosemite West. People rent out their homes or portions of them. We had 2 rooms, kitchen, bath, porch. Definitely recommend the tram tour, but 1 day is not enough!

janis

You left out one VERY important piece of information. When are you going? It makes a huge difference - if it is in the height of the summer season you may have no choice (at all) of where to stay. Many places in or near Yosemite Valley book up months ahead. If it is next Fall you can probably get into Yosemite Lodge - if you don't wait too long to make your reservations. If you are talking about the next few weeks, get on the phone/website NOW.

PaulRabe

I remember a TV show (probably Travel Channel) on Yosemite where an old Ranger says (something like) "People ask what I would do if I only had one day to visit Yosemite. I always tell them that I would go over to that stump and cry my eyes out, because I've given myself only one day to see some of the most beautiful scenery on this planet."

I agree with this sentiment; I would recommend cutting back or even cutting out almost ANYTHING in order to spend more time in Yosemite.

R

Agree that w/only 1 night, you really should prioritize staying w/in the Valley itself, to maximize time. Otherwise, you can fritter away some time driving in & out. (altho' it's beautiful scenery too!) Also, agree to try the reservations closer to the actual date, as some cancellations usually occur. Also, agree w/the postings here about more time being ideal. But, it's no reason to not experience it at all. Go for it! You won't regret it. (from someone married there)

mbrn

Thank you all so much for your advice. We are going to CA next Friday, 4/16. Since we almost never have enough time for what we want to see, we decided to "sample" a little bit of everything. I hope it is not our last trip to Yosemite and next time we will go later in the season when everything is open. We are staying at the Yosemite View Lodge in El Portal, 15 miles from the park.

Since we are crazy enough to drive back to LA on the same day (we don't have to be there until very late at night), we will probably drive to Mariposa Grove from the Valley and will leave from there.

Will let you know how it worked out when we are back.

thanks again.

dean56

Having been there last summer, you most definitely want to try to stay in the Valley. Try to make reservations at Yosemite Lodge - fantastic views, great location.
To view the giant Sequoias, enter the park at the south entrance along Hwy. 140, and take a hike in Mariposa Grove. Afterwards, continue north into the Valley on 140. Stop at the Tunnel View, just beyond the tunnel. The view is breathtaking. Time permitting, stop at Bridlevail Falls on the way in.
Besides the Vernal Falls bridge hike, try the Mirror Lake hike, at the east end of the Valley - it's flat. Also, take the short hike back to Yosemite Falls. We didn't take it, but I understand the Valley floor tram tour is good. And, most importantly, give yourself more than 1 day, if at all possible! I recommend at least 2 nights! If you're able to stay longer, take the Glacier Point tour. You'll LOVE Yosemite!