oregonmom

I am thinking about taking the family to Yosemite in mid October. What will the crowds be like? We have only skirted the park before on our way to the Grand Canyon. So I don't know the best plan. I have been doing some reading here and trying to figure out where to stay and what top things to do/see. We will be coming from Southern Oregon, so the first day and the last will be driving. Could we see enough if we have 3 full days in the park? My girls are 9 and 17. We are all up to moderate hikes. Camp Curry sounds like it could work for us if camping is still an option. Otherwise, what would be our best semi-budget lodging idea? I'll keep reading and see what everyone has to say!

PaulRabe

Here's Yosemite visitation numbers, organized by month:

http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/visitation.htm

> Could we see enough if we have 3 full days in the park?

Depends what you mean by "enough," but that would be a good start. IMHO, two full days is the absolute barest minimum.

> We are all up to moderate hikes.

Check the links at this URL:
http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/valleyhikes.htm

tomfuller

My wife and I both like this place-HI BUG hostel near Midpines.
http://www.yosemitebug.com/
If the campground is too cold and the lodging is full or too expensive, this is a good choice. If you wanted to come in the south entrance, Oakhurst has some fair priced lodging.
It is possible 3 adults and 1 child from Klamath Falls OR to Fresno in October for $206.50 on Amtrak. My DW and I rode the train to Fresno and took a taxi to the airport and rented a car to go to Yosemite.

janisj

you can very likely get accommodations IN Yosemite Valley. Try for either Yosemite Lodge or Camp Curry. Staying in Midpines or Oakhurst or other outlying places should only be a very last resort. There is no substitute for waking up in Yosemite Valley -- being more than an hour outside the valley just doesn't cut it.

And if by chance you can't get into the Valley -- then El Portal is closest to the valley and would be your best bet. This far in advance there is no reason to settle for a distant motel or hostel.

Three full days in the Valley would be great.

utahtea

Three full days will be good to see many areas and do hiking. October shouldn't be to crowded. Unless it rains or has rained recently the waterfalls are going to be down to a trickle.

I agree with janisj, staying outside the valley should be the last resort. Keep checking for cancellations in Yosemite Valley.

Utahtea

oregonmom

thanks for the responses. I will check out the links listed and see what I can find. We would prefer to drive and it would most likely be less expensive for us.

tenaya

It's been a few years since I was there but assuming no radical changes Camp Curry is not a camping site per se but accommodations comprising canvas-covered wooden floors with beds - and communal toilets which you need a torch to head to during the night.
There is a very good cafeteria on site.
There are also organized camping sites in the Park where you take your own tent or sleep outside without one
Posters will correct me if I'm wrong!

utahtea

There are also cabins at Camp Curry. http://www.yosemitepark.com/Accommod...ngDetails.aspx

Utahtea

iamq

I agree with the others about staying in the Valley if at all possible.

On some trips to Yosemite, our "last resort" choice was the Wawona Hotel down near Mariposa Grove. The drive into the Valley and/or Glacier point can be long (45 minutes to an hour) depending upon traffic and road work, but we love this hotel and find it much more relaxing, atmospheric and fun than the hotels in El Portal, although not as close.

Yosemite West properties might be an option too if nothing in the Valley is available. http://www.yosemitewest.com/

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&su...-8&sa=N&tab=wl