Has anyone stayed at the tent cabins at Tuolumne inside the park? How are they? Any general thoughts on this area? We're looking for someplace with great scenery, access to hiking/horseback riding, and relatively uncrowded. Planning to visit midweek in late June. I know it's an hour and a half from the valley and will be cold at night which I don't mind. We will be driving from LA (395) and probably staying in Mammoth the first night before driving over Tioga pass into the park. Any advice/suggestions would be appreciated.

I know when someone says they are coming from LA they might mean some suburb. Assuming you're coming from LA though, Mammoth Lakes is a very long drive like 7 hours. On the other hand Fresno is under 4 hours. You can even go to oakhurst or mariposa or even fish camp in under 6 hours and get into the park early the next day.

Mammoth to Tioga Pass is a pretty short drive and tioga pass is very nice as is Tuolomne. Parents did the tent cabins and enjoyed th outdoor feeling they had. Very minimal features, had to walk to bathrooms but it was better than packing all their own tent equipment. The next night they stayed at the Awahnee, talk about two different worlds!

Tuolumne is my favorite part of Yosemite, a great place to stay. It is less crowded than the valley, and the hiking is fantastic there.

I haven't stayed in the Tuolumne tent cabins, but I've stayed in others in the park. As I recall , my husband and I were quite comfortable, but the cabin was bare bones. I was pregnant at the time, and I think there was no toilet in the cabin.

Thanks, x and travellyn! That's what I was hoping to hear. I've driven to Mammoth before so am aware of the length of the drive but I thought this would be the easiest way to reach the east entrance which is closer to the Tuolumne area plus I've heard it's a very scenic drive into the park. I am also interested in seeing some of the sights around Mammoth.

Now I'm thinking about adding an additional night in the valley and taking the shorter route home. For the drive back to LA, which route would you suggest? Any thoughts on this itinerary - Mammoth (1 nt), Tuolumne (2 nts), Yosemite valley (1 nt)? Or is it better to do the whole itinerary in reverse? Thanks again.

Any more suggestions?

I have no idea as to drive times, but doing it in reverse would allow you a little more time to adjust to the altitude. It would also allow you to go from the most to the least crowded parts of the park. It certainly allows you to save the best hiking (IMO) for last.

Thanks travellyn, I think I will do it in reverse. You're right about the altitude adjustment especially for someone coming from near sea level.