Ernie

Where do people mean when they suggest staying in the "Valley" of Yosemite -- Mariposa?

I am starting at the Tahoe area. Is Reno also worth checking out?

don512

The "Valley" that people are referring to is the valley that is within Yosemite Park, where you will really feel the "wow" factor. It is the most popular part of the park. Within the valley there are just two hotels there, the Ahwahnee (historic and more upscale) and Yosemite Lodge (great location but very basic, no TV). There are also campgrounds. The places in the valley are usually fully booked far in advance. As far as checking out Reno, I stayed in Tahoe and took a day to drive around the lake, which I think is a great way of seeing the area. We also drove through Reno, which is just a small city with some casinos, nothing special. I think that you could probably find a better way of spending your time.

Jun20

On some maps, the area described by don512 is indicated as Yosemite Village. I agree with a bypass of Reno, and enjoy the additional time enjoying Tahoe or Yosemite.

utahtea

The Ahwahnee, Yosemite Lodge and Curry Village are all in Yosemite Valley. Here's a link to accommodations in Yosemite.

http://www.yosemitepark.com/lodges2c...D=22&PageID=36

Yosemite Valley is where you find Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Falls, Half Dome and El Capitan to name a few of the well known places. It's a beautiful area and if you can get accommodations in Yosemite Valley, I highly recommend it.

Here are some of my pictures that were taken last Feb. in Yosemite Valley.

http://www.utahtea.lithium.com/yosem...swan_feb03.htm

Mariposa is not in Yosemite National Park.

Utahtea

Rigby

Ernie, If you like gambling, Reno is worth checking out. The surrounding Sierra Mountains also provide for a nice backdrop against the city skyline. In additon to gambling I would also suggest a sidetrip to Virginia City, the Fleishmann Planetarium at the University of Nevada Reno, and the National Automobile Museum in downtown Reno. There are also lots of golf courses in the Reno area.

http://renolaketahoe.com/

Utahtea has done a great job explaining Yosemite Valley.

Tricia

Hello all~
Since Yellowstone is next on my list, I checked out Utahtea's pictures.
Well done Utahtea!! Talk about postcard perfect ~ I really enjoyed browsing. Thanks for sharing!

Tricia

Duh.
I meant Yosemite's next on my list.
(Been to Yellowstone and it was awesome, my son says California's next on our list). See, all those pics just had me in a daydreamin' state. How I love our national parks!