Yosemite-What's So Great?
 

I was thinking about taking a sidetrip from SF over to Yosemite. I have read so many people that post here think that it is one of the greatest places in the country. So what is it that makes Yosemite so special? If I drive there after arriving at the SF airport, will I have enough time just spending two nights there, that giving me just an evening and one full day?

If you have no idea of what it is that makes Yosemite great you probably will not enjoy visiting.

Joe,the response from John is a good one. No one can make you think one spot is better than any other spot. You will have to judge for yourself.<BR><BR>I just returned last week from Yosemite, it was my first time visiting the park. I only knew about it from photos and literature and such. It is a beautiful National Park, but so is Yellowstone, and so is Acadia. Each one has is own beauty.<BR><BR>I am not a hiker, climber,camper, or backpacker, but I found enjoyment visiting the Redwoods, and Sequoia Forests, and viewing El Capitan, Half Dome, and the beautiful meadows.<BR><BR>To answer your other question, you could spend an evening and one full day, and see the Park. Take the Grand Tour, it is an eight hour A/C bus tour, and then spend the night. <BR><BR>You will have to judge for yourself if you think it is special.<BR><BR>Sheila

I am sorry if the question I put on the post sounds a little abrupt. I was just trying to get people to notice the question rather than just pass over it as "another" Yosemite question. I raelly don't know that much about Yosemite, and was looking to find what it is that they find so speial about the park, the things that they would tell someone not to miss. It's not that I can't appreciate the beauty of nature, I don't think I would be planning a trip there if I couldn't.

The only thing special about Yosemite is that it's one of the most breathe-takingly beautiful spots in the US.<BR><BR>If you had simply asked, "What are some good URLs for Yosemite info?", you might have gotten this:<BR><BR>www.nps.gov/yose<BR>www.yosemite.com<BR>www.yosemite.national-park.com

Joe, I haven't been to Yosemite in some years but it is beautiful. When we were in Murren, Switzerland we thought the two spots similar except that Yosemite's mountains are not as tall,no glaciers, valley smaller but similar, and no trams suspended by cables! <BR><BR>In the evening we like to walk in the valley, watch the moon rise over Half Dome, watch the deer graze, listen to the river. In the morning you can watch hang gliders leap off Glacier Point (I don't know if they still allow this), and take a look to see if anyone is climbing El Capitan. <BR><BR>We used to ride the trams around the valley and hop off at different spots - look at the falls, hike to Mirror Lake (may be mirror meadow by this time), and for a longer hike, take the trail to Nevada falls. <BR><BR>You can also drive up to Glacier Point, walk out and look over the edge. You can do a very flat hike out to the fissures and look through enormous cracks in the granite down to the valley.<BR><BR><BR><BR>

Joe<BR>I'm glad you wrote again. I thought I had understood your first post but your second post put it into perspective. Each of the national parks are so very unique and that's why the government put the land together and made them national parks so that we could all enjoy them. I hope you'll let us know how it was when you return and what your special spots were. I'd love to go one day.

If you enjoy National Parks and the scenic splendor they have to offer then you are in for a real treat. <BR><BR>Yosemite is home to some of the tallest waterfalls, large monoliths of granite, some of the largest trees, and breataking overlooks & views.<BR><BR>One day will give you a pretty good idea of what's there. Make sure you make it to Yosemite Valley.<BR><BR>This web site can best describe in detail what you will find:<BR><BR>http://www.nps.gov/yose/trip/inyose.htm#falls<BR><BR>Utahtea<BR><BR>

Yosemite is just the most lovely place I've ever seen in all my life of travels. Everywhere you turn there is another beautiful view. The first time I went I had goosebumps all the time. Maybe you won't agree, but a lot of people do. It's peaceful, quiet and mystical all at the same time. REally makes you feel connect to nature and to the ancient people.

Joe,<BR><BR>Yosemite has spectacular scenery, and that is what makes it so great. I would suggest spending more than 2 nights there to get a good overview of the park. 4 nights would be preferable. Go to http://www.yosemitepark.com/html/accommodation.html<BR>for more information on yosemite and accomodations. Do make reservation early.

It takes my breath away.<BR><BR>It is one of the most beautiful spots I have ever seen. It could be because of the well documented rock formations, but it is an inspiring place.<BR><BR>When we drove in last summer, was still stunned to see the scarring from a fire over 10 years ago, but appreciated the way nature takes some of it's beauty away.<BR>

The most spectacular scene I've ever seen, was when we came out of a small tunnel and saw the whole Yosemite valley. It was surreal. There are no words to completely describe the beauty. I wish I could offer assistance as to which entrance we used. We came from the south, so it may not be the same way into the park you would use.

What Lois says.... says it all. I experienced the same thing after coming out of that tunnel. It literally took my breath away. I have a huge poster of that view of the valley... totally awesome. <BR>JOE....Just go

If the majority of you people also think that the 17-Mile Drive around the Monterey Peninsula is also beautiful--well, then, Joe, I would AVOID Yosemite like the plague!!

Tom xxx,<BR><BR>Must you be so negative? How could anybody in their right mind say that Yosemite is not a spectacular national park well worth at least a few days visit. As far as 17 Mile Drive goes, I, as well as many people find it to be scenic, but in a different way than Yosemite.

Tom,<BR>While I found the 17 mile drive scenic, once was enough for me. Whereas Yosemite is a place that I plan to go back to.

I live in SF and go to Yosemite at least once a year, because each season has its own special beauty. It really does not matter what entrance you use. From SF the tunnel entrance is not the right choice; however, do drive up to the tunnel and take a look at the spectacular view. You do not say when you are traveling. Some of the waterfalls can be a bit dry in mid-summer. Early spring is my favorite because of the ample water flows. That being said, the waterfalls are still there in Summer and climbing the mist trail to Vernal Falls might be less misty and an easier hike in Summer. Glacier peak is a separate drive, but a fantastic view of the valley from another perspective. (Some people hike form glacier peak to the valley floor and take shuttle back to their car--this takes a full day and I think you need shuttle reservation) <BR><BR>Do take a visit--one visit will probably convince you to go back another day. I am headed to Kings Canyon this year-- a Yosemite step-sister where it takes a little more hiking to discover the beauty--but it is there.

<BR>Yes, he's right - what's so great about all these national parks, not only Yosemite?<BR>Just a bunch of rocks, trees, mosquitos, etc.<BR>No good food or good hotels, nothing to do if it rains...

And not even a decent shopping mall!

To Jack and xx:<BR><BR>Each to his own. I won't put down what you like to do, so please kindly don't put down what I and many others enjoy doing. In fact those of us who love trees, rocks and wildlife are glad that NOT everyone likes to do what we do or the places we like would be even more crowded than they are. So, thanks for not wanting to go to these places:)<BR><BR>We find plenty to do when it rains. We have our motorhome and I always take books to read. We have a TV/VCR so we can watch a movie if we want. I take my lap top computer too. Usually, what I like to do best when it rains is to sit quietly and watch and listen.<BR><BR>For Food we do our own cooking. Good, hot and doesn't cost an arm and a leg. <BR><BR>We also have our own bed so we know how clean the sheets are and we know it's comfortable. <BR><BR>As for "he" the orginal poster said he was just trying to label this post a little different. He enjoys these kind of places, he wanted to know what "not to miss". Read his second post!<BR><BR>Utahtea<BR><BR>Utahtea