cscottshepherd

Hi! My wife and I are taking a short anniversary trip October 18-21. We will land in Fresno, CA, at around 2:30 on Friday, October 18 and depart around the same time Oct 21. This is our first trip to the area, and we want to take in as much as possible. We realize, however, there is little or no chance of seeing Yosemite National Park/King's Canyon National Park/Sequoia National Park, and drive the Big Sur in such a short period. For those of you familiar with the area, what would you do? If you only have 3 1/2 days, what should be our priorities?

Thank you (in advance) so much!!!

Rastaguytoday

In the short period of time you have, you probably could do King's Canyon and Sequoia.

Or, you could do Yosemite (but you need reservations ahead of time, which could be difficult to get.

I'd cross off Big Sur. You needed to land in San Jose or Monterey to see Big Sur.

cscottshepherd

Thank you for your thoughts, Rasta. Much appreciated!!!

Shanti

I'd check for openings at Yosemite. I just got an email from them saying that they having openings for the autumn. Otherwise, I'd go to Kings Canyon/Sequoia.

Big Sur is nice that time of year, but as pointed out above it would be a longer drive.

Dayenu

If you can get reservations for Yosemite, stay there for all 3 1/2 days. You can rent a car or use the free shuttle. Don't be confused by the word "Park" - it's huge area! If staying outside the park, the entrance ticket is valid for a week, you don't have to pay every day.

By the way, we just had a huge fire there, check if roads are opened.

janisj

>>By the way, we just had a huge fire there, check if roads are opened.

Supercilious

The road to Cedar Grove in Kings Canyon closes on October 15th.

http://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisi...conditions.htm

cscottshepherd

>

By this, I assume you mean lodging reservations--not reservations to actually get in the park. Just making sure!

cscottshepherd

>

Thank you! Good to know!

cscottshepherd

>

We are considering Redwoods in Yosemite cabins. They have openings.

spirobulldog

I wouldn't go to Yosemite at that time. The waterfalls will likely be dry. I would probably pick the coast, but overall is my least favorite of the 3(still awesome though).

spirobulldog

BTW, our anniversary is the Oct. 21, so about the same time as yours.

MichelleY

If you go to Yosemite, stay IN the park, IN Yosemite Valley. Depending on your budget, check the Ahwahnee or Yosemite Lodge at the Falls. Even if the falls are dry, Yosemite is still beautiful and the aspens will be spectacular.

http://www.yosemitepark.com/lodging.aspx

You could also go to the coast. Head from Fresno west to Cambria, visit Hearst Castle, drive up thru Big Sur, Carmel, Monterey before looping back to Fresno. Places on the coast will require a 2night minimum on the weekend. So perhaps 2 nights in Cambria, Sunday in Carmel or Monterey. Then head back to Frseno on Monday morning. Lots more driving than going to Yosemite.

janisj

I love Yosemite any time of the year . . . BUT Fall is the best weather of the entire year on the coast so I'd probably skip both YNP and Sequoia and go to the coast this trip.

MichelleY

The coast will be great that time of year. Hearst Castle also has an evening tours in the fall and spring. We did this several years ago and it was fun. You get to see a varity of rooms and docents are dressed up in period costumes. For example, when we went in the kitchen, a guy was dressed up as a chef and told us what was on the menu for that evening. Here is a link:

http://www.hearstcastle.org/tour-hea.../evening-tour/

Or you could do a day tour or wine taste in the area.

Here is a link to the Pacifica hotel company. They have a 25% off special which ends today.

http://www.pacificahotels.com/

From Monterey to Fresno is a 3 hour drive, using Hwy. 156/152/99.

Sorry for the long post.

JCarlinsv

Your idea of Wawona area is excellent for a base. I like the historic Wawona hotel so have never tried any other accommodations in the area. Friday and Sat are plenty for the Mariposa Grove and the valley that time of the year, but not to be missed any time of year. Tunnel view alone is worth the price of the whole trip. I would add Glacier point on the way back Sat. for the high view of the valley and the sunset.
Up and out bright and early Sunday, you have a long day ahead. 6 hrs driving north to Monterey on the Big sur. Sightseeing as time and interest available. I am not impressed with Hurst Castle, been there, done that, not worth the T shirt. Julia Pfeifer Burns park is worth the stop for a break, and dinner at Nepenthe in Big Sur for the view and the sunset if possible. Their Ambrosia Burger and desert is a destination meal for many I know.
Hotel in Carmel, or Monterey as your tastes dictate I like Monterey, the Aquarium and Cannery row, but Carmel is more honeymoonish.
A great anniversary trip! Have fun, I wish I could be your tour guide.

spirobulldog

We enjoyed Hearst Castle immensely!

Tabernash2

Do you fly into and out of Fresno?

cscottshepherd

Thank you all for your wonderful responses!

Regarding the Big Sur, it seems many recommend this area over YNP at this time of year. My wife and I, however, just can't imagine not visiting Yosemite. (It may be our only occasion to ever do so.) Friday and Saturday in Yosemite and then a long day of driving the Big Sur on Sunday (as suggested by JCarlinsv) is something we are strongly considering. That way we can at least see/visit both areas. But, of course, we won't be able to dawdle in either location.

Heart Castle sounds great, but we likely won't time to spend there.

We have some good cabin possibilities in Wawona, Mariposa, etc. for less than $150/night. Our biggest decision now is whether to stay all three nights there or get a nights lodging in Big Sur as we travel through there.

(Taber, yes, we fly into and out of Fresno.)

Thank you again!

janisj

Absolutely NOT in Mariposa.

It takes nearly and hour each way from Mariposa into Yosemite Valley. Stay IN Yosemite Valley if you can - even if it costs a bit more.