JamesBrien
Manchester
A question about this place:
I going here in September driving from San Francisco on my way to Vegas. I'm planning two to three days, how much is enough and what are the unmissable sights?
Answers:
Mike Treder
New York City
It’s been about ten years since I was there, but yes, you can see a lot of amazing things in two or three days. Just being in Yosemite Valley, you’ll be in view of Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and El Capitan, all must-sees. Try to make it up to Glacier Point for more spectacular views. If you’re feeling energetic, a hike to the top of Half Dome is unbeatable, but strenuous! Other good hikes are to Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls. By the way, the park is so popular that there are admission restrictions and finding a place to stay can be next to impossible, so plan ahead—and enjoy!
SoapStarJane
Hanford
Two to three days is a good time to spend in Yosemite. The trail back to Bridalveil falls is relatively short, and it’s spectacular to see the waterfall from the bottom… although in September it might be a little drier than in the spring. Yosemite Valley has a lot of neat little flat trails to see the cliffs from the bottom. A hike to the top of El Capitan would be a little more challenging, but it’s amazing. The trails back to Half Dome are also nice. A hike around Mariposa grove in the southern part of the park would be a good one to not miss, as well.
And he’s not kidding about the finding a place to stay—we’re lucky and live within driving distance!
Have fun and enjoy your trip!!
JamesBrien
Manchester
Thanks for your help guys, i’ve been looking through a guide book too and its all beginning to make sense. I’ve looked at hotels too and your right the Ahwahnee is booked up already.
vavavoom
17 places
My husband found us a bed and breakfast cabin, at a private home about 10 miles from the park’s west entrance. The west entrance, by the way, has awe-inspiring views of the valley, so it’s a great way to enter the park for the first time. As I recall, you come around a bend and a vista opens up that is so breathtakingly stunning, it’s hard to believe your eyes. We were there in October and it was great, because the summer crowds had thinned out and we had almost no traffic in the park.
I think he just searched Yosemite cottages and Yosemite bed and breakfasts to find it.
secretsinger
Boston
My husband and I stayed at the Awahnee last August. We were fortunate to get a room on the 6th floor of the main lodge, previously private quarters. It was unmatched, and since you are only there for a couple days, I would highly recommend staying in the valley if at all possible. Awahnee is $$$, but well worth it. We were only able to reserve one day and subsequently reserved 2 days elsewhere, but when explained at arrival, they were able to switch our reservations and we stayed there for the full 3 nights. They do get last minute cancellations, so don’t give up hope. Recommended activity depends on how fit you and/or your traveling companions are. My husband and I are realtively fit, and we found the hike down 4 Mile Trail from Glacier Point fairly challenging. The first 2/3 of the trail (down) is switchbacks with incredible vistas, and the view from the top allows you to see most of what the valley has to offer from one vantage point. We took a bus up to Glacier Point from the Yosemite Lodge and then hiked it down. The hike down took us about 3 hours, the trail is actually more than 4 miles. We also approached the entrance of the park from the west and be warned, this is NOT for the faint of heart. The road is narrow without any guard rails and 2 way traffic without any way to turn around should you have second thoughts. (Glad my husband was doing the driving!) It IS breathtaking, but VERY scary – we opted for an alternate route out of the park back to San Francisco at the end of our stay. Overall, Yosemite was a trip of a lifetime…and do whatever you can to stay in the valley if at all possible – you won’t regret it. Ask if you have more specific questions.
Kara
Sunnyvale
2 to 3 days is plenty of time to see the valley floor and Glacier Point and complete some hikes. I don’t recommend doing Half Dome but they have some shorter trails. I also recommend going to Wawona and seeing the large tree forest. Remember 140 is closed past Mariposa due to landslides from the heavy rain. Have fun!
CabeRenee
Oregon Coast
There is a camp ground about 5 miles before the National Park called “Yosemite Lakes” which is a Thousand Trails resort. You need to make advanced reservations, but not as far in advance as most campgrounds there. They have spaces for tents & campers, or you can rent a trailer or Yurt on the property. They have two lakes and several activities for kids. We stayed in a yurt last year and it was fabulous! It included a kitchen, bathroom, fireplace, BBQ pit, deck & slept 6 for about $100 a night.
I believe if you have AAA the park will let you in with a discount.
Have fun!
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