Moose Loc: North Carolina

We are planning a trip to Yosemite NP and am wondering how many days to plan for. I've seen hotel reviews that say most stay and average of 3 days. Is that enough to see the major attractions there? Thanks in advance.

travlnman46 Loc: Yakima WA

Hi Moose: You can see the major attractions in three days. A lot will depend on how much walking or hiking you plan on doing. There are some short hikes and there are some really long hikes. As I mentioned before go for the trifecta. Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon. You can also drive over Tioga Pass, if it is open and (usually by Memorial Day) take in Mono Lake and the Ghost town of Bodi. You won't be sorry you did. Tioga pass takes you above the tree line and has some amazing views. Check them out via your computer. Tioga Pass barren rock, Mono Lake weird formations, Bodi in the middle of no where every thing had to be brought in, was a booming mining town. Hope this helps.

judy 2011 Loc: Northern Utah

You can always make reservations for 4-5 day and always cancel if you don't need them. that will keep you safe.

Moose Loc: North Carolina

Thanks for the quick response. I have Sequoia and Kings Canyon also on my list after Yosemite. Also Mono Lake. Don't have Bodi yet, but will look into it. As to hiking, we'd only be able to take short hikes, 1 mile or less and that depending upon the difficulty. To be safe, I guess we should plan on 4 full days. Any other thoughts? Thanks again.

BTW, if we stay in Mariposa, the trip to the park is about 1 hour. Is that due to winding mountain roads and traffic? Overall, for a one way trip from Mariposa, how much time should I plan for to get to the major attactions? The reason for asking is the major difference in accomodation costs. In or right outside the park is way more costly than staying in Mariposa.

Moose Loc: North Carolina

My problem is with the cancellation fees involved. The place we are planning on staying will charge for the days cancelled. That's why I'm trying to narrow it down to the days really needed to see the park. Thanks for your input.

Add Loc: S.W.Florida

Do go to Mono while you are there.A few hours will do it.You might be hard put to do sunrise and sunsets there,not sure.

Moose Loc: North Carolina

Thanks for the tip. I gather that more than one day is sufficient.

flyguy Loc: Las Cruces, New Mexico

My question for you is what time of the year are you planning on visiting? This will make all the difference in where you can go, what you can see, and how long you'll be able visit different spots.

Staying in Mariposa with good weather and dry roads it will take you anywhere from 45 min to 1hr to get to the gate at El Portal and from there 20 min or more to get to Yosemite village depending on traffic and how busy it is.

Right now, a good part of the park is inaccessible because the roads are closed due to snow.

I assume that being an UHH denizen you'll want to take plenty of photos and you really don't want to rush that! So what I'm saying is to plan on a little extra time and maybe scale back a little on the itinerary.

AVarley Loc: Central Valley, California

I'm not sure if you have an iPhone or iPad, but this little app is invaluable for a trip to Yosemite. It's authored by noted outdoor photog Michael Frye.

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/the-photographers-guide-to/id459969580?ls=1&mt=8

Moose Loc: North Carolina

Thanks for your tips. We will be there the 3rd week of May.

Moose Loc: North Carolina

I don't have an either so I got Micheal Fryes book which is a bit old, but has alot of the same information. He's working on the Android version, but has no time table for its availability. Thanks for that tip.

AVarley Loc: Central Valley, California

You're welcome! I love the app, but just found the book in new condition on Amazon for $50. Snapped that right up too. When your battery dies in the iPod/iPhone/iPad ... you can always flip thru a book eh?

gandalphpsp Loc: Reno, NV

Hi Moose, Sounds like a wonderful vacation!
I've been going to Yosemite since 1949 and now volunteer there (5 years now) the months of May and September. Just a few suggestions for you. If someone in your group is 62 or older, get a "Golden Age Pass" at the ranger station as you enter. It costs $10 and is good for life at any National Park in the country.
I hope you can avoid being in the park on weekends (or holidays) as it can be very crowded and would make your travel time much longer. Mariposa is a lovely old mining town and the drive (thru El Portal) is beautiful. If you go the other way, thru Oakhurst, you'll be at the south entrance which is right next to the Mariposa Grove of Big Trees. Then continue on thru Wawona (gas station) and the turn off to Glacier Point...definitely "a must." Then back-track to HWY 41 and on to Yosemite Valley. There are no gas stations in the Valley.
During the Summer, the Ansel Adams Gallery (in the Valley) has free photo walks several days a week. One has to check in a day or so before. Have a great time and post lots of pictures!

picturedude Loc: Yosemite natl. park, Ca.

Before I reply, I need to know when you're going. I work there in the Mariposa grove of giant Sequoias.

Moose Loc: North Carolina

We'll be there 5/20 through 5/26.