Two nights in July in the Valley - Curry Camp or campground?
Posted: Fri Dec 18, 2009 10:01 am
We have a 10-11 day trip to Yosemite planned for July, 2010. First trip ever. Five of those days will be a hike from Tuolumne Meadows to the Valley. I'm thinking we'll spend the first night at or near Tuolumne Meadows, then do the hike, then spend 2 nights in the Valley. We'd like to do a 2 or 3-day rafting trip on the Tuolumne River to finish off the trip.
So, my quandary is over where to stay for the 2 nights in the Valley. I can't pull trigger on the $500 a night at the Ahwahnee. I know it's going to be really crowded in the Valley in July. My impression is that my choice is between staying outside of the Valley where it will be moderately crowded/noisy (Crane Flat maybe?) but possibly deal with traffic driving into the Valley OR bite the bullet, accept the crowds/noise, and stay in the Valley. I'm leaning toward the latter.
So, which would be better -- Curry Camp or one of the Valley campgrounds? And I guess "better" would be a combination of crowds, noise, access to points of interest in the Valley (we will have already done the Mist Trail/Half Dome), showers, food, etc. I realize it's pretty subjective -- but I'm really interested in your opinions.
Thanks!
So, my quandary is over where to stay for the 2 nights in the Valley. I can't pull trigger on the $500 a night at the Ahwahnee. I know it's going to be really crowded in the Valley in July. My impression is that my choice is between staying outside of the Valley where it will be moderately crowded/noisy (Crane Flat maybe?) but possibly deal with traffic driving into the Valley OR bite the bullet, accept the crowds/noise, and stay in the Valley. I'm leaning toward the latter.
So, which would be better -- Curry Camp or one of the Valley campgrounds? And I guess "better" would be a combination of crowds, noise, access to points of interest in the Valley (we will have already done the Mist Trail/Half Dome), showers, food, etc. I realize it's pretty subjective -- but I'm really interested in your opinions.
Thanks!