Author: Michelle
Date: 01-06-03 13:39
We're planning on going to Yosemite in late May '03 for possibly 3 days. I've never been there and would love some advice!
1) No camping for us so what's a good reasonable motel/hotel to stay at and in which area?
2) We'd like to do a tour, maybe horseback riding. Any recommendations for an outfitter? What other tours are good?
3) Is late May too cold for whitewater rafting?
4) Which areas are nice to see and which waterfalls do you recommend?
Any advice from anyone would be greatly appreciated. I'm going with family so we are not planning on doing anything too strenuous!
Re: Advice Needed!
Author: Dan Anderson
Date: 01-21-03 16:34
I recommend Yosemite Lodge in the valley. There are also wooden cabins with and without bath in Curry Village in Yosemite Valley (and tent cabins with wood floors).
These are often hard to get unless you reserve in advance. The next best places are motels and hotels just outside the park, such as in El Portal and Oakhurst. However, there's nothing like staying IN the valley.
There's stables in Yosemite Valley near Pines Campground. They have guided tours up the Valley to Mirror Lake and Happy Isles on bridle trails. I also recommend the Valley Tour. It's on an open air bus and it gives you a good orientation to the valley.
There's no whitewater rafting in the park. There's some outside on the Tuolumne River. There's flatwater rafting on the Merced River through Yosemite Valley. Beautiful. You rent a tube or raft in Curry Village and the pick you up at the west end of the Valley. Not guided and at your own pace.
The water is always cold, but the summer heat makes it more bearable. Yes, May is too cold for whitewater.
Waterfalls--hard to miss Bridalveil Falls and Yosemite Falls. Also hike up and see Vernal and Nevada Falls on a short but steep trail (1 or 2 miles one way , depending on how far you go).
Re: Advice Needed!
Author: Eric Silvester
Date: 03-20-03 22:11
We just got back and it is very tough to put into words. Can't speak about lodging since we took advantage of hot deals at The Ahwahnee. Curry Village looked good and The Yosemite Lodge looked good too if you want to wake up to Yosemite Falls. If you have flexibility in your dates, please do yourself a favor and include time during a full moon. We missed the full moon by one day, but the moonlight on the Valley is SPECTACULAR. It forced us to get in the car for a drive at 10:00 at night. Take the Vernal Falls hike, we have a 3 and 6 year old and made it to the bridge and back so going on with no kids should not be an issue. The higher points of the valley which we could not get to would be a must see as well. Hope this helps and if you want some pictures please email me.