offbeat accommodation options?

[amits44]

Hello, We are visiting Yosemite Park in the around May 20th. The accommodation in Yosemite valley looks a bit too exorbitant, can someone suggest some other areas in the Park which are more economical and yet presents beautiful vistas of nature. We plan to spend quiet time going for family hikes and exploring nature.

[Phil]

Have you looked into and priced the tent cabins in Half Dome Village yet? Aside from that option, you also have camping at one of the various Pines campgrounds, assuming you can get a site either by reservation or by waiting in line for a cancellation, or Camp 4, which is a walk-in campground. As a word of caution, the entire valley tends to begin to really fill up during that period, as you have a lot of big wall climbers this time of year, as well as the popularity of the falls being at or near peak flows. And unfortunately, most, if not all the other campgrounds that aren't in the valley are still likely to be closed for the season. The possible exceptions maybe being, Crane Flat and Tamarack Flat.

As for other hotels that aren't in the valley but still reasonably close by, you can try Wawona or El Portal. Slightly further away, but still within less than an hour's drive to the park would be places like Oakhurst and Buck Meadow.

Still, this is a popular time to visit, and while you might get something slightly less expensive the further out you go, you'll have to price it out and decide for yourself what works. Everyone knows what they have, that lots of people want it, and they price according to demand.

[dan]

Besides Phil's suggestions, there's also Mariposa, an old western-style town and county seat with a nice downtown. It's a commute from Mariposa to Yosemite though. El Portal is closer. There is also tent cabins in some of the private campgrounds near El Portal. You can also rent a cabin in Little Yosemite or in Foresta.

Your best bet, I think, is Half Dome Village (former Curry Village). There's nothing like waking up in the morning in Yosemite Valley.

[AlmostThere]

No love for Yosemite Bug? They are a resort and a hostel. You really cannot beat a hot shower and a bed for $29. The tent cabins are 60-100 depending on how many people and which one, they have private rooms... yoga, massage, hot tub, and a great restaurant plus you can store your own groceries in the hostel kitchen. They will also shuttle you into the park and there is a YARTS stop as well.

[Phil]

No love for Yosemite Bug? They are a resort and a hostel.

Wow! Never even heard of it. Good info to know.

[amits44]

Thanks folks. Looks like Mariposa, El Potal, half Dome village, Oakhurst area - Al look like good options worth exploring. I found out that West Entrance would be my best bet as I will be driving from San Francisco.

[amits44]

How does the west side compare with the main valley as far as Hiking trails, scenic areas and accomodation

[WanderingJim]

How does the west side compare with the main valley as far as Hiking trails, scenic areas and accomodation

Do you mean the 120 Big Oak Flat West entrance or the 140 El Portal West entrance?

The 140 Entrance goes along the Merced River until it hits the valley, so not that many hiking trails before you hit the valley.

Hetch Hetchy is up near the Big Oak Flat entrance (road turns off just before it, actually). Many nice hikes up that way.

Further in, Crane Flat or Tuolumne Grove have some nice hiking areas.

But the Valley has the most "must see" hikes (especially if this is your first visit).