Help with Yosemite...

[shan08]

Hi all.

For those that have been to Yosemite, is it worth going if we can only spend 1 full day there? We had planned to drive there from Vegas, spend 2 nights, then a early start to drive to San Fran. We are now starting to doubt the plans we've made. Our only options for accommodation are Yosemite View Lodge for $520 or Yosemite Lodge at the Falls for $830.
I suppose what I'm asking is whether it is worth the money & all that driving just for one day in the park? Or whether we should just do a day trip from San Fran?

Thanks, Shannon

 

[PrincessInOz]

Is that per night?


Have you looked at accommodation outside the NP? Or even a vacation rental?

I love Yosemite and it is worth the time there....just not that kind of money for accommodation if it is per night.

 

[shan08]

Sorry, should have been clearer. That is for 2 nights. Originally we thought we might do the tents at Curry Village, but there's no availability for our nights. I don't mind spending the money if I know it will be worth it.
Never thought of a camper, might check out the price on those. Are they pretty safe/easy to drive around there?

 

[shan08]

Is that per night?

Have you looked at accommodation outside the NP? Or even a vacation rental?

I love Yosemite and it is worth the time there....just not that kind of money for accommodation if it is per night.

I think I misread your post. What did you mean by vacation rental? Not one if those camper bus things?

 

[Royal Consort]

We're looking at Yosemite for 2014. Very expensive but I don't like 'roughing it' and I'm a bit concerned about the rodent virus.

 

[Anne_Aus]

Is there anywhere you can stay just outside the park. When I was there we stayed outside and drove in on the day to explore.

It was one of my top 3 places in the US so I would say very much worth it even if its just for 1 day. But it will depend what your interests are and what you plan to do there.

I went to curry village and walked to the lower falls, mirror lake and a few other places (it was covered in snow when I was there so tracks were limited)

 

[Caroline NZ]

I think I misread your post. What did you mean by vacation rental? Not one if those camper bus things?

Vacation rental, is renting a private holiday home. That is what we are doing this October. We have booked what looks like a lovely place at Yosemite West in the park (near the Glacier Point Road turnoff)

 

[PrincessInOz]

I think I misread your post. What did you mean by vacation rental? Not one if those camper bus things?

CarolineNZ has explained it well.

There are alternatives to hotel/motels. I'm doing a vacation rental in Sedona and also doing a Bed and Breakfast in Page.

 

[Sugarglider]

Oh yosemite! such memories.....

I went there many years ago with the infamous Green Tortoise bus tour. it took 3 days SF return - but then again that bus is REALLY slow. We just parked near the camping and I slept on the grass next to the bus. Woke up to bambi and his friends nibbling on the lawn around us.
3 days cost me $120. Not enough time to climb half dome, I trekked up to the top of the waterfall - but I would have liked another day to explore the valley some more.
freakin' hippies! and still in operation!

 

[shan08]

Vacation rental, is renting a private holiday home. That is what we are doing this October. We have booked what looks like a lovely place at Yosemite West in the park (near the Glacier Point Road turnoff)

Ohh, where can I get info on those. Although we have probably left it way too late to book something like that. We will be there mid October.

 

[Caroline NZ]

Ohh, where can I get info on those. Although we have probably left it way too late to book something like that. We will be there mid October.

The website is vrbo.
Type in Yosemite into the search box

http://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/usa/california/gold-country-high-sierra/yosemite

October isn't high season, so good luck, you may find a place you like.

 

[marvel]

yosemite view lodge is pretty nice especially the rooms backing the river, lovely to wake up with the sound of the water. all accomodation is expensive, even these rentals people talk about, i found them way too much for what they were.

In April we stayed at Tenaya lodge which is the other side of the park, near the south entrance so a 45 drive into the park itself. It was nice enough but still really expensive. we would have stayed at yosemite view but the regular rooms were too small for us and the family rooms are $400 !

Two days is not long when you factor in losing half the first day with the drive in and check in etc. Are you driving out of san fran into vegas??

 

[Caroline NZ]

yosemite view lodge is pretty nice especially the rooms backing the river, lovely to wake up with the sound of the water. all accomodation is expensive, even these rentals people talk about, i found them way too much for what they were.

In April we stayed at Tenaya lodge which is the other side of the park, near the south entrance so a 45 drive into the park itself. It was nice enough but still really expensive. we would have stayed at yosemite view but the regular rooms were too small for us and the family rooms are $400 !

Two days is not long when you factor in losing half the first day with the drive in and check in etc. Are you driving out of san fran into vegas??

Yes the vrbo rental we have booked is expensive at $460 night. But it is a new luxury 3 bedroom 3 bathroom mountain home in the park with gorgeous views, beautiful furniture and fittings. So I am okay with the price for a little special indulgence