You see mighty Yosemite! (Yosemite National Park)

Member Name: doyoureally

Product:	Yosemite National Park
Date:	03/03/03 (139 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: majestic, moving, romantic

Disadvantages: can get busy, miss it like hell

Yosemite made Ansel Adams famous, NOT the other way round. I am sure he would have been the first to agree with that.

Yosemite is one of the places in the world I will take my child one day.

Other reviews convey much of what you cannot help but feel after even the briefest of visits to this precious valley and it's protecting mountain ranges. I won't try to repeat them, but just add my deep memories about time spent there:-

- my wife and I picnicked in a valley of such depth next to a stream of purest melted snow. We paddled our feet and got dizzy just looking up to the ridges above us. Magical.

- a gentle stroll through the oldest living things - the sequoia - the scent of tree sap and the chipmunks scurrying over fallen trunks makes you feel but a temporary aberation in time.

- Tuolumne meadows so high above the valley floor bursting with life and colour that reflects like a postcard in Tenyaka Lake - but it is real.

I guess the above makes me sound like some soppy type - you can call me that if disagree and have spent time in Yosemite. But unless you have your eyes shut, I very much doubt you will disagree.


The details:-
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getting there and getting around
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Getting there is easiest by car but is a long drive from most major flight destinations

You can get to Merced with Amtrak or Greyhound. These link up with YARTS to get you into Yosemite Valley.

I hate to say so but having a car is the best way in my view. But, that does depend on how long you have. Free shuttle buses are in Yosemite Valley (all year), Wawona/Mariposa Grove (spring-fall), and Tuolumne Meadows (summer).

Once there park up and get out an walk and walk and walk. Make sure you have the right gear, experience and Wilderness pass if you got of off unrestricted paths or want to camp. There are many rules and regulations - check all this out
with the Yosemite National park

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When
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Access to the park can be impossible or very limited due to the weather / winter snow and ice. Check carefully before you go - as deviations are huge in mileage terms.

In particular, Tioga Road (Highway 120 through the park), mariposa Road and Glacier Point Road are ALWAYS closed for the winter. They usually open in late May or early June - but check!

Summer gets very busy - but access is wider.


How Much
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There are a large choice of passes on offer with one car for $20.00 giving 7 Days admission.


Where to stay
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Lodging inside Yosemite is possible but people book up so far in advance s almost impossible to get in unless you did so last year. There are a number of lodging solutions in the "gateway communities" - not always glorious but often cheaper (but not cheap). This is one place it pays to plan ahead.

Summary: