First Time in Yosemite
Description:
Yosemite is 30 x 40 miles huge, but for your first visit you should see the giant sequoias in the south end, Yosemite Valley in the middle and the high country of Tuolumne Meadows on the east. Plan on a bit of mountain driving and taking your time with the winding roads through scenery that is a stunning as it gets on this planet. Consider packing picnic supplies and water so you'll have flexibility on where and when you stop for a break - but don't leave any food in your car unattended; bears will sniff it out. Head for the nearest visitor center to get oriented, and go on a hour's ranger walk to spend time with an expert. Wear sunscreen and stay hydrated. It is hard to go wrong here.
Author: Pete Devine
Day 1 - Yosemite National Park
These are the things that really belong in one's initial itinerary. A bit of mountain driving will get you around to see an abundance of overwhelming scenery. Keep your camera handy because the views seldom stop. Again, Yosemite Valley is the one part of the park that cannot be missed.
1
Tours Within The Park
Location:
view in google mapsYosemite Village
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
Phone:
+1 209 372 12402
Tioga Road/Big Oak Flat Road
Location:
view in google mapsBig Oak Flat Road and Tioga Road
Yosemite National Park, CA 95321
Phone:
209-372-0200-visitor-info3
Yosemite Museum
Location:
view in google mapsP.O. Box 577
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
Phone:
209-372-02004
Shuttle Buses
Location:
view in google mapsYosemite Village
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
Phone:
+1 209 372 02005
Mariposa Grove
Location:
view in google mapsMariposa Grove Road
Park at the Wawona Store parking area and walk east 0.25 miles to Forest Dr. The trail head is on the right
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
Phone:
+1 209 372 02006
The Mist Trail
Location:
view in google mapsEast end of Happy Isle Loop Road
(Yosemite Valley)
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
Phone:
+1 209 372 02007
Yosemite Valley Visitor Center
Location:
view in google mapsP.O. Box 577
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
Phone:
209-372-02008
Lower Yosemite Falls Day Hike
Location:
view in google mapsNorthside Drive
(Yosemite Valley)
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
Phone:
+1 209 372 02009
Mirror Lake Day Hike
Location:
view in google mapsHappy Isle Loop Road
(Yosemite Valley)
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
Phone:
+1 209 372 020010
Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center
Location:
view in google mapsHwy 120 East
(Yosemite Valley)
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
Phone:
+1 209 372 0263Day 2 - Yosemite National Park
Hiking around at altitude should work up a healthy appetite and thirst, and Yosemite responds with some good mountain victuals. Degnan's is the place for a sandwich and picnic supplies - a great way to keep your day flexible. The Ahwahnee and the Mountain Room are upscale delights to discover hidden in this granite gorge. The Bug in MIdpines and the Mobil station in Lee Vining are treasured local favorites for surprisingly great food within simple facades.
1
Degnan's Delicatessen
Location:
view in google maps9015 Village Drive
Yosemite Village
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
Phone:
1 209 372 10003
Mountain Room Restaurant
Location:
view in google mapsYosemite Lodge Drive & Northside Drive
Yosemite Lodge
Yosemite National Park, CA 95379
Phone:
1 559 252 48484
Cafe at the Bug
Location:
view in google maps6979 Highway 140
Yosemite Bug Lodge
Yosemite National Park, CA 95345
Phone:
1 209 966 66665
Ahwahnee Dining Room
Location:
view in google mapsEast end of Ahwahnee Road
Ahwahnee Hotel
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
Phone:
+1 209 372 1489Day 3 - Yosemite National Park
What to do when the sun goes down in this big park? Ranger programs are usually only in the summer, but are something that you should plan your evening around. Bring a flashlight and enjoy a stroll to an excellent live stage program, or to what locals call 'the MR Bar" at Yosemite Lodge. If you're staying near Groveland, the Iron Door is a fascinating stop for a meal or a drink with lots of local color.
1
Mountain Room Bar & Lounge
Location:
view in google mapsYosemite Lodge
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
Phone:
559 252 48482
Iron Door Saloon
Location:
view in google maps18761 Main St.
Yosemite National Park, CA 95321
3
Evening Ranger Programs
Location:
view in google mapsYosemite Valley Visitor's Center
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
Phone:
209/372-02004
Yosemite Theater
Location:
view in google mapsVisitor Center
(Yosemite Village)
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
Phone:
+1 209 372 0200Day 4 - Yosemite National Park
Here are a few things that you might do if you've got the time to explore a little further afield. Out the back door of the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center is a gem missed by many visitors: the Indian Village, a great spot for a profound look at a 9000-year lifeway. Next door is the famed Adams Gallery - worth a peek. Bring or rent a bike for an exhilarating means of experiencing the Valley. Views from the short hikes to Lembert or Sentinel are astounding.
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Lembert Dome Trail
Location:
view in google mapsP.O. Box 577
The trail head is at a parking lot north of CA 120 in Tuolumne Meadows at rd. marker T-32. Follow the nature trail that starts here and take off at marker no. 2
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
Phone:
209-372-02002
Sentinel Dome Trail
Location:
view in google mapsP.O. Box 577
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
Phone:
209-372-02003
Yosemite Bike Trails
Location:
view in google mapsYosemite Lodge and Curry Village
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
Phone:
+1 209 372 12084
Indian Village of Ahwahnee
Location:
view in google mapsIndian Canyon Road
(Yosemite Village)
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
Phone:
+1 209 372 02005
Ansel Adams Gallery
Location:
view in google mapsPOB 455
(Yosemite Valley)
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
Phone:
+1 209 372 4413