Yosemite in Three Days

First view of Yosemite Valley

We stopped by the Ranger Station Thursday in Stanislaus National Forest to see what info we could get about the National Forest campgrounds close to Yosemite.  It seemed the way to go since most of Yosemite's campgrounds are reserved...a few are listed as walk up, but we chickened out.  Did not want to get to the Park and have no place to camp.  It turned out to be an excellent decision.  Sweetwater was a very small 14 site campground set among some large trees.  As the Ranger suggested it was the best- nice and quiet...with some insect noise which we missed while in Oregon.

Cooper's view of Half Dome

Coop's new friend

Heading out to Yosemite we were amazed by the number of cars, RV's and trailers heading to the Park.  We now know why it's the 'most visited'...also the most crowed Park we've ever visited.  One thing we noticed was the hurried pace quite a few visitors seem to be in which led to less interaction between everyone.  Everywhere else has been pretty friendly...especially with Cooper in tow.  Most people have acknowledged the dog...not in Yosemite.  We figured it was due to the large crowds...you can't say hello to everyone.

Our first day in the park we decided to wander down into Yosemite Valley...exactly were the crowds happened to be.  The roads were pretty packed, but the picnic area at El Capitan was surprisingly empty.  We picnicked across from its massive face.  Cooper only cared about his yogurt cups and was less impressed by the views. 

Bridalveil Fall

After lunch we checked out Bridalveil Fall.  It was one of the most mesmerizing falls we've seen.  The wind seemed to hold the water back and then release it.  It fell down the cliff, blew sideways, back up the cliff and all around the cliff face.  It was awesome.  We went back early the next morning, but the effect wasn't the same...little to no wind.

We drove a bit to see what the Valley Campgrounds looked like...wow.  Glad we chose Sweetwater.  The sites were very tightly packed...first thought was 'sardines'.  Not a pleasant thought of spending a night so close to other campers.  It was not possible to have quiet with that many people crammed into one area.  Not to mention the setting...yeah you're in Yosemite Valley, but how could you enjoy the ambiance since these areas seemed to lack the natural element of camping.

After dinner we  headed back to Groveland, the closest town, for gas and a few supplies...namely yogurt I seem to have become a addict.  As luck would have it right next door to the Iron Door Saloon (claims to be the oldest saloon in CA) was a small ice cream store that actually had huckleberry ice cream, yum!

View of Half Dome from Glacier Point

Valley floor from Glacier Pt.

On Friday we headed off to drive the road to Glacier Point in the Park.  Another spectacular road with stunning views of the valleys, waterfalls and mountains.  Yosemite's landscape with granite mountains and deep valleys was really unique and we can see why it is the busiest national park.  Still, you had to mentally block out the crowds to really enjoy the vistas.

After dinner, more huckleberry ice cream. Yum, again.

Can you see the people?  Line going up left-hand side*

On Saturday we thought we would try to avoid the crowd by taking Route 120 through the park over to the east side.  If that was uncrowded, I can only imagine what the main park looked like. Yikes.  Still it was another great drive and the views were a bit closer than those in the main Park.  Of particular note, at one of the overlooks you could see hikers on Half Dome trail.  You have to ascend the granite rock using cables and from the view point we could see why, wow.   All of that after 7 miles of hiking out to it...then turn and hike 7 miles back to the Valley.  It's an impressive hike- 14 mile round trip, a increase of 5000 feet, and at least 12 hour hike.  Since 2008 the foot traffic (1200 hikers) had increased so dramatically for the Half Dome hike the Park Service instituted a lottery system until they come up with a 'better solution'.  Now you have to apply to hike the Dome 3 days prior...350 are chosen daily.   Still seems like a huge number to be traversing such a face.  No way could we undertake that hike.   After our Mt. Thielsen adventure we know our limits.

Climbers

On several miles of road were granite cliffs that the rock climbers had taken over.  Wow, again.  Watching these climbers made Cindi dizzy...me too.  After dinner, more huckleberry ice cream except this time they were out.  Darn, had to settle for coffee and strawberry.

Sunday it was off to Carson City and a much needed shower.  We choose to take Route 108 across the mountains...a great choice.  It took us 9 hours to make the 180 mile trek.  Went up to 9,000 feet at the Sonora Pass.  First time I've ever seen a '26% Grade' sign.  Thankfully 2nd and 1st gears worked flawlessly on the CRV.  More curves and spectacular views of mountains, waterfalls and snow fields.  Perfect blue-sky day to boot.  Cooper was super thrilled to see Nevada and leave California behind...can't you tell?

Super thrilled

Extra note: it is possible to wash an 80 lb lab in a 2.5' square shower; not easy, but possible.  We all smell better.


*click pictures to enlarge...really you've got to click Half Dome to see the line of crazy people