Yosemite

[sophielaura]

Travelling from Las Vegas to San Fran in August via Yosemite. What should we plan to see over two days, and where should we stay? Thanks

[Colfax]

Are you asking if you should stay ovenight in Yosemite area vs a city along the route, like Fresno? Or have you already decided you're spending two nights in/near Yosemite and you want help with getting hotels there?

If you want to spend two nights inside Yosemite, at a campgrounds or onsite hotel, you can't book that on Priceline or Hotwire. You can use PL/HW to book rooms in the small towns on the outskirts of Yosemite though, like Oakhurst or Mariposa, and drive into Yosemite from there.

[sophielaura]

I'm from the UK and travellling from Las Vegas to San Fran. We will go via Yosemite. Wondered what to check out and whether we should factor in 1 or 2 nights. Also, is Death Valley worth driving through as it adds about 3 hours to the trip.

Thanks

[Grandma Vicki]

Death Valley in August? Not a good idea..average temperature is 120 degrees F. If you have car trouble it can ruin your whole trip. There are the Sequoia trees in several parts of the park, make sure you see them. In Yosemite Valley, you can park your car and take the shuttle anywhere in the valley. In August usually Yosemite Falls is dry, but we have a very big snow pack this year so maybe you will be lucky. Lots of hiking trails from easy to difficult. There are 4 different ways to get into Yosemite, if you come from the East side you will be in the high country (our favorite) you could stay in Bishop or Lee Vining and then come into the park. Everyone should see the valley at least once. Enjoy your trip..Welcome to California

[sophielaura]

Thanks for that. If we forget Death Valley, and come in from Las vegas, we'll enter via the East. You mention the shuttle buses, do you have to head for a specific place to meet them? Good point on the waterfalls, travel guides don't mention they can be dry. As regards the ST's, any particualr area?

Appreciate the help.