A Guide to Yosemite

I grew up going to Yosemite every summer.  I still recall the Barry Manilow music that we always turned on as we headed up the mountain on our last stretch into Yosemite.

The first thing to know about Yosemite is that you need to plan early if you want to stay in a cabin or in the main hotel.  This is not a trip to book at the last minute.  The main lodges and hotel locations in Yosemite get booked a year in advance.  If you want to camp, you can certainly do so with much less notice.

As with any popular destination, Yosemite is the most crowded in the summer.  While not as crowded in the winter, it’s still full of visitors. This makes the spring and fall the best time to come and enjoy.  Don’t expect it to be empty, however.  With over 3 million visitors a year, this is a location that sees a lot of foot traffic.

Enjoy the shuttle service provided by the park rather than taking your own car around.  You’ll get a chance to mingle with others, to enjoy your surrounds and to cut down on the pollution and overcrowding of cars.

Enjoy hiking, horseback riding, mountain climbing and so much more in Yosemite. Just make sure to pace yourself and consider the group you have in tow and their capabilities.