Yosemite Bound in September!

[ArkRVHog]

My wife and I are so excited to have scored a spot in the Upper Pines campground in Yosemite this morning. (Our dates just opened.) We had both of our Recreation.gov accounts up, dates loaded and constantly refreshed. We got the 5 days after Labor Day...a slightly less busy time we were told.

It will take us 4-5 driving days on I-40 to get into Cali and then we hope to have another 5-6 days along the coast as far north as San Fran before our Yosemite NP reservations kick in.

I'll begin to research the forum archives for the many others who have enjoyed this special park but would appreciate any do's/don'ts from the FR brain trust that we could begin to consider in our planning. Thx in advance!

[robo44]

So it was YOU who sniped the spot from me

[pwoods]

You will love Yosemite. By then the waterfalls will be just a trickle, but perhaps the trees will be changing colors. Plan on parkas to shorts you may get hot days and cold nights. Check the NPS website for what's open and closed. Do you have a Toad? The shuttle is not running this summer. How muck hiking? There are easy hikes to Mirror Lake and Vernal Falls. More strenuous to Yosemite Falls, Nevada Falls or Glacier point. If the Wawona Grove is open it's worth spending the day (1 hour drive from the valley) to see the big trees.

Tuolumne Meadows is also beautiful if you have time.

You must see the Awahnee (we usually get a meal at the bar, but I'm not sure what's being offered during covid).

Have fun on your trip. Let me know your coastal itinerary if you want suggestions.

[ArkRVHog]

Originally Posted by robo44

So it was YOU who sniped the spot from me

Ha. Normally all the bad stuff is my fault and good stuff the DW's. It was her login that scored the reservations. Sorry.

[ppine]

Yosemite is the best and the worst in one park.
Good timing means a lot.

[camaraderie]

Sequoia i so close ....and so magnifient....I'd try to work itie itinerary.

[pwoods]

With our drought there probably won't be much water so enjoy these pics from today. The Mariposa Grove is now open to see the Sequoia trees.

[lbrjet]

We were there in Sept 2016 and there was no water on that falls. Bridalveil had a little and Vernal a lot. Park and trails were very crowded even at that time of year. There are really nice views from Glacier Point if you get a chance to get up there.

[ysidive]

Originally Posted by ArkRVHog

My wife and I are so excited to have scored a spot in the Upper Pines campground in Yosemite this morning. (Our dates just opened.) We had both of our Recreation.gov accounts up, dates loaded and constantly refreshed. We got the 5 days after Labor Day...a slightly less busy time we were told.

It will take us 4-5 driving days on I-40 to get into Cali and then we hope to have another 5-6 days along the coast as far north as San Fran before our Yosemite NP reservations kick in.

I'll begin to research the forum archives for the many others who have enjoyed this special park but would appreciate any do's/don'ts from the FR brain trust that we could begin to consider in our planning. Thx in advance!

I am also planning a western trip in September. Just wondering if you have any suggestions on I 40 for overnite rv parks or overnite stops along the route. We will be traveling from Georgia to West Memphis then on I 40 to Utah....

[Chewman]

We have scored 2 reservations in 10 years at Yosemite, you wife did well! If you have bicycles it is a great way to get around the valley and see the sights. It has been very dry out here but even if the falls are down on volume the scenery is spectacular! If you visit San Francisco do not leave anything visible in your vehicle when you park it, otherwise you be looking for a place to replace your glass. Unfortunately this is true for any tourist area in the city, very sad.

Big Sur, Carmel, and Monterey are very nice coastal spots to visit also.

Have a great time!

[camaraderie]

Originally Posted by ysidive

I am also planning a western trip in September. Just wondering if you have any suggestions on I 40 for overnite rv parks or overnite stops along the route. We will be traveling from Georgia to West Memphis then on I 40 to Utah....

Oklahoma... Route 66 Museum just north of I40 in Clinton...wonderful exhibits, cars and memorabilia for each decade of RT 66 existence. Great stop for 2-3 hours. Exit 65A 2229 W Gary Blvd, Clinton, OK 73601

Then head down to The Big Texan Steak Ranch & Brewery in Amarillo TX.
They also happen to own the Big Texan RV ranch...just down the block and will transport campers for free in their Big Horn Cattle Limosine. A fun time and the 72 ounce FREE steak isn't the only neat thing to see!
How are you getting to Utah...via Colorado or Las Vegas?

[ArkRVHog]

Camaraderie asked..."How are you getting to Utah...via Colorado or Las Vegas?"

The majority of our route until we get close to Cali is on I40...nearly due west of our starting point (Little Rock.) Going out we're staying south (so close to Vegas) but coming back we are considering a more northern return. Thanks for the tips on sights to see!

[camaraderie]

Thanks! So knowing that you will pass thru NM and AZ...the following roadside attractions should provide some fun and diversion along the way...
Rt66 DINER in Albuquerque Main Road...shakes & burgers the old fashioned way.
Albuquerque Dinosaur Museum nearby.Old town market square , High Desert RV park on the interstate just ourside of town is fine.
Heading into AZ...make a day for the Petrified Forest and the Painted Desert drives and a stayover in Holbrook at the OK RV park & teepees. On to the world famous meteor crater and then a certain Corner you can stand on where Rt. 66 crosses the main drag in Winslow AZ....Such a fine sight to see.
There's a pretty good sized Canyon that would be worth a bit of a detour for a day or so. If you have time it is pretty Grand!
You can stop in Kingsman at the Blake Ranch RV Park and Horse Motel while you decide which way to turn. Handy Petro station right there, along with an Iron Skillet and a Dunkin Donuts,
Enjoy the trip... Utah is a wonderland.