Talley Your Adventure – The Blog

Clinton and I have a long history with Yosemite National Park. Back when we lived and worked in Death Valley, we would frequently stop in Bishop before heading north to Tuolumne Meadows. The drive was gorgeous – depending on the time of year, snow capped mountains and crisp, cold air met us as we continued to rise in elevation. It was a relief during the summer when attempting to escape the dry desert heat. Yosemite always seems to show her true beauty with each visit. I’ve never been disappointed visiting Yosemite! 

Travel was a bit easier since the team was flying into Fresno, meeting up to rent a car, and driving directly into the park. The Fresno airport is small and easily navigable – rental car companies are in the vicinity and uber/lyft is available if you plan to spend more of your time hiking or walking in the park. 

Usually, Clinton and I are found camping in the National Forest. Sierra National Forest and Inyo National Forest are highly recommended if you are considering a camping trip, especially if you plan to visit with dogs. Remember that at National Parks, dogs must remain on leash at all times and they are not allowed on most trails, inside buildings (unless they are a service dog), or left unchecked at viewpoints. Plus, camping in a National Forest is remote and secluded! 

Since it gets busier the closer you get to El Portal and Yosemite Valley (and it is a drive from one side of the park to the other), this part of the park has been less visited by Clinton and I. We tend to go to the less visited areas of a park if we are visiting during the busy summer and go back at another time to see the iconic parts – ie, Half Dome. It was nice that this time around we were staying in the Yosemite Valley Lodge and had only a quick trip on the bus or to a short hike to see the busier parts of the park. The Lodge is pretty basic – no AC, older buildings, limited parking – but the location cannot be beat. Even during the summer it is colder – I left my window open most nights. It became incredibly dark at night. Just a short walk away from the building lights lets you glimpse a mesmerizing night sky. You are also within walking distance or a short drive to multiple restaurants within the park (or just outside it.) Spend some time outside at night to see the sky – try for after 11 p.m. to get a true dark sky. It will be worth staying up to see!

Another must-do is a hike, even if it is only a short one to a viewpoint. Sure – also make sure to get your picture at a drive up viewpoint. But take the time to really experience the reason that John Muir said “The mountains are calling, and I must go”.  I recommend the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail, which starts out of the Valley Visitor Center. It is a popular one mile hike, but it will bring you into the heart of Yosemite to see some of the most spectacular reasons visitors come to Yosemite – waterfalls! Early summer/late Spring is the best time to visit the park and see the waterfalls, but we were still able to see some when we visited in September. For those that want a more intimate experience with the beauty and serenity of Yosemite, try the Yosemite Falls Trail. Make sure your water bottle is full!

Wildlife is in abundance throughout Yosemite, so drive slowly and be aware of your surroundings when hiking in the backcountry. Don’t put your headphones in and walk through the brush silently – remember that bears and other predator-like animals live in the area and need a warning that you are approaching. I usually hang my phone or speaker from my backpack and play it outloud while hiking – turning it down when coming up on other people or passing slower hikers. If you do end up stumbling upon bears – back up slowly, do not run, and make your way back the way you came. Don’t be THAT person!

Yosemite should be on your bucket list if you have not already visited the park. Either camping or staying in a lodge, make sure to experience all there is at the park. Take a few days to truly absorb the beauty of Yosemite and don’t forget to see Half Dome!