Any Yosemite first timers? This guide is for you!
National Park camping (or camping at all for that matter) is not my area of expertise. For no reason other than I just haven't gotten around to do much of it. But I'll tell ya, I left my weekend in Yosemite wanting to visit every National Park ASAP! That said, keep in mind these recommendations are coming from a first timer to Yosemite, who wanted to hit some of the classic spots.
Everyone had told me Yosemite was one of those breathtaking places that you can't even truly imagine until you get there and see it for yourself, and sure enough everyone was right.
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| Swinging Bridge Picnic Area |
Where to Stay:
Camp 4 campground is a lottery system (the night before) during the peak summer months. It's super convenient and easy for someone who isn't booking their camping trip 6 months in advance. There's bear lockers, and bathrooms, and a generous amount of space for tents and hammocks.
Gear and Equipment:
As I mentioned, I'm not a regular camper, so if you're like me, you'll be happy to learn (as I was) that it's super easy to rent all kinds of gear and equipment from REI and Sports Basement for a weekend!
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| Tunnel View |
Day 1:
Set your GPS for Tunnel View and leave San Francisco early in the morning for the 4 hour drive to the Valley. With an Annual National Park Pass, entry is easy and free! I think I said OMG seventeen times driving in, and this was before we even made it to our first view point, Tunnel View. This view screams "Welcome to Yosemite!" I could have stayed there forever soaking in the view, little did I know I'd have endless jaw dropping views for the rest of the weekend.
After setting up camp, I suggest a walk through the meadow across the street to the Swinging Bridge Picnic Area. If you make your way down Southside Drive, you'll come across this lovely picturesque boardwalk with a colorful and mountainous backdrop.
While you're exploring the valley, now is a good time to grab a quick bite to eat and maybe a beer at Degnan's Kitchen. *This is also a convenient spot to log into free Wifi
For your first evening I suggest a scenic drive out to Glacier Point and Washburn Point,
While you're in the area, finish your evening with a sunset hike to Sentinel Dome. The scenery and sunset were just incredible, with colors changing every minute. Another one of those 'can't look away' moments.
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| Sentinel Dome |
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| Sentinel Dome |
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Day 2:
Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls Hike
Rise early for the big hike, the
Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls, returning on the John Muir trail for a full loop. This hike came recommended by everyone I asked, and it did not disappoint. While not terribly hard, the hike was long. So definitely suggest leaving early to skip the crowds and be able to choose your own pace on the many stairs you'll climb. Check out
All Trails for a review of the Mist trail, and have fun getting up close and personal with the falls!
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| Nevada Falls |
Merced River
After that hike, it was the perfect opportunity to relax for the afternoon back in the Valley. We opted to float in the Merced River back by
Swinging Bridge treat ourselves to some cold beers.
Don't forget your campfire wood, groceries and supplies to cook dinner back at the campsite!
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| Nevada Falls Mist Trail |
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| Merced River; Swinging Bridge picnic area |
Day 3:
We ended up needing to head out early on our third day, but if we had the time I was planning to visit one of the following spots:
Mirror Lake,
Upper Yosemite Falls hike, or
drive to Tuolumne Meadows
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| Sentinel Dome @ Sunset |
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| Nevada Falls |
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Happy road-tripping! Xx Suz
Follow my footsteps to through Yosemite with this Google Maps List
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