Reno/Tahoe/Yosemite Trip

Questions on how we spend our money and our time - consumer goods and services, home and vehicle, leisure and recreational activities
Post Reply
Topic Author
dixdak
Posts: 212
Joined: Wed Sep 12, 2007 8:30 am
Location: Chicago

Reno/Tahoe/Yosemite Trip

Post by dixdak »

I am planning a 5 day sightseeing trip for early July after we leave Reno at completion of a tournament. There are four of us, my wife and two sons, late teens. We enjoy hiking and the outdoors. I have not make return reservations yet, but we are taking the train out to Reno from the midwest. I was planning on renting a car and then flying back home. I would welcome any suggestions that members might have based on previous vacations in that area. Thanks!
Andyrunner
Posts: 856
Joined: Thu May 03, 2012 9:14 am

Re: Reno/Tahoe/Yosemite Trip

Post by Andyrunner »

I went out to Yosemite for the first time this spring. From what I understand is the summer is extreamly crowded in the park, especially the valley. I would suggest get your hikes in early, (at the trailhead by 8am). Most people say to skip Hech Hechy as it is really hot plus it makes many people upset. Go to Mariposa Grove for the Squoia trees, they are amazing.

I would assume you would be coming in from the north end of the park. I can't say a ton about it because a lot of it is closed till May. In the valley I would say 4 mile trail is worth it (its not 4 miles), mist trail and Yosemite Falls trail. Plan on bringing a ton of water as its really hot.
rixer
Posts: 758
Joined: Tue Sep 11, 2012 4:18 pm

Re: Reno/Tahoe/Yosemite Trip

Post by rixer »

From Reno, you can go south along HYW 395 which is one of my favorite drives. You can take Tioga Pass from Lee Vining into Yosemite. Yosemite has more to see and offer than I can write about and is one of the most beautiful places on Earth so do some searches. You will love it.

I'd like to recommend going to a ghost town called Bodie. It's an old gold mining town on your way to Yosemite off Hwy 395 just north of Mono Lake. It's now a state park and you can wander through the town and take a tour through the old stamp mill.
http://www.bodie.com/
https://www.google.com/search?q=bodie+s ... 38&bih=554
btenny
Posts: 5702
Joined: Sun Oct 07, 2007 6:47 pm

Re: Reno/Tahoe/Yosemite Trip

Post by btenny »

This may be the toughest time of year if you are going anywhere around July 4th. All of the Sierra is loaded with people from all over. You should make reservations NOW if you want to stay in a motel anywhere near Yosemite. If you can get reservations stay in the park as that is the best place to see things and the closest. If you stay outside the park it will cost you lots of drive time to go in and out as there are long commute times, think LA like stop and go traffic. And yes it is a very beautiful place but much better when it is less crowded. You will have to choose what to see as going to Yosemite will use up all of three days. One to drive down there from Reno and then look around a little. Then one day in the park to see stuff and one day to drive back.

But you can also see some of Tahoe on the drive down or back. Just take I395/I580 south from Reno past Carson City to Highway 50 west (30ish miles to the turn) to Lake Tahoe. Then follow the road west up to the Lake and enjoy the views. You can continue south around the lake and then take hwy89 north up the west shore to Emerald Bay and eventually back to Reno. It takes about 4-6 hours for the complete circle drive around Lake Tahoe if you stop and see a few sights. I would do a drive to Emerald Bay or Sand Harbor as a minimum. See below.

Emerald Bay.
http://www.google.com/search?q=emerald+ ... =&oe=&rlz=

Sand harbor.
http://www.google.com/search?rls=com.mi ... OO0RQvRpJs

If you have more time you might want to stay a night in South Lake and go to the Casinos for fun and games and good food and then spend part of the next day seeing other parts of Tahoe like Angora Lake which is near town but a great out of the way sight and a fun hike. See below.

South Lake Tahoe.
http://www.google.com/search?q=south+la ... 67&bih=504

Angora Lake...
http://www.google.com/search?q=angora+l ... =&oe=&rlz=

Realistically seeing anymore than a smiggen of the Sierra area takes months and will change how you view nature and the world. John Muir was right. It is trully a wonderful area.

Have Fun
Bill
User avatar
deanbrew
Posts: 1500
Joined: Wed Jul 21, 2010 12:05 pm
Location: The Keystone State

Re: Reno/Tahoe/Yosemite Trip

Post by deanbrew »

I haven't been to Yosemite, but I've been to Reno and Lake Tahoe. My family spent a week at Tahoe. We did some hiking around the lake, and also went fishing on the lake on a chartered fishing boat. Lake Tahoe is probably the prettiest place I've ever been. The lake's water is crystal clear, and you can see far, far below the surface. There is a "beach" near South Lake Tahoe where you can go swimming or walk out into the water, and you can easily see your feet when the water is at your chin. And Emerald Bay is not to be missed - absolutely gorgeous.

We visited the Donner Memorial (where the Donner Party got snowed in), which is located northwest of Lake Tahoe near Truckee. It was actually very interesting and informative regarding travel in that period, and when you see the terrain, it gives you a feel for what it might have been like. We road up a ski lift somewhere near South Lake Tahoe (we were there in the summer, too) and had tremendous views of the lake from above. From Tahoe, we drove west to Sacramento to fly home.

We thought about going to Yosemite, but decided it was a bit far, and we had the scenery and hiking opportunities at Tahoe.
"The course of history shows that as the government grows, liberty decreases." Thomas Jefferson
User avatar
White Coat Investor
Posts: 17409
Joined: Fri Mar 02, 2007 8:11 pm
Location: Greatest Snow On Earth

Re: Reno/Tahoe/Yosemite Trip

Post by White Coat Investor »

Yosemite is great, but you really need to make plans 6 months in advance. You'll be lucky to find a place to stay, and that includes camping.
1) Invest you must 2) Time is your friend 3) Impulse is your enemy | 4) Basic arithmetic works 5) Stick to simplicity 6) Stay the course
stan1
Posts: 14246
Joined: Mon Oct 08, 2007 4:35 pm

Re: Reno/Tahoe/Yosemite Trip

Post by stan1 »

rixer wrote:From Reno, you can go south along HYW 395 which is one of my favorite drives. You can take Tioga Pass from Lee Vining into Yosemite. Yosemite has more to see and offer than I can write about and is one of the most beautiful places on Earth so do some searches. You will love it.

I'd like to recommend going to a ghost town called Bodie. It's an old gold mining town on your way to Yosemite off Hwy 395 just north of Mono Lake. It's now a state park and you can wander through the town and take a tour through the old stamp mill.
http://www.bodie.com/
https://www.google.com/search?q=bodie+s ... 38&bih=554
You definitely want to follow this advice. You can do a loop round trip from Reno -- 1) south on Hwy 395 past Lee Vining/Mono Lake (possibly to Mammoth and June Lake areas which have many very accessible hiking trails); 2) Across Tioga Pass into Yosemite; 3) Up Highway 49 through "Gold Rush Country" (Sonora); and 4) back over to Reno/Lake Tahoe through one of the other mountain passes. Allow plenty of time for driving; with the exception of I-80 and the 4 lane parts of Hwy 395 these are 35 mph roads not 65 mph roads, especially since there will be heavy RV traffic in July.
Warning: I am about 80% satisficer (accepting of good enough) and 20% maximizer
User avatar
Imperabo
Posts: 1109
Joined: Fri Aug 29, 2008 1:00 am

Re: Reno/Tahoe/Yosemite Trip

Post by Imperabo »

Another vote for Tioga Pass. With your short time frame you'll be doing a lot of your site seeing from the car, and Tioga Pass is about the most spectacular drive you'll ever see. Do the route in the direction advised by Stan1.
User avatar
Random Musings
Posts: 6770
Joined: Thu Feb 22, 2007 3:24 pm
Location: Pennsylvania

Re: Reno/Tahoe/Yosemite Trip

Post by Random Musings »

Although Yosemite is beautiful, I would avoid the summer visit - I've been there in the fall. From friends who have attempted the summer visit - they have told me the campgrounds, valley and Curry Village can be really busy.

If you are going to go and hike during the summer, hit the trails early. Certain trails can get very congested.

RM
I figure the odds be fifty-fifty I just might have something to say. FZ
coalcracker
Posts: 1076
Joined: Sat Feb 04, 2012 11:25 am

Re: Reno/Tahoe/Yosemite Trip

Post by coalcracker »

We went in September and lodging inside the park, including camping, was booked. We stayed at a home rental just outside the park, but even places near the park may be booked in peak summer season.

If you are avid hikers (i.e. in good shape), I highly recommend conquering half dome. I have hiked all over the world and it is probably the most memorable one I have done. This will take an entire, long day, and will be hot in summer. You will want to be on the trail near first light if you can. But the views of the valley from the top are nothing short of breathtaking, and vertiginous!
WhyNotUs
Posts: 2610
Joined: Sun Apr 14, 2013 11:38 am

Re: Reno/Tahoe/Yosemite Trip

Post by WhyNotUs »

A less hectic alternative with great hiking and camping is Tuolumne Meadows. It is an easy drive from Reno. We spent four days there and one over at Yosemite valley. TM had great hikes right out of the campground at various levels of difficulty and was serene. Great access to John Muir trail. One had to be self-contained as there were none of the amenities of the valley.

I was glad to see the valley and glad to only spend one day there. It was July and it was crazy there, did not seem like I was in a National Park until we got off the popular trails. OTOH, one of our trip mates loved it- cell phone access, showers, ice cream, etc. You will know which is more suited to you.
I own the next hot stock- VTSAX
User avatar
dm200
Posts: 23214
Joined: Mon Feb 26, 2007 1:21 pm
Location: Washington DC area

Re: Reno/Tahoe/Yosemite Trip

Post by dm200 »

I have been to Yosemite three times (in the 80's and early 90's), once by myself on a spring weekend when I was in San Jose on business for two weeks, and twice with my wife and (then) young son in the fall (October, I recall). I think it is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. I understand the summers are very crowded, but give it a try to get reservations, including the camping option and the tent cabins.
User avatar
TnGuy
Posts: 584
Joined: Tue Feb 20, 2007 7:31 am
Location: Oak Ridge, TN

Re: Reno/Tahoe/Yosemite Trip

Post by TnGuy »

In Reno, you might enjoy the National Car Museum.


David
"Money will not make you happy. And happy will not make you money." - Groucho Marx
oxothuk
Posts: 891
Joined: Thu Nov 10, 2011 7:35 pm

Re: Reno/Tahoe/Yosemite Trip

Post by oxothuk »

Neal wrote: If you are avid hikers (i.e. in good shape), I highly recommend conquering half dome. I have hiked all over the world and it is probably the most memorable one I have done. This will take an entire, long day, and will be hot in summer.
As someone who did exactly what you describe when I was 24, I'd say it was a great experience but not something I would every do again as a day hike. Best to do as a part of a backpacking trip, but camping permits during the summer require reservations months in advance.

The climb up half dome is nearly a mile of elevation gain from Yosemite Valley. You also need to be mentally prepared for the ladder climb at the end (don't look down, just keep facing the rock).
User avatar
JMacDonald
Posts: 2386
Joined: Mon Feb 19, 2007 4:53 pm

Re: Reno/Tahoe/Yosemite Trip

Post by JMacDonald »

oxothuk wrote:
Neal wrote: If you are avid hikers (i.e. in good shape), I highly recommend conquering half dome. I have hiked all over the world and it is probably the most memorable one I have done. This will take an entire, long day, and will be hot in summer.
As someone who did exactly what you describe when I was 24, I'd say it was a great experience but not something I would every do again as a day hike. Best to do as a part of a backpacking trip, but camping permits during the summer require reservations months in advance.

The climb up half dome is nearly a mile of elevation gain from Yosemite Valley. You also need to be mentally prepared for the ladder climb at the end (don't look down, just keep facing the rock).
Hi,
If you are thinking of Half Dome, these days you need a permit: http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/hdpermits.htm Too many accidents going up and down. The park service needed to make the experience safer and enjoyable.

I agree with the others about taking Hwy 395 to Tuolumne Meadows via the Tioga Road.

If you are unable to get reservations in the park, all is not lost. If you arrive in the park early, you can enjoy a full day without a reservation to stay in the park. It may be possible to get a room at the Lodge, Curry Village or one of the other places when you are there. I am sure there are always last minute cancelations. I have been to Yosemite many times and have done this on occasion. Here is a link to Yosemite lodging: http://www.yosemitepark.com/lodging.aspx

It is true Yosemite is crowded in the Summer, but it is a great place no matter when you are there. Go and enjoy.
Best Wishes, | Joe
RenoJay
Posts: 748
Joined: Tue Nov 17, 2009 10:20 am
Location: Nevada

Re: Reno/Tahoe/Yosemite Trip

Post by RenoJay »

Five days is pretty tight, and as people mentioned, it's very crowded that time of year, so I'd make reservations asap.

Here are some thoughts on things to do/see...

1. Rent a boat in Lake Tahoe or go for a swim.
2. Circumnavigate Lake Tahoe by car. (takes 3 - 8 hours depending what you choose to stop and do. There are some cool old mansions along the route.)
3. If you don't have time to drive the whole lake, drive the east side from Incline Village down to Spooner Lake. It's beautiful and much more protected wilderness.
4. Hike or bike a section of the Tahoe Rim trail. Very scenic and usually nice temperatures that time of year.
5. Hang out on one of the local beaches.

If you head down toward Yosemite...

5. Take highway 395. Very scenic and pretty as far as highways go.
6. See Mono Lake which has really cool tufa formations.
7. See the abandoned ghost town of Bodi. (If memory serves it's a bit out of the way, but it's really cool.)
8. All the normal Yosemite stuff like Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Tulomne Meadows, etc.

As mentioned, five days is not enough time for all this so you'll need to pick and choose. Also, bring your appetite because Reno is land of buffets. You can get good quality all-you-can-eat sushi for about $16 at lunch time or inexpensive steak and lobster dinners at the casinos.
DoubleDraw
Posts: 113
Joined: Mon Aug 13, 2012 11:30 pm

Re: Reno/Tahoe/Yosemite Trip

Post by DoubleDraw »

Any restaurant recommendations in north lake/south lake? We like cheap, funky and delicious not expensive and fancy.
RenoJay
Posts: 748
Joined: Tue Nov 17, 2009 10:20 am
Location: Nevada

Re: Reno/Tahoe/Yosemite Trip

Post by RenoJay »

DoubleDraw wrote:Any restaurant recommendations in north lake/south lake? We like cheap, funky and delicious not expensive and fancy.
Unfortunately the food in Tahoe is not spectacular. There are some nice high-end places and some average low end places, but nothing I'd go out of my way to drive to. If you want funky, cheap and delicious, keep driving til you get to the San Francisco bay area and you'll be overwhelmed with great options. Where ever you end up in Tahoe, you'll see essentially the same types of stuff. (Burgers, Italian, pizza, Mexican.) I've had bad luck with Asian food around Tahoe, though as mentioned, in Reno there's lots of good Japanese food for some reason. Also a good Ethiopian place in Reno that's very reasonable, but not at all close to where you're headed.
dickenjb
Posts: 2941
Joined: Tue Jan 05, 2010 12:11 pm
Location: Philadelphia PA

Re: Reno/Tahoe/Yosemite Trip

Post by dickenjb »

Going to the volleyball tourney?

Good luck getting a spot in Yosemite at this late date. We booked 2 months in advance for an April visit and the only availability was Ahwahnee or Curry Village tent cabin. Extreme high end $400 a nite or $60 a nite. You will be lucky to find any availability at all.

Mist trail to the Bridal Veil falls is an awesome family hike.
gkaplan
Posts: 7034
Joined: Sat Mar 03, 2007 7:34 pm
Location: Portland, Oregon

Re: Reno/Tahoe/Yosemite Trip

Post by gkaplan »

Try Truckee for funky.
Gordon
Topic Author
dixdak
Posts: 212
Joined: Wed Sep 12, 2007 8:30 am
Location: Chicago

Re: Reno/Tahoe/Yosemite Trip

Post by dixdak »

Update:

Taking Amtrak from Chicago to Reno for the Jr. Volleyball Nationals which go for 4 days and end July 4th. Stay in hotel casino in South Lake Tahoe for two days to see the fireworks and explore around the lake. Drive down 395 to Yosemite and spend one night outside part east entrance. Booked two nights at Curry Village, then next two nights at Bug Mt. Resort at the east entrance. Curry Village tenting is fine as we like to camp but could not bring a lot of camping gear on the train with us. Now trying to decide what to do the remaining days ( up to five more if we like), and where to fly out of. Thanks for all the great suggestions. Food and restaurant ideas are always very welcome.
User avatar
JMacDonald
Posts: 2386
Joined: Mon Feb 19, 2007 4:53 pm

Re: Reno/Tahoe/Yosemite Trip

Post by JMacDonald »

dixdak wrote:Update:

Taking Amtrak from Chicago to Reno for the Jr. Volleyball Nationals which go for 4 days and end July 4th. Stay in hotel casino in South Lake Tahoe for two days to see the fireworks and explore around the lake. Drive down 395 to Yosemite and spend one night outside part east entrance. Booked two nights at Curry Village, then next two nights at Bug Mt. Resort at the east entrance. Curry Village tenting is fine as we like to camp but could not bring a lot of camping gear on the train with us. Now trying to decide what to do the remaining days ( up to five more if we like), and where to fly out of. Thanks for all the great suggestions. Food and restaurant ideas are always very welcome.
Drive South out of Yosemite on HWY 41 and go to Sequoia National Park (Get a map on how to get there). You can spend time with the big trees there. Also drive down into Kings Canyon. Sequoia is a great park to hike in, lots of trails. You can continue driving through the park and go out the South entrance and drive to Los Angeles and fly out. Here are two links for lodging in Sequoia NP: http://www.sequoia-kingscanyon.com http://www.visitsequoia.com/lodging.aspx
Best Wishes, | Joe
WhyNotUs
Posts: 2610
Joined: Sun Apr 14, 2013 11:38 am

Re: Reno/Tahoe/Yosemite Trip

Post by WhyNotUs »

Sacramento has a nice airport with good service. Southwest flies to Chi and they usually have good one way tix.
El Dorado county (Placerville and Coloma) has good wine, good biking, gold rush sites, and some hiking/fishing/rafting.
I own the next hot stock- VTSAX
btenny
Posts: 5702
Joined: Sun Oct 07, 2007 6:47 pm

Re: Reno/Tahoe/Yosemite Trip

Post by btenny »

I like the Beacon Bar and Grille at Camp Richardson west of South Lake Tahoe. It is a great place to eat lunch and listen to good music and sit on the beach. They have live bands almost every afternoon so be prepared for the California beach scene. After lunch have a Rum Runner and dance a little and enjoy a Tahoe nice afternoon.
https://plus.google.com/115414019504345 ... S&hl=en-US

Or try Scusa in center town of South Lake for good Italian dinner.
https://plus.google.com/110737095228146 ... S&hl=en-US
http://www.scusalaketahoe.com/

As far as Hotels I would move your stay to Lakeshore Lodge. It is right on the beach in center town of South Lake. They have fire pits, fire places and beach bands on Sundays and Thursdays and condos or hotels rooms and a heated pool. Older hotel is a great location with killer beach view rooms. The casinos are not on the water and only near downtown shopping. You can always drive there or catch a free shuttle if you want to sight see and gamble a little. Just a thought.
https://plus.google.com/110130042623366 ... S&hl=en-US

Or if you want you might also stop at Zephr Cove on the east shore in Nevada for some more beach stuff. Zephr has big sandy beach and beach bar and a coffee shop on the highway. They play a lot of beach vollyball there in the summers.
http://www.zephyrcove.com/beach-water/b ... ities.aspx

Hope this helps. Have fun
Bill

PS. The fireworks are off shore on the water at the Edgewood golf course behind the casinos so if you stay in the casinos you will be much closer to them. But you will have to buy a ticket to get entrance to the Edgewood beach for the evening but I hear it is a great party. We boat to the fireworks and set off shore for the evening.
User avatar
ryuns
Posts: 3511
Joined: Tue Aug 07, 2007 6:07 pm
Location: Sacramento, CA

Re: Reno/Tahoe/Yosemite Trip

Post by ryuns »

Sequoia is lovely. High elevation (higher than Yosemite), so temps should be pleasant. But it's a bit of a haul from Yosemite, since you have to drive back to the valley and then back to the mountains. If you can get a reasonable flight out of Fresno-Yosemite Int'l, you might try this, otherwise, I'd suggest heading back north. Driving to LA is a headache. If you do that, try to fly out of Burbank and not LAX.

I'd also second the gold rush area if that aspect of history interests you, or if you like delicious, generally unpretentious wine tasting. This is fairly low elevation, so it's likely to be pretty hot. Lots of options for white water rafting in the area also.

Would also second flying out of Sacramento as probably the best bet unless you end up in Sequoia. Southwest always does one-way tickets reasonably, and it's free to check 2 bags per person. If you're planning on doing that, I might as well put in a shameless plug for the capital city itself. It'll be hot, but the center city is very leafy and shaded and has a lot of museums and sites worth checking out like Crocker Art Museum, the railroad museum, the State Capitol (and the lush park that surrounds it), and the automobile museum. Great beer and food city too.
An inconvenience is only an adventure wrongly considered; an adventure is an inconvenience rightly considered. -- GK Chesterton
btenny
Posts: 5702
Joined: Sun Oct 07, 2007 6:47 pm

Re: Reno/Tahoe/Yosemite Trip

Post by btenny »

Dix. I second Ryuns comment about Sequoia being gorgeous but a long haul from Yosemite. Distances in the Sierra are hard to figure as the roads are very windy and narrow and can be traffic clogged in the summer. They will wear the driver out in 2 hours from turning. Figure going into Yosemite from I-5 to the west taking 2-3 hours as I recall. Going out to the east is similar but maybe less traffic. And taking Hwy 49 N-S along the foothills in leiu of going all the way to I-5 is actualy slower as that road has tons of stop signs and traffic and is very windy and narrow as well.

So if I was taking your trip I might go over the San Francisco after Yosemite if it was me. Then I would spend a day or two in Napa and a day in SF proper and then drive to Mir woods just north of the Golden Gate bridge in SF for some hiking and to see the big Red Wood trees in stead of the Sequoias. Then you can fly out of SFO or Oakland to Chicago which ever is cheaper...

http://maps.google.com/maps?rls=com.mic ... NYBEPwSMAE

Have Fun
Bill
User avatar
dm200
Posts: 23214
Joined: Mon Feb 26, 2007 1:21 pm
Location: Washington DC area

Re: Reno/Tahoe/Yosemite Trip

Post by dm200 »

btenny wrote:Dix. I second Ryuns comment about Sequoia being gorgeous but a long haul from Yosemite. Distances in the Sierra are hard to figure as the roads are very windy and narrow and can be traffic clogged in the summer. They will wear the driver out in 2 hours from turning. Figure going into Yosemite from I-5 to the west taking 2-3 hours as I recall. Going out to the east is similar but maybe less traffic. And taking Hwy 49 N-S along the foothills in leiu of going all the way to I-5 is actualy slower as that road has tons of stop signs and traffic and is very windy and narrow as well.

So if I was taking your trip I might go over the San Francisco after Yosemite if it was me. Then I would spend a day or two in Napa and a day in SF proper and then drive to Mir woods just north of the Golden Gate bridge in SF for some hiking and to see the big Red Wood trees in stead of the Sequoias. Then you can fly out of SFO or Oakland to Chicago which ever is cheaper...

http://maps.google.com/maps?rls=com.mic ... NYBEPwSMAE

Have Fun
Bill
As best I recall from our circle one week tour of CA, Sequoia and Kings Canyon parks are next to each other, and quite a haul from Yosemite. If you have limited time, I would pick Yosemite and see the BIG trees (Sequoias) in Yosemite close by. They are not quite as impressive as the ones in the ther parks, but still impressive and you will not take nearly as much time.
AndrewS
Posts: 38
Joined: Thu Dec 01, 2011 9:36 pm

Re: Reno/Tahoe/Yosemite Trip

Post by AndrewS »

Don't go down to the Valley in July. Stay around Toul. Meadows and hike to the North Rim of the Valley or Clouds Rest. Amazing views. Snow should be completely be gone in the high country this year so you'll have no problem. Hike to Bud and Cathedral Lake in T.M. Stare in awe at glacier scraped landscape. Swim in Tenaya Lake.

Then go to the Mobile Gas station at the 120/395 intersection and get some good eats while looking over Mono Lake.
Martindo
Posts: 85
Joined: Sun Jul 06, 2008 5:24 pm

Re: Reno/Tahoe/Yosemite Trip

Post by Martindo »

The east side of the Sierra -- Known as "The East Side" to those of us who have lived there is remarkable country. It's been mentioned by others in this thread. The ghost town of Bodie, Mono Lake, volcanoe county, the highway from Lee Vining up into Tioga Pass and Yosemite, the east edge of the Great Basin, the White Mountains (of California), Bishop (Kathmandu of the Sierra)....the list goes on and on.

Highway 395 south from Reno, through the old gold and silver country near Lake Tahoe and then down south into the real East Side. Fewer tourists (but not zero), not very developed (are there any fast food places until you get down to Bishop?), maybe four hours driving down into Bishop and the Owens Valley. Much of California is beautiful--a Beethoven quartet -- but the East Side is a symphony.
halfnine
Posts: 2421
Joined: Tue Dec 21, 2010 12:48 pm

Re: Reno/Tahoe/Yosemite Trip

Post by halfnine »

I spent most of my 20s climbing, backpacking, skiing, mountain biking in the mountains of the Sierra Nevada. I’ve probably been to Yosemite 30+ times. It’s been well over a decade though since I’ve been but I imagine not too much has changed other than permitting and quotas. Anyway...

There are quite a few hot springs along the length of the 395 if you know where to look that are worth a nice soak. Particularly, relative to your route there is one just up a small hill and off to the east side of the road near Bridgeport. It’s public access. You might be exposed to nudity there so I’ll let you judge whether that is or isn’t appropriate for your family.

It’can be worth catching the view of Mono Lake at around sunset. Many locations along the lake would be fine but there is a scenic viewpoint on the highway just north of the Lake . Alternatively, if you can get to the south end of the lake and over to the tufa it is very worthwhile sunset or not. I am not sure where you are staying outside the east entrance but it won’t be too far from Mono Lake so one could easily catch the sunset and then grab a meal in Lee Vining before heading to wherever you are staying for the night.

I don’t know what the snow conditions are like this year but Tioga Pass and access into Yosemite Valley from the east can be closed to due to snow often up until 4th of July weekend and sometimes although rarely even later. For someone who likes the outdoors sometimes that is a good thing though. One year the pass opened on July 3rd and I put my mountain bike, kayak, and skis on top of my car, put the climbing gear in the back, and headed across to the East Side. Skied 4th of July at Mammoth, kayaked the sunset at Mono Lake, and then did some mountain biking and climbing on the east side for the rest of the extended weekend before heading back to the Bay Area. The east side of the Sierra has unlimited options for those who enjoy the outdoors (fishing, hiking, biking, bouldering, climbing, peak bagging, resort skiing, backcountry skiing, etc)

If the snow season wasn’t that great this year there may also the possibility of lift served mountain biking at Mammoth if that appeals to you. They have bike rentals and plenty of difficult downhill routes for those who enjoy it but also they have a route called Downtown that is just a nice non-bumpy downhill rolling route that’s fun for pretty much any skill level. Northstar up in Tahoe also has some incredible DH lift served mountain biking as well if that appeals to your kids.

For heading into Yosemite itself it is often beneficial to head in after hours/early hours as you won’t have to wait in line you just drive on in. Definitely worth an early morning rise to do it. The drive across Tioga Pass and Tuolumne itself are better in early morning light anyway.

As far as once you are in Yosemite....

With the exception of the trail up to Half Dome the best hiking trails really stem out of Tuolumne meadows. The disadvantage is that these trails are at a higher elevation than the trails throughout most of the rest of the park which can really have an effect on some people. Likely, though, this will not be a concern of yours as you will have already been up in Tahoe. But, the trail up to Half Dome is the premier trail (even better when you were allowed to camp on top). If you don't have a permit for it already though it is extraordinarily unlikely you'll be able to get one through any source. But you can still hike up the first part of the trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls which aren't to be missed. Once you are on the trail there are two paths to Nevada Falls. One that goes straight up through Vernal Falls and one that winds around it. You'll want to take the one up through Vernal Falls on the way up (mostly steps) and if you wish you could take the other trail (mostly sloped) going back down. During peak water flow (around the end of May) you'll get a nice soaking coming up through the falls. In July there will still be some good spray as well so bring poncho or rain gear.

Although it will take a few hours round trip, you'll also not want to miss the view from Glacier Point. You can even let your kids hike back down to the valley via the Four Mile Trail and then drive back around and pick them up. And even if you do decide to skip the drive up to Glacier Point you should at least drive a few miles out of the valley itself to the tunnel as there is a great scenic view point there. This only is a few minute detour from the valley.

I also see that you are going to spend a few days staying just outside the park on the west side. I generally consider this to be a waste because getting in/out of the park and all the way to the valley itself on a daily basis is very time consuming. You will lose a few hours each day. IMHO, it would be much better to spend 3 nights on the east side of the park near Tuolumne and then wake up early to get a full 3 days / 2 nights at Curry Village instead.
YoungLion
Posts: 107
Joined: Wed Sep 05, 2007 10:16 am

Re: Reno/Tahoe/Yosemite Trip

Post by YoungLion »

I think the most bang for your buck as far as hiking in the Tuolumne area is Saddlebag Lake (20 Lake Basin). It's not in Yosemite, rather right outside the eastern boundary as you go up to the Tioga Pass. Kind of surprised it hasn't been mentioned yet.

Pluses: Scenery is tremendous (Mt. Conness, North Peak, Shepherd Crest), it is a figure 8 and you can hike as much or as little as you want, you can even take a water shuttle across the lake (and back) to cut off the lower loop of the 8, it is less crowded than trails in Tuolumne (though I've never been there in July).

Minuses: All of the trail is above 10K feet and some people have issues with altitude. Though the trail is flat so it shouldn't really tax the system.

I like to go there on a "rest day" and relax. I think the most scenic part is the western part of the upper loop in the figure 8.

http://www.itoda.com/photos/eastern-sie ... gLake.html
User avatar
Sunny Sarkar
Posts: 2443
Joined: Fri Mar 02, 2007 12:02 am
Location: Flower Mound, TX
Contact:

Re: Reno/Tahoe/Yosemite Trip

Post by Sunny Sarkar »

I was stuck in a traffic jam in Yosemite valley inside the national park on July 4th weekend - it's that bad!
"Buy-and-hold, long-term, all-market-index strategies, implemented at rock-bottom cost, are the surest of all routes to the accumulation of wealth" - John C. Bogle
Post Reply