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Falling for Yosemite: Yosemite National Park
Dining: Where to Eat in Yosemite
By:
Barbara Steinberg
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With so much to see and do, you may find
yourself trying to do too much. Pick two or three top things; you’re bound
to find more to do once you arrive. Learn the lay-of-the-land and begin to
plan return trips.
The Yosemite Valley Floor Tour, it’s
highly recommended! The guided two-hour tour is an excellent introduction to
Yosemite’s history and nature, and includes some of the most picturesque
spots. Special sunset and moonlight tours are offered seasonally.
Nighttime is
the right time for parents and kids. Story Time for Kids (12 and under) and
Wee Wild Ones (iinteractive program for 6 and under) are free and no
pre-registration is required. Look for programs highlighted in color in the
“Yosemite
Today” as they are geared for children and families.
At the Wawona, the Mariposa
Grove of Giant Sequoias is a short four-mile drive…or hike if you’re feeling
energetic. A tram tour is also available. A ½-mile away,
don’t miss the chance to walk
across the 130-foot Wawona covered bridge – the only covered bridge in the
National Park System and one of 11 in California. Built in 1878, the bridge
crosses the south fork of the Merced River and leads to the 1880s Pioneer
History Center.
Stay, play,
eat – you decide – the Vintner’s Holiday is the real deal for couples
visiting Yosemite early November and December. Wine enthusiasts can avail
themselves of two- and three-night packages at The Ahwahnee or Yosemite
Lodge at the Falls. Packages include
lodging for two, admission
to four tasting seminars, one “Meet the Vintners” reception and one gala
dinner.
A five-night option is also
available. Visitors are welcome, free of charge, at all Vintner’s Holiday
seminars and panel discussions, and may also purchase gala dinner tickets.
Guided roundtrip and one-way tours to
Glacier Point can be arranged through the Park or Evergreen Lodge. Vistas
from the top, 3,200 feet above the Valley, are some of the most spectacular
with views of: Half Dome, and Yosemite, Nevada, and Vernal falls. The
Yosemite Association, a not-for-profit educational organization, also
provides a series of seminars tours, and customized trips.
Hike
Many guided hikes can be
arranged once you arrive in the Park. Check at the Tour Activity, lodging
registration, or Concierge desks.
Always carry plenty of water; wear a hat and sunscreen; stay
on marked trails; and remember the “Leave No Trace” philosophy of pack-it in
and pack-it out.
Yosemite
Falls is dry this time of year. Have heart! Nevada and Vernal falls are not.
The Nevada
and Vernal falls trail is the Park’s most popular. Not at their most
spectacular, they are definitely less crowded in the Fall and magnificent
anytime of the year. Along
the well-maintained Mist Trail, the hike to the top of Nevada Fall is 3.4
miles from the trailhead in Yosemite Valley.
Anyone with patience and
fitness can make it to the top. The Vernal Fall hike – the first 1.4 miles –
is great you’re less ambitious, but still interested in a great destination
hike. Pay attention to the signs noting the dangers of the waterfalls!
A high country excursion to
Lembert Dome in Tuolumne Meadows provides stunning views and an easy hike
(one-mile roundtrip) – a low work-out commitment with high returns. Gorgeous
in the Fall. For a full-day commitment, the hike to the Glen Aulin High
Sierra Camp (5.7 miles one-way) is all that and more!
Isolated stands of aspen along the
Tuolumne River have impressive displays of yellow, orange and red. This
area was burned in forest fire many years ago; the surviving aspens are
bravura. Both hikes are reached via Hwy. 120/Tioga Road. If you’re not
going on a guided tour, be sure to pick-up trail maps and directions.
Birch Lake, a 1/2-mile walk from
Evergreen Lodge, delivers-up an idyllic meadow and lake lined by glowing
birch trees.
How
For comprehensive information on how to
Go, Stay, Eat, Play and Hike on your Falling for Yosemite escape call
or check online. Check for lodging packages which may include meals or
special amenities.
v
Yosemite National Park:
YosemitePark.com and
www.NPS.gov/yose;
or
call 559/252-4848.
Reservations for activities can be made seven days in advance by calling
209/372-1240 or when you arrive at your lodging.
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Evergreen Lodge: EvergreenLodge.com or
209/379-2606; 800/93-LODGE (USA).
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Yosemite Association: www.Yosemite.org.
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CalTRANS Road Information: 800/427-7623.
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Fall Foliage:
v
Some
babysitting services can be arranged at Yosemite Lodge or the Ahwahnee – but
you need to arrange as far in advance as possible.
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