First Time in Yosemite

Description:

Yosemite is 30 x 40 miles huge, but for your first visit you should see the giant sequoias in the south end, Yosemite Valley in the middle and the high country of Tuolumne Meadows on the east. Plan on a bit of mountain driving and taking your time with the winding roads through scenery that is a stunning as it gets on this planet. Consider packing picnic supplies and water so you'll have flexibility on where and when you stop for a break - but don't leave any food in your car unattended; bears will sniff it out. Head for the nearest visitor center to get oriented, and go on a hour's ranger walk to spend time with an expert. Wear sunscreen and stay hydrated. It is hard to go wrong here.

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Author: Pete Devine


Day 1 - Yosemite National Park


These are the things that really belong in one's initial itinerary. A bit of mountain driving will get you around to see an abundance of overwhelming scenery. Keep your camera handy because the views seldom stop. Again, Yosemite Valley is the one part of the park that cannot be missed.


1

Tours Within The Park

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Location:

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Yosemite Village
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389

Phone:

+1 209 372 1240


2

Tioga Road/Big Oak Flat Road

Location:

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Big Oak Flat Road and Tioga Road
Yosemite National Park, CA 95321

Phone:

209-372-0200-visitor-info


3

Yosemite Museum

Location:

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P.O. Box 577
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389

Phone:

209-372-0200


4

Shuttle Buses

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Location:

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Yosemite Village
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389

Phone:

+1 209 372 0200


5

Mariposa Grove

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Location:

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Mariposa Grove Road
Park at the Wawona Store parking area and walk east 0.25 miles to Forest Dr. The trail head is on the right
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389

Phone:

+1 209 372 0200


6

The Mist Trail

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Location:

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East end of Happy Isle Loop Road
(Yosemite Valley)
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389

Phone:

+1 209 372 0200


7

Yosemite Valley Visitor Center

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Location:

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P.O. Box 577
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389

Phone:

209-372-0200


8

Lower Yosemite Falls Day Hike

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Location:

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Northside Drive
(Yosemite Valley)
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389

Phone:

+1 209 372 0200


9

Mirror Lake Day Hike

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Location:

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Happy Isle Loop Road
(Yosemite Valley)
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389

Phone:

+1 209 372 0200


10

Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center

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Location:

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Hwy 120 East
(Yosemite Valley)
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389

Phone:

+1 209 372 0263


Day 2 - Yosemite National Park


Hiking around at altitude should work up a healthy appetite and thirst, and Yosemite responds with some good mountain victuals. Degnan's is the place for a sandwich and picnic supplies - a great way to keep your day flexible. The Ahwahnee and the Mountain Room are upscale delights to discover hidden in this granite gorge. The Bug in MIdpines and the Mobil station in Lee Vining are treasured local favorites for surprisingly great food within simple facades.


1

Degnan's Delicatessen

Location:

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9015 Village Drive
Yosemite Village
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389

Phone:

1 209 372 1000


3

Mountain Room Restaurant

Location:

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Yosemite Lodge Drive & Northside Drive
Yosemite Lodge
Yosemite National Park, CA 95379

Phone:

1 559 252 4848


4

Cafe at the Bug

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6979 Highway 140
Yosemite Bug Lodge
Yosemite National Park, CA 95345

Phone:

1 209 966 6666


5

Ahwahnee Dining Room

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Location:

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East end of Ahwahnee Road
Ahwahnee Hotel
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389

Phone:

+1 209 372 1489


Day 3 - Yosemite National Park


What to do when the sun goes down in this big park? Ranger programs are usually only in the summer, but are something that you should plan your evening around. Bring a flashlight and enjoy a stroll to an excellent live stage program, or to what locals call 'the MR Bar" at Yosemite Lodge. If you're staying near Groveland, the Iron Door is a fascinating stop for a meal or a drink with lots of local color.


1

Mountain Room Bar & Lounge

Location:

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Yosemite Lodge
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389

Phone:

559 252 4848


2

Iron Door Saloon

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Location:

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18761 Main St.
Yosemite National Park, CA 95321


3

Evening Ranger Programs

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Location:

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Yosemite Valley Visitor's Center
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389

Phone:

209/372-0200


4

Yosemite Theater

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Location:

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Visitor Center
(Yosemite Village)
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389

Phone:

+1 209 372 0200


Day 4 - Yosemite National Park


Here are a few things that you might do if you've got the time to explore a little further afield. Out the back door of the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center is a gem missed by many visitors: the Indian Village, a great spot for a profound look at a 9000-year lifeway. Next door is the famed Adams Gallery - worth a peek. Bring or rent a bike for an exhilarating means of experiencing the Valley. Views from the short hikes to Lembert or Sentinel are astounding.


1

Lembert Dome Trail

Location:

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P.O. Box 577
The trail head is at a parking lot north of CA 120 in Tuolumne Meadows at rd. marker T-32. Follow the nature trail that starts here and take off at marker no. 2
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389

Phone:

209-372-0200


2

Sentinel Dome Trail

Location:

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P.O. Box 577
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389

Phone:

209-372-0200


3

Yosemite Bike Trails

Location:

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Yosemite Lodge and Curry Village
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389

Phone:

+1 209 372 1208


4

Indian Village of Ahwahnee

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Location:

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Indian Canyon Road
(Yosemite Village)
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389

Phone:

+1 209 372 0200


5

Ansel Adams Gallery

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Location:

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POB 455
(Yosemite Valley)
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389

Phone:

+1 209 372 4413


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