In love in Yosemite

Description:

This route is part of the little-used but very worthy bridle trail that loops the edges of the whole Valley floor.  The least used west end is described elsewhere.  It gains little elevation as it leads through the central chamber of Yosemite Valley. This trail can be accessed from Camp Four Campground, Sentinel Beach Picnic Area, El Capitan Bridge, Cathedral Picnic Area, Four Mile Trail or Yosemite Lodge.  One way to do this is to begin the hike by following the trail that leads west out of the Yosemite Lodge/Yosemite Falls area. A half mile from the Lower Yosemite Falls area the Upper Yosemite Falls Trail heads up the wall to the right. The center Valley loop leads westward from Camp Four, where a new Indian Cultural Center is being built, then crosses Northside Drive.  The trail follows the Merced River through Leidig Meadow to El Capitan Bridge. This stretch of trail provides sweeping views of the Merced River and the Valley's cliffs. Cross the El Cap Bridge and head east on the trail there. The trail crosses Southside Drive then continues eastward through the forest toward Sentinel Rock. The crossing of Sentinel Creek can be tricky in May. Shortly beyond it is the junction with Four-mile Trail. East of this junction the trail either crosses Southside Drive to the Swinging Bridge picnic area and back to Yosemite Lodge, or continues east in deep woods to emerge behind the Yosemite Chapel.  No bikes or pets are allowed on this route. 

Description:

A Yosemite tradition this huge and elegant dining room somehow feels intimate, despite its 34-foot ceilings. For breakfast, you can choose from frittatas or omelets, or enjoy a variety of salads or sandwiches for lunch. The dinner menu features entrees such as Salmon Ahwahnee served with Dungeness crab with bearnaise sauce and wild rice. The restaurant has an extensive and award-winning wine list. Reservations are essential for dinner, and the evening dress code calls for jackets or sweaters for men older than 12 and dresses or pantsuits for women.

Description:

Degnan's is a social hub for Yosemite Village and it's overflowing at lunchtime.  There's a lot to chose from, but their sandwich selection (all named for park landmarks) is great and the soups are just the thing on a chilly mountain day.  Lots of beverage fridges, ice cream novelties, chips and candy can round out a meal for a picnic table outside or will fill your daypack for a hike to Mirror Lake or up Yosemite Falls.  Open year-round. 

Description:

The Four Mile Trail is a very strenuous hike with an altitude gain of 3,200 feet.  Of course you can drive to Glacier Point, but the trail is lovely, and you will feel virtuous because you spent two - five hours hiking. Take water with you and wear a hat as well as comfortable hiking shoes or boots. For your safety, it is recommended that you complete this hike before dark. The trail is closed in winter.  Many people pay (about $20) for a bus ride from Yosemite Lodge to Glacier Point and then hike back down the Four Mile to the Valley floor again.  If you park up top and hike down, be aware that there are NO afternoon buses back up. 

Our Local Expert Says:

Along with Yosemite Valley, Abraham Lincoln protected these trees in 1864; the first time in history that a national government preserved land for the citizens simply because it was beautiful.

Description:

This grove was part of the world's first 'national park,' protected by the US government 8 years before Yellowstone.  It's open all year, but you can only drive in during the summer and fall.  In winter it's a couple mile walk, ski or snowshoe along the access road -very worthwhile.  These trees are huge, up to 300' tall, and 25-30' across at the base.  The Grizzly Giant is a main attraction, a mile's walk from the parking area.  The famous Tunnel Tree fell down in 1969, but there's a second tree with a tunnel cut through it next to the Grizzly Giant. 
Walking trails lace the grove of several hundred trees, and a small museum in the upper grove makes an informative and scenic stop.  Those who don't want to hike on these slopes can take a 1.5 hour tram tour for $26, with headset narration in 6 languages.
Parking is limited so for much of the summer, plan to park at the Wawona Store and take a free shuttle every half hour.  Trailers and RV's should not go up the narrow road into the grove. 

Our Local Expert Says:

Extra points for a historic structure and setting.

Description:

The Wawona Hotel's dining room mirrors the hotel's ambience -- wide open, lots of windows and sunlight. And the fare is great. For breakfast choose from a variety of items, including the Par Three, a combo of French toast or pancakes, eggs, and bacon or sausage -- just what you need before hitting the golf course. Lunch features a variety of sandwiches and salads. Dinner is delectable. In addition to some exceptional entrees, such as brown sugar-rubbed pork loin with apple-onion relish and bourbon sauce, prime rib, and several seafood and veggie dishes, there are amazing appetizers. The cumin-crusted ahi, roasted whole garlic, and rock shrimp and potato risotto are sumptuous.