Yosemite
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Feb 7 - Feb 13
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A City Girl's Guide to Yosemite
Luxury accomodations, delicious dinners, and a little hiking
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3
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Destination(s):
Yosemite 
Author: peapodd
I'm the kind of person who can't stay still for too long. I just came back from a year in Asia, moved to San Francisco, and am planning my next vacation to South America. I love tangerines and walking with my beagle.
Yosemite makes for a great weekend getaway from any city in California. This trip takes advantage of the amazing hikes available in Yosemite, but leaves plenty of room for relaxing.
Day 1 - Yosemite
 Day Note

Start your day off with one of the least strenuous and most rewarding hikes in the valley. Expect to get wet. The view is amazing. Spend an hour or more recovering at the Pizza Patio in Curry Village. There is a great mix of people enjoying slices and cold brews. Spend the afternoon floating down the river in a raft or inner tube. Go to bed early to prepare for your big day tomorrow!
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Renowned nature photographer Ansel Adams described this hotel as one of the premier resorts in the world. It is easy to see why he loved the place—the rustic yet elegant building offers spectacular views of the south valley walls and Glacier Point, while massive stone fireplaces, exposed beams and glittering chandeliers welcome guests. Guests can stay in the National Historical Landmark luxury hotel itself, or choose one of the smaller cottages set along the wooded paths. This is, by far, is the finest hotel in Yosemite.
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This sports bar has a casual feel inside. The views outside are wonderful, and umbrellas at the tables keep off the sun. Inside, you will find big-screen televisions showing sports. The pizza is homemade and delicious. There is also full bar service, and most of the beers offered are on tap. Kids are welcome, and there are often a lot of them.
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Bridalveil Falls Day Hike
 Type: Outdoors: Hike/Walk
About half a mile round-trip, this trail can get crowded in summer, but it affords breathtaking views of the falls, with water spilling over 600 feet to the valley floor and looking just like a bridal veil. Beware, you may get damp from the spray. Start from and return to the Bridal Veil parking area, located about 10 miles southwest of the Visitor Center on Highway 41. There is wheelchair access with assistance. The trail may be closed during winter months; call first.
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Lumsden Boat Launch
 Type: Outdoors: Boating
The Lumsden Boat Launch, located along the Tuolumne River just downstream of the Lumsden Campground, is the primary launch site for floaters down the Tuolumne River. A ranger office is at the launch site to check permits and assist with questions. Restrooms and other facilities are found at Lumsden Campground, approximately 100 yards upstream of Lumsden Boat Launch.
Ahwahnee (The)
Day 2 - Yosemite
 Day Note

Fill your pack with lots of water, snacks, and a good lunch. Set off before the sun rises. This hike is very strenuous, but is a MUST for anyone who has never done it. Nothing beats sticking your nose off the edge of Half Dome! Be sure to hold on tight!
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Half Dome Trail
 Type: Outdoors: Hike/Walk
The trail leading to Half Dome begins from the Happy Isles Trailhead. Hikers should follow Mist Trail along the Merced River to Nevada Falls overlook. Above Nevada Falls follow the John Muir Trail past Liberty Cap, along the Merced River into Little Yosemite Valley. Follow the left side of the fork as it leads through Little Yosemite Valley. In another mile the John Muir Trail splits from the Half Dome Trail. It is two miles to Half Dome summit from this split in the trail. The trail continues to climb to the summit of a nearby dome. Granite stairs were carved along this ascent. They include many switchbacks on an exposed trail with lots of loose gravel. Beyond the stairs the trail traverses the dome then descends slightly to the shoulder of Half Dome where the cable climb begins. This climb leads hikers up a 30 percent grade of smooth granite. There is a cable for individuals going up and one for folks going down. From late May through late October the cable is supported by wooden planks that bring create a bannister-like effect, bringing the cable to waist level. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in this mountainous region from late June through late August. This last portion of the climb should not be attempted if thunderheads loom in the area. A significant amount of exposure is involved in the last half mile of this climb and there is no shelter on the summit.
Half Dome Trail
Day 3 - Yosemite
 Day Note

Spend your last day in Yosemite recovering from yesterday's activities. Wander lazily through the redwood giants at Mariposa Grove. I really recommend taking the tour. Spend your afternoon sipping cocktails on the grounds of the beautiful Ahwanhee hotel. Treat yourself to a world-class dinner at the hotel's restaurant and celebrate your fantastic weekend get away!
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Ahwahnee Dining Room
 Cuisine: American
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.
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Mariposa Grove
 Type: Recreation & Nature Area
The trees in this grove are more than 3,000 years old, more than 50 feet around, and reach up over 300 feet seemingly to touch the sky. You can drive to the lower edge of the grove, but parking is strictly limited and you may wait in line for quite a while—better to take the free shuttle from the Wawona General Store, which departs every 15 minutes from 9a to 4:30p. Trailers and motor homes are not permitted on the Mariposa Grove Road.
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Yosemite National Park provides a selection of in-park bus tours. Each is led by a ranger who knows the area's history and geology, and who is trained to provide educational and entertaining information. For example, the Grand Tour lasts all day and combines the Glacier Point and Mariposa Grove tours. Or else, you can take a tour of the Valley Floor. Check with the Visitor Center for tour schedules.
Mariposa Grove