California
Yosemite

Yosemite

Yosemite in fall is a hiker’s dream, ablaze with golden hues. Traverse trails embraced by autumnal foliage, framed by iconic granite cliffs. Waterfalls cascade gracefully, and crisp air heightens the senses. Yosemite’s fall enchantment beckons adventurers to explore a Yosemite adorned in nature’s vibrant farewell.

This past fall we were able to make our dreams come true, we had some last minute time to spare and decided that we would jump on the opportunity to go visit this world renowned National Park. In this post we will go over the pre trip aspect of planning and prepping, what we did during our time in the park, what we will still be going back for and any mistakes we made on the trip. We will post individual reviews and information for each one of the hikes that we did in separate posts linked to this. Come along with us as we explore one of the United States Top National Parks the best way we know how. 

Prepping for the Trip

Where to stay

My wife and I are in the process of designing our venture into the Van Life world. To test the waters, we opted to rent a van through Outdoorsy.com, drawn to their diverse selection of vans and flexible pick-up/drop-off options. After finding a compact van with all the essentials, we planned our route within the park. Anticipating the park’s popularity, securing nightly accommodations became our main challenge. While most nights were spent in park campgrounds, the flexibility of the van allowed us to move easily. On nights without park options, we discovered convenient recreational areas just beyond the boundaries, offering secluded spots accessible via winding dirt roads.

Hiking

Mapping out hikes and activities requires careful planning. Using AllTrails, my wife and I bookmarked intriguing hikes and points of interest in Yosemite. After compiling a list, we organized similar hikes, prioritizing the must-see attractions. Yosemite’s vastness presented challenges, so having alternatives for closures, crowds, permits, or unexpected weather became crucial. We continually updated our list during travel, seeking suggestions from fellow explorers, locals, and anyone with insights. The list below details our diverse trail options, reflecting the extensive choices throughout the park—various lengths and intersecting trails included to maximize exploration possibilities and adapt to changing conditions.

  • Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias Trail
  • Vernal and Nevada Falls via Mist Trail
  • North Dome
  • Mount Dana Summit Trail
  • Clouds Rest Trail
  • Snow Creek
  • Tuolumne Meadow to Cathedral Pass
  • Tenaya Lake Trail
  • Clouds Rest Loop
  • Vernal Falls
  • Sentinel Dome and Taft Point via Glacier Point
  • Bridalveil Fall from Southside Drive
  • Artist Point Trail
  • Young Lakes Via Dog Lake Trail
  • Sunrise Lakes
  • Half Dome via the John Muir Trail
  • Upper Yosemite Falls Trail

Packing and Final Planning

Preparing for our journey involved efficient packing with a carry-on approach. Given my two days of work before meeting my wife in Fresno, she handled most of the gear. While I managed electronics and camera equipment, she expertly packed our gear included hiking packs, water bladders, and boots amid her regular items. Packing for varied weather in the canyon posed challenges, requiring warm and cold weather gear. After gathering our belongings, the remaining gap was food and water. Opting for the full van experience, we stocked up at Trader Joe’s for a variety of meals, emphasizing health and simplicity. The van came equipped with essentials, making it a seamless start to our adventure. A stop at In-N-Out Burger added a delightful treat before hitting the road.

Day 1: Upper Yosemite and More...

Arriving in Fresno a day prior, we headed to Goat Meadow Trailhead near the park entrance, staying outside to streamline our entry the next day. Keen on beating the crowds, we embarked early for Upper Yosemite Falls, a challenging yet rewarding hike. Negotiating switchbacks, side hills, and a boulder field, we reached the falls, indulging in a riverside bite. Not content, we pressed on to conquer El Capitan, relishing breathtaking views during lunch. The detour to Three Brothers added a thrilling venture amid boulders. After a refreshing river rinse, we explored the market before settling into Lower Pines campground for the night, making use of available amenities to prepare for the adventures ahead.

Day 2: Vernal and Nevada Falls

Staying at the Lower Pines Campground allowed us an early start, avoiding crowds on the Vernal and Nevada Falls loop. Lacking a Half Dome permit, we savored the scenic loop, relishing the solitude before encountering ascending hikers. Post-hike, we checked off several smaller trails, including Bridalveil Falls, Sentinel Dome, Taft Point, and a sunset spectacle at Glacier Point. These hikes offered breathtaking panoramas, and detailed reviews, along with Garmin tracking data, will be shared on this site and AllTrails. Without a booked campsite, we returned to Goat Meadow Trailhead, optimizing setup for a quick rest, gearing up for a significant hike planned for the following day.

Day 3: Clouds Rest

Embarking on an early journey, the hour-and-a-half drive from Goat Meadow to the hike’s start required a predawn departure. Stealthily exiting the trailhead, and onto the main road we emerged from the main tunnel just after sunrise, capturing a breathtaking view of the canyon bathed in morning light. Driving on the canyon’s opposite side offered spectacular perspectives, urging us to plan a sunset dinner spot with a unique valley view. After a quick breakfast at the trailhead, we commenced the hike, uncertain of its outcome. Surpassing expectations, we conquered it swiftly, reaching the summit for a panoramic view of the valley, even spotting Half Dome. A refreshing post-hike dip in a nearby lake and a pre-heated van shower marked the end of an exhilarating day. As the sun fell, we found a scenic spot to enjoy dinner, a sunset, catch up on work, and plan our final day in the park, returning to Lower Pines campground for the night.

Day 4: Last day in Yosemite

Our final day mirrored the early starts of the past few. Knowing we had to return the van in Fresno, we began by taking care of some of our Van responsibilities and then drove up to Glacier Point, aiming to catch the sunrise. After a swift 45-minute drive, we arrived early, allowing time for a hot beverage and setting up a timelapse capturing the sun rising over Half Dome and Nevada Falls. Following breakfast, we embarked on our last hike, opting for the Sequoia hike at the park’s south entrance due to time constraints. Even though the road work slowed the busses down we decided to wait for the bus before beginning to walk the 6-mile loop, offering a quieter, more immersive experience. Rushing back to meet our schedule, we skipped the bus and returned to Fresno. Cleaning the van and adhering to the host’s instructions, we bid farewell to our van adventure, relishing a long-awaited shower before packing for the return flights home.

What's left for the Next Trip

Yosemite’s vastness left much undiscovered during our trip, inspiring plans for a return. Three prominent hikes on our list include obtaining a Half Dome permit for the epic climb, exploring beyond the top of Yosemite Falls toward North Dome for face-to-face views of Half Dome, and venturing to the northeast for the expansive beauty of Tuolumne Meadows. The allure of Tenaya Lake hinted at the richness of this unexplored region. Numerous smaller hikes, lakes, and rivers beckon, underscoring Yosemite’s boundless wonders. The park’s depth invites prolonged exploration, promising new adventures with each visit, making it an enduring destination on our travel horizon.

What to do differently

This trip, organized on a whim, presented challenges due to limited planning time. More strategic planning for campsite reservations could have reduced excessive driving and allowed for a smoother experience. Additionally, some park campgrounds were closed for seasonal maintenance, highlighting the importance of trip timing. A detailed meal plan and shopping list would have curbed excess purchases during our grocery run. Regarding water, carrying 4 gallons would have sufficed, given the ease of refilling in the park. In terms of packing, opting for Salomon shoes in lieu of hiking boots would have sufficed, considering the terrain. Microfiber towels and bathing suits were missed for impromptu river swims, offering a refreshing break without wetting our hiking gear.