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Weekend getaway started on a friday post lunch from SFO to Yosemite village.
Although it shows 4 hours in google map ,it took us around 6 hours of drive as its typical friday evening added up with as usual SFO traffic.
Along the route we passed through San Luis reservoir and had dinner at Mariposa which is the closest city before entering the National Park.
Do not forget to filled up gas tank here, as there are no gas station in National Park.
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We reached Half Dome village, Yosemite ⛰ around 9 PM where we had tent cabin booking⛺️
Place is bit offroad and don’t have proper sign to reservation desk. However, we managed through google maps(offline).
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Booking needs to be made advance,as most of time its fully occupied.Booking can be done at : travelyosemite.com
Its “A quiet place” zone due to presence of wildlife.
Surprised to see some Things to do(NOT) inside tent
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Time to sleep.
End of day 1.
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Day started with beautiful view of half dome and mandatory breakfast at Half dome village.
There are plenty of options for breakfast.
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Post breakfast, we took yosemite valley shuttle till start of trail. The shuttle operator was giving info regarding trails and occasionally making funny remarks.
In busy day, you may have to wait for bus for over 30 min. Walking to/from the half dome village bus stop may be better choice.
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Trail starts with
1 - John Muir Vernal Falls Trailhead, Yosemite Valley, CA
Moderate
Its the longest trail we covered in this trip.
Trail is covered with groomed gravel and occasional stairs. And offcourse breathtaking view at end.We are lucky to catch a glimpse of rainbow along trail.
Do not forget to take “Rain poncho” if you want to hike till top and save yourself from getting drenched.
We started back trekking and took shuttle for next spot.
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2 - Mirror Lake Trailhead, Yosemite Valley, CA
Easy
Its about 2 mile loop trail with splendid view.Not much populated and peaceful.
One can trailback along same route or can take a loop.
We headed back to Half Dome Village .
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Had lunch at Half dome village.
Post lunch,we headed towards
3 - Brideveil Falls , Mariposa, CA
Easy
Its a spot with incredible view and you can literally go to streambed.
Note : Trail is bit narrow and slippery
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Its time for the most awaiting scenic spot
4 - Yosemite, Tunnel View, Wawona Rd, CA
Nothing to say, the pic speaks itself.
Windows and iOS wallpapers.
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Not done for the day yet.
Headed 1 hour scenic drive to last point for the day.
5 - Glacier Point, Glacier Point Road, Yosemite Valley, CA
Worth riding to this spot. We are lucky as road was opened just day or two before.
Along the route you will pass through :
- Tunnel
- Ski resort (Yosemite Ski & Snowboard Area)
- McGurk Meadow Trailhead
- Ostrander Lake Trailhead
- Mono Meadows Trailhead
- Sentinel Dome Trailhead
- Washburn Point
Fact : This place is just 4 mile trek from half dome village.
Things i missed : A Binocular
Note : Roads closed during winter
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Headed to Visalia City,CA
End of day 2.
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New Day,New Place
Its time for Sequoia National Park.
Along to route from Visalia to Sequoia,we came across countless number of orange groves.
There’s an option to go for river rafting in Kaweah river which is along the route (Sierra Drive) towards Foothills Visitor Center, Generals Hwy, Three Rivers, CA.
We started with first spot at
1 - Tunnel Rock
Good place for quick pose.
Its side by the route and parking is limited.
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2 - HospitalRock Trailhead
Good place for quick hike.
The pictographs on the rock are impressive.
Its sacred site for local California indian tribe.
There’s short trail down to the river with some hidden staircases.
Its a family picnic spot.
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After 1st stop, long drive in zigzag road to Giant Forest Museum, Generals Hwy, Three Rivers, CA
3 - Tree Log Tunnel (Trail)
Easy
Its a 30 min trail to Tree log tunnel.
Along the route came across giant sequoia trees and uprooted giant roots and its worth visiting.
Along the trail, one can cover Moro Rock trail.
Note : Vehicles are NOT allowed during winters
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Next spot is to cover the
4 - General Sherman
Easy
Its a trail with benches for quick rest.
Its the largest tree in the earth with respect to trunk volume.The redwoods are enormous and are estimated to be around 2,300-2,700 years old.Some are even older.
Worth mentioning “Largest living entity on this planet”
You really need to visit this place to appreciate it.
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We missed the Crystal cave as its closed for the season.Also, you need to purchase ticket online in advance at : https://www.recreation.gov/tourParkDetail.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=135840
Time for lunch at Lodgepole Visitor Center, Lodgepole Rd, Sequoia National Park, CA
Headed back to SFO passing through Kings Canyon National Park.
Reached SFO around 9 PM.
End of day 3.
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Best time to visit : June-Sept
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