Yosemite NP
Yosemite
National Park
March 6th - 7th, 2018
Campground: I stayed two nights in Upper Pines, located under Half Dome in Yosemite Valley. There are several options to tent or RV camp as well as options to rent yurts and cottages - book far in advance. Roads, walk-ways, and bike trails expand throughout the Valley and there are a lot of hikes and scenic vantage points.
Bathroom situation: It was way too cold to take a shower. There are options to purchase shower tokens, however they're pretty much outdoors. The bathrooms usually only have toilet paper and maybe some soap in a locked container. There are clear markings for ways to access other facilities (like ranger stations, food, and water).
Food situation: Be advised! You're in BEAR COUNTRY! Lock your food up in lockboxes. As a Type 1 Diabetic, I carry as much food with me for my whole trip as I can, leaving plenty of extra when I'm in the middle of the woods on a trip. This becomes problematic when deep in the mountains, actually very problematic. Don't leave open food out, in your car, or in your tent. Smelly food leads to investigative animals who are used to interacting with humans by this point. They don't feel threatened like you'd think.
Ranger situation: The village is pretty centrally located with roads leading in and out of the different campgrounds and stores - plus there are a lot of ranger stations and call boxes available if needed. Do remember that while hiking and exploring, there are medical resources available but you're not close to a major hospital - you would need to get air-lifted out of the area once clear of the valley.
Time of year visited: VERY important to know what roads are open when visiting, the entire park is NOT open in the winter months due to snow. The Tioga Road north of the park is close to 10,000ft elevation before descending down into the valley floor. I went in March when there was a foot of snow on the ground, the Serra Nevada Mountains can be unforgiving. Keep that in mind!
Recommended time to visit: If you can go, GO. Any time is beautiful, just be prepared!
Stay prepared
4-wheel drive with snow tires is highly recommended. If you're not equipped and heading into snowy conditions, carry chains! You may be required to put them on your car to enter a National Park when it snows heavily. Hairpin turns with a lot of traffic are risky when you're on bald and lose tires, drive safe and know your limits.
caMPING gEAR
Camped under Half Dome for two nights at Upper Pines campground. I carry 2 REI Sleeping Pods with me, one for each Forest and I. They're great, but anything below freezing and you're really feeling it. It was in the single digits both nights and my tent was in a foot of snow. The bright rays of the sun set early when you're in the valley - warmth and light start to go away by 4:30-5pm some times of the year.
Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls