My husband thought I was insane when I began ferociously planning our Spring Yosemite Trip, last Christmas.To be honest, so did I, but I wanted to get ahead of the crowd in order to find a great location that was available.
The experience was incredible. Spring is definitely the time to go, and one week before the Memorial Holiday the park seemed less crowded than it could have been. Thanks to Kee and Aaron for joining us and keeping the laughter and energy going from dawn til dusk. Also for the yummy dinner you shared!
Here is a collection of things we found useful in helping us have such a successful trip, including lodging, things to pack, and a story about a girl with acrophobia.
Spoiler alert. I am in fact still alive.
Planning Yosemite can be overwhelming. Do we camp? Do we lodge in a nearby town? Is it worth spending extraordinary amounts of cash to stay in one of the Valley's posh hotels?!
To survive the onslaught of choices, I narrowed down my goals to three things:
1. As near to the park as possible.
2. Affordable.
3. Running Water/plumbing (TMI - I have a bladder the size of a pea).
With that focus, the choice was easily narrowed down to Yosemite West Condominiums, located in the park. Our condo was less than $170.00 per night, and since we were traveling with friends, lodging here was a no brainer.
We didn't really know what to expect from the condo, but overall we were extremely happy with what we found. If you're trying to decide where to stay on your trip, here are my personal thoughts on this location.
Pros:
1. Convenience - This cute condo complex is extremely close to scenic areas. Located in Yosemite West, you're a half mile drive to the entrance to Glacier Point and a 9 mile drive back down to Tunnel View! This will be your view every time you enter and leave the Valley floor:
Tunnel View, Yosemite National Park
Yosemite West at sunset
2. Secluded.- The complex is located high in the Sierras without many neighbors. Even on busy evening's with everyone returning from the Valley it was rather quiet. Great if you've just finished a grueling hike a need to catch to ZZZzzzzzs.
3. Comfortable - enough to sleep two couples or more!. Two queen beds in the upper loft and a pull out couch below. The loft had a pull divider for extra privacy.
Cons:
I really only have one con, which by no means is a deal breaker, but we did find it humorous:
1. Tiny kitchens! Literally enough room for one person cooking. It was comical trying to watch all four of us maneuver in and out to chop vegetables, brew coffee, and wash dishes.
All of this being said, every time we left the valley we'd come across a magical view like the one below. I have to admit there is something extremely special about camping down on the valley floor, spending all of your time out in the elements. I'm really leaning towards camping next time around. (Washrooms can be found at nearby Camp Curry)
The spring weather in Yosemite can be unpredictable. Back home I feared I'd over packed, but quickly realized how thankful I was to have all the gear we brought along!
My picks for essential gear
Rain wear - My Helly Hanson came to my rescue during short bursts of rain, snow, and waterfall spray. Yes, we experienced all three in two days!
Quality Hiking Boots - Waterfall trails will be wet and slippery! Make sure you have good traction and ankle support.
Ear Warmers and Gloves - My ears and hands get extremely cold. My little Columbia headband did the trick most of the time. If you're at all sensitive to cold, you'll be much more comfortable wearing these.
Hiking Pack - A must to carry camera gear, food and water with you.
Headlamps - In case you want to extend the hike well into dusk. Sometimes this can be so worth it!
Photography specific:
I swear by my little Joby tripod. It's made for DSLR's so my Sony fit just fine. It's weightless, snaps onto the back of my pack, and invaluable for low light or long exposure photographs around the park. I wouldn't have been able to shoot half of the photos I took with out this little guy. I would highly recommend this over lugging a full size tripod up to the top of Yosemite Falls!
Lenses - please if nothing else being you Iphone! I love my little Sony 55 prime, but for landscapes if can be tricky to use. My 14 mm super wide Rokinon was a superb addition to my arsenal. Most shots taken here are with it.
Bridal Veil Falls, Sony A7sii, Rokinon 14mm
The biggest adventure we went on was our hike to the top of Yosemite Falls. I will be completely honest with you, sadly I did not make it to the top. There is a reason you don't see many people with acrophobia on this trail. I found that out the hard way when I eventually reached the point of being frozen in fear from the dizzying views around me.
My personal take on my acrophobia is that it is completely illogical. The vast wide open space, somehow make me feel as if I am about to tumble to my death even through there is stable ground all around me.
At the midpoint of our hike I found myself unable to move, look down, or look forward. The only thing I could do was stare at the rock face opposite of the gorgeous view below tears streaming down my cheeks, frantically trying to calm myself down to no avail.
Moments later I heard a woman with a Dutch accent ask if I was ok. Strangers came to my aid! I'll never forget her husband taking my hand and helping through a few scary switchbacks so I could catch up with my group.
I was able to take the photographs below because of their kindness. Thank you! Also, to my dear husband who helped through the rest of our trip when the sights were too much for me. I know that wasn't much fun!
Upper Yosemite Falls
Mirror Lake
I can't wait until our next trip. There are so many more trails and experiences to be had in this majestic park. Glacier Point is absolutely on the list, as well as a few new sunrise and sunset photography locations. Until then Yosemite.
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