Melissa goes to Yosemite

Where to stay, where to hike, and some pro tips to keep you stress-free

We spent 2-1/2 days in November 2021 exploring Yosemite National Park in northern California. By popular request, I’ll share our entire itinerary and tips for you, plus a few important caveats.

General Yosemite

Yosemite is a huge park, with various recreation areas some 90 minutes or more apart from each other. Most people think of Yosemite Valley as the park, and that’s certainly the most popular place to sightsee and recreate, with the most facilities. But there are other outlying areas that are less crowded and spectacularly beautiful.’

Note, reservation are not currently required for 2023, but that can change, so keep an eye on requirements through the NPS website.

There are very few roads through the park, and they’re extremely seasonal.