How to Pick The Best Yosemite Lodging
Well over 4 million visitors pack this national park each year, mainly in the summer months. If you plan to see the park, you will want to plan as soon as possible for the Yosemite Lodging that's the best fit for you and your loved ones. And there are many things to consider, especially if there are varying interests (hiking, skiing, fishing, etc.). The purpose of this eHow will be to cite different aspects to consider should you choose to vacation at this beautiful location.
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The Misty Trail
First, plan your objectives for Yosemite. That is, are we talking about a day visit, a week long camping trip, or a romantic weekend get away? Knowing this answer will obviously affect the lodging arrangements. For example, if it's only a one day tour, then an economical motel or hotel outside the park is probably what you need. If it's camping inside the park grounds, then reserving a camp site may be what you need, and these fill up real fast; they can usually be reserved up to a year in advance. RVs are a similar process to camping. In the camping option, the park has its own internal reservation procedure, and going to their web site is a good place to start (nps.gov).
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Next, from what location are you going to enter the park? There are four entrances to Yosemite (an entrance from the east; a southern entrance; and two entrances from the west). If you live east of the park and wanted to enter by car through the eastern entrance, the time of year is critical since this entrance is limited due to winter weather. The Tioga road is closed during winter months, so lodging will be a mute point if you could only visit through the high country. Once the route into the park is known, you can narrow the lodging options based on geographic location unless you will be staying inside the park.
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Now, at what season are you going to visit the park? Because, as previously mentioned, the time of year can affect lodging options. Summer will bring the most traffic and thus the most demand for rooms. The "off" season (typically from October through May) will give you not only more availability but usually better prices for lodging. If possible, plan to visit in the off season.
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Upper Yosemite Fall
Finally, what is your budget for lodging? If the vacation fund is limited, your best lodging option may be a good motel outside the park as they usually compete for the budget-conscious customer. If money isn't an issue in the planning, then there are other options, even within the park. The most famous Hotel is in Yosemite Valley (The Ahwanhnee) and is a fabulous place to see and lodge, but will be priced for the affluent market. Another option within the park are privately owned homes/condos/cottages that are rented year round in less-traveled locations. If money is tight and you don't mind camping or living in a park tent, these can be an excellent way to bring family together at a reasonable price, but again, you must reserve with the appropriate officials with plenty of time to spare. If you choose this option, it is very important to consider the normal weather conditions during that particular time of year. The valley is located at about 4,000 feet so the temperature drops sharply at night in the Fall and Spring. Be prepared for cold nights and a chance of rain or snow!
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Tips & Warnings
Yosemite lodging is a very important part of trip preparation. Keep in mind that your favorite destinations within the park may be worth lodging near.
It takes about 1 1/2 hours to get to the valley from the entrance at Hwy 41, so be sure you don't mind driving that distance if planning to stay outside of the park.
Make sure you carry chains any time in the "off" season as weather changes rapidly in the mountains.
