Planning next summers vacation

[AZsix]

OK, I know that it's only Sept and there is still plenty of camping left this year. However I am already trying to plan our vacation for next summer, our first summer with our PUP. My original plan was going to Yosemite. However I have been seeing some posts saying how nice Sequoia is. I know that you have to make reservations at Yosemite and that they fill up fast.

I would like to hear your thoughts on which one would be better. We have never been to either place so it will be a new experience for us either way. My inlaws live in SoCal so we are going to tie the vacation into a trip down that way to visit them. We are planning on going in early June while CA schools are still in session. Here in AZ our kids get out May 22nd this school year. We had rented a camper a few years ago and went to San Diego in early June and we found the cg a little more than half full and the attractions not that crowded.

We have four kids 10, 8 yr old twins and a five yr old so that needs to be taken into consideration. I am not going to mention the bears to them before I have to otherwise they probably won't want to go to either place.

I am leaning toward Yosemite only because of what I have seen online, in books and on TV looks breathtaking.

I look forward to hearing all your thoughts and opinions.

[AZsix]

I forgot to ask about the weather in both places at that time of year as we do not have a/c in the PUP.

[CajunCamper]

I love planning ahead, so don't think you're alone. I wish I could help you with info on Yosemite and Sequoia, but I've never been to either one. I do hve a questions though, aren't those two parks pretty close to each other? If so if time allows maybe you could kill two birds with one stone.

Happy Camping

CajunCamper

[BuddyBear]

Sounds like a great adventure..

Here's a fun link, there is also a link to Sequoia at the bottom.

Yellowstone

It's never to early to start planning..
BB

[Russinator]

I've been to both parks and they are both wonderful. However, IMHO, Yosemite is much better. If you go to Yosemite, do yourself a favor and don't spend the entire time in the valley. Take a day and see the high country. It's beautiful up there and there's a lot less people.

The two parks [Yosemite and Sequoia] aren't next to each other, but they aren't that far apart either. On one trip we did visit both parks, spending a few days in each one.

Russ

[AZsix]

I love planning ahead, so don't think you're alone. I wish I could help you with info on Yosemite and Sequoia, but I've never been to either one. I do hve a questions though, aren't those two parks pretty close to each other? If so if time allows maybe you could kill two birds with one stone.

Happy Camping

CajunCamper

It's not that I usually plan way ahead of time but on the Yosemite site it says that reservations are required and it gives a schedule of when you can make them depending on the week you are going. It says that most spots fill up minutes after they start taking reservations.

It would be nice to go to both parks but with the visit in SoCal to the inlaws we wouldn't have enough time.

[austinado16]

We've been to Yosemite (about 3-1/2hrs from here) quite a few times.  It's beautiful, so make that your destination.  We've camped in Wawona CG a couple times (car tent camping) and I've stayed in upper pines once.  

The only thing I don't like about Yosemite is the whole "make a reservation umpteen months in advance" thing.  But, if you can get it figured out, and get a spot, you're golden.

There is a creek running along side Wawona, so that's really great.  It's at 4,000' elevation.

If you come in the south entrance on highway 41, Oakhurst, CA is the last town you'll come through.  About 12mi out of Oakhurst, towards the park is a steam train attraction with a big 6 wheel drive Shay(sp?) logging locomotive and cars, plus a bunch of smaller cars in with a trolley type "train."  The kids will love going for a ride.  They have a couple miles of track laid into the hillside and forest.  Very cool.

Just outside of the park entrance is seperate campground that you can reserve online as well.....maybe via //www.recreation.gov?  "Summer Dale is it's name. It's only about a mile or 2 from the south entrance on 41.  I've car tent camped there a couple times too.

Right as you come through the south entrance, hang a right and go 2 miles up to the Mariposa Redwood tree grove and take the tram or hike up and around to see all the big Sequoia's.  Awesome.  Then head back and continue on into the park.  Be sure to hit Glacier Point on the way to the valley floor.  Breath taking views as you are about 1mi higher than, and over looking, the whole valley.  

Definately get over to the north side of the park.  Seems like there's a drive through Sequoia somewhere near the west entrance?

Also, there is horseback riding down in the valley floor, but I think the minimum age is 7 or 8.

Temps will be decent, maybe 80's, possibly low 90's, but it's 4000'-7000' so it cools off at night.

[BuddyBear]

Yosemite
OOPS..
I thought I read Yellowstone..
I must be dreaming again.. :
I really want to go to Yellowstone.
BB