Hetch Hetchy is beautiful. Plus it doesn't attract the crowds that Yosemite Valley does. Great place to hike! I absolutely recommend that you consider seeing Hetch Hetchy!
Have fun planning your trip!
Kathy
Feb 18, 2010 Rating
Hetch Hetchy by: Anonymous
I've been considering alternatives and one is to spend some time in Hetch Hetchy after seeing the Valley; perhaps stay outside the Park. Lots of possibilities, huh!
Feb 16, 2010 Rating
Which Campsite To Chose?! by: Kathy Medina
I really like Camp 4 campsite the best. The problem is is that it is on a first come, first serve basis. That can be risky coming from out of the area and in May. May is a popular month to visit here. I like Camp 4 because it tends to be the quietest of the camps from my personal observations. You get more of the serious campers, hikers, backpackers than the weekend family campers.
Upper and Lower Yosemite Campgrounds both have great views of Yosemite Valley and are centrally located. These campsites would be my next recommendation to you.
Campgrounds in Yosemite all fill up fast. If your not bent of camping in a tent, I would recommend The Lodge (staying in wooden cabins) or Curry Village (the choice of staying in canvas tents or wooden cabins) We usually stay at Curry.
And I really do think the snow will be gone on the ground when you come. You will see snow up on top of these beautiful mountains though.
Have fun planning your trip. After your trip, come back and let me know how your trip went and share your favorite picture!
Kathy Medina
Feb 16, 2010 Rating
Campsites by: Anonymous
Well Kathy, your enthusiasm may just melt the snow early! The Valley is our primary goal and despite the throngs (campsites are nearly or completely full already), I'm sure nothing can detract from Muir's observations so long ago. Do you have experience with any campsites in or out of the Park that you particularly loved?
All the best,
George
Feb 15, 2010 Rating
360 Degrees Of Beauty by: Kathy Medina
Hi George,
May is a perfect month to visit Yosemite National park! The snow will be gone, the meadows will be green, the wildlife will be out and the waterfalls will be at their peak. And it won't be hot!
I have no doubt that as a backpacker, you will long to explore the Sierra Nevada Mountains that make up Yosemite. And I won't lie to you, there is a lot to explore beyond the valley floor.
But one of the best things about Yosemite is that you don't have to get on the trails to appreciate its beauty.
From the Yosemite Valley floor you can see Half Dome,upper and lower Yosemite Falls,Bridalveil Falls,El Capitan, the Three brothers, Sentinel Dome and Glacier Point! Sit by the the meandering Merced River or stand in any of the meadows and take a long look at the 360 degrees of beauty that will surround you.
If you tire of looking up, just drive up to Glacier Point and see the view looking down. Glacier Point will also give you views of Clouds Rest, Vernal Falls, Nevada Falls and a breath taking view of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range.
And since you are here for so many days, you may consider the short drive to the Big Trees. Take a tram ride through these giant trees. The smell fo their bark is amazing.
Wrap up that bum knee of yours and enjoy your visit in May! You really don't even have to get on a hiking trail to appreciate this National Park. The views from the valley floor to Glacier Point will take your breath away.
I wish you a ton of fun on your visit here! And do wrap that knee or find a way to support it because there is a lot of walking to do here even if you don't hit the trails!
