Glamping 2023: Yosemite

We weren’t able to do as much “Glamping” this summer as usual because we had guests staying with us in Redondo Beach and Palm Springs. But what we missed in quantity was more than made up for in quality at Yosemite. And as we discovered, the waterfalls in Yosemite were flowing later into the season than usual because of the crazy rains we had in California this year. So that was a majot plus.

Yosemite should definitely be on your list - bucket or other, to visit.

If you are not familiar with the idea of Glamping, here’s what you need to know.

“Glamping is short for glamorous camping and is a blend of exploring nature with modern amenities,”

Think of Glamping as leaving your camping gear behind as you step into a world of lavish accommodations set amidst the most breathtaking natural backdrops.

This might be a fully furnished safari-style tent, yurt or a stylish geodesic dome equipped with plush bedding, elegant furnishings, and private decks. Or in the case of AutoCamp - a fully decked out Airstream.

Some locations even have on-site spa services, gourmet meals prepared by talented chefs, and locally sourced culinary delights. One of the best sushi dinners we ever had was at Treebones in Big Sur. You can read more about that trip here.

So basically think of sipping fine wine around a crackling firepit or enjoying a candlelit dinner under twinkling starry skies.

AUTOCAMP YOSEMITE

We’ve stayed at other AutoCamp locations, but AutoCamp Yosemite is by far our favorite. It is located about 37 miles from Yosemite Valley on CA 140 which runs right into the park.

This location has a great club house, pool, scenic grounds and electric car chargers for the EV drivers out there. As mentioned above the Airstreams at these locations are quite luxe with build outs you most likely wouldn’t have on a trailer you were hauling around. Great A/C, shower, bed and wi-fi. Not your tent on the ground for sure.

BRIDALVEIL FALL

This (approximately) 620 ft waterfall is the one you see from the famous Tunnel View overlook and well worth stopping by and hiking as close as you can safely get.

Looming directly above the falls is Cathedral Rock, and across the valley the massive face of El Capitan, along with the instantly recognizable Half Dome looming at the end of the valley in between.

Bridalveil Fall is not only one of the most famous of Yosemite's waterfalls, but it is also among the most consistent. Unlike the much taller waterfalls on the north side of the valley, Bridalveil flows all year long thanks to a large basin with lakes, marshes and meadows to help retain groundwater late into the summer.

YOSEMITE TUNNEL VIEW

You have most likely seen this iconic awe inspiring view at a lookout point that is many visitors first peak of Yosemite Valley.

As you emerge from the Wawona Tunnel an incredible panorama stretches out before your eyes. Towering granite cliffs rise with their rugged beauty lending an air of immortality to the landscape.

El Capitan, with its sheer rock face, commands attention, while Bridalveil Fall cascades gracefully from towering heights.

The sweeping expanse of Yosemite Valley unfolds in front of you. Meadows embrace the winding Merced River, glistening like a silver ribbon against the lush green canvas. Majestic sequoias whisper secrets from distant ages, standing tall and proud in their ancient wisdom.

Across the valley, Half Dome's domineering presence and silhouette summon adventurers to conquer the granite summit. if it is flowing you may also see the mist of Yosemite Falls.

Capture the moment with your camera, simply stand in awe, or do both. Chances are you’ll see photographers, tourists and possibly even a painter doing the same. With your visit to Yosemite Tunnel View, prepare to be captivated, astonished, and forever transformed by a place that defies description and invites you to revel in the splendor of timeless beauty.

YOSEMITE FALLS

Towering over wilderness of Yosemite Valley, this iconic waterfall offers an unforgettable experience to all who are fortunate enough to observe its grandeur.. With an impressive drop of 2,425 feet, Yosemite Falls is the tallest waterfall in North America, captivating visitors with its thunderous roar as it cascades down the colossal granite cliffs. As the crystal-clear water plummets into the mist-clad valley below, a breathtaking spectacle of mist, rainbows, and swirling currents are created, captivating the senses and immersing you in its mesmerizing energy.

During the spring season, the might of the falls reach its peak, as snowmelt from the surrounding mountains revitalizes the flow, creating a powerful torrent that echoes throughout the valley. In contrast, summer days offer a gentler cascade, allowing visitors to explore the granite slopes, admire the lush vegetation, and perhaps even take a dip in the tranquil pools nearby.

Beyond its visual splendor, Yosemite Falls carries a rich cultural and historical significance. For centuries, this natural wonder has been revered by the indigenous tribes who consider it a sacred place, where the spirit of the falls bestows blessings upon the land. It has also inspired countless artists, photographers, and writers who have sought to capture its magnificence and share it with the world.

(Did the preceding section seem a bit flowery? I didn’t write the blurb about Yosemite Falls, it was generated by AI.)

MARIPOSA GROVE OF SEQUOIA TREES

Nestled within the embrace of Yosemite National Park, the Mariposa Grove is an enchanting sanctuary for the magnificent sequoia trees, inviting visitors from around the world. Unveiling an ethereal realm, the Mariposa Grove boasts an ecosystem that has thrived for centuries.

Audaciously breaking through the forest canopy, the ancient sequoias soar towards the heavens, their massive trunks reaching unimaginable heights. Be prepared to lose yourself amidst these steadfast sentinels, as their colossal presence fosters a sense of peace, tranquility, and deep-rooted respect for the marvels of nature.

Wandering through this lush haven, admire the extraordinary resilience of the sequoias, some of which have stood witness to significant moments in history. The steadfast Grizzly Giant, with its gnarled bark and enormous girth, has silently withstood the tests of time. I’ve heard it estimated be 3,000 years old. On the trail you’ll first come to the Bachelor and Three Graces, the the Grizzly Giant and past that, the famous tunnel tree.

The Mariposa Grove is located right after the entrance (or exit) to the park on route 41, Wawona Rd, at the south entrance to the park. After you park, hop on the free shuttle to take you to the trailhead. The buses seemed to be running every few minutes when we were there.

EL CAPITAN

Did Tom Cruise really climb this naked using only his teeth? Just kidding,

Imposing, awe-inspiring, and daredevil-worthy, El Capitan Yosemite stands tall as a 3,000 foot high testament to the indomitable spirit of nature. This iconic vertical granite monolith, piercing the skies of Yosemite National Park, has captured the imagination of adventurers, climbers, and nature enthusiasts for generations.

Ascending to a staggering height of 3,000 feet, El Capitan asserts its dominance over the Yosemite Valley. Its sheer face presents an unrivaled challenge to even the most seasoned climbers, inviting them to push their physical and mental limits to conquer its treacherous cliffs. Scaling El Capitan is a feat only accomplished by the bold, determined to test their mettle against nature's most formidable masterpiece.

El Capitan's beauty extends beyond its physical prominence. As the golden sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of pink and orange, the monolith becomes a canvas for nature's masterful artistry. Echoes of cascading waterfalls reverberate through the valley, creating a symphony of sights and sounds that stir the soul.

For those who prefer to take in the beauty from a distance, El Capitan offers numerous vantage points. Whether standing at Tunnel View or gazing from the Valley Floor, one cannot escape the magnetic pull of this dominant presence, forever etching itself into the memory of all who witness its splendor.

When we were doing the floor tour, the guide said that he did see a few climbers on the rocks which would be unique in late August. I didn’t see them but Laksika said she did. Which brings me to the….

YOSEMITE VALLEY FLOOR TOUR

I’m not much into structured tours but this one was well worth doing.

Available year-round, the Yosemite Valley Floor Tour is approximately 2 hours long and can be enjoyed during the warm months in an open-air tram, and during the colder months from the comfort of a heated motor coach with panoramic windows. Led by park rangers and Yosemite Hospitality naturalists, you’ll get to see all of the highlights at Yosemite, as you learn about the history, flora, and fauna throughout the park.

It leaves from the Yosemite Valley Lodge which is easy to get to from most points in the park.

WILDLIFE IN THE PARK

It is a national park. Yes, there are bears, coyotes, deer etc in the park. I’ve heard that there might be up to 500 Black Bears. We didn’t see any bears or coyotes but we did see…..

AHWAHNEE HOTEL

Not exactly Glamping, we did stay in this landmark hotel in the park for a few nights.

Since its grand opening in 1927, this landmark has welcomed travelers. Step through the doors and you are in a world where rustic charm seamlessly blends with comfort. Adorned with Native American art and Craftsman-style architecture, every corner of this historic retreat exudes a sense of enchantment and sophistication. The hotel's renowned dining room is quite well know but it was undergoing some renovations while we were there as was the exterior of the building.

A few things to know if you are thinking of booking a stay at the Ahwahnee:

The wi-fi is terrible. We often had a better cell signal for using the internet from outside.
If you arrive right before the check in time of 4 PM, expect a traffic jam outside.
The staff was very friendly but everything didn’t quite happen as they said it would.
Showers had great pressure and hot water.
Bed was very comfortable.

Next time we go to Yosemite - and we are going again, our preference would be to stay in a cabin or tent at Curry Village. They don’t have wi-fi and don’t make believe they do.

BIKING AND RAFTING

I was surprised at how many people were bike riding in the valley. Many brought their own and there are a few spots that rent what look like Strand Cruisers to me. We love biking through nature and that will be included in our next trip for sure.

By the time we finally found the raft rentals at Curry Village - they were all sold out for the day. But Laksika went into the river anyway, lol.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Whether on your bucket list or just your travel list, this is a must see destination. I was somewhat surprised to at how many people were there, even for the end of August. The roads in are twisty and the park is a long drive from anywhere. Surprisingly, I did notice some EV chargers in the valley but didn’t check out what the connections were.