Weekend to Yosemite

The most memorable moment was walking through the Giant Sequoias. These trees are so tall that people look like ants next to a plant when they stand next to them.

Quick Tips:

If you want to see much of the park, winter is not a good time to visit. However, it is very beautiful with all the snow around them.

April and May are good months as the snow is melting so the waterfalls are full.

Best Way To Get Around:

People can take the shuttle into the park, but most of the park people will need to walk to see the best parts. Wear comfortable shoes.

One of the best-kept secret in the Sierras. The old Sierra Sky Ranch has been lovingly restored. The 125-year-old original ranch house has a warm and friendly atmosphere from the 5 massive stone fireplaces to the warm glowing patina of the aged knotty pine. The views of the high Sierras are breathtaking whether from the full service bar and dining room or from the newly re-done pool.

There are 25 rooms individually and uniquely decorated, each with private bath and French doors that open onto the wide veranda with wicker furniture for enjoying the mountains, trees and the fresh air. Being one of the first cattle ranches and located on the Castor Grade (now Hwy 41) just 10 miles from the Southern Yosemite National Park entrance.

Through the years many dignitaries stayed at the ranch such as President Teddy Roosevelt, John Muir and of course John Wayne. The Sierra Sky Ranch has also 14 acres of pines, cedars, oaks and the planted trout stream flowing through our serene meadow.

The rooms come in three ways: king bed, 2 queens or a queen and a twin. There is no a/c, but the rooms do have ceiling fans.

We visited during February and received great rates. Our room had a king size bed and was considered a suite, as it also had a love seat.

The place offers continental breakfast, a jacuzzi, a heated pool. Our room had a coffee maker, hair dryer, and an iron. Dogs are allowed to stay in the room for a minimum fee.

It is convenient to restaurants and only 14 miles from Yosemite. It is off the main road a little so the traffic cannot bother the guests.

Hondo's is a great place to eat after spending the day exploring Yosemite. The food is exceptional (or maybe I have always been that hungry).

There is a full bar on one side of the restaurant. This bar is fashioned to look like it was in an old saloon in some cattle town. The place has quite a bit of places to sit for couples and families alike.

Everytime I eat here it gets crowded on Saturday nights.

Castillo's was a fun and great eating experience. We went on a Saturday and while it was busy, we were seated immediately. The atmosphere is festive and the place was clean.

The servers bring each person their own bowl of individual salsa, which tasted excellent. I had a strawberry margarita, which was very good.

The food was very reasonably priced. I at a shrimp dish, others at the table had enchiladas and carne asada. Everyone was pleased with their meal. We did not have to wait too long for our food either and it was extremely hot when it was served to us.

The meals were very filling and everyone was satisfied. It is easy to find the restaurant as it is located off of the main road through Oakhurst.

This is a steakhouse that is part of the ranch. The food options are slim, but the food is very good. They offer mainly steak: sirloin, New York Strip, and bacon wrapped filet mignon. On Friday and Saturdays, they also have prime rib. It includes fresh fruit as an appetizer (on the house), a salad and choice of potato. We also ordered the fried zucchini spears which were good. The cook also brands each steak after it is cooked.

They also offer a full bar, soda, tea, coffee, and water for drinks.

The atmosphere was very nice and you felt like you had stepped back in time to the old west. They have about 30 tables so the crowd eating is never too busy.

It is only open on Wed-Sat evenings.

The Sequoias are unbelievable. You can see the tree that Pres. Teddy Roosevelt drove through. (It has now fallen down though). You can also get close to trees and explore around them.

I have only visited in the spring when the park is blooming, but I have seen pictures from taken in autumn and it is gorgeous with the other trees' leaves changing colors.

Located in the Nelder Grove of giant sequoias, this one-mile long loop trail features interpretive signs exploring the history and surroundings of this giant sequoia community. More than 100 sequoias are located within the grove. The pleasant walk through the grove will take you about one hour and offers a cool place for meditation. It is also a quiet spot for exploring the spectacular sequoias.

Bull Buch stands 246 feet tall, with a circumference of 99 feet. Also notable are Grandad and the Grandkids, and the scaled model of the grove.

To reach the Shadow of the Giants Trail, take the Sky Ranch turn from Highway 41, and follow signs, about six miles, to Nelder Grove.

How about a view on top of the world?

At Glacier Point you almost feel this way. It is about 30 miles south of Yosemite Valley (really on 15, but to get there it is a 30 mile drive or a 4 hour hike). Once you are there, you can view down into the valley or 30 miles east (as long as it is a clear day).

There is an observation deck to view the sites and a Geology area which points out the different formations and explains some history.

While we were there, a man had put up his telescope to view Half Dome better. No, there were not any climbers that day.

While visiting, there is a cafe to purchase snacks or a drink. When visiting the valley, remember Glacier Point is only open during the summer. It is 7,000 feet up so during the winter it is completely snowed in.