My love for Yosemite Valley and the Sierra Nevada extends much beyond the breathtaking beauty that is so obvious to the casual visitor. I have spent more time in Yosemite than anywhere outside my home and have acquired the long-standing nickname "Yosemite S.A.M." (my initials). From the absolute beauty of Yosemite Valley shrouded in winter's snow to the recreation and the rushing currents of the Merced river in the spring, Yosemite is an ideal place to relax the mind and invigorate the soul. Several campgrounds are available during the summer months. The elegant Awahnee Hotel and the affordable Yosemite Lodge are available year-round (weather permitting). My tip is to go during January and February when the crowds are down and the scenery is unbeatable.

South of Yosemite National Park is the popular Sequoia National Park. Sequoia is very popular for families in spring and summer months and reservations are required for most campgrounds. My personal favorite is the Dorst campground. There are many popular hiking trails (easy to moderate) and activities for families in the park.

For those who would like to avoid the frequent crowds of Yosemite in the spring and summer, I will suggest the much more isolated Cedar Grove area of King's Canyon National Park. Cedar Grove is accessable via a 45 minute drive from the northern entrance of Sequoia National Park. Campsites are available on a first-come basis (unlike Yosemite) and it is rare that the four maintained campgrounds are full.

I have included several photographs of Yosemite and the Sierras on my Gallery Page

Here are a few links that I think may be of value...

The Yosemite Valley Homepage

Yosemite Online: The Yosemite Association

Yosemite Area Traveler Information

My Mecca: The Ansel Adams Gallery

National Park Service: Yosemite National Park

National Park Service: King's Canyon National Park

National Park Service: ParkNet

Sierra Club's John Muir Homepage

Sierra Nevada: The John Muir Trail


 

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