Just in case you were thinking of not going;)
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We flew to SF and drove a day into Yosemite West(quiet rental neighborhoods of single familys) and rented a house for three couples. It was pricey but not too bad for several days. The valley is not far from there.
Bought all the food along the way in the valley. Nice set of twistys throught the mountains right up into the valley.

There is a lot to see and you'll end up wanting more time. June is cool enough for shorts and the mosquitoes aren't bad. Good weather. The waterfalls dry up in late summer.

You can't raally compare Zion to Yosemite. they are both majestic but to me, Yosemite just have so much to offer.

You have kids with you? If not, I would head out early to see Sequoias and drive up to Yosemite by mid afternoon. Its about 2-3 hours depend how much traffic you encounter going into the park. We did this without kids a few years back. If you get a chance, do ride the narrow gauge logging train at Sugar Pine railroad. its a pretty cool taste of our history in the area. the biggest issue is a place to stay. If you have it, then its not an issue going into the park late. If not, I stay in Fresno or Cloves.

You will love Tahoe. Same mountain range but different beauty.

One thing about arriving at night or late afternoon, YOu don't get to see how majestic the rocks or the mountains really are. Get ready to have EL Captain hit you across the face once you exit the tunnel. IMO, the valley is a must if you have never been. The little museum is pretty cool. Bring cloth because it is cold up there.
I ahve been going up there since I was a kid, and we take our little ones up there all the time now. We never get tire of the Sierras.

Screw Turlock. Stay at the Yosemite Lodge, Tenaya, or anywhere close by. Even the hotel at Chukchansi is better than Modesto.

I'd take I-5 over the Grape Vine (old name for it), then Hwy. 99 to Visalia, then 198 from Visalia through Sequoia, and down to Fresno on 180. In Fresno you take Hwy 41 to Yosemite. You might stay in Visalia before you start through Sequoia. You won't have days of time to spend around there, so if you want to see the trees, take the walk hrough the Congress Group in the Giant Forest area. Park Naturalists give guided walks that are worthwhile if it fits into your schedule. If want to stay in the area of the park, there is a concession you can rent lodging from if there are vacancies. There is also (or used to be) a place named Stoney Creek Lodge about 10 miles outside the western boundary of the park. Sounds like an ambitious trip for 10 days.

Visalia is a whole other trip, to Kings Canyon Natl Park. I might say check out Mono Lake or Bodie the ghost town. But I5 to 99, to 41 is the way to go imo.

One interesting roadside attraction you might want to check out on the way up is Bravo Farms on the 99 just south of Fresno.

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Slight p-car content

If I won the lottery, the 1st place I would go is Yosemite and take my wife because she's never seen it.

For those that love Yosemite, go to Glacier NP in Montana. It blows Yosemite out of the water...and Yosemite is pretty amazing!

the glint in the granite is just not the same

Yosemite should be on anyone's Bucket List, no matter where in the world you live. Sequoia is my favorite NP (along with Kings Canyon, which doesn't get as much action).

Actually, the off season is the best time to see it. And you will contemplate becoming a professional photographer after visiting, because any picture you take there is quality.

Yosemite was without a doubt the best place we visited on our trip to the West Coast back in 2010 - the kids even rated it higher the Disneyland!

Here are some our photos...

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We stayed at the Wawona Hotel in Yosemite a few years ago in the spring, and it was a cool turn of the century (as in 1899) big frame hotel, with its own golf course. Here's a few photos. It is relatively low cost as compared to the others available. It has its own dining room, too. We'd go back.http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1326643591.jpg
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Views of the hotel, one fairway and clubhouse

When are you doing this? What, when and how you visit will depend on the weather.

6 hours to Yosemite from LA, depending on traffic and the number of pit stops that you make. That's to the valley, park entrance is about 5 hours.

Summer months are the busiest there. Prepare for traffic inside the park.

Sure is pretty.

Planning on going around June 4-5 for 10-11 days..

I think Im leaning on driving from LA and then to Sequoia and Kings Canyon and stopping around Fresno or so. That way i can get up early the next day and get to Yosemite in the mid morning daylight and have at least 2 full days there. I know i could spend a week there, but no time.. and yes, i need a hotel. I am NOT a camper type.. !

Sequoia and Kings Canyon are big places. Are you going to look at the big trees? For me, that takes about ten minutes - "Wow, that's a big tree, let's go." There are also the Calaveras Big Trees on Highway 4, which is one route for you to get to Tahoe. Yosemite will be crowded in June and lodging may be tough.

Went last June, camped and got snowed on but sure was beautiful...
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And don't forget to fill up before you get to the park :eek:

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