Yosemite Valley

Would love to visit Yosemite Valley for a short break . 1-2 weeks with 2 adults and 2 kids (13 & 2 year olds). What might we be looking at in terms expenditure of lodgings and food? Nothing too extravgant just being there would be the main attraction. Would appreciate any recommendations in places people have stayed and what time of year is best to visit?


Muchy thanksy

You have a number of choices. ranging from cheapest to most expensive. I have not been to Yosemite for 6 years, so the price estimates maybe off.

1) Camping. There are many camp sites in the valley. Buy a tent and warm sleeping bags from an outdoors store before entering Yosemite. It gets pretty cold at night. Last time I was there, camp sites costs about $12 per day. There are restroom and shower facilities near the camp sites. Your 13 year old will love it, not sure about the 2 yr old.

2) Tent cabins. big white canvas tents that look like little houses. Rents for about $30 per night, sleeps 6 people easily. I think they provide some blankets but not enough. you still need your own sleeping bag. Restroom and shower facilities are same as camp sites.

3) Log cabins. Little wooden houses. Some have private bath, most don't. Warmer than the tent cabins. $60 - 100 per night, maybe more expensive now.

4) Yosemite Lodge. Hotel in the valley. $200 per night and up. Better call for reservation.

5) Private lodges just out side or at the edge of the valley. $500 and up.

Moved to travel

As Oski said, there is a range of accommodation both in Yosemite Valley and just outside the park. Current (spring) rates for tent cabins start at $39/night for unheated, ranging up to a cabin with its own bathroom for $126/night. I don't know what summer rates are, but probably more.


In terms of when to go, summer has the most pleasant weather, and all the roads are open, but there are a million people and you may not be able to get accommodation even if you book now. I've been in early summer (end of June) and it was really nice, lots of wildflowers and the road over the high pass was open, but some years it doesn't open until mid-July. September (after school goes back) would also probably be nice, but starting to get cool. Winter is beautiful, but you are limited to Yosemite Valley as they don't keep the other roads open in winter.