Things to Do on the Way to Yosemite

Yosemite National Park has always been one of my favorite places. 

I'm fortunate to live within an hour or so (with traffic, about 90 minutes) from the southern park entrance at Fishcamp (Hwy. 41.) Because I live so close, I've never stayed inside the park itself, except for an overnight camping trip as a teen-ager. In high school and college, I spent many winter week-ends skiing at Badger Pass. 

The view from Glacier Point is spectacular and I never tire of it.  I like to pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it at one of meadows on the way to, or from, Glacier Point.  I also remember the Glacier Point Lodge which no longer exists. Unfortunately, the first of my many visits to Yosemite came after they discontinued the nightly (summer only) "firefalls" from Glacier Point.

When I'm in Yosemite Valley, a stop at the Ahwahnee Hotel is a must - in the spring or summer, a cool drink on the patio...always a walk through the lobby and giftshop. I usually park my car there, taking the buses and shuttles to other valley areas. A walk to the base of Yosemite Falls is pleasant; when the falls are running full, the mist will cool you off.

I miss the "Pioneer Village" that was set up adjacent to the Wawona Hotel for many years, but I still like to stop and take a brief walk around. It's the largest existing Victorian style hotel located in a US national park and was constructed over 42 years (1876 - 1918). Don't miss the covered bridge off to the side of the hotel grounds. In season, Sunday brunch is always enjoyable.  It's also fun to see the golfers as you drive by. 

The main purpose of this article is to explain some of  the attractions found along Highway 41, which is the highway travelers coming from the Fresno area, or southern California, generally use.