Yosemite -- or National Parks in Utah

are you into camping? that may be an option?

I have similar plans to fly around May end or in the beginning of June & most of my friends flew first to SLC. There are two routes through Wyoming to take you into Yellowstone. The first heads through Rock Springs and Pinedale, while the second route goes through Cokeville and Alpine. Both routes meet in Jackson and head through Grand Teton National Park.

** DO NOT MISS Grand Teton Natonal Park **

On the other hand, you can even fly to Jackson Airport in WY. This is one of the most beautiful airports & this leaves everyone spellbound the moment you arrive. Distance to Yellowstone from this airport is hardly around 49 miles but its REALLY EXPENSIVE to fly to Jackson.

Hope this helps!

Thanks,
Chandan

Personally, I think the best way to get the Yosemite experience is by camping in the valley. However, reservations normally get full the day they are open so it definitely takes planning. Attached is the link for when reservations open for different parts of the year ( http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourv...amping.htm ). Keep in mind that if you are backpacking this requires a different pass and is often times MUCH easier to get, however you do need to be conscious of areas to camp since just setting up a camp off of any of the big trails is not acceptable (and the park rangers will definitely make sure you are aware by having you pack up and move).

However, if you want a similar national park experience, try Kings Canyon or Sequoia national parks. Personally, I LOVE these parks because they tend to be less crowded!

Antelope Canyon is a short visit. (I lived in Page for awhile) and it's a fair bit from canyonlands, but if your up that way you can do Mesa Verde, Durango, or bike Moab as well. As for me I can always enjoy another trip to zion. But if you have not done Yosemite I'd look at options that can get you nearby and still get to the canyon on day trips. But if not their is a lot to see in southeast Utah.

Quote from ropiv : February 28...and we suddenly find ourselves in a unique situation -- where we can take a very long vacation (10 to 14 days). We've been wanting to do Yosemite, but it seems most of the hotels are already booked (the ones close to the park's entrance). We're looking at a trip around the last week in May --- or the first week in June. We do have some flexibility. Flying out of Richmond, VA. 1) Does anyone have any good suggestions for motels in/around the Yosemite area? It seems all are either already full / very expensive / or a very long ways away. 2) If you are a Utah fan -- keep in mind that we've done Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park. Would probably want to focus on Arches and/or Canyonlands (and/or Antelope Canyon). Any and all suggestions appreciated. Thanks!

If you want to do Yosemite and the hotels in or around it are booked and don't want to camp you can usually rent a private residence in Yosemite National Park itself. It's not down in the valley like Camp Curry but it's atleast in the park. Check out Wawona vacation rentals.

http://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rent...ite/wawona

Also, check out the availability of Tenaya? It's open but is a bit pricey. They frequently popup on Jetsetter though for a good sized discount. Actually here you go - http://www.jetsetter.com/hotels/c...1&ca=image

Actually, I just checked and Camp Curry is available the last week in May. Tent cabin but whatever, that's part of the atmosphere. Just bring your earplugs to sleep with

Some things to consider:

Yosemite may not be completely open by late May. I made a gamble in 2011 on Memorial day weekend and the half dome was not open (I got the permit too!), Tioga Pass was not open.

There is no way to predict opening days for some of these must-see highlights... Here is the link for the historetical Tioga Pass road openings:

http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourv...gaopen.htm


Yosemite had a Hantavirus outbreak. Think twice and do research before camping there.

http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourv...ntafaq.htm

Having said that, I think Yosemite is the prettiest National Park in America! (My favorite is still Zion...)

Utah is amazing. Even if you skip Zion, Bryce, and the Grand Canyon (have you been to both North and South Rim?)
There is a warm deal to pick up a Hertz rental car in AZ and drop it off in UT/CA/NVCO/WY 14 days later with no dropoff fees. The last pickup day is May 31. The maximum rental period is 14 days. $17 per day.

http://slickdeals.net/f/5889252-H...95-per-day

Pick up the car in Phoenix and work your way up to Salt Lake City, or maybe even Denver!

Mammoth or Lake Tahoe are both places kinda near by.
I would much rather spend 10 days at one of those places.