Visiting Yosemite

I haven't been to Northern California in several months now and I am definitely missing my visits to Yosemite National Park.  I am fortunate in that I have a home just 26 miles from the Crane Flat gate and can be in the valley floor in about forty five minutes in the off season.  I love to travel, particularly on long drives and have traveled pretty extensively throughout our beautiful country.

Today's post has several lofty ambitions.  One, I have created a group for "Road Trips" and hope to recruit many ActiveRain members to join me in suggesting and boasting about some of the great drives available in all areas of the country.  Two I want to share as much information as possible about visiting the Yosemite area and I want to give kudos of my incredible property manager's, Rod, Tara and Shirley, at Yosemite Region Resorts.

I was fortunate enough to buy my second home in Pine Mountain Lake just outside of Groveland, California five years ago...yes, I have lost a pretty substantial sum of equity, but I bought the property for the long term, so I still consider myself very lucky to own a get away in such a beautiful area.  Pine Mountain Lake is a large gated subdivision that was the brain child of Boise Cascade about thirty years ago.  There are about 2700 lots and there are still some very attractive building sites that would make a perfect location for a vacation or retirement home. 

Pine Mountain Lake is unique in that the community was developed to accommodate a wide range of interests, beside the short drive to Yosemite National Park.  My home is located across the street from the lake and just a two block walk to the marina.  There is a wonderful championship 18 hole golf course and there on homes that provide a wonderful view of the course.  Additionally, there is an area that is perfect the horse lover and the lots are large enough to board your own horses, or there is a very nice stable and the fees are quite reasonable.  Lastly, Pine Mountain Lake has one of only airports located in the Sierra Nevada's and there are homes that have plane hanger's in lieu of garages.  Fly into California's Gold Country and taxi right up to your front door.

Groveland, California is a small town situated directly on Highway 120...be sure to slow down to the 25 mph speed limit or you will surely miss it.  Albeit small in stature, Groveland has some must see and visit businesses and attractions.  Home to California's oldest continuously operating saloon, The Iron Door Saloon is a "must do".  The stone walls and  antiquities on the wall will intrigue you and be sure and ask about all the dollar bills stuck to the ceiling far above you.  Locals and tourists "belly up" to the bar and listen to some great live music that rocks or jams the saloon on most Friday and Saturday nights.

The Mountain Sage is home to a great plant nursery, coffee bar and free wireless internet.  There is great shopping for camping equipment and clothes, unique art and they sell snow chains (required in the winter if you are going to Yosemite).  Additionally, there is a wonderful gallery of Robb Hirsch's photography that should be missed.  The business is run by Rob and his lovely wife, Regina, and they have done much to contribute to the home town feel of Groveland, including an annual Sierra Earth Fest and concerts and potlucks.

The Charlotte Hotel is charming original structure that includes reasonably priced room and one of the best restaurants in the the Sierra's.  A visit to The Hotel Charlotte and a meal of Victor's famous (and incredibly reasonably priced) rack of lamb is just what is needed after a busy day of sight seeing.

There a lots of other shops and dining options, so park your car and get to know the "locals".....

Of course, Yosemite in the big draw of the area, but white water rafting on the Toulomne River is quite the adventure in the spring, with many class five rapids.  There are several raft companies that operate in the area and late May or June are usually the best months.

Visiting Yosemite in the height of the tourist season can be challenging in that it is one the most frequently visited National Parks in the country.  And, unlike a lot of most frequently visited sites in country that begin on one side and come out on the other, a visit to the valley floor is a loop back unto itself.  That said, my absolute favorite time in the park in early May or June.  The run off of the winter melt is simply awe inspiring and there are almost no tourists.  Of course, you must visit Bridalveil Falls, Yosemite Falls, Glacier Point and the world renowned Alwanhee Lodge.

For the truly brave, you can hike to the top of Half Dome, though I confess I have made only to the top of Mt. Hoffman and Sentinel Dome...hiking and rock climbing are two of the biggest draws to the area...right next to incredible scenery that inspired both Ansel Adams and John Muir.

Have I enticed you on this road trip?  If so, contact Rob, Tara or Shirley at Yosemite Region Resorts to book a vacation home in the area.  As a property owner, this is the first year I have utilized their services and I truly could not be more impressed.  They have handled every aspect of managing my property with professionalism and have marketed the home diligently....so much so  that I extended my summer commitment to include year round access.  Check out their website and give them a call.  And, just in case you are looking for a three bedroom/three bath home, check out Serendipity.