July 28th, 29th
We didn’t quite make it to Yosemite in one day from San Francisco. We decided to splurge and stay at the Best Western in Angels Camp, about 70 miles from the park. I love Best Western! Definitely the nicest hotels we have stayed in on this trip.
Half Dome at Yosemite
We left the next morning, headed for Yosemite. It took us a little longer than we anticipated, and by the time we got there all the first come/first serve campgrounds were full. So we just drove through and decided to find a camp just outside the park.
Breathtaking Yosemite
Yosemite is not nearly as big as Yellowstone, and we didn’t see any wildlife there other than a few deer. But, it is breathtaking scenery. There is even less to do if you have dogs than in Yellowstone, as most of the geographical wonders are only accessible by hiking trails, where dogs are not allowed.
Mountain Stream at Yosemite
However, all was not lost. We enjoyed our driving tour and took some amazing photographs! I can see why this is a destination for many. This part of the country is so different than anything I have ever seen, it’s amazing that to me that there is so much variety in one country.
The lakes at Yosemite are crystal clear!
It took us a couple of hours to drive through the park. We then set out to find our next camp. It was late afternoon, so it was no surprise that the first few we checked just outside Yosemite were full. We finally found one near June Lake in Inyo National Forest. “Inyo” is a Native American word meaning “dwelling place of the great spirit.” We can see why. There is amazing scenery here, and in the middle of nowhere.
More amazing scenery on our way to June Lake camp
Tomorrow we head to Tonopah, NV to stay at another Best Western. Not because we are spoiling ourselves (well, that too!) but because we have to split up the drive to Zion National Park and because we will be in the middle of nowhere. No campgrounds around, really. Suits me just fine!
View from our campsite at June Lake
I love the pictures! Continue to drive safely.
thanks, girl!
Dogs are allowed on the camp sites.
We saw a bear, ducks, deer, squirrels and lots of other wildlife!
Yeah, but we couldn’t get one! Oh well, we saw plenty of wildlife at Yellowstone. Thanks for commenting!