TRAVELING TO YOSEMITE, CALIFORNIA ON A BUDGET

TRAVELING TO YOSEMITE, CALIFORNIA ON A BUDGET: FIRE FALL

Traveling to Yosemite, California on a budget or just simply taking to the road, are what some did at the beginning of the pandemic in search of solitude and a little time with nature.

We are of those that flooded to the National Parks. For budget reasons and of course the beauty! Finally, everyone had the time off work to be able to go to some of the further places from them. Traveling using a travel trailer, can really help to stay on budget when it comes to accommodations.

Unfortunately, like many others, disappointment set in as they showed up to either be turned away at the gate (due to closures) or allowed to enter, but not able to leave the vehicle.

This was the experience of many visiting Yosemite during May 2020, it was closed without any online warnings prior to visiting.

Fast forward to February 2021, Fire Fall season, traveling to Yosemite, California on a budget. A reservation is required due to Covid at this time.

The online reservation portal started accepting ticket sales at 8:00 am on February 1st. For all of those of you that don’t know what Fire Fall is, let’s discuss this further.

Every year, the last two weeks of of February, the sun peaks around the mountains at such a perfect angle to reach Horsetail Fall (one of the many waterfalls in Yosemite).

It creates the spectacular illusion. A glowing resemblance of hot lava flowing from the side of the mountain above. Or so it is thought, ha!

What bloggers and the media do not share with you, is that a professional camera with special lenses are required (all of which is completely out of budget for most).

As well as, heavy rain or snow fall prior (for larger amounts of waterfall flow). Finally there can be absolutely no clouds in the sky what so ever and it only happens at sunset!!

Well, February had other plans for the Fire Fall event, Valentine’s 2021. It started raining a couple of hours before sunset. There was still hope in the air that day that the weather would clear by sunset, as hundreds marched along the street for a mile and a half from the event parking lot to the waterfall itself.

Although some were there early to set up and be ready, it did not happen that day. The weather persisted and thick gloomy clouds were seen for miles around.

Worst of all, was getting there to find that the waterfall was very low in flow, and was extremely hard to even spot with the naked eye.

All was not lost though, because it was a beautiful winter wonderland all the same! Adventures were had, much bigger waterfalls and even some small wildlife were seen.

TRAVELING TO YOSEMITE ON A BUDGET: ENTRANCE FEES AND LODGING

The entrance fee to the park is $30 unless you have an America the Beautiful Pass (it can be found at this link: (https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm) and is valid for 7 days upon receipt.

There are quite a few campgrounds in the area that are fairly inexpensive, but some are only open certain months of the year due to weather conditions.

Camping is the best way when traveling to Yosemite on a budget and a little more tight on cash. If you rent or own your own RV, Travel Trailer or Fifth Wheel, budget RV and campgrounds are a perfect way to save you money year round.

The campgrounds do have cabins and yurts but are very pricey so be careful. The RV sites were only $35-39 at Yosemite Pines RV Resort in Groveland, California. It is located about a 20 minute drive to the park. No refunds here, so be sure this is where you want to stay before booking. Here is a link to their website: https://yosemitepinesrv.com/

TRAVELING TO YOSEMITE, CALIFORNIA ON A BUDGET: MUST SEE ATTRACTIONS

While driving though, you will have a wide range of elevation and distance. From its lowest point at 2,127 feet to the highest mountain at 13,114 feet and covering a whopping 750,000 acres!

Traveling to Yosemite on a budget has over 5 million visitors coming from all over the world per year. Park hours are from 5:00 am to 11:00 pm, so to get the most out of this budget trip, plan on spending as long there as you are able, stargazing is amazing without all the light pollution!

There are 5 park entrances and 4 visitor centers. These centers are where you will pay the fee or show any discounted budget passes. The park rangers will answer any questions you may have and pass out maps of the park in case you get lost without GPS, as well.

Some attractions you won’t want to miss are; El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, Wawona Tunnel View, Glacier Point, Bridalveil Falls, Cathedral Lakes, Hetch Hetchy Valley, Arch Rock and Mirror Lake.

Even if the main goal of traveling to Yosemite on a budget, was to see the Fire Fall, originally, a good time was still had by all.

That is why National Parks are great places to stay on budget (https://romanticdaytrippers.com/?cat=7), see some of the wonders in the USA and be out in nature exploring.

One of the best ways you can social distance and still get some exercise in, also not near as bad to have to wear a mask outside as it is inside.

Plus, you aren’t as tempted to spend money when you’re busy hiking and observing new and wonderful sites!

I am sure many would agree, that Bridalveil Falls and Mirror Lake are particularly stunning exhibits. Not to mention when they are snow covered, white and glistening in the sun!

Yosemite is absolutely breathtaking when it is snowing. It just brings out the inner child in you! Makes you just want to start a snowball fight or build a snowman! Both free entertainment, to assist you in keeping to the budget.

TRAVELING TO YOSEMITE ON A BUDGET: INTERESTING AND SURPRISING ELEMENTS

Something funny happens to people driving in the snow, traveling to Yosemite on a budget, up in the mountains.

There were a countless number of people stuck in snow drifts, not prepared with chains for tires, 4 wheel drive or snow tires. All of these items are very vital to add to the budget when planning a trip anywhere in the snow, but especially in Yosemite.

These things would be important should you get stuck driving through a blizzard while visiting the park. Getting stuck in the mountains is way more of an expense than your budget would prefer to take on.

A surprising fact to some might be just how much better all the other waterfalls in Yosemite are in comparison to Fire Fall aka Horsetail Fall. Was the event worth it? In short, no.

Best advise? (I wish someone had offered before traveling to Yosemite on a budget), go at any other time than the last two weeks of February. Your budget, mental heath and patience will thank you!

Fire Fall brings great crowds making it harder to park, see exhibits, make reservations and ultimately stick to a smaller budget. Even using the outdoor port-a-potty they had set up in multiple places, was almost near impossible to get in to with the long waiting lines. Do yourself a favor and plan around the event.

TRAVELING TO YOSEMITE ON A BUDGET: IMPORTANT GEAR

Another important detail that is interestingly overlooked sometimes is being prepared for the ever changing weather that is Yosemite in wintertime.

Some of the different weather you may experience all in one day or over a weekend include; Rain, Hail, Sun, Snow, Cloudy or Gloomy. The rain, hail and snow can really sneak up on you out of no where!

One moment it is sunny, then all of the sudden it will just start hailing and spitting small, round pieces of ice, while the sun is still shining down! It does not have to be cloudy or gloomy to rain, snow or hail there.

That being said, being over prepared is not only smart but could potentially save your life.

Having the right gear for the weather and situation can make all the difference in your trip. If you are going to stretch your budget to get anywhere, this would be the area to do so.

Buying quality gear ensures longevity and allows more in your budget in the long run when you aren’t having to continuously replace your items due to general wear.

TRAVELING TO YOSEMITE ON A BUDGET: IN CONCLUSION

In conclusion, when traveling to Yosemite on a budget, make sure you have quality gear, packed snacks, a discount budget pass for the entrance (to ensure you keep your budget to a minimum), and camp whenever and wherever possible.

Plan to spend the entire day, but be careful leaving at night on the windy roads out of the park if there is bad weather. Budget in snow gear for yourself and vehicle during the winter when reserving your trip.

Most of all, have fun no matter what mother nature throws your way!! Happy trails!! Love, light and positive vibes, friends!