Embark on the ultimate California road trip from Moro Rock in Sequoia National Park to Morro Rock in Morro Bay. This 3-day itinerary includes sunrise hikes among giant sequoias, exploring the General Sherman Tree, kayaking on Lake Kaweah, shopping & dining in Visalia & the Embarcadero, scenic drives across the Central Valley, coastal adventures, and wildlife viewing of sea otters, seals & birds.
Read MoreDrive the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway in the Sierra National Forest near Yosemite National Park for breathtaking mountain views, granite domes, wildflower meadows, and historic stops. This 100-mile California scenic drive includes highlights like Fresno Dome, Globe Rock, Mile High Vista & Jones Store. A must-do mountain road trip adventure near Yosemite's southern gateway, Oakhurst & Bass Lake.
Read MorePlanning a road trip to Bass Lake, California? This travel guide covers everything you need to know—top resorts & cabins (like The Pines Resort), lakeside dining, water sports, hiking trails, off-road driving adventures, and scenic byways near Yosemite National Park. Discover wildlife, family-friendly activities, and insider tips to make the most of your Bass Lake vacation in the Sierra Nevada.
Read MoreJoin me on a hike up to the summit of Fresno Dome in Sierra National Forest. Just south of Yosemite National Park along the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway, this easy to moderate hike provides panoramic views with no crowds near Oakhurst, Bass Lake & Fish Camp in California's Sierra Nevada Mountains. It's the perfect easy alternative to Yosemite's Half Dome hike...no permits or reservations needed!
Read MoreSaddle up for an unforgettable horseback riding experience near Yosemite National Park with Yosemite Trails Horseback Adventures. This family-owned ranch in Fish Camp, CA offers guided trail rides on gentle quarter horses through scenic Sierra National Forest terrain. This top rated activity near Oakhurst & Bass lake is perfect for beginners, families, and outdoor lovers visiting Yosemite.
Read MorePlanning a Yosemite trip this spring? Here’s what the park looks like right now—May 2025 updates on waterfall flow (Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Fall & more), Merced River levels, blooming dogwoods, meadow conditions, wildflowers, and current road closures. Read this current conditions travel guide for everything you need to know before visiting Yosemite National Park during peak spring runoff.
Read MoreDo I need a reservation to enter Yosemite this summer? Yes! The NPS just announced a peak-hours reservation system for the 2025 summer season to help with park crowds & wait times. Read this travel guide to help you prepare for your road trip vacation to Yosemite National Park and learn everything you need to know about who needs reservations, as well as how and when to get reservations.
Read MorePlanning a Yosemite adventure? Discover the top 10 reasons to stay in Oakhurst, CA on your next Yosemite road trip. Just minutes from Yosemite’s South Entrance, explore family-friendly attractions, outdoor activities, scenic hikes, art galleries, local history, unique shopping & delicious dining. Find more inspiration at YosemiteThisYear.com and the 41 Things To Do Around Highway 41 travel guide.
Read MoreWhen is the best time to visit Yosemite National Park? This seasonal travel guide breaks down spring, summer, fall & winter in Yosemite—what the park looks like, pros & cons of each season, top places to visit, and expert tips to help you plan the perfect road trip. Find out the best time to see raging waterfalls, fall colors, spring wildflowers, abundant wildlife, or snow-capped granite peaks.
Read MoreLooking for a fun family friendly activity near Yosemite National Park? Join me today on a train ride into Sierra National Forest with Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad. We'll be embarking on the Moonlight Special experience, which takes you on a historic adventure down into Lewis Creek Canyon with delicious food and live music by a campfire. Pan for gold and shop for Yosemite souvenirs too!
Read MoreExplore Fiscalini Ranch Preserve in Cambria, CA—a scenic coastal gem along Highway 1. Discover over 8 miles of hiking trails with ocean views, Monterey pine forests & abundant wildlife. Enjoy ADA-accessible Bluff Trail, unique benches & year-round free access. Perfect for hiking, birdwatching & photography. Don’t miss my 2-3 Day Central Coast Itinerary & Travel Guide for more adventures nearby!
Read MoreWhat are the best places to stay in Yosemite National Park? Today I'm sharing one of the best Yosemite hotels for your next national park vacation. Centrally located near iconic landmarks, hiking trails, and viewpoints, Yosemite Valley Lodge is one of the top spots to stay in the park. Hike to the base of Lower Yosemite Falls, see Half Dome from Cooks Meadow, and grab food at on-site restaurants.
Read MoreWondering what the Fall colors look like right now in Yosemite Valley? I spent the last week exploring my top spots in Yosemite National Park for enjoying the autumn foliage, and I'm excited to share the current conditions today for this first week of November 2024. I'm rating the park as a "Go Soon" with a mix of vibrant colors at spots like Bridalveil Fall, Cooks Meadow, and Yosemite Chapel.
Read MoreWhat do Fall colors look like right now? GO NOW / GO SOON! Read this Eastern Sierra Fall Colors Report to find out what the current conditions look like at North Lake, Lake Sabrina, Bishop Creek, Rock Creek Lake, Convict Lake & June Lake Loop. Get my estimation on when the Fall colors will be arriving in the Bishop & Mono County regions, so you can plan out your upcoming Fall adventure road trip.
Read MoreSeeing the Fall colors at North Lake is bucket list experience. This week we're camping at the North Lake Campground in the High Sierra, with quick & easy access to several hiking trails as well as capturing epic & iconic photography of North Lake during peak Fall season. This is my top spot to camp in the Eastern Sierra near Bishop, CA, surrounded by quaking aspen trees & the autumn foliage.
Read MoreWhat do Fall colors look like right now? Read this Eastern Sierra Fall Colors Report to find out what the current conditions look like at North Lake, Lake Sabrina, Bishop Creek, Sagehen Summit, Convict Lake, Virginia Lakes & Conway Summit. Get my estimation on when the Fall colors will be arriving in the Bishop and Mono County regions, so you can plan out your upcoming Fall adventure road trip.
Read MoreWhat are the best spots in the Eastern Sierra for Fall photography? Today I'm sharing a travel guide for the top 10 photo spots in Mono County, CA to see the Fall colors. We'll be heading into multiple national forests to find perfect locations to set up the tripod, including Convict Lake, June Lake Loop, Mammoth, Conway Summit & more, along with valuable photo tips to prep you for your 395 trip.
Read MoreWhat do Fall colors look like right now? Read this Eastern Sierra Fall Colors Report to find out what the current conditions look like in Mono County, California, including hidden gems like Rock Creek Lake (PEAKING SOON), Convict Lake & June Lake Loop...and get my estimation on when the Fall colors will be arriving so you can plan out your upcoming Fall foliage adventure road trip.
Read MoreWhat are the best spots in the Eastern Sierra for Fall photography? Today I'm sharing a travel guide for the top 10 photo spots near Bishop, California to see the Fall colors. We'll be heading into Inyo National Forest to find perfect locations to set up the tripod, including North Lake, Bishop Creek, Aspendell, Lake Sabrina & more, along with valuable photo tips to prep you for your 395 trip.
Read MoreWhat do Fall colors look like right now? Read this Eastern Sierra Fall Colors Report to find out what the current conditions look like at North Lake, Aspendell, Cardinal Village, Lake Sabrina, Bishop Creek, and Intake Two...and get my estimation on when the Fall colors will be arriving in the Bishop region of Inyo National Forest, so you can plan out your upcoming Fall adventure road trip.
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