A First Time Visit to Yosemite

Submitted by Terry Rogers-Womack, who shared with us on our Facebook  page pictures so inspiring, we wanted to learn more. Today, with our hearts heavy with concern for Yosemite; its protectors and stewards, we decided to share her story about this jewel of our national heritage to inspire more caring engagement for its future. Enjoy Terry’s narrative, written in her own voice.

I experienced an AWESOME summer vacation this year in Yosemite Nat’l Park! This was our first time going to Yosemite. I live in Omaha, Nebraska and my companion and I drove to Salt Lake City, Utah,  picked up my sister and then drove to Yosemite. We drove west on highway 120. The winding drive into Yosemite was so beautiful.
Initially we tried to book rooms in one of the many Yosemite Park lodges, but they were all sold out. So I hesitantly booked two tent cabins in Camp Curry. It ended up as the best experience, and I would stay in the tent cabins again.
Camp Curry is in Yosemite Valley, in the middle of the redwoods, surrounded by breathtaking, mountain peaks. The tent cabins were clean with cots, sheets, wool blankets, pillows and towels. Some tents have heaters but those tents were sold out during our stay. We were there early August and were comfortable in the evening with the wool blankets.

Check out this website to learn more about the tent cabins!
Yosemite Valley provides free shuttle service which makes it very easy to get around. Most of the Yosemite sites, dining, etc. are within walking/hiking distance of Camp Curry.
While in Yosemite, we drove to Mariposa Park to see the giant sequoias, which didn’t disappoint. Mariposa Grove is 38 miles south of Yosemite, but the winding road through the wooded mountains takes about an hour. And it’s well worth the drive!
I’ve been to a few National Parks (Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Arches, Badlands, Smokey Mountains, Petrified Forest, Redwoods, Zion, Bryce Canyon, etc.) but so far Yosemite is my favorite. One day I will go back, and eventually I will visit the rest of our US National Parks.
Learn more about our National Parks HERE