@KnappShack @Angie @laminak
What were your experiences in terms of logistics and crowding in Yosemite during summertime?
Just curious because I'm super into summer outdoor mountain activities, but I've read a lot in the last few years to scare me away from Yosemite and other national parks (sitting in a long line of cars for hours on end doesn't sound like fun).
We were there in May, so our main concern at that time was hoping that Glacier Point would be open, which thankfully it was a few weeks prior. We missed out on Mariposa Grove, which was closed at that time.
For crowds, other than mid May, we timed it being there on a Tuesday - Wednesday, which also helped. Parking was tough in the central valley part, however was able to find parking (and had a longer walk). Just time getting there mid week and get up early. Crowds near the sites were manageable at that time at the famous sites.
For lodging, we made our reservations a few months early and had to stay in El Portal, which is near the southern entrance. It was a 40 minute drive to get into the park (or the good part). The rooms in the park should be long gone by now for this summer.
Cell phone coverage in the park was spotty, so I suggest to download maps offline and/or print them out. We were nervous finding our hotel with spotty service.
The other bit of advice is to pack your own food or buy at their general store. We took our food and ate at other stops by mountains and waterfalls. We tried to eat in restaurants there and had long waits, which we're glad we abandoned for the quick and scenic meals.
My favorite spots were Tunnel View and traveling up to Glacier Point. The hikes around central valley to see the different falls and mountains were good, too.
