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BigRockJim
Trad climber
Hamilton Ohio
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Topic Author's Original Post - Mar 7, 2017 - 07:21pm PT
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We live in Cincinnati Ohio and planning a 15 day trip across America to visit Yosemite and test out the rocks. I got 3 kids going with me that climb 11,13,17. Got plenty of routes we've looked over this site has been great, even bought Chris's Big wall book since I'm hoping to climb el cap next year. This is my first visit to Yosemite and I've read countless hours over the winter trying to plan this out. I've wanted to stay in camp 4 just because of its history but I've heard as much negative as I have positive about the camp. We all back country camp and honestly my kids have only stayed in a normal campgrounds like twice lol. Hopefully ya'll are helpful here and don't crap on me for posting in the wrong place or even posting at all.
I see camp 4 shouldn't be hard to get into if I show up bright and early Monday morning. (Hopefully). But what other great camping opportunities would you suggest? I have absolutely no sense of distance on anything in the park. I have maps hanging on my bedroom walls and still think dag that's far lol. Obviously I wanna take them up the Half Dome cables. I also want to hit the base of the nose just to see what I'll be looking up at next year. We're still running over ideas daily about what to do the rest of the time but I'm sure we won't be without something in mind.
Is there a Less populated location should attempt to camp at and drive back to visit the valley?
Camping like gistics and locations would be a dramatic help to help me get this trip together we've been working on for over 6 months now. I know nobody that's ever been to help me out here.
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rottingjohnny
Sport climber
Sands Motel , Las Vegas
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Don't get tooled by the Duck...rj
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ionlyski
Trad climber
Kalispell, Montana
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You sure you want to expose them to the Half Dome cable route? Sounds like the kids are already beyond the tourist terrain.
Sorry I'm not adding anything positive to your beta list.
Arne
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John M
climber
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Is there a Less populated location should attempt to camp at and drive back to visit the valley?
Depends on time of year. Summer.. nope Yosemite is very popular and fills up every day. You must book reservation campsites 5 months in advance and summer months usually book within minutes of the first day that they become available.
See this page. Scroll down to reservations. It tells you when you can reserve.
https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/camping.htm
There are first come first served campgrounds. Last summer I stayed at bridal veil creek campground. Most mornings there were campsites available, but they fill fast. There are no guarantees. It is 30 minutes to the valley. It is on glacier point road and opens when the snow melts. this year that could be late. Possibly middle of July.
Depending on when you come, Tuolumne meadows campground has 50 percent of its sites first come first served. You must arrive early to get in line for those. The meadows are great, have plenty of climbing but are generally about 1.5 hours from the valley.
Otherwise for any campground that takes reservations, I highly recommend at least trying to get a reservation. That assures you of a campsite.
For distances..
https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/upload/mileages9-2007.pdf
Remember... depending on the time of day that you drive, the roads can be slow. 35 mph is the speed limit through much of the park and people often go slower. Anybody who has lived there has likely beaten most of those times. haha..
Have fun. I love the park.
Also... for backpacking, you must camp at least 4 miles from any trailhead, and you can't camp along the edges of the valley walls. Though some do if you climb something like El Capitan.
Lastly, you need a permit to hike half dome. I don't know the process. The last time I did it, there was no permit system. Years ago.
Edit: Also.. its a heavy snow year, so the high country, i.e. Tuolumne meadows will likely not open until July.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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6 months of research and yer down to asking a bunch of senile geezers? Really? ;-)
I wouldn't expose my kids to the pervs in Camp 4. Do yerselves a favor and try a proper
campground. You might actually get some sleep.
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donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
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Make reservations for one of the regular campgrounds and suck it up. It's the price you pay to climb in the Valley. The climbing and scenery garner an A rating.....i would give the hang a D on a good day.
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slabbo
Trad climber
colo south
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You don't say when your going ? Biggest question....hot, crowded and did i mention hot ? But still a must place to go.
Waterfalls should really be rippin' this year
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WBraun
climber
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This year especially would be better to get a campground in the Valley floor.
There will be road construction to repair flood damage and aging parts of the road infrastructures.
Traffic in and out of the Valley will most likely be very trying.
Best of wishes ......
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Killer K
Boulder climber
Sacramento, CA
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Camp at shuteye? Free and less crowded. Albeit farther away.
Probably not that great of an idea....
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10b4me
Mountain climber
Retired
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September is nice, but I assume your kids would be in school. June is another nice time to come out. July, and August will typically be hot.
As John M suggested, Bridalveil cg would be a good option, maybe White Wolf.
How long is your stay here?
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Jon Beck
Trad climber
Oceanside
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I disagree with Reilly on the inhabitants of C4, it is not bad. However as a financial matter four people in C4 is 20 bucks a night, might as well pay a little more and get a reserved site. no worries about where to park or lining up for a site.
You can still walk around C4, sleeping there will not infuse history into you. Or you could decide to get to the valley late at night a day early, line up at the kiosk and spend one night there then more on to your reserved campsite the next day.
Below is a night I got in line at 2 am, these people were already there, anyone arriving after 4 am was out of luck. That was not typical, but is possible. As you can see almost none of these people were climbers. C4 is the de facto overflow for the valley
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justthemaid
climber
Jim Henson's Basement
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Oy- I personally would not do Camp 4 with family in tow. It's crowded and loud. Your kids won't be happy. You won't be happy. If there is a wife or partner- she definitely won't be happy.
Save camp 4 for an adult trip.
I'd try to get a reservation in a proper campsite- Valley Floor like WB suggested or maybe switch the visit to Tuolumne with some car trips to the Valley. There's no getting away from the crowds and summer is always a nightmare- even when there isn't construction going on.
You could also volunteer for Yosemite Facelift- last week in Sept. You can apply for free camping during a less crowded season and the volunteer aspect might be a great experience for the kids.
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WBraun
climber
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Jon Beck
Looks like 4th of July weekend?
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survival
Big Wall climber
Terrapin Station
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Taking the long hike to the top of the upper falls, and out to Yosemite Point, or hiking Snow Creek trail and out to the top of Watkins would be better than HD. The Falls trail can have a lot of folks on it, but at least you don't have to stand in line....
Tenaya Peak in Tuolumne etc. there are so many options.
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WBraun
climber
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Tuolumne will open very very late this summer due to the tremendous snow pack this winter .....
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Crazy Bat
Sport climber
Birmingham, AL & Seweanee, TN
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Get one of these cards if you dont have one.
https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm&ved=0ahUKEwiHgKCDicjSAhVIxoMKHW3cArAQFggaMAA&usg=AFQjCNFLrwhNflgp0OGGzZkFrbXG0IEkGA
I have been waved by at the entrance several times just by hanging it out the window. Not only does it get you into the park for free it reduces camping fees by 50%.
My group frequently camps a Yosemite Creek campground. More primitive than Camp 4 and seven miles of dirt road keep lots of people out. If all else fails take the hikers bus up to the trailhead and hike down the trail all the wasy to Camp 4 going right past the turn off for the top of El Cap and a quick little 1/2 mile dture up to the Lost Arrow. Takes you right past Yosemite Falls.
About a one hour commute to El Cap Meadow.
White Wolf is a campground with facilities and no gravel road. If there is a heavy snow pack neither may be open.
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johntp
Trad climber
socal
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15 days from Cincy and back? You'll barely scratch the surface. Reserve a campsite for peace of mind.
Seriously, you've spent 6 months researching this and that is all you have gleaned?
Don't mean to be harsh, but it seems to me you have some glorified view of the Valley based on the 50's. Granted, it is a magical place if you can get past the crowds.
Good luck, you will need it.
Edit: consider renting a couple of tent cambins at Curry Village. Pricy ut might be worth it.
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BigRockJim
Trad climber
Hamilton Ohio
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 30, 2017 - 04:44pm PT
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Rotten Johnny. I've thought about this a bit since you posted that. Honestly I'm not sure? We typically don't like the crowds but I think the experience will be a fair trade?
John. Thanks. From everyone's postings I think we'll find a place suitable when we arrive. Hoping to make it on a Monday or Tuesday morning. We're leaving June 7th and decided to make it a 21 day trip.
Reilly. I've heard good and bad on camp 4. But once you mentioned sleep I think camp 4 may be a nogo.
Mike. I think we'll be winging a lot on f things lol.
Slabbo. June 7-27
John beck. Is it charged per person? Even with minor children?
I do think I'll be finding a different camp though. Maybe I'll try for 1 night just to say we did lol.
Survival. Thanks for the tip. I'll look into that.
Crazybat. Awesome! Thank you.
Johntp. It's more about spending time with the kids than anything. I was able to extend the trip to 21 days fortunately. As for the 6 months of research....... there's many different things you read about the same thing which makes reality hard to figured out, that's why I turned to posting here. Obviously I know most of our plans will not work as expected but at least we can day dream and attempt to plan so we have a basis to go by.
Having the ability to do this with my kids is beyond amazing! Hints, tips, thoughts, and the such only give us more info to be armed with in our travels.
We're all super excited here! I have been picking up extra shifts to pay for any "Extra's" we decide to indulge in. We have decided we're going to camp in our own tents our entire trip more for the experience than anything.
I have started a website so friends and family can follow us on our journeys as well as a FB page. My daughter wants to try her hand at blogging so hopefully this will be a great learning experience for her.
http://www.ourminitrip.com
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Trad climber
Will know soon
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Mar 30, 2017 - 05:23pm PT
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You will need to weigh all the information here. Your kids are not children. Camp 4 is crazy, but fun and you meet people from all over the world. Tell the oldest to be careful. It's an adventure, it should be lived as one.
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c wilmot
climber
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Mar 30, 2017 - 05:27pm PT
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dont trust your gps/map when it comes to the sierra pass you take. Make sure the road is open.
I think survival had a great idea with the snow creek trail. You can get a permit and stay in the valley for one night before and after a backcountry camping trip at the backpackers camp. Snow creek has areas to camp not far from the rim where it might have some snow free sites.
It's hard hiking and sun exposed but arguably is the least travelled trail in the valley to get above the rim and into wilderness areas (where you can camp) Lots of rattlers on that particular trail though so be smart ( seriously )
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micronut
Trad climber
Fresno/Clovis, ca
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Mar 30, 2017 - 05:45pm PT
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Big Rock Jim,
I live less than 2 hrs from The Valley and have climbed for 20 years off and on there.
1. Yes, its crowded and hot and full of tourists and posers and wannabes and idiots and its ABSOLUTELY MAGICAL.
2. Yall are going to have a blast.
3. DO THE CABLES with your kids no matter what anybody on this site says. Its a terribly long, dry, dusty, crowed hike and I swear every few years I'll never do it again but it is absolutely fantastic and my kids each do it when they turn 13 as a right of passage. Its hard on the knees and its a grind but the cables are really fun/scary and many memories will be made.
3.5. I would recommend doing it as an overnighter if possible. That is how I have always done it even though it is definitely possible in one long day. spending a night in little Yosemite Valley with a light packet and some camping gear makes for a really nice and memorable day and a half long trip. You can get up very early before sunrise, take a cup of coffee and go sit outside the permit office and get a next day permit to hike in. Very easy and I've done it often. You really need to be one of the first in line ( there are a limited number each day and some people are only one person in line getting permits for many people) but it has always worked for me
4. Consider the tent cabins. Still "camping" but much more comfortable. Spend the money if you are making this a "trip-of-a-lifetime". Pretty touristy, a bit expensive, but fun and a roof over your head when it t-storms which it can any day of the year.
5. Camp 4 is very nostalgic and wonderful to spend days romping around, touching history and feeling the vibe....but it is crowded, flat, loud, and often full of non-climbers. I love visiting and spending time there but rarely actually camp there.
6. All of the camping in Yosemite on the Park floor is crowded and dirty and not impressive from a campsite perspective. No real space, neighbors on top of you. Not very lush. But lower your expectations, plug in and have a blast making a cup of coffee and wandering around in the morning as sunlight spills over the rim.
7. Base of the Nose.....climb Pine Line (5.7) with the kids or scamper 100 feet left of The nose up onto a rad little flat platform at the base of Pine line and lay your hands on The Big Stone with them. I just took my office staff up there and it "blew their minds".
8. Raft/Float the Merced one day with some lunches in an ice-chest unless the water is raging. In mid-late summer its usually a slow, meandering affair that takes a couple hours. They will charge you up the wazoo for a raft in the park, or you can drive an hour down to Oakhurst and buy your own inner tubes at Big 5, Wallgreens or another sporting goods store. Totally worth the float. (Or buy these on your way into the park at your last big town)
8 1/2. Enjoy some breakfasts at The Cafeteria by the lodge. Lots of local dirtbags hang out there and use the free Wi-Fi and free refill coffee and it's a good place to people watch. I recently saw Alex Honnold there, I have bumped into more than a few Hartman including dean potter, cedar wright and Steve Schneider there over the years. Kind of fun to hang out and feel the vibe sometimes in the morning.
9. Excited for you and your family. Have a great trip and email me at Tripolehq@yahoo.com if you have any questions or need more specific climbing/camping beta!
Scott
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crankster
Trad climber
No. Tahoe
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Mar 30, 2017 - 05:56pm PT
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I'd stay in the Valley, but not in C4. Work your way to a quiter campsite on the perimeter. And be careful on those cables. Super slick and lots of frightened tourists. Waterfalls are going to be spectacular.
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Jaybro
Social climber
Wolf City, Wyoming
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Mar 31, 2017 - 04:10am PT
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What Lynne said!
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NutAgain!
Trad climber
South Pasadena, CA
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Mar 31, 2017 - 10:59am PT
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My main advice:
1. Don't plan to drive on the valley loop during the day.
2. Try to get super-early starts to avoid crowded trails, then linger in relative solitude at the valley rim from different perspectives, soaking up the beauty during the hot parts of the day.
3. Consider doing some night hikes and then sleeping in late hangin' in your campsite.
4. Budget some time for Tuolumne Meadows. Maybe even shift base camp halfway through. They have a first-come first-served standby system (or is it a lottery system?) for getting a spot. They reserve a bunch of slots for this mechanism that are not on the recreation.gov site. This info is old, but last time I did it you sign up some time before 8am, then come back around 10am to see if you got it. Of course, get more current details and exact timings from someone else.
5. If you don't get a standby spot and you are self-contained, you can bivy outside the park to the east.
First time I drove to Tuolumne I thought "wow, you have to hike 20 miles in Sequoia/Kings Canyon to see terrain like this and we get to just drive on up here!" Worth exploring. Also worth a day to check out Mono Lake, Bodie, and see the Sierra escarpment from the east side.
Also plan a visit to Ribbon Falls area... No real trails up there, but a great day adventure with the family that does not require roping up. And you can be scoping future climbs too, and seeing El Cap from a less common perspective. As soon as you get off a main trail, you won't feel like Yosemite is crowded at all. Just magic.
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NutAgain!
Trad climber
South Pasadena, CA
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Mar 31, 2017 - 11:04am PT
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I don't know how it works with the permits these days, but a great way to do Half Dome is a night hike with sunrise on top. No conga lines of people stopping halfway up the stairs to vernal falls, sniffing the butt of the person in front of you.
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