Yosemite National Park

Submitted by the Botchler Family from Nebraska

Beth Botchler and her family love to hit the National Parks whenever they find themselves nearby. This summer, they took a trip from their home in Nebraska to Yosemite National Park in California and shared just a little of their journey with us. When we asked Beth what she loved about Yosemite, she replied “the amazing scenery and sheer magnitude of this park.” She said told us that you need at least a month to enjoy all the sites available to you in this park (and three more months to view it in every season.)

Just because Lap Around America is on a strategic pause doesn’t mean we can’t share our own adventures to keep the journey going!

Earlier this month, we took a family trip to Yosemite National Park for a few days. Wow, wow, and WOW!!! Such a beautiful place.

We flew into San Francisco and drove just over three hours from Monterey. In just a few days, we managed to easily see well-know sites such as Bridalveil Falls, Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, Half Dome, Tunnel View, and Glacier Point. We stretched our legs (and ourselves!) by hiking to see Vernal Falls, up close and personal; and Sentinel Dome. Vernal Falls was a 5+ mile, three-hour hike and Sentinel Dome was just over 2 miles and took a bit less than two hours (with plenty of time to admire the 360 degree view from the top).

We didn’t stay in the park, but wished we did, as we spent at least three hours a day driving into and out of the park. Also, be sure to make a reservation to enter the park with the National Park Service before you go – they are allowing 1,500 reservations a day. Each reservation is good for seven days, but be sure to get to the park on the first day of your reservation to validate the pass!