Thoughts on Yosemite?

[Extrmmxer]

I'm thinking about taking a trip to Yosemite. Anybody have experience with accessible trails and accessible lodging? Any other comments, Like must see or must do, are welcome.

I'm C-5 with manual chair. I'll have assistance.

Thanks

[gpbullock]

quite a few accessible trails, although most are the "educational" type where there are signs at the base of every sequoia talking about their history, etc. the trails are pretty steep in some areas up and downhill. For someone who spent alot of time in the backcountry, it was just a little depressing being stuck on asphalt paths in the forest

[bcripeq]

Its good. The village is very accessible. Cool place to visit.

[smokey]

I spent 2 weeks there in 1972....but I wasn't in a wheelchair at the time. What a cool place though. I was hitch hiking around the country that summer with another guy drinking a lot of beer, blowing a lot of weed and dropping a lot of acid. We were really stoned out on acid one night, climbed Half Dome and slept up there. In the morning we crawled over to the edge to peer down to the ground....unbelievable. I remember it being a little chilly at night but we slept always outside in sleeping bags.....oh youth. I'd love to go back now but I cannot comment on the accessibility except to get a Golden Eagle pass. It allows you to get into all national parks for free.

[SCI-Nurse]

We have stayed at Yosemite Lodge, which is pretty accessible and even has a few rooms with roll-in showers. The cafeteria there is a reasonable place to eat. Some of the campgrounds are more accessible than others. The trail to Yosemite Falls is probably the most accessible trail (recently upgraded) and well worth the trip. Here is a listing for some of the other trails (mostly in the Valley): http://www.us-parks.com/yosemite/yos...ey_hiking.html

I can't vouch for the rooms at the Ahwahnee, but the lobby floor is accessible and well worth the visit for the architecture and spectacular views. The information below says they have converted several rooms to being accessible and even have a couple with roll-in showers, but I have not seen them (it is too rich for our blood!!)

The shuttles in the Valley are not accessible, but you can take your car or van to several places that are off-limits to regular cars or vans as long as you have your handicapped placard.

http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm

Here is some additional information:

http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/valleyhikes.htm

http://gorp.away.com/gorp/resource/u..._yose.htm#hike

http://www.accessnca.com/anc/informa...ation.php?id=3

The best time for wild flowers is probably May. June and July are better for the falls, but it can be VERY crowded from Memorial Day to Labor Day. I prefer the spring and fall. The Valley can be pretty hot during the summer too. While Toulumme Meadows area trails are generally not accessible, the drive up there is spectacular, as is a visit to Glacier Point via car. I also recommend Mariposa Grove, which is pretty accessible.

(KLD)

[Extrmmxer]

Originally Posted by SCI-Nurse

We have stayed at Yosemite Lodge, which is pretty accessible and even has a few rooms with roll-in showers. The cafeteria there is a reasonable place to eat. Some of the campgrounds are more accessible than others. The trail to Yosemite Falls is probably the most accessible trail (recently upgraded) and well worth the trip. Here is a listing for some of the other trails (mostly in the Valley): http://www.us-parks.com/yosemite/yos...ey_hiking.html

I can't vouch for the rooms at the Ahwahnee, but the lobby floor is accessible and well worth the visit for the architecture and spectacular views. The information below says they have converted several rooms to being accessible and even have a couple with roll-in showers, but I have not seen them (it is too rich for our blood!!)

The shuttles in the Valley are not accessible, but you can take your car or van to several places that are off-limits to regular cars or vans as long as you have your handicapped placard.

http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm

Here is some additional information:

http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/valleyhikes.htm

http://gorp.away.com/gorp/resource/u..._yose.htm#hike

http://www.accessnca.com/anc/informa...ation.php?id=3

The best time for wild flowers is probably May. June and July are better for the falls, but it can be VERY crowded from Memorial Day to Labor Day. I prefer the spring and fall. The Valley can be pretty hot during the summer too. While Toulumme Meadows area trails are generally not accessible, the drive up there is spectacular, as is a visit to Glacier Point via car. I also recommend Mariposa Grove, which is pretty accessible.

(KLD)

Thanks for the info.

[kyle]

Originally Posted by SCI-Nurse

The shuttles in the Valley are not accessible, but you can take your car or van to several places that are off-limits to regular cars or vans as long as you have your handicapped placard.

(KLD)

I can confirm the shuttles ARE accessible as I rode them 3 months ago...

cheers!

[SCI-Nurse]

Good to know. There were not the last time we were there.

(KLD)

[candra]

yes they (shuttles) are accessible. they have been for a number of years. I've done a lot of articles about access in Yosemite. I grew up there and it's in my back yard -- I visit it often (10-15 times a season). I still have a cabin in the Sierras. They've done a lot to make the park accessible, including the new Yosemite Falls trail.
Candy