Yosemite | II resorts | Week 12 (Tiogo Pass prob closed)

[Helen_Colorado]

Hi -
Our family of four would like to visit Yosemite, using an II trade, in Week 12 (spring break).
Everything I've read suggests that if you can't get over Tiogo pass, which usually doesn't open until April, that you really can't visit Yosemite from the resorts that I've found on II in the area.

Here's what I have looked at:
Worldmark Bass Lake
Worldmark Angels Camp
Mountain Retreat (Arnold)
Heidelberg Inn

They aren't even really that close, but a good base for exploration then tacking on a couple of self-pay days somewhere in the park or on the other side made it seem reasonable (we'll be driving).

So - are there other options that anyone knows of in II that are on the other side of Tiogo Pass from the resorts listed above?

I'll look in summer, too, but I don't think I have enough trading power.

Thanks!

 

[DianneL]

Tioga Pass

We were at Yosemite a few years ago. Traveled from Lake Tahoe and spent a few days at Yosemite. We traveled mid-May and Tioga had just opened that week. We are going to be at Worldmark Bass Lake in a few weeks and plan to visit Yosemite again from there.

 

[sue1947]

Hi -
Our family of four would like to visit Yosemite, using an II trade, in Week 12 (spring break).
Everything I've read suggests that if you can't get over Tiogo pass, which usually doesn't open until April, that you really can't visit Yosemite from the resorts that I've found on II in the area.

Here's what I have looked at:
Worldmark Bass Lake
Worldmark Angels Camp
Mountain Retreat (Arnold)
Heidelberg Inn

They aren't even really that close, but a good base for exploration then tacking on a couple of self-pay days somewhere in the park or on the other side made it seem reasonable (we'll be driving).

So - are there other options that anyone knows of in II that are on the other side of Tiogo Pass from the resorts listed above?

I'll look in summer, too, but I don't think I have enough trading power.

Thanks!

The only resort listed that would involve Tioga Pass is Heidelberg Inn. Heidelberg is at June Lake east of the Sierras and the other three are west of the Sierras. Any of the others would work for Yosemite in the spring. In March, Bass Lake is the best option.

Tioga Pass is the east entrance to Yosemite via the high country through Toulumne Meadows. That whole area won't melt out until much later and will likely be closed during your stay unless the winter weather is weird. It's a beautiful area, but doesn't fit your timeframe so take it off your list. In March, your focus will be on the Valley for the waterfalls or the Sequoia groves both of which are on the west side of the pass and accessed via the Central Valley.
Bass Lake is half an hour from the Mariposa Grove of Sequoias and a hour and a half from the valley through the park or 2 hours going around if the road is closed. Angels Camp is possible, but 3 hours plus to the Valley so you would be better off with a private rental.

Sue

 

[Passepartout]

I can recommend Worldmark Bass Lake. Yes, it isn't right at Yosemite, but the drive isn't bad, and the resort (and communities of Bass Lake and Oakhurst) is quite nice.

Jim

 

[BJRSanDiego]

This area doesn't have a lot of timeshare intimately close. So, perhaps consider just renting a hotel room. Lee Vining is one area and Mariposa is another good area.

BTW, Sequoia is also close by and is equally beautiful.

If you are staying at the north end, consider going to Bodie National Park. It is an old gold mining town that is being preserved in an "arrested state of decay". It is worth going to (including the 5 miles of washboard road).

 

[Ty1on]

I can recommend Worldmark Bass Lake. Yes, it isn't right at Yosemite, but the drive isn't bad, and the resort (and communities of Bass Lake and Oakhurst) is quite nice.

Jim

Drive is about an hour and a half, and goes nowhere near Tioga.


At least one of the days you are going to drive to Mariposa Grove anyway, and that's on the way.

 

[klpca]

When we go to Yosemite in late winter (usually April) we rent an RV in Clovis and drive in. It's easy to reserve a campsite with a few months notice. At least you are out of the weather. Usually it's cold at night but not too bad during the day, although one year it got down to the 20's at night and that was uncomfortable. (There's a noise curfew at night so you can't use your generator). This is a pretty cost effective way to stay in the valley.


I guess you could use Bass Lake as a base but you will appreciate the park so much more if you stay in the valley. I can't recommend it enough. If camping isn't your thing there are rooms in the valley but they're pricey. You may also want to consider a rental in Yosemite West, but again, you'll be commuting to the valley every day.

Btw, Tioga Rd. usually opens in late June. Obviously it's been earlier the past few years because of the drought. We've even seen it open after July 4th.

 

[Helen_Colorado]

Yosemite ... thanks!

Thanks everyone.
We're thinking spring break may not be the best time to try to combine both Yosemite and a timeshare we have access to - we've got to change our timing or our travel approach!

 

[Safti]

Any thoughts on best places to stay in mid September? Driving in from SF.

 

[saabman]

FYI –– The Mariposa Grove of Sequoias is closed for a restoration project until approximately spring 2017.

re: Tioga Road –– opened this year May 4; 2014 May 11th. In 2011 it didn't open until June 18th.

Come early to see the waterfalls. Come in Sept and they'll be all dried up but still great hiking opportunities.