GREAT VIEWS, FEW CROWDS AT HIGHER ELEVATIONS ABOVE YOSEMITE

Julia McHugh

Santamariatimes.com

June 27, 2010

From atop Sentinel Dome, Yosemite Valley is a deep trough in an ocean filled with granite waves in all directions.

At 8,122 feet above sea level, the view is of crags and domes of granite, patches of pines and scrub clinging to the rock, and a few shining slivers that are distant waterfalls. The sky is true azure blue and fluffy white clouds race overhead.

Far below, the Valley’s Ahwahnee Hotel looks like it’s made of Legos. Clusters of tiny cars clog pencil-thin roads. It’s crowded down there. But not up here on Sentinel Dome. There are a few day hikers, like us, a couple of serious photographers, and a pair of out-of-breath parents racing their kids up the last few feet to the summit.

In fact, the Glacier Point and Wawona areas in Yosemite’s high country are surprisingly crowd-free on this busy weekend. Most visitors are driving to or from the Valley. Though some parking lots here are full and there are busloads of tourists at Glacier Point itself, this region feels vast and open compared to the bustling Valley – but just as rewarding in terms of scenery and family fun. (more…)

YOSEMITE SUPERSIZED: SIERRA’S BIG SNOW SEASON MEANS BIG WATERFALLS

Mary Forgione

Travel.latimes.com

June 18, 2010

The waterfalls are pounding and the cables that lead hikers up the face of Half Dome are open at Yosemite National Park. Los Angeles Times writer Julie Sheer spent some time exploring peak season for Bridalveil, Vernal, Nevada and Illilouette falls, and let’s just say hikers should be prepared to get soaked. Of course there’s still snow around too — like in the backcountry, along the main road to Glacier Point and blocking the trail to Sentinel Dome. (more…)

Ahwahnee Vintners Holidays

Veronica Hill

CaliforniaTravelExpert.com

June 14, 2010

The historic and beautiful Ahwahnee hotel in Yosemite Valley will welcome 32 of California’s best winemakers for its 29th annual Vintners’ Holidays event series in October.

Celebrating excellence in winemaking in the breathtaking setting of Yosemite National Park, the eight sessions of Vintners’ Holidays are held between October 31 to December 2, 2010.

From terroir to table, participants in each session will have personal access to meet the winemakers, learn about the latest trends in viticulture, taste the wines and enjoy a five-course finale candlelit dinner prepared by Executive Chef Percy Whatley in The Ahwahnee’s grand Dining Room. Whatley, who recently won “best meat dish” at the prestigious Bocuse d’Or USA competition, prepares a seasonal American menu with local and organic California ingredients. (more…)