The Drive from Citrus Heights

I did it the easy way. I took FWY 99 to Manteca. HWY 120West, took the Airport Road exit and drove to a Costco to have a salad for lunch and a little break. Then back onto HWY 120 W, but back to FWY 99, and a mile or so to the HWY 120 E turn off, which took me to Yosemite Nat'l Park. When I arrived, I quickly discovered that everything had changed in the 9-10 years since I was there last. No more driving up to the camping grounds and getting a spot. Everything, even the cables, are done by reservation. The park has gotten hugely more popular since 2009. There are some tricks to get in. Because of the long reservation period, you can get to the reservation counter early, before 0800, and get on a waiting list. They will sell off the no-show spots at 10:00 sharp. Other than that, you can do what I did, go to the opposite corner of the large village parking lot and go to the hotel/lodge front desk and buy a night or two in their tent-city for $160 a night or to Housekeeping (also tents) for $120. Not too bad. Each tent has two single beds. If you are planning for a longer stay, you can try to be at the campground reservation desk the next morning. Pack everything, check out, get on the waiting list. It's first come first save, go have breakfast and get ready for your hike. If you get a spot for the night, you're set. It's $25 per campsite. Then it won't matter how late you get back.