Monet & Jamie
Things To Do
Yosemite Valley
Check the website for up to date information on reservation requirements. The valley has free shuttles that can transport you to various trailheads, the visitor center, and other points of interest!
Yosemite Falls Trailhead
One of the most iconic trails and sights to see in the park. The lower falls loop is completely paved, easy to access, and has beautiful views close to the bottom of the falls. If you are looking for a longer hike, the upper falls trail is an out and back trail. You can go 2 miles round trip to the Columbia Rock vista, 1,000 ft elevation ascent and descent, with a beautiful view of the middle of the falls and Half Dome. Alternatively, you could continue on the same trail to reach the top of the falls--7.2 miles round trip and 2,700 foot elevation ascent and descent.
Vernal Falls
Monet's favorite day hike in the park--the iconic "Mist Trail". There are four possible options for this trail: out and back to Vernal Falls footbridge (1.6mi, 400ft elevation), out and back to Vernal Falls (2.4 mi, 1000 ft elevation) where you will walk along granite steps carved into the mountainside, being misted by the adjacent waterfalls, out and back to the top of Nevada Falls (5.4 mi, 2,000 ft elevation), and a loop hike that continues around after ascending to the top of Nevada Falls, looping back down on the John Muir trail (adds ~2 more miles).
Other Day hikes within Yosemite National Park
There are 10 day hikes listed on the park's website, linked here, explore and see what works best for you! Most trailheads are accessible from within the Valley shuttle stop system.
Mariposa
~35 min from Yosemite Cedar Lodge "A charmingly preserved Gold Rush town in Central Mariposa County surrounded by beautiful scenery, the town of Mariposa, California, will have something to offer to every traveler. Take a scenic hike, go on a culture-filled museum tour, or try one of Mariposa County’s delicious small-town restaurants and breweries. The town of Mariposa, first settled in 1849, is one of the southernmost of the Gold Rush towns."
Sequoia National Park
~3 hours from our reception venue! Points of interest include: Boyden Caverns, Moro Rock near the parks entrance, Giant Sequoia Groves including the General Sherman tree and General Grant Grove.
Sonora
Founded during the California Gold Rush by Mexican miners from Sonora, Sonora is a neat historical gold mining town. ~2 hours from Yosemite Cedar Lodge
Forestiere Underground Gardens
Take an hour-long guided walking tour through Baldassare Forestiere’s creation. See a hand-built network of underground rooms, courtyards, and passageways reminiscent of the ancient catacombs. Unique fruit-producing trees, shrubs, and vines growing underground — some over 90 years old! Ancient Roman architecture: arches, vaults, and stone-built walls. Underground micro-climates — temperature variations of 10 to 20 degrees! Underground home of Sicilian visionary and self-taught artist/builder Baldassare Forestiere. This is a walking tour through underground passageways, rooms, and courtyards.
Fresno Chaffee Zoo
Monet's former place of employment and one of her top recommendations to see if you have half a day to spare in Fresno! The Fresno Chaffee Zoo is a zoo in Roeding Park in Fresno, California covering 39 acres and housing over 190 species. Its attractions include Stingray Bay, Dino Dig, Valley Farm, Sea Lion Cove, African Adventure, Kingdoms of Asia, and Ross Laird's Winged Wonders Bird Show. The zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA)