We decided to go to Yosemite with our friends for camping for July 4th weekend. Yosemite always is busy especially holiday weekends. You must make a reservation for camping in Yosemite Valley 5 months in advence. However you don’t have to make reservation for some campgrounds are in outside of national park. This camping areas are first come/first serve.

Our campground is located near Merced River in Briceburg. (Merced River Recreation Area) This is first comes/first serve camping. There is 10$ daily fee.

Click here to access more information about campground.

We were lucky we caught last camp side!

This area is thirty minutes far from Yosemite Valley. Not too bad!

It has some plus and cons.

pros:

• It is near the river. You can swim or do fishing. That river will be also your bath.
• Not crowded. You feel more private. Most of camp sides has very private area in this campground.

cons:

• Place was very hot! Not cool like Yosemite Valley. (for July)
• Little bit far from Yosemite.

We stayed there three nights.

First day:

We left from our home ( from Pleasanton) very early. Journey took three hours with two stops. First we set our tent and other camp stuff. Then we spent time in the river. Afternoon we visited Yosemite Village.

Second day:;

We did Vernal Falls to top of Nevada falls hiking (Mist Trail). This is one of the best hikes in Yosemite. If you stay around Yosemite, This is must do hike. View and waterfalls amazing. Lots of photo opportunity! This hike is very strenuous. You must bring lots of water and snack. I suggest to bring 3 liters of water.  Total elevation gain is 1900 feet!. To see more detail about that trail click here.

Third day:

We make a day trip to Tuolumne Meadows via Tiago Rd. If you have more than two days you must do that route. In winter Tiago Rd mostly is not accessible. Best time is from June to October. You will have lots of photo opportunity on this road.  Many vista points… You must stop at Tenaya Lake!. There are also countless hiking trails on this road. You can choose one of best.

Forth day:

This was our last day. We had already packed our stuff before day. We had only tent. We left from there early to have some time for in our homes to be ready for work.