Yosemite - length restrictions

[DSproed]

Have others traveled to Yosemite in a 40' or 45' coach? I want to learn if they have length restrictions or if the comments I've read only refer to the campgrounds having limited sites that accomodate 40-45' coaches?

I've been to Yellowstone and only recall that one road (Upper Terraces Area of Mammoth Hot Springs) did not allow RV's or Trailers. I've not been to Yosemite so would appreciate advice regarding seeing that park in an RV.

[OldChief7155]

Tour buses 45' long used to be in Yosemite but they have special parking places and the drivers stay with the bus so they can CONTINUALLY move them to let other buses in and out.

I would camp outside the park and take your "Toad" in the park. Much more pleasant. Some of the roads in the park are a bit tight but parking would be the problem, IMHO.

[Dadeaux]

There are also some tunnels that are a squeeze for a big rig requiring that you drive in the middle so on coming traffic must be timed.
As the above says it is best to stay outside the park and drive your toad in to visit.

[RVThere]

Just did two trips to Yosemite in April and July as my son was working at the Ahwanhee Hotel.

We have a 40-foot Tour and tow a Jeep. Of the hundreds of campsites in the Valley, only TWELVE fit a 40 foot rig and ZERO will fit a 45 footer. We had site 111 in North Pines both times.

If you don't have a campsite, parking for a 40 or 45 foot rig is very limited and in the summer impossible to find. The main loop road is fine to drive on but the campground roads are tight will all the trees.

There is a big parking lot by Curry Village and some parking along the road between Curry Village and the campgrounds. Space will depend on the time of year you are there.

Read the posts about the best way into and out of the park. Rt. 41 from Fresno is the easiest.

[DSproed]

Thanks for the comments - we would not be traveling in high traffic months of summer - spring when the flowers bloom or fall after kids return to school - how about suggestions for traveling during those times.

How long will it take to see Yosemite? What are the highlights that you can get to in a coach, if one doesn't have a tow car?

Thanks,

[RVThere]

Remember spring in Yosemite is summer everywhere else! We were there in April and had 15 inches of snow a day after it was 70 degrees. Beware that Yosemite Falls will be dry by September once all the snow melts.

Most of the tourist attractions you can see from the loop road and there are very good bus tours you can take. You should give yourself at least 5 days so you're not rushed. My son lived in Yosemite from April to September and didn't see it all.

- Ahwanhee Hotel - make reservations for dinner in the dining room
- Yosemite Falls
- Bridal Veil Falls
- Bus trip up to Glacier Point
- Bus trip to see the Giant Sequoia trees
- 17 mile round trip hike to the top of Half Dome