Yosemite • ARRIVING IN THE VALLEY for sunset

Arriving in Yosemite at any time of year is downright magical... Especially when it's free!

We arrive at Yosemite National Park in late September, after a six hour drive from Los Angeles. It was National Public Lands Day, so the usual $30 admission was waived (from November -March it's $25). After a quick stop at the Wawona Hotel, we proceeded to Tunnel View, to get the sunset. Tunnel view was made popular by Ansel Adams, and again when Apple revealed their "Yosemite" and "El Capitan" operating systems.

The travel time from the South Gate of Yosemite to the hotels of the Yosemite Valley is about 1-1.5 hours, depending on who you're driving behind. We've stayed at the Tenaya Lodge, just outside the South Gate. It's a GREAT hotel. But, if you plan on spending time in the valley, you'll find yourself in your car for at least hours a day. So, when possible, we like to stay in the valley.

The Wawona is about 4 miles inside the South Gate. While it's still about an hour from the valley, it is inside the park, and there are nice trails and amenities to make it worth staying there. AND it's the most economical hotel in the park.

On this night, we stayed at the Lodge at Yosemite Falls. I have a video to release talking about the various lodging options, BUT I'm waiting until March 1, 2016 to post it. Due to a dispute with the company that ran the parks accommodations (there was a switchover), the names of many of the hotels are in dispute. Anyway, this night we stayed at the "Lodge". But, at the computer's were down, we went to Curry Village for drinks (and pizza) while we waited. I would have shot the pizza, but it was getting too dark.

Unlike many other locations that cater to tourists, I like that you're not gouged by prices in Yosemite National Park. While the accommodations can add up, there are economical food options in many of the valley's eateries.

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[pathendlem]

Was blessed enough to visit Yosemite for the first time exactly a year ago. There is NOTHING like driving through that tunnel and seeing the valley on the other side. That moment when you come on the other end of the tunnel—there’s nothing like it!! I was in awe and pray that I can take my parents there one day so they can have the same experience

[CharlieOsburn]

We live minutes away and so many locals take it for granted! I love Yosemite and many other go to spots nearby. It's awesome to see people from around the world and many first timers

[josephalfonsoamantia]

I don't want to hear anymore bagging on California. This is why I love it here in this state because aside from Yosemite, there are many more areas that are gorgeous. No other state has the diversity of landscape as California.

[BillyBob]

Thanks for the look, it's on my list.

[lucashipkins]

I like Cats... And cheese... And forests. Brilliant, just brilliant. This new web series is just what was needed. All that's missing now is the podcast.

[rrfirefly]

On "The Actors Studio" Robert Redford described how as a child he and his family went to Yosemite. Driving through the tunnel and seeing the Valley for the first time made an enormous impression on him. That brought back my own memories. Completed in 1933, the Wawona Tunnel was bored through solid granite bedrock. It is the longest highway tunnel in California (4233 ft).

[KoriJami]

I saw a fb post about a man whoHad a sequoia tree in his yard that the city made him pay to remove . I've never in my 27 years heard ofThis tree so I googled it and I'm amazed little ol Indiana doesn't have greatness brewing like that I can't wait to take a trip to see it in person I'm secretly obsessed 😝😬

[MelCoker]

Nice video! We arrive at Yosemite on September 14th for a 2 night stay (our first trip).l We're excited! Also hitting Pinnacles NP, Sequoia, Kings Canyon. Mel & Barbara

[andrewthornhill]

Drove from San Francisco to spend a couple of nights at Wawona, got to Tunnel we saw was smoke from fires in the area. ☹ Missed sunset, but had a great time in the Park.

[laurelj.]

You guys sound like me and my husband LOL. That aside jaw dropping views!! Thanks for posting.

[jeffreywinters]

Camp curry were i spent 4 months.
Miss it

[thedude]

Love you Zane. Such a fun guy. (not calling you a mushroom)

[DayTripAdventure]

Thanks for the video! I was just there and uploaded a few videos too! Thanks again!

[Ballstar]

Zane, did you know Google is using your footage of this video starting around 2:14 for one of their commercials?

[ignatiusjk]

You went the wrong time of year. You have to go in late May or early June .The waterfalls are huge then and the park just looks so much nicer.

[frank-xppj]

Great video, I’m here in Tenaya lodge right now, tomorrow we will drive to Yosemite BUT how far should we drive north to see sites etc....must sees ! Thanks

[MikeSmith-fqdv]

Do you remember what day is national public lands day free admission??? Do you know how much the regular admission fee is? I have to visit there sometime, it looks amazing! 🤩🤩👍

[Realkevv]

Is the road scary lol is it a road going up hill 😂im not good with heights and clifs

[ebchacon]

Bro, where the hell have you been? I loved your show "three sheets in the wind" ! WTF??? When are you coming back to T.V?

[trimmoos]

Likes cats and cheese? Which tastes better?