Our Yosemite National Park Adventure

After 42 miles of winding county roads through the Great Central Valley and Sierra Nevada Foothills, Yosemite RV Resort was a sight for sore eyes. Quick tip: if you’re coming from the north on Highway 99, take the extra time and detour to 145, then to 41. Trust me, you’ll thank me later! Yosemite RV Resort is beautifully laid out, well-maintained, and offers a ton of amenities—pool, clubhouse, new playground, horseshoe pits, you name it. It's managed by RV Outdoors Destinations, the same folks who own Catherine’s Landing in Arkansas, where we stayed for the 2024 Eclipse. We didn’t get around to using the amenities, but we still enjoyed our stay. Plus, it’s only a 40-minute drive to the Yosemite National Park South Entrance!

Bigfoot Pizza

After the long drive, we needed a quick and easy dinner, so we headed to Bigfoot Pizza, one of the few options nearby with great reviews. We started with side salads—classic iceberg lettuce, cheese, olives, and homemade dressings. Then, we each dug into our own calzone, which was perfectly cooked and full of flavor. And, surprisingly for California, the prices were actually reasonable and didn’t make us feel like we were overspending. Bigfoot Pizza for the win!

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is a must-see, and we were excited to explore it. Just remember, you’ll need a reservation to enter during busy months and weekends, and the key is to get there early. We rolled in through the South Entrance around 9 a.m. and were surprised to find only a few cars. Maybe it was the foggy, rainy weather that kept the crowds away.

Our first stop was the Wawona Visitor Center, located on the property of the historic Wawona Hotel. Shelly grabbed her coveted stamps, and we gathered some tips on what to see and do. We made our way to Tunnel View, which offered a breathtaking panorama of El Capitan and Bridalveil Falls. Thanks to the recent rain, Bridalveil Falls was flowing beautifully, so we decided to take the short hike over for a closer look. But why stop there? We scrambled over the rocks to get even closer, which was a bit of a workout but totally worth it for the views.

Next, we headed to Yosemite Valley Village, where we checked out the local store filled with groceries and souvenirs. Since we were nearby, we couldn’t resist visiting the Ansel Adams Gallery. His photography is legendary, and while the gallery also featured the work of other artists, it was still a fascinating experience.

Our last-minute decision to visit Glacier Point that day instead of Sunday turned out to be a great call. The views of Half Dome, Yosemite Valley, Vernal Falls, and Nevada Falls were absolutely stunning. Plus, it saved us from navigating those twisty roads twice. By the end of the day, we were ready for a straight road and some good food.

Smokehouse 41

For dinner, we headed to Smokehouse 41 in Oakhurst, a place that boasts authentic California-style BBQ. I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first, but they’ve nailed the art of barbecue from various regions of the U.S. Whether it's the St. Louis ribs, Carolina pulled pork, or Texas brisket, they’ve got it all, smoked to perfection over oak wood. The standout for me was the smoked tri-tip, a cut of meat that’s a California specialty. They also offered a range of delicious sides, including jalapeño mac & cheese topped with bacon, warm potato salad, and a unique coleslaw with a hint of vinegar and pineapple. If that wasn’t enough, they also offered a great selection of beers and wines, and for dessert, a tempting banana pudding that looked delicious. If you ever find yourself near Yosemite, Smokehouse 41 is a must-visit for some top-notch BBQ.

Conclusion

Our time at Yosemite RV Resort and Yosemite National Park was filled with beautiful scenery, delicious food, and a few unexpected surprises. Whether it was exploring the majestic park or discovering some amazing local eats, this trip was one for the books.

Until next time, keep spinning the wheel of adventure!

Happy RVing!

2KidsatHeart 🚐💨