[TR] great drives

[Chris Kantarjiev]

Despite what folks may have heard, visit rates to Yosemite are sharply
down over the past decade. Most of the Park is never crowded. The Valley
is crowded about three weekends/year: Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day.
On those days, traffic on the Valley Loop is typically a real zoo. 
Any other day, not so much.

After Labor Day, the Park is really quite quiet and pleasant. Be aware
that just driving through will still cost you the entry fee - $40 last
time I noticed (I buy an annual pass). 

The main difficulty in YNP is getting lodging; there aren't many rooms
in the Lodge and they fill up early. Never fear - there are lots of
hotel rooms in Oakhurst, about an hour south of the Park entrance,
and they're cheaper, too! If you're just driving through, rather than
planning to stay in the Park, that's what I'd recommend.

Depending on where you going to/from - the east end of 120 (between 
Tioga Pass and 395) is probably the best driving, and the drive on 140
along the Merced is also quite lovely. The roads in the south end
of the park are interesting, but there's too much traffic on them.

Best,
chris