Lady’s Beautiful Guide to 4 Days in Yosemite

There’s nothing like a California road trip. I might be biased, but my home state is the perfect place to get on the road and take in the scenery. Which is why I’m excited that Visit California has sponsored me on just such a trip. I’m spending 4 days in Yosemite to start, and I can’t wait to explore the national park and beyond.

4 Days in Yosemite: Day 1

I begin by flying from London to San Francisco. After a night at the Americania Hotel, I get in the car and head east to Tuolumne County.

Sonora

The drive takes around three hours, and when I arrive I go straight to Indigeny Reserve in the hills of Sonora. This place is known for its hard cider, and when I pull in I’m ready for a tasting.

I sample a few different kinds of cider, noting their sweet flavors and learning how they’re made from the apples in the orchards surrounding the tasting room. It’s great to try something so local.

Outside, I take a walk through their pumpkin patch and admire the covered bridge on the property. It’s the first one I’ve seen in California, and it’s nice to know that after all these years my home state still reveals little surprises.

After the visit, I head into the town of Sonora for lunch at The Independent Wine Co. This place does small plates and wine, and both go down a treat.

When lunch is done, I walk around and pop into some of the antiques shops. There’s a lot of history here from California’s Gold Rush days. Buildings like Sugg House, which was built in 1857 by a freed slave named William Sugg, show it.

Columbia

But it’s my next stop that really shows off the state’s Gold Rush days. Columbia looks just like it did back in the 1850s, complete with covered wagons and people walking around in period dress.

As soon as I pull in, I remember being here on a class trip when I was 9. I panned for gold, drank sarsaparilla (it’s like root beer), and bought all the candy I could eat at the sweet shop.

On this trip I’m more focused on the history. I love the wooden facades, saloons, and exhibits in the shops. I can’t resist stopping for a sarsaparilla for old times’ sake, though.

Groveland

After Columbia, I drive to Groveland, which is going to be my home for the first half of my 4 days in Yosemite.

I’m staying at Red Tail Ranch Bed and Breakfast Inn, which is set in beautiful countryside. My room is spacious, my hosts welcoming, the breakfasts amazing, and the hot tub divine. It’s a truly special place.

After checking in and getting settled, I drive to the Grill at Pine Mountain Lake. It’s a bit tricky to find, but when I do I love its spacious dining room.

My salad starter and salmon main go down a treat even though they’re brought to the table at the same.

4 Days in Yosemite: Day 2

Hetch Hetchy Hike to Wapama Falls

The next morning I’m up and off to visit Yosemite National Park with a guide from Echo Adventures.

Jamie picks me up from Red Tail Ranch and drives me into the park for a hike at the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. It’s nice to be going with someone who knows the way.

We spend half a day walking across the dam, around the water, and to the falls. When we arrive, we stop for lunch before walking back.

The hike is beautiful, with views of Yosemite’s iconic granite peaks across the water. Jamie tells me all about the park, the reservoir, and the local flora and fauna as we go.

In the evening I go to Rush Creek Lodge for dinner and a glass blowing experience. The meal in the Tavern is a good one, although like the night before, my starter and main arrive at the same time.

I enjoy learning how to make a glass bauble with their expert, Maggie, afterwards.

4 Days in Yosemite: Day 3

Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias

The following morning I leave Groveland and Tuolumne County and drive to Oakhurst in Madera County for the second half of my 4 days in Yosemite.

From Oakhurst it’s a short drive to Yosemite National Park’s Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. It’s the largest sequoia grove in Yosemite and is home to over 500 mature trees.

Yosemite’s Mariposa Grove was closed for conservation work when I visited a few years ago, so I’m extra excited to be able to visit on this trip.

I spend the afternoon hiking the Mariposa Grove Trail and Guardians Loop Trail.

As I go, I spot a number of the famous sequoias, from the California Tunnel Tree to the Faithful Couple and the Clothespin Tree. It’s amazing to see these giants up close.

Oakhurst

Back in Oakhurst, I check into my room at the Chateau du Sureau. This luxurious hotel has beautiful rooms and pretty grounds with fountains and gardens. It feels like a European country house in the middle of Yosemite.

For dinner I enjoy the annual Harvest Dinner at The Elderberry House restaurant on the hotel grounds.

The meal is Oktoberfest themed, with a 5-course tasting menu and beer (or wine) pairing. It’s a great blend of German-meets-Californian cuisine in an elegant atmosphere.

4 Days in Yosemite: Day 4

Tour of Yosemite Valley

The next morning my 4 days in Yosemite continue with a day tour of Yosemite National Park with Discover Yosemite Tours. I board a shuttle at 7am and a guide takes me and a dozen others around to see the highlights.

Our first stop is Glacier Point, an overlook with stunning views of Half Dome and Yosemite Valley. We spend an hour taking in the scenery before driving down into the valley to explore more.

When we arrive, we visit everything from Bridalveil Fall to the spots where photographer Ansel Adams took some of his iconic photos of Yosemite.

We also take a quick walk in the Mariposa Grove, where our guide tells us all about the sequoias.

In the middle, we stop for lunch at Yosemite Falls. It’s nice to picnic among the trees and granite rocks surrounding them.

In the evening, I round out my trip with dinner at South Gate Brewing Co in Oakhurst. Fish tacos and Honey Badger wheat beer hit the spot after a long day of sightseeing.

The next morning I’m up and off to drive back to the California coast. My road trip will continue with visits to Santa Cruz and Half Moon Bay, two of my favorite beach spots in Northern California.

After 4 days in Yosemite it’s hard to say good-bye to the sequoias and granite scenery. But given how much I love a California road trip, I’m sure it won’t be long before I’m back again.

This post is sponsored by Visit California.

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