<p>Okay, right now I have three nights in Yosemite reserved and two in Sequoia. I am hoping to get to Mono lake and Bodie. I have one day before we go to Yosemite that I need to fill up. We are going to fly into Fresno (Thanks for that tip) which incredibly was cheaper than flying into SF. We get in really late so we will just crash at the airport hotel but the next day I have wide open. The availability at the park dictated the use of my days. So where should we stay? Any good b & bs around? Are there winery tours or brewery tours or something neat to see in the area? Thanks!</p>
<p>So, you’re staying the first night in Fresno, the second night in tbd, and the next 5 nights in Yosemite/Sequoia?</p>
<p>If so, then maybe the tbd night could be in Kings Canyon.</p>
<p>I don’t think Fresno is much of a tourist spot itself.</p>
<p>No, I am sorry. I wasn’t clear enough. We have 3 nights booked in Yosemite and two in Kings Canyon. I agree that Fresno isn’t a tourist destination. We fly in around midnight on a Sunday so we will just crash near the airport. Monday night is the night with no plans yet. I was able to get the places I wanted in Yosemite but could only get T, W, Th. Friday and Saturday, we will be staying at Muir lodge and then to the airport Sunday morning.</p>
<p>You will enjoy Yosemite and Sequoia! </p>
<p>Mono Lake is on the other side of the mountains. It would be a 4 1/2 hour one way drive there from Fresno. It is across a route, Tioga Road, that I have always wanted to take, the beautiful high country meadows of Yosemite National Park.</p>
<p>Driving across and back the next day would be an undertaking. Alternately you could look into a Coarsegold/Oakhurst/winery day.</p>
<p>I think that is what I am thinking DeniseC. I thought we would go to Mono Lake when we stay at Curry Village. So on that Monday, a day going to a winery, checking out Coarsegold and Oakhurst would be worth doing? Any winery suggestions?</p>
<p>Here’s another idea -
- Stay in Fresno the first night.
- Drive to Bodie the next day. According to Google this is about a 4.5 hour drive but it’s a very scenic drive (hwys 41 and 120).
- After you see Bodie, drive to Mono lake to see that including the Tufa formations.
- Stay this night somewhere near Mono lake perhaps in Lee Vining. If you’re really enjoying driving a lot you could go to June lake and stay there and then head back the next day along the June Lake Loop road.
- The next night will be in Yosemite. Google maps says it’s about 2.5 hours from Mono Lake to Yosemite Village.</p>
<p>It all boils down to what you like to do and whether you like drives (scenic ones but hours nevertheless).</p>
<p>Get busy with Google maps and see what the different routes look like and what the time estimates are.</p>
<p>If you are going to make the drive to Mono Lake area, I would follow GladGradDad’s plan and go the day before Yosemite. That would make the stay in Yosemite Valley more peaceful.</p>
<p>If you don’t want to drive that far, I would look for a winery in the area and stay in Oakhurst. Coarsegold and Oakhurst are not destinations in themselves but are supply locations for the area. No, I’m sorry I haven’t been to a winery in the area. </p>
<p>You will have a wonderful vacation either way.</p>
<p>Just wanted to let all you helpful people know that we had a wonderful time. We spent 2 nights in Sequoia, three in Yosemite and one night at a winery in Sanger. The weather was perfect and because we went in early October, there was a lot less people. We saw two bears and gorgeous scenery. Thanks again for all the tips!</p>
<p>I’m so glad you had a good trip. Yosemite is my favorite place on earth. And it’s good you didn’t wait until late October. Yosemite is going to get significant snowfall tomorrow.</p>
<p>I saw that on the weather channel. I’m glad we went when we did but I would love to see the sequoias with snow. The pictures I’ve seen of them look amazing.</p>