April 19th – April 23rd, 2026
Barley Enough to Scratch the Surface: A 5 Day, 4 Night Itinerary in Yosemite National Park
One of my all time favorites – Yosemite National Park brought Amory and I up to park number 43 of our 63 in 365 journey. Although this was my second visit to the valley, I still have so much to do and see and explore here and will certainly be back.
But let’s quickly touch on my favorite thing about Yosemite: the feelings that bubble up inside when driving in – romance and adventure perfectly swirled into one. The graceful waterfalls, the intimacy of being snuggly between the canyon’s walls, the take-the-breathe-right-out-of-you views. I love this place, and yet, I have only scratched the surface of all that it has to offer. And I love exploring this place with my person – Amory. Blah, blah, mushy-gushy. I know, I know. But the hopeless romantic in me cannot help it nor will I deny it. Which brings me to our book of this post: Punch Me Up to the Gods by Brian Broome. A memoir and coming-of-age story about romance, sexuality, intimacy, acceptance, trauma, survival, and to put it plainly – about being a queer, black man. The way Broome used both humorous and blunt, raw tones to tell his story captivated me. Readers, you know I love a good memoir, but Broome’s was better than good – it was powerful. Even as an ally, I find myself forgetful of the day to day struggles within the queer communities. And as a white woman, I can’t begin to say I can relate to the day to day struggles of POC. So, reading literature from queer POC keeps me in check – reminding me of my privilege and pushing me to remember: I am my brother’s keeper.
Long story short: Happy Pride month readers. Pick up some gay books by some gay folks, and let me know about what you read or find or discover in the comments.
Day 1, April 19th
Driving In and Dispersed Camping near the Western Entrance
Our “first day” doesn’t really count as a first day in the park because it only consisted of us driving in from Lassen Volcanic NP (5 hour drive), but I wanted to include this day because of where we stayed – Hardin Flat Road. This road is on National Forest land meaning you can find a pullout and disperse camp. The best part? Free, secluded, and only 10 minutes from the Western entrance.
Dispersed camping/boondocking: Where can you do it? On most national forests and BLM land. For how much? FREE. But it is tricky for newbies, especially if you’ve never been to where you want to go. Books, bites, insights? Download and pay the $60 yearly fee for the Dyrt – an app that will show you dispersed camping locations near you (We have easily saved over $60 using this app and feel it is well worth the annual fee); however, don’t feel like paying the fee? Ask a park ranger! They know the area best and have guided Amory to some pretty sick spots.
Day 2, April 20th
Yosemite Valley, Peak Hike, Checking-In, and Errands
On day two Amory and I took the Upper Yosemite Falls trail to Eagle Peak – easily my favorite hike and view in Yosemite. This 12 mile out-and-back takes you to the top of Yosemite Falls and is strenuous; however, after summiting the falls, you have a more gentle, gradual incline through alpine meadows up to Eagle Peak. At Eagle Peak, you’re rewarded with vast views of the valley below and Half Dome in all her glory in the backdrop. After our hike, we made our way to the Yosemite Valley Welcome Center for stamps, loaded up on groceries at the Village Store (arguably the best national park general store), and checked into Housekeeping Camp.
Amory and I wanted to stay in the valley a few days to avoid excessive driving, but didn’t want to pay those intimidating lodge fees, so we opted to stay at the Housekeeping Camp. This popular lodging spot does book out, and I can see why. Housekeeping Camp offers a glamping-esk experience. Coin laundry machines on site, hot showers, a covered space that included a full bed, a bunk bed, multiple outlets, and flip-switch lights; All for $120 a night. A one night hotel room price but in one of the most beautiful locations in America – not bad.
Day 3, April 21st
Yosemite Valley and Valley Strolling
On day 3 Amory and I woke up to snow. Lots and lots of snow. Attempting to see this as a blessing rather than a disappointment, we opted to stroll the Yosemite Valley Loop trail (7 mile half loop, 15 mile full loop). Would Amory and I of done this if the weather had been picturesque? Readers, you know us, we would’ve went on some wild summit peak hike and wouldn’t of even considered doing this loop; however, I am thankful for how it all played out. Seeing the valley snow-dusted and not from my car window allowed me to relax, rest, and take in all the beautiful sights the valley has to offer: Sentinel Rock, Cathedral Rocks, Bridalveil Fall, El Capitan, Three Brothers, Lower Yosemite Falls. Also, with the weather being less than desirable, there were no crowds. When it started sprinkling on our stroll, we escaped the rain by getting tea and coffee at Degnan’s Kitchen – where the hot water and drip coffee refills are FREE and the Wi-Fi strong.
Day 4, April 22nd
Yosemite’s Hetch Hetchy Area, Waterfall Hikes, and Checking-In
Day 4 was spent exploring the Northwest corner of Yosemite – Hetch Hetchy. We started at the O’Shaughnessy Dam and hiked the Wapama Falls trail. A moderate 5 mile in-and-out hike along the shoreline of the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir with several water crossings and two beautiful waterfalls along the way. Afterword we bought out all the snacks at the Evergreen Lodge’s general store (8 miles from Wapama Falls trailhead). While driving to our campsite, we passed Carlon Falls, had plenty of daylight left, and figured why not. This 3 mile in-and-out that follows the Tuolumne River and is a bit more strenuous than Wapama Falls, but we only passed one other group while hiking, so it would be perfect for those looking for a quick, secluded hike or swim. After this packed day, we were thankful that our campsite at Hodgdon Meadow Camground ($36 a night) was less than a mile away.
Day 5, April 23rd
Yosemite Valley, A Yosemite Must-Do Hike, and Departing 😦
For our final day in the park we did a Yosemite-Must: the Mist Trail. The first time we visited Yosemite we only went to the top of Vernal Falls, but this time we wanted to go all the way to the top of Nevada Falls to catch a view of the valley from yet another angle – jaw-dropping as always. Books, bites, insights? This trail is very popular and very crowded (go as early as possible), you will get wet from the ‘mist’ section (bring a poncho or raincoat), and is a steep, strenuous 7 mile trip.
On our way out of the park, Amory and I were craving BBQ and found a lil hole-in-the-wall gem in Jamestown (2 hours outside Yosemite Valley, 1 hour outside the park’s western entrance) at Fasty’s BBQ Joint. One word: Slapped. Check them out if you’re near.
Readers, I am already counting the days until I can return to Yosemite. Especially because I have yet to summit the notorious Half Dome. If you have conquered this feat, reach out to me ASAP! I have so many questions. Until next week love bugs. Xoxo.
Books, Bites, and Sights 
Leave a comment