Couples Trip to Yosemite National Park
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK
Where romance meets roughing it.
In the spring of 2016, My sister and Miguel flew to California from Europe to visit Yosemite National Park, and Mike and I decided to drive up from Los Angeles to meet them there for a weekend adventure. Can’t recommend this trip enough if you’re looking for a fun double-date weekend with another couple you like traveling with. Scroll down for more photos.
Three of us had ever seen the giant sequoia trees that the park was known for, and although Mike had been once as a young boy, he didn’t remember much. Needless to say, we were all eager to explore the famous landmark!
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Clockwise from top left: Miguel, Mike, Aliya=Jasmine, and Aliza pose in front of Yosemite’s gorgeous rock formations.
Romance.
What’s not to love? Giant trees that form the most beautiful canopy’s. The feeling of being oh-so-tiny among nature’s wise giants.
Aliza & Mike walk through a giant tree at Yosemite National Park.
How’s this for a postcard? Mike & Aliya-Jasmine at Yosemite National Park.
We even saw a bear cub (unfortunately, tourists got really close with their cameras and instagram-motives, it took everything in me not to lose my sh*t at them! If you make this trip - please keep a safe distance from wildlife. You’re in THEIR home. One of the worst thing you can do for their longterm survival is teach them human contact is OK.)
Bear cub walking through the trails in Yosemite.
Deer grazing under the rock formations in Yosemite National Park.
We saw deer grazing under Yosemite’s giant rock formations, before crossing the road. All the traffic stopped and it was just beautiful seeing - and being - a place where nature is held as the supreme leader. And all of our human technology sits back respectfully, in awe, as we observe nature happen. It moved me.
Yosemite deer up close.
We also came upon a lake with the most turquoise waters. The boys jumped in and swam and the scene couldn’t have been more picturesque.
Mike swimming in Yosemite National Park.
Mike & Miguel take a swim under the rock formations at Yosemite National Park.
Taking it all in.
The best part was, we had no wifi and very little cell service. There was a main lodge where WiFi was available, this is also where you can grab food at the cafeteria - I was indifferent to it, but Mike REALLY loved the brunch. I mean, he really loved it. Like if this was HIS website, this entire blog post would be dedicated to the cafeteria brunch in Yosemite.
This was our accommodation in Yosemite.
Roughing it.
My sister planned the trip - and contrary to my request - she booked us in to a camp. She called it glam-ping. But there was no glam, it was literally camping. Although there was a structure, as oppose to tents, the structure didn’t have doors. The bathroom had electricity but it was shared with everyone else camping in the area. As you can imagine, I was not impressed.
But I quickly warmed up to our accommodations. Each camp has their own fire pit, and we sat around and drank champagne while making s’mores (a first for Miguel! Apparently s’mores aren’t a thing in the south of Spain.)
While we didn’t bring our dog, some of the camping sites do you let you bring Fido. But if you decide to bring him, make sure you’re aware of the various trails where there are local wildlife - it’s their home, your dog is just a visitor. So be sure you’re prepared and aware on how to be respectful.
We had so much fun and laughed a ton - and although it was totally “roughing it” - it was just enough to make you feel rugged, while still being comfortable! Highly recommend this weekend getaway.
Miguel trying s’mores for the first time.
For more information on our double-date couples trip to Yosemite, check out my Youtube Video. And feel free to DM me @AliyaJasmine on Twitter or Instagram with questions.