I never imagined that the mountains would win a large area of my heart until I visited Yosemite. Being that I am a Texas native, and that I usually prefer the beach, I had no major expectation for Yosemite to be as wonderful as it was for me.

I was so captivated, that I am already planning my return to Yosemite for the spring time next year. Between the peaceful and welcoming embrace from nature, falling asleep listening to the sound of wildlife (prefer that over sirens in the city any day lol), and the cozy lodge atmosphere that you get while staying at Rush Creek Lodge, I already have a second trip planned in May of 2022. And this next time? I will be staying for four days rather than two days.

If you want to switch up the typical beach girl’s trip getaway for a moment in the mountains, keep reading for practical tips and for my experience in Yosemite.

What To Do:

As I have mentioned before, Yosemite is filled with wonderful gems of nature, and plenty of opportunites for you to explore, zen out, and have a mini photoshoot. There is a LOT to do. This makes Yosemite a perfect location for a girl’s trip, and you can do nearly everything that you desire in two days- within a weekend.

If you’re a hiker, you will find multiple hiking trails for different hiking levels. If you are wanting a picnic in the park, you can bring your basket, and sit under Yosemite Falls to have the best picnic oasis. If you desire a nice girl’s spa day, Rush Creek Lodge Spa is now open and you will have the luxury of a spa day in the mountains. And if you really just want to sit down in the mountains, you can cozy up with s’mores at a lodge that has everything on site for you.

Relaxing in Yosemite:

Being a woman who works full time, owns a business, and priortizes her mental health, this trip was needed and came at the right time. I heavily anticipated my trip to Yosemite because I wanted to be unavailable, unbothered and at peace. And that is EXACTLY what I received once getting to Yosemite.

The reason why I say “once getting to Yosemite” is because of how windy the roads are on the way up the mountains. If you’re not used to driving up the side of a mountain for 8 miles, with nothing but EARTH and potential death next to you, then you will have a mini anxiety attack. My friend Keia and I rapidly shut the music off, and drove in silence with a few prayers and cuss words as we got up the mountain.

I don’t share that to steer you away from going to Yosemite, but really just because I had no idea that the roads were traumatic (call me dramatic, but I am from Texas where the roads are FLAT). Yet it is so worth the drive, and you only have to deal with this while coming up the mountain. While in the park, and when you leave to head back home, you have a much easier drive and one that is less traumatizing.

Back to relaxing (I know, way to switch up the mood), Yosemite is the spot for you and your girls if you need a place to just BE. If you’re not in the mood to deal with crazy people, loud activites, and highheels, then book your girl’s trip to Yosemite. It is far from the “hot girl summer” trip, and it really does give you the chance to recharge and rejuvenate.

Outdoor Activities:

If you’re a city girl that is absolutely against being outdoors, plan for another location as Yosemite will not be your favorite place to explore. Yet if you’re in between like myself, pack up some cute mountain outfits, your monocular, and get ready to use maps for your adventure.

When traveling to Yosemite, you will spend a majority of your time- nearly all of it- outdoors. This means packing some sunscreen, comfy hiking shoes, your camera, phone charger, a backpack, sanitizer, small trash bag, baby wipes (just in case you have to pop a squat due to no bathrooms) snacks, first aid kit for my fellow clumsy girls, sunglasses, water, and grabbing maps offline or at the lodge you are staying at. It will be an ADVENTURE like never before which will be super exciting if you are prepared. So please prepare ahead of time and make sure that you are ready for the fun.

Here are some MUST see landmarks in Yosemite National Park:

Glacier Point

El Captain

Yosemite Falls

Tunnel View

Bridalveil Fall

Valley View

Taft Point

Half Dome

Another incredible sight to see is wildlife! I actually wanted to see a bear from AFAR, but of course we only saw Bambi 🙂 with that being said, please be smart, safe and kind towards the animals when in Yosemite. This is THEIR home-not yours. Pick up after yourself, don’t litter, and don’t invade their space if you come across wildlife.

Where to Stay:

Rush Creek Lodge:

There is no way in hell that I was planning on staying in a tent my first time in the mountains. I needed to be comfortable, not compromise on being cute, and needed good food nearby when selecting my lodge. It is why I decided to partner with Rush Creek Lodge, and I will always book with them for my Yosemite adventures.

As soon as you arrive, you are greeted with a pleasant and friendly staff that stays consistent with their amazing service throughout and after your stay. From the front desk, to the restaurant, each team member at the lodge shows up for you and has remarkable hospitality.

Another reason why I adore Rush Creek Lodge is because of their spa! We spent 2 1/2 hours in the most magical spa that I have ever encountered. They uniquely designed the spa to resemble the mountains and glaciers of Yosemite and you absolutely get this vibe. One of my favorite features (aside from the hot tub shown below) is the Sensory Room. This room invites you to mediate and to clear your mind by embracing you with its soothing and mulit-sensory experience, while sitting on a heated granite stone to ease your body.

Overall:

Transportation: You need a rental car, so get one as soon as you fly into Fresno or Merced Airport. You will drive around into Yosemite National Park, and pay a $35 park entrance fee. If you’re hiking, there will be plenty of places to park on the map that you will receive from the park ranger. PLEASE make sure that you fill up on gas because there are little to no gas stations on the mountains. Fill that tank up before, while and after your trip.

Friendliness: Everyone is happy here. Like how could they not be?! Being a woman of color, we ALWAYS have to consider how friendly or safe an unknown place is when traveling. I am happy to share that the people who work, live and are visiting Yosemite are just happy and minding their business. We ran into so many people who wanted to take our pictures when they saw us doing a selfie, and people who just spoke when within your proximity.

Solo Travel Safety: I know that this is for a girl’s trip in Yosemite, but I promise that you can do this trip by yourself. BUT ONLY IF- you are okay with being by yourself in the mountains, highly alert, and if you don’t freak out when driving with a weak GPS signal. With that being said- I will always have someone with me 🙂

Final Thoughts: I loooove Yosemite and I will be back. I desire to visit the park in the winter, but I am still unsure just because of driving up there in the snow doesn’t sound exciting to me. If you’re a nature lover like myself, this is going to be a wonderful experience for you. I hope that Yosemite will leave a stamp in your heart, just as it did mine.