If you're fortunate enough to visit the Yosemite National Park in California, don't forget your bicycle the next time you go.
At first it's a scary thought. Some of the roads in the Yosemite Valley are as congested in the peak summer tourist season as anything in a big city.
But that traffic dwindles down between Labor Day and Memorial Day. And you probably won't be on the road anyway. There is a network of 12 miles of bicycle trails around the valley (see green line on map) that connect many of the attractions and carry you far from the hustle and bustle.
I used to go there, a lot, when I lived in California until about 12 years ago. I even rode my bicycle there from Manteca one time, but I never considered riding around Yosemite Valley. Maybe improvements have been made.
A writer at the Sacramento Bee recently visited the Valley and biked along that path, visiting Mirror Lake, Happy Isles, Curry Village and Cooks Meadow.
“I veered left toward Mirror Lake at the next junction and instantly found myself in a different world. Gone was the engine noise, replaced by the soothing sounds of a gentle breeze. …
“Most people will require 90 minutes to two hours to ride all 12 miles of bike path. If that's not enough, turn around and pedal in the opposite direction. With so much to take in, it'll seem like a different ride.”
It sounds ideal. Twelve miles might not seem like much of a ride, but that will soon double.
One of the big priorities of The Yosemite Fund is to raise money to pay for paving the 13-mile Valley Loop Trail. The trail is an old horse trail that encircles the valley and is currently limited to people on foot.
Of course bicycling is allowed only on public roads and paved bike trails in the Valley. Riding on hiking trails or across open fields is strictly prohibited.
If you don't bring your bike, cruisers are available at Curry Village and Yosemite Lodge from May through October.
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