Yosemite Trip under $100

Hello!! I just got back from Yosemite and only spent about 100 dollars!! I brought Sierra of course and my bf Dana! So I will break it down how we only spent 100! We got 50 dollars in gas which would make the 400 mile roundtrip in one tank! We brought all the food from home except on lunch we got in Yosemite!

Yosemite Falls

El Capitan

Bridal Veil Falls

CC in her kennel at Campsite
We spent the night outside Groveland, Ca on HWY 120 in one of the USFS camp spots called Lost Claim.  I would have driven a bit further up to get sites on the river but we settled for this one! It was $16 a night. They do allow dogs at all of the 3 USFS camps along 120, for no fee, just leased up! Next morning we drove to the entrance and on this day (which made our trip decision to go) was a fee-free day! So saving 20 dollars right there! We drove into the Valley early to try and beat any crowds we might have encountered. We wait to Bridal Veil, Lower Yosemite and Curry Village. So dogs don't have too much freedom in the park, but it seemed like there weren't alot of enforcement of these rules. According to Yosemite website" In Yosemite, pets are allowed on fully paved trails and roads, on a leash 6 feet or shorter, and can not be left unattended"  Most of the campsites do accept dogs. We took her to a picnic area along the Merced river exiting the valley and she loved it! We had to leave her in the car for when we hiked to a few of the falls but it was in the morning before the valley started to heat up! 

Toulumne Meadows

Tenaya Lake

Clouds Rest and Half Dome

For lunch we had a burger and a sandwich at The Grill in Yosemite Village for 12 bucks (its behind the store). Remember to bring water for yourself and your pup! Buying drinks and water adds up before you know it!      


We left the valley around 1pm and headed up to Tioga Pass! Beautiful outlooks especially at Olmstead point! Continued on to Tenaya Lake and Toulumne Meadows. Toulumne was still covered in water and snow which was a bummer considering Ive never been up there but worth the drive! We exited in the east side of Yosemite and drove up 395 to home! It was a great trip and worth every penny!