Yosemite is one of the prettiest places in California, but lodging reservations usually have to be made a year in advance. Being a four hour drive, it's actually possible to make it a day trip -- leave early, hit the Ahwahnee for a fabulous lunch, take a short hike and a nap, then drive home under the stars...or you can always do what many of us do: forget the reservation-required campgrounds and instead backpack off into the wilderness for a few nights surrounded by breathtaking views.
