Yosemite is my top-two favorite National Parks. I love the shear beauty of the valley, the crisp air that surrounds you, the amount of trails that you can explore with (or without) a dog, and the variety in their campgrounds. We visited Yosemite on our roadtrip out west a few years ago in the beginning of October and stayed at two of the campgrounds there. The first night, we stayed at the Crane Flat Campground (we had planned to stay there two nights). The second night (after our sleeping bag zipper broke) we ended up booking a hotel because we were so.cold.! It dropped down to the upper 20s at night and with no properly working sleeping bag, it was just too chilly.

I had managed to book just one night at the Lower Pines Campground (I booked it back in June and there was only one night available!). It was the perfect temperature there (maybe 40s at night?) and we loved this campground. I cannot say enough good things about it! It was in a great location (right next to the river), we could see Half Dome right from our tent. I'd recommend planning your trip 6 months in advance and bookmarking when your reservation date will be available (~5 months in advance). 

There were several paved trails along the park that we could walk Stella (one of the most dog-friendly National Parks we've been to!) and I also got to run in the park once (highly recommend)! Because the speed limits are slower, you can feel safer than you would running on a backcountry road (or at least I did). I also ran during the mid-afternoon where there were ample people around (to be safer). 

We did a few shorter hikes (where Stella had to stay in the car), which we started by ~6am so it would be cool enough in the car for her. I'd definitely recommend planning ahead if you want to do a lot of hiking and research places to board your furry pets for a day or two (it's worth it!). 

I'd also recommend doing the drive up to Glacier Point at sunset. We brought our dinner up there and enjoyed it with a view (cannot recommend this enough). It was so beautiful and we got so many great photos as the sun was setting among the valley. 

Ever been to Yosemite? 

Favorite part of the park? --> We REALLY want to go back, so let me know if you have any recommendations!