this is super encouraging to me. i can't drive due to my eyes and finding people to backpack with is very hard for me. but knowing i can fully take public transit there is a huge morale booster for me. thanks for making this video.
I'd be interested in hearing how you are doing with low vision and backparking. I have low vision due to glaucoma and while I feel I can do a day hike I know my eyesitght isn't good enough to see the trails wihout help. (Weidly I feel safer on a crowded grail beccause I know I'm going the right way!) If you've found any tools or advice on hiking with low vision, I'd be very interested.
Legally blind (20/500, 20/300 best corrected, Nystagmus), never legally driven a car. I discovered thru hiking in 2015. Hiked the first 750 miles of the PCT in ‘17 and 2,100 miles in ‘19. If I can’t drive to places, figured I’d walk to places where no one can drive. Nice info and great shots in the vid.
I have taken this trek to Yosemite MANY times. It is only 1 hour longer than driving for me. My very first time I WAY overpaid going on a Travel Agency Group. AMTRAK used to have a roim block on the Chalet Condos across from Yosemite Lodge if you have difficulty booking a room at Yosemite Lodge or Curry Village
I don't think you have any idea how much it helps to hear someone else say, "I've thought about doing this for 7 years. Now I'm finally doing it." For context, I recently turned 25 and... have some feelings about my life right now.
Well yall I'm born in 61, and I'm gettin ready to do it. Not this exactly, but def will consider it. I assumed when you said 7 yrs it was because of a waiting list. Like waiting 10yrs to raft the grand canyon
You’re 25. You have your entire life ahead of you. It does not seem like it now because you don’t have the past to look back onto but take it from an older person. You’re super young and everything is ahead of you.
Why are people hating on the title? The title is 100% accurate as you can book the whole trip on Amtrak’s website for $30 and takes about 5 1/2 hours. There are a LOT of AMTRAK routes in California which are multi-modal (train & bus). If you don't have a car, or would rather relax than drive 3 1/2 hours it is great to know it is an option.
People might not like the title, because it could be leading you on to believe the trip is easier than the reality. I lived without a car for twenty years, the pandemic shut down that idea. I used to bike and take transit. Transit can be a bewildering mess and take a long time, especially with connections. You can ride Amtrak right into Glacier. Yosemite doesn’t have train tracks. You have to finish the trip on the bus.
I'm glad that you are discovering and sharing this with strangers, but I have a suggestion as a long time train traveller. Remember its a paradigm shift. You're not trapped like in a car or plane. You can and should make the journey festive. Bring your own food, music, non alcoholic beverages, movies, games, eye masks and earphones, books, book on tape, there is room to basically party the whole way to your destination. During none scenic times Endulge. Anytime you get on a train treat it like vacation. Losing an hour or two versus driving is a none issue.
I often take a six hour train ride from DC to Connecticut and I love it. I plan on reading a book the whole way and finishing it. So I store several kindle books so I’m ready to go for whatever my mood. I also take a lot of variety of food with me. I leave early, so of course I have bottled coffee and some boiled eggs for breakfast then I have some breakfast bars and some nuts like almonds for snacks and then some other protein thing for later in the day. I’m probably eating too much and if I don’t wanna eat my own food, I’d go to the dining car and get a hotdog. A hot dog for me is a big treat. I should tell you that I’m a senior in my 80s and people treat me very well. The red caps help me with my luggage. I used to get in a quiet car, but sometimes I like to make phone calls. If somebody is too loud or noisy, I change my seat or change my car. If you ride Acela, you have an assigned seat that’s why I like to take the general population six hour trip.
Can second this!! Started talking Amtrak as a student and loved it more than flying, easily. Far more comfortable, less anxiety, and freedom to enjoy a road trip without the stress of being in a car ❤ trying the desert Eagle route next year towards Grand Canyon 🎉
That's an underappreciated thing that solo vloggers have to do for each video. There's so much work directing a video, from drones shots, establishing shots, approach and departure shots, which they have to walk twice for each shot. I think about it when Trek Trendy posts a video where you see him board a train. He has to set up the camera, get his shot boarding the train, then exit the train, break down his camera setup, and board the train again. And then with every shot where he's walking away from the camera, he had to turn back around to get his camera and walk the same path again.
It's a funny thing, because my goal is to try and convey what it felt like to do this trip. But to get shots like that, I clearly have to do it at least twice. So there's something inherently inauthentic in filming yourself doing the trip. But my hope is that it's worth it and helps tell the story. Glad you liked it!
While I knew that you had to set up and go back to get your camera each time as a solo vlogger, it did not detract from your video. It was thoroughly enjoying, as it is something I could never physically do. I got to experience it vicariously through you, kudos💜💜💜@@AdamDoesNotExist
My favorite place to go camping. In 1992 I was a junior in high school and met the most beautiful young lady who ever lived. She invited me to make the hike to half dome with her and her friends the next morning. Even though I had been to Yosemite many times before I didn't realize how long the hike was to half dome and back. I brought a single bottle of water and a bagel 😬. Luckily when we got to the cables there was a young guy and his dad who offered me a bottle of Gatorade. fortunately the young lady I met just happened to live only a few miles from where I lived and we started dating and eventually married. Still together after all of these years and God willing many more.
@@AdamDoesNotExist yea that's what i learned. i have to find a way to get to Bakersfield to jump on the San Joaquin train. might just drive and use overnight parking at their station.
@@rocioiribe5841 Make sure you check the bus times from Merced. The San Joaquin from Bakersfield to Merced is frequently late. You want to make sure you have plenty of time to catch the bus.
If you ever decide to do this and you're running late on time and/or daylight: Yosemite offers a backpackers campground in the valley right off of the North Pines campground that you're able to stay in the night before and the night after the date of your backcountry permit for $6/per person per night. Always a good option if you don't want to hike out when the sun is going down.
is that backpacker tent area usually so full that a person would not be able to find a space there? Is it a reservation first type of thing or first come first serve? Lastly, I’m a little confused about the back country permit. All you have to do is fill out the paper and drop it in the box? This is something you can’t do online before you get there correct?
As someone that doesn't drive (anxiety) or have a lot of friends, this video is so so encouraging. Solo travel on a train to see one of the world's greatest natural sites seems not only possible now, but preferable. Also, this is the first video of yours I've seen, and I really appreciate your cadence and the calm way you approached this endeavor. A lot of content creators these days try to make things seem much more high-stakes/chaotic than they actually are, and it was a breath of fresh air to see someone genuinely enjoy their travel.
My family tent camped for years when we were growing up. 50-60 years ago. my Dad would not go to Yosemite because "everybody and his brother" were there! So about 20 years ago, my son and I stopped by on our trip down Highway 49. Lots of people, yes, but absolutely beautiful. We parked and took the tram all around the valley floor. We did a little hike to the base of the falls. We got food and souvenirs. It was fabulous! Wish I could hike the backcountry. Hewell Howser did a great show on the history of the valley even showing the "let the fire fall" from the past. Yes the National Parks are the best idea we ever had! Still there for all to enjoy.
Love that Huell Howser special! I haven't been to the Valley since I went during a school trip in 6th grade. Was super fun; I think we went in January?.. so it wasn't too busy. Definitely need to plan another trip there
Nice VLOG! Pro photographer here. If you can move away from automatic settings you can tell the story how you want to. Like when it was looking like daylight at night. The camera is definitely capable of showing how dark it is, it is just doing it's best at capturing all of the detail by increasing the ISO, opening the aperture, and reducing the shutter speed to the lowest it can go in video. A good base line is double your frame rate and lock that in. For example, you select to film in 4k at 30 fps, your shutterspeed should be as close to 60 as possible. You will have smoother video and it will look better for sure. Another thing to remember is the lower the aperture number, the less will be in focus. The higher the ISO number, the more digital grain you will see. Similar to turning up a radio station when you are barely in range, yeah you can hear more but you also increase the static noise at the same time. It is super frustrating to learn and you will ruin footage, but in the long run it will improve your video and photo skills too. However it can be difficult when you are pressed for time and that is indeed what you were. Again, nice job. I am 42 and my first memory ever is at Yosemite when I was around 3 years old. Strapped to the back of my parents bike, the large granite structures, dark green park fences, massive trees, and the sound of rushing water are permanently imprinted in my memory. Oh that and the fat Raccoon that used to hang out with her cubs at the cafeteria at the base of El Capitan in the outdoor eating area. It is a trip every time I go back and it's a shame the old campground I used to stay at (across the Merced from the tent cabins) is no longer there. Safe travels.
Yosemite was home for seven years back in the 80s when I was first out of high school. Lived in that area (Mariposa County) for almost 20 years. Your video made me homesick. I live on the other side of the country now in pancake flat Florida. Thank you for your adventure and taking us along.
Kudos to you making this video Adam! I live in Sonora, which is called the Gateway to Yosemite (Shared by Groveland). Even though we are only about an hour and 45 mins from Yosemite, I haven't been to there in years. I'm almost 70 now, and I used to climb in the Valley in the 70s right along with the big greats back then, Royal Robbins, Warren Harding, Yvon Chouinard. We have a YARTS here as it is based here, and now I think I want to go see the Valley again before I get too old. I think it's the perfect answer to getting to the Valley without driving. Watching this made me very nostalgic. I used to camp alone in Camp 4, even after I stopped climbing, just to get away from the spouse, kids and job back in the 80s. When we climbed we often slept up in the trees in Foresta, which sadly has all burnt down now. Thanks for the lovely video of a place I spent a lot of time in during my youth.
I loved that you said the drive is both boring and stressful. The boring part I could deal with, but the stress of that long, long winding drive down! I didn't tell my family for years how I was getting so stressed that I pretended it was only a video game...only a video game. It was, of course, worth it. That was our only trip to Yosemite (with a Star Trek club; movie reference!) but El Cap and Half Dome will always feel like old friends.
@@AdamDoesNotExist. I’m in my mid-50’s and I’ve visited Yosemite well over 30 times. I think if I did all of that adventurous travel to get there and back, but to only sleep one night there, I would just cry. Yosemite is definitely worthy of at least 4+ days in addition to the travel days. BTW, great video, totally subscribed.
you saying that you been wanting to do that train ride for 7 years but are just now doing that reminds me of me with hiking. for years i said was gonna hike all over the sierra nevada mountains but yet have only done day hikes 😂 but seeing you complete your goal is really motivating me to finally do mines! thanks for that!
As someone whos from the east bay and is currently studying at merced this video was very fun for me to see all the easter eggs. I'm planning on taking amtrack back to the bay for the first time later this month. My freinds who regualry use have also told me about how they enjoyed it alot. After watching further in the video it looks like you went to yosemite 2 days after I went; yosemite never gets old.
Yosemite is my elder cousin’s yearly birthday present to himself, since the late 1960’s. He turned 80 this year and hiking into the backcountry for the week of his birthday is still an easy trek for him
@@DanielinLaTuna Cool! I was last in Yosemite hiking three years ago, summer of 2021, when I was 71. Hiking keeps us young. Today I will be walking around Central Park in New York City - it's a half mile wide and two and a half miles long, so it's a pretty good walk!
I'm so glad you were able to make a stop in Merced. I hope you get a chance to come back and spend the day in town, exploring what we have to offer. I'm also so grateful to see your experience on YARTS. As resident Mercedians, we have wanted to take it but haven't done it yet. We also love Amtrak, so looking forward to having a day adventure up to Richmond, just to enjoy the scenery you shared. So glad you had a good journey. Come back in the spring when the falls are running!
You're so right that pictures can't do it justice. No matter how many Carleton Watkins, Ansel Adams or Galen Rowell photos I had seen of the Valley, the moment I drove through the Wawona Rd tunnel (my first time there) I gasped, and stopping at the Tunnel View lot I felt like chucking my Canon down into the valley in futility at any attempt in capturing this amazing space. All the same, my photos from that trip are some of my most treasured. Congrats on hitting all your goals for this challenge!
I feel like I have a new appreciation for those iconic photos now that I've been to the park. They were incredible before, but now they almost take me back there!
I've been to Yosemite at least twenty five times, starting when I moved to California in the late 1970's. I often drove up there on a whim and an annual pass. I've been snow camping in the Valley and it's glorious. Lots of exhibits, etc., are closed but the grocery store and ice skating rink in Curry Village is open and you can rent skates. The Valley is quiet and jaw dropping beautiful when blanketed with snow and the views and quiet are what the native peoples who lived there would have experienced. I love train travel and have enjoyed them all over the world. The last trip I took by Amtrak last year was to San Francisco from Santa Barbara, and I also got confused at that Oakland station. The bus ride segments leave you in the same traffic jams as everyone else. Amtrak trains and particularly the dining and observation cars are fun. I always go to a nice restaurant before I leave and have them pack up a good meal. I bring that along with a book and bottle of wine and water, and the club car bartender will even heat your meal up in the microwave if you ask, which so far they have had no issue with. Unfortunately, Amtrak has to share the rail with freight trains since Eisenhower put GM in charge of American transportation in the 1950's when I was a kid, so all the dedicated passenger rail was torn out and replaced with the Interstate Highway System. I've traveled on Amtrak trains that were almost three hours late because they have to get shunted off to a siding to let freight trains pass. Freight gets precedence on America's scarce rails.
I live in the Central Valley but haven’t been to Yosemite in years since Sequoia is closer to me than Yosemite. Both national parks are very beautiful and nice to hike in. I was very confused when I read the title bc I know there isn’t a train that directly takes you there. I’ve been on the Amtrak many times mostly to SoCal. I also want to mention that I like how your video encourages environmental friendly travel options like using the bus. This was a great video to watch!
This is already giving the Idea that there should be railways that provides sleeper cars trains to national parks on Friday nights, so for people who can camp on a saturday, to then head home either by Sunday afternoon-to-midnight. that'd be a cool weekend lads.
@martinsto: This would indeed be a cool weekend trip. But I see two problems with this idea. The cost of such railways would be very prohibitive. In addition - creating the space to run the railways would involve ripping up the terrain. While a nice idea I can't see those two things happening.
For the Grand Canyon, it would be nice if there was a better interchange between Amtrak Southwest Chief and the Grand Canyon Railway, right now you have to go to Flagstaff and take a shuttle backtracking despite the two rail lines crossing each other.
Thanks for sharing, I have been trying to figure out more car-free trips from Sacramento since they are much more of an adventure. I’ll have to add this to the list
My husband and I go to Yosemite every May for the better part of a week. When money was tight, we would take Amtrak and YAARTS and stay in a Curry Village tent cabin. When we have more money, we rent a car and stay at Yosemite Lodge. You really have to reserve a room in the park a year ahead. Always go mid-week and NEVER anytime around a holiday weekend. Being in the valley late and early does give you time away from the growds and a chance to experience a more peaceful park. If you were planning a last minute backpark in the park, I'd stay in Mariposa or at the Bug Hostel outside the park on the YAARTs line and get an early start and a day to chill out. You could also go into the park for the afternoon go back to your out of park lodging then take the first bus in to hit the trai.
Good story and clever camera work on all of your transitions! This brings back memories of when we were just newly married and my wife and I took Amtrak to Yosemite in the early 80's. We purchased our tickets in Sacramento and started our journey there. Yet halfway down the valley, the conductor said our tix wouldn't cover the full distance, so pay cash now or get off at the next stop. Not cool! Fortunately we had enough cash on hand. We disembarked at the transfer stop and waited for our van (no bus back then). It was just us and the driver, a Hells Angels biker who regailed us with stories of biker club wife-swapping initiation rituals -- all while he was taking corners at pretty high speed. We arrived a bit shaken, had a wonderful week and returned to the Yosemite Lodge to catch our return van back to the train. We waited, and waited and waited....then learned that the shuttle company had gone out of business that very same week! Aaahhhgg! What were we going to do?? The drive of one of the big tour busses overheard us and said "just hop on." He gave us the best two seats in the front of the bus and didn't charge us anything. What a hero! He dropped us at the station, which was just a concrete platform. No bathrooms or anything. So we peed on the tracks and waited for our train. The rest was uneventful, so I guess we got home fine. Over the past 43 years, the train/bus connection has improved a great deal, and my wife and I are still happily married! ~ www.undercurrentsradio.net
thank you for sharing this amazing story about you and your wife!! human kindness is so incredible and it's awesome that you and your wife could go with the flow and eventually figure it out :) wishing yall the best
Yes indeed without a doubt, I took the train trip from Oakland station on the SOUTHERN PACIFIC to Yosemite on my birthday July, 1964...from Mariposa to the valley we took a special tourist bus 1936 convertible...slept in great tent with bath & shower near road, swimming pool was extraordinary at Yosemite Hotel...OVERALL one of the best train trips in Northern California on the famous Southern Pacific railroad!
😮❤😊👍Rode the Santa Fe from the old, tiny Santa Ana, CA station to Oceanside, CA.❤️🦅🇺🇲 The following year, we rode Amtrak 🚆🛤️ on the same route. This was before 🧡🍊 Orange County 🌴was overdeveloped.🙏
I’m SO glad your video popped up on my timeline. I’m definitely gonna look into this as a way to treat myself to both a train ride and a quick trip to Yosemite.
As someone who grew up in Merced hearing you say that it's nice and you liked it there was very funny. It's got a lot of problems and I couldn't wait to get out of there, but now that I'm in my 30's I see a small amount of appeal when I go back and visit. Cool to watch your journey!
As someone who’s been through Merced many times on my way to Yosemite, I greatly appreciate two significant things about Merced: The cheapest gasoline on the journey, and the In-N-Out Burger. ⛽️🍔🚙
Yes the big pipes across the Delta are water - it's the Mokelumne Aqueduct from Pardee Reservoir on the Mokelumne River to service East Bay Municipal Utility District (Oakland and surrounding cities).
I’m from Oakland and took the Amtrak to Yosemite last year when I was 16 starting at the jack London location. It was peaceful and I did my homework the whole train ride there. The train dropped us off at Merced waiting for a bus. It was over 100 degrees in the summer and I had a bike and 2 pieces of luggage as I was meeting my family there. I waited with others for the bus to come and after 2 hours the bus came and said they couldn’t put my bike on even though the website said I could bring one on. I had to wait for another bus coming with more space and waited for 8 hours at the train station by my self. It wasn’t too bad it was an interesting experience lol
For many years I did this same exact AMTRAK trek to Yosemite. Ideally you reserve a room or cabin through Yosemite direct. Then book the train yourself. The VERY best way to get there. No driving. No Vehicle gate fee. All buses in the Valley are free. Granted it is a bit longer than driving but you are relaxing the entire way taking in the FULL scenery. The bus in stops at every hotel in the Valley for drop off and pickup
I have done this from San Francisco and Los Angeles. It's one of the only parks I know of that you can reach 100% via public transit. The biggest bummer is the first train from Emeryville gets you into the park at 2:06 PM and leaves at 3:15 PM so you can make your connection so you are STUCK overnighting in the park or grabbing something stupid fast at the visitor center and jumping the bus home. If there were better connections, I think more people would take the bus there. As for the crowding... I remember back in the day my sister found you could get hotels for DIRT CHEAP right around Christmas. I remember going there with my mom and sister and it was almost a ghost town and it was INCREDIBLE. Then I remember years later going with my friend and her sister and it was way, way more crowded! It's a shame since it's an amazing park but this level of crowding isn't sustainable to any degree, sadly.
There is an earlier express bus, but getting there from Oakland in time on the train isn't possible. I've talked about doing a day trip by car to the park, but it's a looooong day.
@AdamDoesNotExist that is the biggest issue is the lack of decent service and transfers! Going from LA you start at 1 AM and get in at 2:13 PM. Marginally better but utterly brutal as well!
Nice video of a fun trip. - thanks for posting it. I could not do what you did - you were barely there for 24 hours. I'd need at least a couple more days in that marvelous place. - Art
The "race against the clock" element made this surprisingly suspenseful! I thought this would just be a pleasant travelogue (and I've always wanted to try public transit to Yosemite, after years of long, tedious drives up from the Bay Area). Actually, I found my pulse speeding up as I followed your race against the setting sun and the alpine terrain of upper Yosemite!
Another great video, Adam! I think I speak for all of us when I say you inspire us with your solo travels, speed runs, views, and adventure. It's amazing how trained you are in survival/wilderness basics cause in the tech age we live in, it's not taught as much. Also, I am amazed how compared you are traveling alone or not being afraid. Doing things alone is one thing, but I've traveled by myself and panicked when things go wrong; like lose this, get a late start, no wifi, etc. Great job!
Thank you for your video! I loved it. You passed thru my little town of Planada when you rode YARTS! I live 70 miles from Yosemite and believe it or not, I have only been there about four times! I am 67 years old and still hope to take YARTS up there. Yosemite truly is the JEWEL of all parks. I am happy you got to visit ❤️
Talk about a "whirlwind tour". You did great to get all of that in, in the time that you had for your adventure. I had the privilege of living and working in Yosemite for over 4 years in the early '90's. I regularly used the bus/train route to visit my girlfriend in Sacramento. I actually preferred taking the train instead of driving. I could relax and enjoy the scenery without dealing with the hassle of driving and it was much cheaper also. I honestly never took living in such an awesome place for granted. No matter if I was having a stressful day, all I had to do was look at my surroundings and everything suddenly felt much better. Try and visit Yosemite in the winter. You will get a completely different vibe.
You were in my city! I live about 2 minutes from merced amtrak. That was my mailman in the background lol! It was awesome to see the Amtrak I see daily. Merced is known as the gateway to Yosemite. Ive been quite a few times myself since were super close. 👌🏾 Great video!
I used to take Amtrak often in college. The trains are lovely. I had two issues. 1) brought a bike. I had done this before and knew which car to go to. It was full, conductor shooed me away to another cart, train left without me. 2) the power outlets have something wrong with them and they might shock you. I had my laptop plugged into the outlet, my arm rested on my laptop and grazed the metal portion of the train wall, zap! It wasn’t bad, I ended up using it as a constant relaxing buzz.
9:09 that bridge is rad. Its a modern Bailey bridge. Originally invented by the British for the second world war. Built in modular prefab sections for rapid construction. They can literally be rolled cantilever style over rivers if needed. Despite their cost and speed advantages you dont see them used a ton outside of disaster work. Deploy it rapidly, pack it up and redeploy it when your done. Idk I just find them facinating and have a cool bit of history.
Been over that very bridge many times going to Yosemite. It gets deployed if a landslide blocks the road so you can just cross the bridge and continue on the road on the opposite bank. I revere that bridge enough to gladly learn more about it.
I’m going to do this! Great video. I did the John Muir trail a few years ago. Seeing that first sign saying Whitney was 211 miles away almost made me nauseous. I camped at Little Yosemite Valley the first night, as required by my permit. I didn’t think DaY 1 was tough but day 2 had me rethinking my life choices. Made it to Sunrise Camp - uphill all the way. After a few days, I started getting faster and stronger every day. I was physically ready for the hike. If you’re not ready, you get slower and more worn down every day. By the end I practically ran up Whitney from Guitar Lake (it helped that I was almost out of food). Good times. Thanks for reminding me of these experiences.
This is so inspiring. I always think to myself “what is holding me back from doing something like this?” It’s just myself! I think i’m gonna take Amtrak to Yosemite one of these days. Thanks for the idea! 😊
Thank you for all your efforts in documenting this experience. It's really cool seeing someone travel through the same regions of California I've been. I haven't been to Yosemite itself yet, but your video is great motivation.
This was very nostalgic for me. I'm from Merced, before the pandemic I studied at SJSU. I remember coming home and going back to SJ on the Amtrak. Sometimes, I would take the ACE train or bus from SJ to Stockton from there I would get a transfer to Merced. I would go home so much on the Amtrak bus that at some point the bus driver recognized me. The Sagittarius in me has been craving an adventure, maybe I'll plan something soon through Amtrak. Thank you for bringing this back to my attention.
First video of yours I've seen! There are a lot of people making these kinda out of outdoorsy videos that don't have a lot of knowledge or experience. I can tell just from this one video with the choices you made and the way you carry yourself that you definitely know what you're doing and I'd trust you! Lookin forward to watching more of your videos you got my sub!
I did it right after the floods of 1997. It was just what I wanted - to visit without a car, before the crowds resumed. Involves buses where there are no tracks. I like buses. The train did break down not far from home base in Martinez, but the passengers were congenial and I had the flexibility to just relax until buses came to rescue us, which was about 2 hours.
Alot of parts of the park are closed in the winter for Yosemite. It's actually a good time to visit because less people and pretty snow. I saw so many deers and even foxes. The hotel prices are cheaper too!
Great video! It's a realistic view on the benefits but also the difficulties in coordinating public transportation with a busy national park. It's not trivial to arrange tickets, manage a pack, get into the park, get a permit, get to the campsite, and set up camp for the night. Special thumbs up for the Aeropress, they are awesome!
I've done this trip multiple times. It's definitely an investment in time but worth it during those times I didn't feel like making that drive on my own or didn't want to deal with potentially driving in snow. I recommend it!
THANK YOU SO MUCH 4 THIS VIDEO! I have younger tween brother who has wheelchair and the drive from Oakland to Yosemite always seemed daunting for him. Now I can plan a trip with our family and friends so we can all enjoy the trip there together!
This is my preferred method to get to Yosemite. It’s relatively affordable, with the park entrance fee being baked in to the price of the train/bus fee, the fact you can relax and don’t have to worry about making bathroom stops as both the train and bus have bathrooms. All you gotta do is look out the window and enjoy the ride! Nice lil backpacking trip you had too!
I took Amtrak from out of state along this route to Yosemite in both directions and both went great! A conductor on the San Jouquins went the extra mile making sure my luggage was sent through and even called to tell them to pull my luggage and make it ready for me. I loved the shuttle. I had a great conversation with a ranger the shuttle down for his time off. We talked about his career and the animals in the park. The bus drivers in both directions were friendly and also interesting. They gave me tips about the park. The views were incredible once we were going up the mountain and I loved not having to drive up that mountain.
I did this same trip about 30 years ago, BART to Amtrak, then the Yosemite connector bus from Merced. I had a wonderful time and your video brought up so many pleasant memories. Once I arrived there, I wasn't as ambitious as you hiking into the mountains overnight. I rented a tent cabin at Camp Curry for two nights. And rented a bicycle to explore the valley during the day. Still had a great time. Thank you, Adam! I am enjoying all of your Bay Area/Northern California videos. Cheers/Rob
very high quality vlog for the intensity of activity. last time i was in yosemite was a decade ago, seems to have only gotten more packed and difficult to navigate. love seeing how accessible it can be w/ PT -- thanks for the inspiration!
Osprey bags come with lifetime warranties and they'll replace your strap for you if you did not know already. Great video as always. Loved the views! Need to get out to Yosemite someday.
Loved your video! Warmed my heart to see the energy you put into trying to find the right gift. I think your list of goals was a great addition to the video. Stay safe and keep hiking.
I'm walking distance to the Emeryville station and I sure am glad that I am. Thanks for taking the time to film and post this. I usually drive to Yosemite, but it's great to know that there is this alternative.
Thanks Adam for the video. I have been visiting Yosemite for about 50 years as I live in the San Joaquin Valley about 2 hrs away. Unfortunately due to some health issues, it has now been more than 2 years since my last visit. Your video brought me some joy in viewing your adventure. Thanks.
Bro i love your channel. You’re a great story teller and do awesome dialogue .. enjoyed this one thoroughly- might have to go backpack Yosemite now myself!! Haha
Nice to see a video like this. I've thought about taking the train there myself because it's less hassle for driving solo, and you can relax on the train instead of dealing with traffic.
Just stumbled upon this, loved visiting Yosemite but never made it out of the valley - this is a great tour of it :) I used YARTS too but didn't try Amtrak - would love if you included the prices for both (and arrival times in addition to the departure times) to help answer those questions. Thanks for putting this together though, and really fun to see!
Hi Adam! I absolutely loved joining you on this journey and seeing Yosemite through your fresh eyes-it brought back so many memories of a place I've visited at least 50 times in my life! My parents moved me to a mountain community just outside Yosemite when I was 16, and I ended up staying until I was 29. I've traveled across the U.S. and explored many state parks, but nothing quite compares to Yosemite. The only place that comes close-maybe even surpasses it!-is Yellowstone, especially with the stunning Grand Tetons nearby. Next time, stay a little longer! There are so many trails, sights, and experiences waiting for you!
The bus trip up (via Amtrak or YARTS) is a great option. Any time one doesn’t have to get a parking place is good. I live and work in Yosemite, so I got the Beta (beta = information) on efficient visiting. Can be crowded on any day of the year. Nice video. Thank you.
Glad you liked it! This was my first time in the valley and I was expecting it to be a bit less crowded this time of year. But in any situation, it's just such an incredible place.
This is one of the best RUclips videos I have ever seen. I don’t really know how to describe it but the way you shot it in different ways and edited it together kept me engaged the entire time. I never watch a video all the way through even though I listen to videos all the way through while doing something else. Really excellent video. You are very talented.
The USA 🇺🇸 used to be a train country before GM, Chevy, and Ford lobbied to make it a car/truck country. Thank you for breaking barriers. Now I know how easy it is. Can you go to more interesting places in California?
This was very inspiring to watch. I live in sf and decided to take a bus trip out to Monterrey this weekend. Seeing the famous aquarium there has always been on my bucket list am an excited to finally go
I did the train/bus Yosemite trip years ago, and probably won't do it again. The train part was great, but the bus part just plain sucked. I don't know if they've changed the way it works, but back then, it was a local, so it stopped a million times between Merced and the park. It was extremely tedious. I had won the trip from I think a radio show, so they got us there via Amtrak and bus. Then we got a cold cheese sandwich from the Awanee. We weren't allowed to eat it in the lodge, so the group of us (maybe 20-ish) stood around in a awkward group and ate our sandwiches in the parking lot. We were then given about 20 minutes to walk around before we were herded back on the bus to head back to Martinez. I was able t take three pictures, but they are without a doubt, three of the best I've ever taken. It's pretty hard to take a bad shot in the park. Now if only Amtrak could extend their service all the way...
Watching this video while commuting to my job on Amtrak. You showed your breakfast sandwich right as I was eating mine and it startled me a fair bit! I've never tried heading out to Yosemite, but I'm inspired to try taking the train for fun as opposed to work!!
At these times the former Yosemite Valley Railroad is sorely missed... once upon a time one could hop aboard a Pullman sleeper at Oakland and wake up at El Portal.
Awesome to know transit is an option. I lucked out when I went in 2017. There was a flood that shut down the park and it reopened the day of my reservation. I was told I was one of twenty guests at the camp… so I pretty much had the place to myself. It was amazing… and they had snowfall so all the flood damage was hidden by a blanket of snow. Of course the weekend came and the crowds came. I ditched out a day early to keep my zen
I was SO anxious until you hit sunset. All those tight connections! Yeesh. At least you had pleasant weather. You’re so well prepared, given the capricious nature of travel. Sternum strap not withstanding. 😅 I’m an Amtrak fan and that ride out of Richmond looked pretty sweet. Amtrak has its foibles, but there’s nothing quite like it for retro transpo. Nice vid. Bravo. Take the win.
This was awesome! I've lived in Merced, and that Amtrak station looked very familiar. We are blessed that we can go to these incredible places, even if it can be unfortunately crowded
this is super encouraging to me. i can't drive due to my eyes and finding people to backpack with is very hard for me. but knowing i can fully take public transit there is a huge morale booster for me. thanks for making this video.
This really warms my heart! I'm glad you found this video, and I hope you make it to the park!
I'd be interested in hearing how you are doing with low vision and backparking. I have low vision due to glaucoma and while I feel I can do a day hike I know my eyesitght isn't good enough to see the trails wihout help. (Weidly I feel safer on a crowded grail beccause I know I'm going the right way!) If you've found any tools or advice on hiking with low vision, I'd be very interested.
Legally blind (20/500, 20/300 best corrected, Nystagmus), never legally driven a car. I discovered thru hiking in 2015. Hiked the first 750 miles of the PCT in ‘17 and 2,100 miles in ‘19. If I can’t drive to places, figured I’d walk to places where no one can drive.
Nice info and great shots in the vid.
@@JamesOfEarth Your heart can see what your eyes can’t! You guys & your courage are inspirational. My hats off to your adventurous spirit.
I have taken this trek to Yosemite MANY times. It is only 1 hour longer than driving for me. My very first time I WAY overpaid going on a Travel Agency Group. AMTRAK used to have a roim block on the Chalet Condos across from Yosemite Lodge if you have difficulty booking a room at Yosemite Lodge or Curry Village
I don't think you have any idea how much it helps to hear someone else say, "I've thought about doing this for 7 years. Now I'm finally doing it." For context, I recently turned 25 and... have some feelings about my life right now.
I'm almost 10 years older than you. You're good. You might like the book "Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!"
Well yall I'm born in 61, and I'm gettin ready to do it. Not this exactly, but def will consider it. I assumed when you said 7 yrs it was because of a waiting list. Like waiting 10yrs to raft the grand canyon
I’m 36 and rebuilding my life again. You're never too old until you're dead! Best wishes to you
More than twice your age - recently thought, "I've been doing this for 7 years. Now I'm finally thinking about it."
You’re 25. You have your entire life ahead of you. It does not seem like it now because you don’t have the past to look back onto but take it from an older person. You’re super young and everything is ahead of you.
Why are people hating on the title? The title is 100% accurate as you can book the whole trip on Amtrak’s website for $30 and takes about 5 1/2 hours. There are a LOT of AMTRAK routes in California which are multi-modal (train & bus). If you don't have a car, or would rather relax than drive 3 1/2 hours it is great to know it is an option.
Literally! I just rode the Amtrak for the first time and now every time I want to go somewhere, I also check Amtrak as an option lol.
i'm not hating on it. I'm wondering exactly what route he took? I live in Richmond, California.
People might not like the title, because it could be leading you on to believe the trip is easier than the reality.
I lived without a car for twenty years, the pandemic shut down that idea.
I used to bike and take transit. Transit can be a bewildering mess and take a long time, especially with connections.
You can ride Amtrak right into Glacier. Yosemite doesn’t have train tracks. You have to finish the trip on the bus.
@@californianorma876 Richmond tp Modesto via rail. Modesto to Yosemite transfer from rail to bus.
Because its not 100% accurate if I have to take a bus.
I'm glad that you are discovering and sharing this with strangers, but I have a suggestion as a long time train traveller. Remember its a paradigm shift. You're not trapped like in a car or plane. You can and should make the journey festive. Bring your own food, music, non alcoholic beverages, movies, games, eye masks and earphones, books, book on tape, there is room to basically party the whole way to your destination. During none scenic times Endulge. Anytime you get on a train treat it like vacation. Losing an hour or two versus driving is a none issue.
I often take a six hour train ride from DC to Connecticut and I love it. I plan on reading a book the whole way and finishing it. So I store several kindle books so I’m ready to go for whatever my mood. I also take a lot of variety of food with me. I leave early, so of course I have bottled coffee and some boiled eggs for breakfast then I have some breakfast bars and some nuts like almonds for snacks and then some other protein thing for later in the day. I’m probably eating too much and if I don’t wanna eat my own food, I’d go to the dining car and get a hotdog. A hot dog for me is a big treat. I should tell you that I’m a senior in my 80s and people treat me very well. The red caps help me with my luggage. I used to get in a quiet car, but sometimes I like to make phone calls. If somebody is too loud or noisy, I change my seat or change my car. If you ride Acela, you have an assigned seat that’s why I like to take the general population six hour trip.
that's a great way to look at it !
Can second this!! Started talking Amtrak as a student and loved it more than flying, easily. Far more comfortable, less anxiety, and freedom to enjoy a road trip without the stress of being in a car ❤ trying the desert Eagle route next year towards Grand Canyon 🎉
Great perspective!
it is a good perspective, but all those luxury items would have to be hauled around at elevation while camping, not optimal.
I have to applaud the fact that you have to position the camera, walk back and forth to get your shots. Appreciate the content.
That's an underappreciated thing that solo vloggers have to do for each video. There's so much work directing a video, from drones shots, establishing shots, approach and departure shots, which they have to walk twice for each shot. I think about it when Trek Trendy posts a video where you see him board a train. He has to set up the camera, get his shot boarding the train, then exit the train, break down his camera setup, and board the train again. And then with every shot where he's walking away from the camera, he had to turn back around to get his camera and walk the same path again.
@@ninjaundermyskin Some of his video's he does have a hidden person helping out. But yes this video he's solo. Impressive.
It's a funny thing, because my goal is to try and convey what it felt like to do this trip. But to get shots like that, I clearly have to do it at least twice. So there's something inherently inauthentic in filming yourself doing the trip. But my hope is that it's worth it and helps tell the story. Glad you liked it!
that's all i kept thinking about. i was like he had to walk all the way over there to put the camera, walk back and then walk again.
While I knew that you had to set up and go back to get your camera each time as a solo vlogger, it did not detract from your video. It was thoroughly enjoying, as it is something I could never physically do. I got to experience it vicariously through you, kudos💜💜💜@@AdamDoesNotExist
My favorite place to go camping.
In 1992 I was a junior in high school and met the most beautiful young lady who ever lived. She invited me to make the hike to half dome with her and her friends the next morning. Even though I had been to Yosemite many times before I didn't realize how long the hike was to half dome and back. I brought a single bottle of water and a bagel 😬. Luckily when we got to the cables there was a young guy and his dad who offered me a bottle of Gatorade.
fortunately the young lady I met just happened to live only a few miles from where I lived and we started dating and eventually married. Still together after all of these years and God willing many more.
was she in high school? I graduated a few miles away, in '94, so just curious! :)
@sophiegiddings9272 Yes 😋
the fact that you got to go to Yosemite without a car is unreal. so freaking cool. and i am googling my route for a future trip from SoCal.
Doable, but a bit trickier from SoCal. It really is cool!
@@AdamDoesNotExist yea that's what i learned. i have to find a way to get to Bakersfield to jump on the San Joaquin train. might just drive and use overnight parking at their station.
@@rocioiribe5841 You can go straight from Union Station. Amtrak bus takes you to Bakersfield then you get on the train. It's all one ticket.
@@rocioiribe5841 Make sure you check the bus times from Merced. The San Joaquin from Bakersfield to Merced is frequently late. You want to make sure you have plenty of time to catch the bus.
@@rocioiribe5841 You could take a Greyhound Bus to Bakersfield.
If you ever decide to do this and you're running late on time and/or daylight: Yosemite offers a backpackers campground in the valley right off of the North Pines campground that you're able to stay in the night before and the night after the date of your backcountry permit for $6/per person per night.
Always a good option if you don't want to hike out when the sun is going down.
What a great tip! ❤
is that backpacker tent area usually so full that a person would not be able to find a space there? Is it a reservation first type of thing or first come first serve?
Lastly, I’m a little confused about the back country permit. All you have to do is fill out the paper and drop it in the box? This is something you can’t do online before you get there correct?
Camp 4 usually is a good bet
too funny.
Nice to know! Thanks for the info! I've thought about that situation myself.
As someone that doesn't drive (anxiety) or have a lot of friends, this video is so so encouraging. Solo travel on a train to see one of the world's greatest natural sites seems not only possible now, but preferable. Also, this is the first video of yours I've seen, and I really appreciate your cadence and the calm way you approached this endeavor. A lot of content creators these days try to make things seem much more high-stakes/chaotic than they actually are, and it was a breath of fresh air to see someone genuinely enjoy their travel.
this is legit one of the most underrated channels on youtube
Seriously.
Agreed
Wish I could emphasize a comment on youtube
Production value is unreal
For now. 😊
My family tent camped for years when we were growing up. 50-60 years ago.
my Dad would not go to Yosemite because "everybody and his brother" were there! So about 20 years ago, my son and I stopped by on our trip down Highway 49. Lots of people, yes, but absolutely beautiful. We parked and took the tram all around the valley floor. We did a little hike to the base of the falls. We got food and souvenirs. It was fabulous! Wish I could hike the backcountry. Hewell Howser did a great show on the history of the valley even showing the "let the fire fall" from the past. Yes the National Parks are the best idea we ever had! Still there for all to enjoy.
Love that Huell Howser special! I haven't been to the Valley since I went during a school trip in 6th grade. Was super fun; I think we went in January?.. so it wasn't too busy. Definitely need to plan another trip there
I remember the Yosemite Fire Fall events from when I was a child on family camping trips. They don't do them anymore due to environmental concerns.
Nice VLOG! Pro photographer here. If you can move away from automatic settings you can tell the story how you want to. Like when it was looking like daylight at night. The camera is definitely capable of showing how dark it is, it is just doing it's best at capturing all of the detail by increasing the ISO, opening the aperture, and reducing the shutter speed to the lowest it can go in video. A good base line is double your frame rate and lock that in. For example, you select to film in 4k at 30 fps, your shutterspeed should be as close to 60 as possible. You will have smoother video and it will look better for sure. Another thing to remember is the lower the aperture number, the less will be in focus. The higher the ISO number, the more digital grain you will see. Similar to turning up a radio station when you are barely in range, yeah you can hear more but you also increase the static noise at the same time. It is super frustrating to learn and you will ruin footage, but in the long run it will improve your video and photo skills too. However it can be difficult when you are pressed for time and that is indeed what you were.
Again, nice job. I am 42 and my first memory ever is at Yosemite when I was around 3 years old. Strapped to the back of my parents bike, the large granite structures, dark green park fences, massive trees, and the sound of rushing water are permanently imprinted in my memory. Oh that and the fat Raccoon that used to hang out with her cubs at the cafeteria at the base of El Capitan in the outdoor eating area. It is a trip every time I go back and it's a shame the old campground I used to stay at (across the Merced from the tent cabins) is no longer there. Safe travels.
Yosemite was home for seven years back in the 80s when I was first out of high school. Lived in that area (Mariposa County) for almost 20 years. Your video made me homesick. I live on the other side of the country now in pancake flat Florida. Thank you for your adventure and taking us along.
Kudos to you making this video Adam! I live in Sonora, which is called the Gateway to Yosemite (Shared by Groveland). Even though we are only about an hour and 45 mins from Yosemite, I haven't been to there in years. I'm almost 70 now, and I used to climb in the Valley in the 70s right along with the big greats back then, Royal Robbins, Warren Harding, Yvon Chouinard. We have a YARTS here as it is based here, and now I think I want to go see the Valley again before I get too old. I think it's the perfect answer to getting to the Valley without driving. Watching this made me very nostalgic. I used to camp alone in Camp 4, even after I stopped climbing, just to get away from the spouse, kids and job back in the 80s. When we climbed we often slept up in the trees in Foresta, which sadly has all burnt down now. Thanks for the lovely video of a place I spent a lot of time in during my youth.
One of my favorite national parks and you can get there with transit??? Videos like this just make me happy.
Thank you!
I loved that you said the drive is both boring and stressful. The boring part I could deal with, but the stress of that long, long winding drive down! I didn't tell my family for years how I was getting so stressed that I pretended it was only a video game...only a video game. It was, of course, worth it. That was our only trip to Yosemite (with a Star Trek club; movie reference!) but El Cap and Half Dome will always feel like old friends.
"make sure the weight in paperwork matches the weight in your pack" that park ranger is funny
I thought that was hilarious. He was great!
@@AdamDoesNotExist. I’m in my mid-50’s and I’ve visited Yosemite well over 30 times. I think if I did all of that adventurous travel to get there and back, but to only sleep one night there, I would just cry. Yosemite is definitely worthy of at least 4+ days in addition to the travel days. BTW, great video, totally subscribed.
you saying that you been wanting to do that train ride for 7 years but are just now doing that reminds me of me with hiking. for years i said was gonna hike all over the sierra nevada mountains but yet have only done day hikes 😂 but seeing you complete your goal is really motivating me to finally do mines! thanks for that!
As someone whos from the east bay and is currently studying at merced this video was very fun for me to see all the easter eggs. I'm planning on taking amtrack back to the bay for the first time later this month. My freinds who regualry use have also told me about how they enjoyed it alot. After watching further in the video it looks like you went to yosemite 2 days after I went; yosemite never gets old.
I could have stayed there forever. It's incredible.
Same here except I moved from Hayward to Tracy when I was 5 years old but my phone number still starts with 510
Yosemite is my elder cousin’s yearly birthday present to himself, since the late 1960’s. He turned 80 this year and hiking into the backcountry for the week of his birthday is still an easy trek for him
@@CarlosMartinez-ig6nl LOL. I moved from Los Angeles to New York City, but now I still use a cell phone with a Los Angeles area code.
@@DanielinLaTuna Cool! I was last in Yosemite hiking three years ago, summer of 2021, when I was 71. Hiking keeps us young. Today I will be walking around Central Park in New York City - it's a half mile wide and two and a half miles long, so it's a pretty good walk!
I'm so glad you were able to make a stop in Merced. I hope you get a chance to come back and spend the day in town, exploring what we have to offer. I'm also so grateful to see your experience on YARTS. As resident Mercedians, we have wanted to take it but haven't done it yet. We also love Amtrak, so looking forward to having a day adventure up to Richmond, just to enjoy the scenery you shared. So glad you had a good journey. Come back in the spring when the falls are running!
You're so right that pictures can't do it justice. No matter how many Carleton Watkins, Ansel Adams or Galen Rowell photos I had seen of the Valley, the moment I drove through the Wawona Rd tunnel (my first time there) I gasped, and stopping at the Tunnel View lot I felt like chucking my Canon down into the valley in futility at any attempt in capturing this amazing space. All the same, my photos from that trip are some of my most treasured. Congrats on hitting all your goals for this challenge!
I feel like I have a new appreciation for those iconic photos now that I've been to the park. They were incredible before, but now they almost take me back there!
Amazing video. learned what I needed about traveling with Amtrak. Plus a bonus about camping at Yosemite!
I've been to Yosemite at least twenty five times, starting when I moved to California in the late 1970's. I often drove up there on a whim and an annual pass. I've been snow camping in the Valley and it's glorious. Lots of exhibits, etc., are closed but the grocery store and ice skating rink in Curry Village is open and you can rent skates. The Valley is quiet and jaw dropping beautiful when blanketed with snow and the views and quiet are what the native peoples who lived there would have experienced. I love train travel and have enjoyed them all over the world. The last trip I took by Amtrak last year was to San Francisco from Santa Barbara, and I also got confused at that Oakland station. The bus ride segments leave you in the same traffic jams as everyone else. Amtrak trains and particularly the dining and observation cars are fun. I always go to a nice restaurant before I leave and have them pack up a good meal. I bring that along with a book and bottle of wine and water, and the club car bartender will even heat your meal up in the microwave if you ask, which so far they have had no issue with. Unfortunately, Amtrak has to share the rail with freight trains since Eisenhower put GM in charge of American transportation in the 1950's when I was a kid, so all the dedicated passenger rail was torn out and replaced with the Interstate Highway System. I've traveled on Amtrak trains that were almost three hours late because they have to get shunted off to a siding to let freight trains pass. Freight gets precedence on America's scarce rails.
🤔
I live in the Central Valley but haven’t been to Yosemite in years since Sequoia is closer to me than Yosemite. Both national parks are very beautiful and nice to hike in. I was very confused when I read the title bc I know there isn’t a train that directly takes you there. I’ve been on the Amtrak many times mostly to SoCal.
I also want to mention that I like how your video encourages environmental friendly travel options like using the bus. This was a great video to watch!
This is already giving the Idea that there should be railways that provides sleeper cars trains to national parks on Friday nights, so for people who can camp on a saturday, to then head home either by Sunday afternoon-to-midnight. that'd be a cool weekend lads.
I would love that!
@martinsto: This would indeed be a cool weekend trip. But I see two problems with this idea. The cost of such railways would be very prohibitive. In addition - creating the space to run the railways would involve ripping up the terrain. While a nice idea I can't see those two things happening.
For the Grand Canyon, it would be nice if there was a better interchange between Amtrak Southwest Chief and the Grand Canyon Railway, right now you have to go to Flagstaff and take a shuttle backtracking despite the two rail lines crossing each other.
Thanks for sharing, I have been trying to figure out more car-free trips from Sacramento since they are much more of an adventure. I’ll have to add this to the list
My husband and I go to Yosemite every May for the better part of a week. When money was tight, we would take Amtrak and YAARTS and stay in a Curry Village tent cabin. When we have more money, we rent a car and stay at Yosemite Lodge. You really have to reserve a room in the park a year ahead. Always go mid-week and NEVER anytime around a holiday weekend. Being in the valley late and early does give you time away from the growds and a chance to experience a more peaceful park. If you were planning a last minute backpark in the park, I'd stay in Mariposa or at the Bug Hostel outside the park on the YAARTs line and get an early start and a day to chill out. You could also go into the park for the afternoon go back to your out of park lodging then take the first bus in to hit the trai.
Great tips!
Love your videos, 26mins flew by so fast
Good story and clever camera work on all of your transitions! This brings back memories of when we were just newly married and my wife and I took Amtrak to Yosemite in the early 80's. We purchased our tickets in Sacramento and started our journey there. Yet halfway down the valley, the conductor said our tix wouldn't cover the full distance, so pay cash now or get off at the next stop. Not cool! Fortunately we had enough cash on hand. We disembarked at the transfer stop and waited for our van (no bus back then). It was just us and the driver, a Hells Angels biker who regailed us with stories of biker club wife-swapping initiation rituals -- all while he was taking corners at pretty high speed. We arrived a bit shaken, had a wonderful week and returned to the Yosemite Lodge to catch our return van back to the train. We waited, and waited and waited....then learned that the shuttle company had gone out of business that very same week! Aaahhhgg! What were we going to do?? The drive of one of the big tour busses overheard us and said "just hop on." He gave us the best two seats in the front of the bus and didn't charge us anything. What a hero! He dropped us at the station, which was just a concrete platform. No bathrooms or anything. So we peed on the tracks and waited for our train. The rest was uneventful, so I guess we got home fine. Over the past 43 years, the train/bus connection has improved a great deal, and my wife and I are still happily married! ~ www.undercurrentsradio.net
The couple who pees together stays together.
thank you for sharing this amazing story about you and your wife!! human kindness is so incredible and it's awesome that you and your wife could go with the flow and eventually figure it out :) wishing yall the best
Sounds like a great bonding experience. Congrats on the happy marriage; there is nothing better in this world.
Yes indeed without a doubt, I took the train trip from Oakland station on the SOUTHERN PACIFIC to Yosemite on my birthday July, 1964...from Mariposa to the valley we took a special tourist bus 1936 convertible...slept in great tent with bath & shower near road, swimming pool was extraordinary at Yosemite Hotel...OVERALL one of the best train trips in Northern California on the famous Southern Pacific railroad!
😮❤😊👍Rode the Santa Fe from the old, tiny Santa Ana, CA station to Oceanside, CA.❤️🦅🇺🇲 The following year, we rode Amtrak 🚆🛤️ on the same route. This was before 🧡🍊 Orange County 🌴was overdeveloped.🙏
Oooooo! Fantastic!
I’m SO glad your video popped up on my timeline. I’m definitely gonna look into this as a way to treat myself to both a train ride and a quick trip to Yosemite.
As someone who grew up in Merced hearing you say that it's nice and you liked it there was very funny. It's got a lot of problems and I couldn't wait to get out of there, but now that I'm in my 30's I see a small amount of appeal when I go back and visit. Cool to watch your journey!
As someone who’s been through Merced many times on my way to Yosemite, I greatly appreciate two significant things about Merced: The cheapest gasoline on the journey, and the In-N-Out Burger. ⛽️🍔🚙
Yes the big pipes across the Delta are water - it's the Mokelumne Aqueduct from Pardee Reservoir on the Mokelumne River to service East Bay Municipal Utility District (Oakland and surrounding cities).
My grandpa actually worked for EBMUD at Pardee
I’m from Oakland and took the Amtrak to Yosemite last year when I was 16 starting at the jack London location. It was peaceful and I did my homework the whole train ride there. The train dropped us off at Merced waiting for a bus. It was over 100 degrees in the summer and I had a bike and 2 pieces of luggage as I was meeting my family there. I waited with others for the bus to come and after 2 hours the bus came and said they couldn’t put my bike on even though the website said I could bring one on. I had to wait for another bus coming with more space and waited for 8 hours at the train station by my self. It wasn’t too bad it was an interesting experience lol
For many years I did this same exact AMTRAK trek to Yosemite. Ideally you reserve a room or cabin through Yosemite direct. Then book the train yourself. The VERY best way to get there. No driving. No Vehicle gate fee. All buses in the Valley are free. Granted it is a bit longer than driving but you are relaxing the entire way taking in the FULL scenery.
The bus in stops at every hotel in the Valley for drop off and pickup
WELL DONE. We share the sort of tenacity and optimism GFs and siblings often hate. Sometimes going it alone is best.
I have done this from San Francisco and Los Angeles. It's one of the only parks I know of that you can reach 100% via public transit. The biggest bummer is the first train from Emeryville gets you into the park at 2:06 PM and leaves at 3:15 PM so you can make your connection so you are STUCK overnighting in the park or grabbing something stupid fast at the visitor center and jumping the bus home. If there were better connections, I think more people would take the bus there.
As for the crowding... I remember back in the day my sister found you could get hotels for DIRT CHEAP right around Christmas. I remember going there with my mom and sister and it was almost a ghost town and it was INCREDIBLE. Then I remember years later going with my friend and her sister and it was way, way more crowded! It's a shame since it's an amazing park but this level of crowding isn't sustainable to any degree, sadly.
There is an earlier express bus, but getting there from Oakland in time on the train isn't possible. I've talked about doing a day trip by car to the park, but it's a looooong day.
@AdamDoesNotExist that is the biggest issue is the lack of decent service and transfers! Going from LA you start at 1 AM and get in at 2:13 PM. Marginally better but utterly brutal as well!
you can do Glacier 100% on public transit if you don't mind a walk from West Glacier to the visitor center
You can get to Sequoia from public transit now that the Hanford-Visalia express bus is there
Nice video of a fun trip. - thanks for posting it. I could not do what you did - you were barely there for 24 hours. I'd need at least a couple more days in that marvelous place. - Art
The "race against the clock" element made this surprisingly suspenseful!
I thought this would just be a pleasant travelogue (and I've always wanted to try public transit to Yosemite, after years of long, tedious drives up from the Bay Area). Actually, I found my pulse speeding up as I followed your race against the setting sun and the alpine terrain of upper Yosemite!
Another great video, Adam! I think I speak for all of us when I say you inspire us with your solo travels, speed runs, views, and adventure. It's amazing how trained you are in survival/wilderness basics cause in the tech age we live in, it's not taught as much. Also, I am amazed how compared you are traveling alone or not being afraid. Doing things alone is one thing, but I've traveled by myself and panicked when things go wrong; like lose this, get a late start, no wifi, etc. Great job!
That really means a lot. Thank you!
Thank you for your video! I loved it. You passed thru my little town of Planada when you rode YARTS! I live 70 miles from Yosemite and believe it or not, I have only been there about four times! I am 67 years old and still hope to take YARTS up there. Yosemite truly is the JEWEL of all parks. I am happy you got to visit ❤️
Talk about a "whirlwind tour". You did great to get all of that in, in the time that you had for your adventure. I had the privilege of living and working in Yosemite for over 4 years in the early '90's. I regularly used the bus/train route to visit my girlfriend in Sacramento. I actually preferred taking the train instead of driving. I could relax and enjoy the scenery without dealing with the hassle of driving and it was much cheaper also. I honestly never took living in such an awesome place for granted. No matter if I was having a stressful day, all I had to do was look at my surroundings and everything suddenly felt much better. Try and visit Yosemite in the winter. You will get a completely different vibe.
You were in my city! I live about 2 minutes from merced amtrak. That was my mailman in the background lol! It was awesome to see the Amtrak I see daily. Merced is known as the gateway to Yosemite. Ive been quite a few times myself since were super close. 👌🏾 Great video!
I used to take Amtrak often in college. The trains are lovely. I had two issues.
1) brought a bike. I had done this before and knew which car to go to. It was full, conductor shooed me away to another cart, train left without me.
2) the power outlets have something wrong with them and they might shock you. I had my laptop plugged into the outlet, my arm rested on my laptop and grazed the metal portion of the train wall, zap! It wasn’t bad, I ended up using it as a constant relaxing buzz.
9:09 that bridge is rad. Its a modern Bailey bridge. Originally invented by the British for the second world war. Built in modular prefab sections for rapid construction. They can literally be rolled cantilever style over rivers if needed. Despite their cost and speed advantages you dont see them used a ton outside of disaster work. Deploy it rapidly, pack it up and redeploy it when your done.
Idk I just find them facinating and have a cool bit of history.
Been over that very bridge many times going to Yosemite. It gets deployed if a landslide blocks the road so you can just cross the bridge and continue on the road on the opposite bank. I revere that bridge enough to gladly learn more about it.
Thank you so much for taking us on this trip with you ❤
Love this video! Merced is my hometown and known as "the gateway to Yosemite". Thanks for showing that it can be done with Amtrak and Yarts!
I’m going to do this! Great video. I did the John Muir trail a few years ago. Seeing that first sign saying Whitney was 211 miles away almost made me nauseous. I camped at Little Yosemite Valley the first night, as required by my permit. I didn’t think DaY 1 was tough but day 2 had me rethinking my life choices. Made it to Sunrise Camp - uphill all the way. After a few days, I started getting faster and stronger every day. I was physically ready for the hike. If you’re not ready, you get slower and more worn down every day. By the end I practically ran up Whitney from Guitar Lake (it helped that I was almost out of food). Good times. Thanks for reminding me of these experiences.
This is so inspiring. I always think to myself “what is holding me back from doing something like this?” It’s just myself! I think i’m gonna take Amtrak to Yosemite one of these days. Thanks for the idea! 😊
It takes longer than driving, but easier to sit on the train imo. Have fun!
Thank you for all your efforts in documenting this experience. It's really cool seeing someone travel through the same regions of California I've been. I haven't been to Yosemite itself yet, but your video is great motivation.
This was very nostalgic for me. I'm from Merced, before the pandemic I studied at SJSU. I remember coming home and going back to SJ on the Amtrak. Sometimes, I would take the ACE train or bus from SJ to Stockton from there I would get a transfer to Merced. I would go home so much on the Amtrak bus that at some point the bus driver recognized me. The Sagittarius in me has been craving an adventure, maybe I'll plan something soon through Amtrak. Thank you for bringing this back to my attention.
adam i love you, keep up the amazing work king
First video of yours I've seen! There are a lot of people making these kinda out of outdoorsy videos that don't have a lot of knowledge or experience. I can tell just from this one video with the choices you made and the way you carry yourself that you definitely know what you're doing and I'd trust you! Lookin forward to watching more of your videos you got my sub!
Thank you so much for doing that for me. I could never make that trip with my physical issues. Much appreciated. Beautiful. Well done.
I’m from Mariposa….
Amtrak to Merced…then about 1.5 hours on a bus.
Yosemite is always worth it. ❤
I don't drive and I lived in the Bay Area for more than a decade and never been to Yosemite. Finally, I have a goal for next year. You are a blessing!
I love this! Please keep promoting these gems that most people arent aware of!
Will do!
My guess is this channel got suggested because I'm fan of Liverpool's Mo Salah... and oh boy! the resemblance is striking 😍
This is the only media I'm allowing myself to watch post election day.
I'm with ya on this one.
Same. Just found this post-election and I’m now subscribed. This’ll be a great diversion for the next few years.
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
I feel u. I've been active in blocking all election youtube videos. let's all enjoy happy diversions for a long time.
Yep, been there and did the same the last 4 years. I'm about ready now to plan my cross country train trip. 😏🇺🇸
I did it right after the floods of 1997. It was just what I wanted - to visit without a car, before the crowds resumed.
Involves buses where there are no tracks. I like buses.
The train did break down not far from home base in Martinez, but the passengers were congenial and I had the flexibility to just relax until buses came to rescue us, which was about 2 hours.
Alot of parts of the park are closed in the winter for Yosemite. It's actually a good time to visit because less people and pretty snow. I saw so many deers and even foxes. The hotel prices are cheaper too!
Great video! It's a realistic view on the benefits but also the difficulties in coordinating public transportation with a busy national park. It's not trivial to arrange tickets, manage a pack, get into the park, get a permit, get to the campsite, and set up camp for the night.
Special thumbs up for the Aeropress, they are awesome!
I love your appreciation of the chance while accepting the possibility of change
I've done this trip multiple times. It's definitely an investment in time but worth it during those times I didn't feel like making that drive on my own or didn't want to deal with potentially driving in snow. I recommend it!
THANK YOU SO MUCH 4 THIS VIDEO! I have younger tween brother who has wheelchair and the drive from Oakland to Yosemite always seemed daunting for him. Now I can plan a trip with our family and friends so we can all enjoy the trip there together!
Glad it was helpful! They do family discounts as well. Google "San Joaquins Family Discounts"
love the production quality and care put into this video!
This is my preferred method to get to Yosemite. It’s relatively affordable, with the park entrance fee being baked in to the price of the train/bus fee, the fact you can relax and don’t have to worry about making bathroom stops as both the train and bus have bathrooms. All you gotta do is look out the window and enjoy the ride! Nice lil backpacking trip you had too!
I totally forgot to include that tip in the video. You don't have to pay to get into the park when you take public transit!
@@AdamDoesNotExist but do nowadays you still need a reservation to go in correct? I went a few years ago and you didn't need a reservation.
I took Amtrak from out of state along this route to Yosemite in both directions and both went great! A conductor on the San Jouquins went the extra mile making sure my luggage was sent through and even called to tell them to pull my luggage and make it ready for me. I loved the shuttle. I had a great conversation with a ranger the shuttle down for his time off. We talked about his career and the animals in the park. The bus drivers in both directions were friendly and also interesting. They gave me tips about the park. The views were incredible once we were going up the mountain and I loved not having to drive up that mountain.
The Yosemite Valley Railroad used to run trains from Merced to Yosemite Valley. Closed in 1945. Could you imagine?
I did this same trip about 30 years ago, BART to Amtrak, then the Yosemite connector bus from Merced. I had a wonderful time and your video brought up so many pleasant memories. Once I arrived there, I wasn't as ambitious as you hiking into the mountains overnight. I rented a tent cabin at Camp Curry for two nights. And rented a bicycle to explore the valley during the day. Still had a great time. Thank you, Adam! I am enjoying all of your Bay Area/Northern California videos. Cheers/Rob
very high quality vlog for the intensity of activity. last time i was in yosemite was a decade ago, seems to have only gotten more packed and difficult to navigate. love seeing how accessible it can be w/ PT -- thanks for the inspiration!
Glad you liked it!
I'm from Brazil, and our passenger train infrastructure is almost non-existant. I get incredibly jealous of the view you are able to see!
Osprey bags come with lifetime warranties and they'll replace your strap for you if you did not know already. Great video as always. Loved the views! Need to get out to Yosemite someday.
Yeah I have to reach out. I love Osprey bags. The trampoline style back panels are so good
Loved your video! Warmed my heart to see the energy you put into trying to find the right gift. I think your list of goals was a great addition to the video. Stay safe and keep hiking.
I'm walking distance to the Emeryville station and I sure am glad that I am. Thanks for taking the time to film and post this. I usually drive to Yosemite, but it's great to know that there is this alternative.
I've only driven in the past, but now I do see the apeal of both options!
Thanks Adam for the video. I have been visiting Yosemite for about 50 years as I live in the San Joaquin Valley about 2 hrs away. Unfortunately due to some health issues, it has now been more than 2 years since my last visit. Your video brought me some joy in viewing your adventure. Thanks.
Underrated element of this video - your goals list. ❤
Hahaha. Thank you!
I live in the bay, I love nature, I love the Amtrak, and your channel is such a gem. Looking forward to more videos!!
Bro i love your channel. You’re a great story teller and do awesome dialogue .. enjoyed this one thoroughly- might have to go backpack Yosemite now myself!! Haha
Nice to see a video like this. I've thought about taking the train there myself because it's less hassle for driving solo, and you can relax on the train instead of dealing with traffic.
Just stumbled upon this, loved visiting Yosemite but never made it out of the valley - this is a great tour of it :) I used YARTS too but didn't try Amtrak - would love if you included the prices for both (and arrival times in addition to the departure times) to help answer those questions. Thanks for putting this together though, and really fun to see!
Hi Adam! I absolutely loved joining you on this journey and seeing Yosemite through your fresh eyes-it brought back so many memories of a place I've visited at least 50 times in my life! My parents moved me to a mountain community just outside Yosemite when I was 16, and I ended up staying until I was 29. I've traveled across the U.S. and explored many state parks, but nothing quite compares to Yosemite. The only place that comes close-maybe even surpasses it!-is Yellowstone, especially with the stunning Grand Tetons nearby. Next time, stay a little longer! There are so many trails, sights, and experiences waiting for you!
The bus trip up (via Amtrak or YARTS) is a great option. Any time one doesn’t have to get a parking place is good. I live and work in Yosemite, so I got the Beta (beta = information) on efficient visiting.
Can be crowded on any day of the year.
Nice video. Thank you.
Glad you liked it! This was my first time in the valley and I was expecting it to be a bit less crowded this time of year. But in any situation, it's just such an incredible place.
That was a quick trip. I sat in the meadow and stared at El capitan for hrs. Truly was an experience like no other.
2:53 this shot broke my brain until I realized it was probably a different train
It's such a funny shot I really thought he seriously messed up 😂
19th to Richmond on BART. Perilous. You are absolutely right about the drive to Yosemite. It is surprisingly dull, with a lot of turns.
This is one of the best RUclips videos I have ever seen. I don’t really know how to describe it but the way you shot it in different ways and edited it together kept me engaged the entire time. I never watch a video all the way through even though I listen to videos all the way through while doing something else. Really excellent video. You are very talented.
Thank you!
The USA 🇺🇸 used to be a train country before GM, Chevy, and Ford lobbied to make it a car/truck country.
Thank you for breaking barriers. Now I know how easy it is.
Can you go to more interesting places in California?
You do a great job promoting Bay Area transportation.
Thank you!
This was very inspiring to watch. I live in sf and decided to take a bus trip out to Monterrey this weekend. Seeing the famous aquarium there has always been on my bucket list am an excited to finally go
Wow, you took a bus all the way from SF to Mexico?
I'm kidding. I'm from Monterey. We spell it with one R.
I did the train/bus Yosemite trip years ago, and probably won't do it again. The train part was great, but the bus part just plain sucked. I don't know if they've changed the way it works, but back then, it was a local, so it stopped a million times between Merced and the park. It was extremely tedious. I had won the trip from I think a radio show, so they got us there via Amtrak and bus. Then we got a cold cheese sandwich from the Awanee. We weren't allowed to eat it in the lodge, so the group of us (maybe 20-ish) stood around in a awkward group and ate our sandwiches in the parking lot. We were then given about 20 minutes to walk around before we were herded back on the bus to head back to Martinez. I was able t take three pictures, but they are without a doubt, three of the best I've ever taken. It's pretty hard to take a bad shot in the park. Now if only Amtrak could extend their service all the way...
The bus I was on was basically brand new so It probably has changed. It made a few stops, but nothing crazy
Watching this video while commuting to my job on Amtrak. You showed your breakfast sandwich right as I was eating mine and it startled me a fair bit! I've never tried heading out to Yosemite, but I'm inspired to try taking the train for fun as opposed to work!!
Great video, probably one of your best. I haven’t been to Yosemite in many years, but this video brought it all back.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great video. Thanks so much from one who couldn't do what you have done. It's great to know at least how to get there, and the views are beautiful.
At these times the former Yosemite Valley Railroad is sorely missed... once upon a time one could hop aboard a Pullman sleeper at Oakland and wake up at El Portal.
Awesome to know transit is an option. I lucked out when I went in 2017. There was a flood that shut down the park and it reopened the day of my reservation. I was told I was one of twenty guests at the camp… so I pretty much had the place to myself. It was amazing… and they had snowfall so all the flood damage was hidden by a blanket of snow. Of course the weekend came and the crowds came. I ditched out a day early to keep my zen
*Another Amtrak Awesome Adam Adventure!* That was another fun worthy majestic video! 😀👍💯
Glad you liked it!
@@AdamDoesNotExist If you ever go to Yosemite again, go to Hetch Hetchy and check out that beautiful reservoir.
@AdamDoesNotExist If you ever return to Yosemite, hopefully, your next visit will be to Hetch Hetchy and its pristine reservoir😀👍💯
I was SO anxious until you hit sunset. All those tight connections! Yeesh. At least you had pleasant weather. You’re so well prepared, given the capricious nature of travel. Sternum strap not withstanding. 😅
I’m an Amtrak fan and that ride out of Richmond looked pretty sweet. Amtrak has its foibles, but there’s nothing quite like it for retro transpo.
Nice vid. Bravo. Take the win.
I’ve done the bus from Mariposa to Camp 4 in Yosemite, but Amtrak then bus is a great idea. Awesome video, Adam!
Thank you!
This was awesome! I've lived in Merced, and that Amtrak station looked very familiar. We are blessed that we can go to these incredible places, even if it can be unfortunately crowded