Instead of driving the Tioga Road, take Sonora Pass (CA SR 108) from Sonora east to US 395, then south to Lee Vining.  There you can take CA SR 120E into Yosemite National Park and to Tuolumne Meadows.  Or, enjoy the Labor Day weekend visiting the Eastern Sierra and Bodie State Historic Park, Mono Lake, the June Lake Loop and the Walker River for sightseeing, hiking, fishing, cycling, horseback riding or just kicking back.

This spring’s Grand Prize is a three-night stay at The Ahwahnee in Yosemite Valley during a session of the 2008 Yosemite Vintners’ Holidays (Nov. 2 – Dec. 4, 2008), with park admission, admission for two to all Vintners’ Holidays receptions, tastings and events, and two seats at the sumptuous Vintners’ Banquet in The Ahwahnee dining room.

Eight weekly prizes of two-night getaways to Yosemite and Mariposa County lodging will also be awarded (two each week) along with park admission and – in several cases – other extras. To enter and be eligible to win any of these prizes, CLICK HERE once each week through April 13.

And, listen for more information about the Yosemite Getaway Sweepstakes and hear Mike Cleary’s Mariposa Minutes on these radio stations in the San Francisco and Sacramento areas: KGO-AM810, KDFC-FM, KBLX-FM, KSFO-AM, KOIT-FM, 957 The Wolf, The Eagle 969, KSSJ and ESPN1320.

To qualify, you must stay at least two nights at “The View” and purchase the package in advance.  The View has very nice rooms with king or two queen beds, spa tubs, double showers, fireplaces, kitchenettes and private balconies or decks that overlook the nationally-designated “Wild and Scenic” Merced River.

The “Yosemite For Free” package is only available online in advance of stay at www.yosemiteresorts.us/specials.  On check in, you will be given a vehicle pass good for seven days admission to Yosemite National Park.

Since The View is located outside the national park on State Route 140, don’t make the mistake of driving SR 120 or SR41 to the property or you’ll have to pass through the national park to get there and will have to pay for park admission to get to the hotel.  Instead, drive directly to The View on SR 140 through Mariposa.  Once at The View, you can pick up your free pass and enter the national park.

Topics stored in the devices include such subjects as Yosemite’s early pioneers, historic milestones, cultural heritage and native wildlife, and ecology, as well as see footage of forest fires, rock slides and the 100-year flood of 1997 and hear the words of John Muir and content from San Francisco Chronicle cartoonist Phil Frank.

The loop, which is fully accessible, usually takes about 90 minutes. It begins at the visitor center, winds through oak woodlands and conifer forests to a close-up view of Lower Yosemite Falls. Reservations are not necessary, however, groups of 10 or more can reserve Explorer units in advance by calling (877) GPS-TOUR (477-8687) or online at www.lowerfallsloop.com.

Hundreds of white leaves, called bracts, give the impression of flowers. The bracts contrast with the deep green colors of late spring foliage and are particularly stunning when reflected in the dark, still waters of the Merced River. This annual show happens only in May each year. To make a reservation in a Yosemite lodging to see the display, visit www.yosemitemariposa.com and click on “Places to Stay.”