Cragies and Snackies

Climbing in Yosemite is hard. It’s big, it’s exposed, it’s got a unique style, and there is a rich history that can easily induce imposter syndrome.  Those feelings don’t last long, the moment you see the rock, all you want to do is get on it!  Yosemite is beautiful and inviting no matter your experience level or climbing style! Fear, difficulty, the feeling of being an outsider quickly vanish.  In addition to the beauty of the rock, the helpfulness of the rangers and experts is gravitational. 

If you’re going climbing at Yosemite for the first time, your first stop has to be at the Yosemite Welcome Center.  The rangers at the help desk will outfit you with all the details, maps, and books you could imagine.  They can let you know the coolest spots in the summer, the driest spots in the spring, and the warmest spots in the winter.  They can give you gear recommendations, nearby campsites, and beta.

There isn’t much I can write here in terms of recommendations outside of talking to the rangers to find what best suits your climbing ability and style.  It should be noted that if you don’t have experience on granite cracks and slab, then no matter how good you are pulling on vert, it won’t translate.  Sending on steep and overhanging 12’s and 13’s doesn’t mean a thing in Yosemite, so make sure to keep your ego in check.  Work your way up to harder grades in order to avoid getting caught in potentially dangerous situations.  And even if all you can do is fall off the easiest routes, you won’t be able to help but to be happy!

What makes climbers even happier than falling off rock is when there is a bounty of food once they get off the wall.  Now, there are some restaurants in Yosemite, there is also the Village Store.  You can buy gas for your stove, and make Ramen, or you can visit one of the dozen restaurants for a sit-down meal.  Do both!  But for the ultimate treat while climbing at Yosemite, there is only one option!

The Oakhurst Fruit Stand.

Located on the outskirts of Oakhurst off Highway 41 just a few miles from the gates of Yosemite rests the picture-perfect snackies for any adventure into the granite mountains of California!

This fruit stand has been in business for nearly 28 years as Mark and Mary Korakis have been slinging fresh fruits and vegetables directly from their farm in Mendota.  It’s not only fruits and vegetables.  The Fruit Stand also offers fresh nuts and seeds, as well as the best Feta you’ll ever taste.  Their claim to fame is the vine ripened tomatoes, although their fresh sweet white grapefruit gives the tomatoes a run for the money.  They also offer canned goods such as stuffed tomatoes and stuffed grape leaves.  They have pickled beets, sauerkraut, pickled coleslaw, pickles, and several other tins of euphoria inducing flavors that would be godsends  while trading belays several hundred feet off the valley floor on one of the big walls.  You can also pick up eggs so fresh that they were nestled inside a chicken just hours before purchase.

Mark and Mary love what they do, they care about their community, their customers, and the quality of their food.  As self-proclaimed “people persons” this native Greek couple treats every person who walks through their door like family.  Whether you are a van-lifer looking to stock up for a week, or a day tripper right off the tour bus, you will feel right at home!

This unassuming roadside market is the Holy Grail of snackies, and if you plan on camping, picnicking, or even just going for a stroll at Yosemite, this has to be your first stop!

And on your way home, probably your last stop too!