Boondocking Near Yosemite: Our “Disconnect & Pivot” Rescue + Virginia Lakes

On our way to Yosemite, we managed to wedge the trailer in a too-tight turn… again. Here’s the simple “disconnect & pivot” move we’ve now used twice to recover safely on downhill grades—plus how we chose a high-elevation boondock near Lee Vining with great Starlink and solar, what to know about Yosemite’s timed entry, and a rainstorm/rattlesnake morning for the books. We wrap with a quick tour of Virginia Lakes and why we stayed put at 9,100’ instead of moving deeper into the trees.

What you’ll hear

• A repeatable way to get unstuck on a downhill slope (with tire-chock safety)
• Why satellite view isn’t enough (and what to do instead)
• Starlink + solar considerations in mountain terrain
• Yosemite entry timing (avoid the reservation window)
• Rattlesnake etiquette with dogs, and monsoon camping in the desert
• Virginia Lakes Road overview: dispersed + primitive options, views for days

Quick Links

• Book Club: bit.ly/KerouacBookClub
• Work with us / socials: @kerouaccruising

Safety note: We’re sharing our personal experience, not professional recovery advice. Use your best judgment and local regulations.