A Grand Adventure to Yosemite National Park

Honda-Passport-Elite-on-side-of-road

When someone thinks of “out west,” they typically think of massive mountains, tall trees, grand valleys, and staggering scenery. They think of the wild, wild west. Gone are miles and miles of plains or crops as far as the eye can see. Cows and corn, soybeans and sows aren’t thought of, either. Next to the Grand Canyon, Yosemite National Park is thought of as one of the most quintessentially breathtaking and vibrant natural areas west of the Mississippi River. Becoming a National Park in 1864, California’s Yosemite National Park offers up huge waterfalls, steep slopes, giant sequoia trees, and tons of wildlife. Climbers, hikers, skiers alike come to enjoy its serenity.

Before-first-light,-Yosemite-National-Park

My good friend, Tina Rahn, and I visited Yosemite National Park recently to test drive the new 2019 Honda Passport. This quick trip led to an awesome mini-adventure of sun and fun, complete with a great tarmac adventuremobile.

After we flew into Fresno, we headed down to Yosemite. Bright sun kissed our cheeks as we chatted away in the Passport. We stopped along the way to take photos of random street art and vehicles, and after a few hours, made it to our destination.

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Tina Rahn driving California’s picturesque countryside.

Honda hosted a select group of people at AutoCamp, Yosemite. Tina and I camped many a nights all throughout North America, but never before in a customized Airstream trailer. This lux accommodation had all the bells and whistles that a normal house would have—and more. Tons of silver bullet-like trailers lined the property, intertwined with tall trees, filtered sunlight, and several Honda Passports.

Our-Airstream-home
Our luxurious base camp.

In the 1990s, Honda and Isuzu had a partnership and the Passport was one of those offerings. It was merely a re-badged Isuzu Rodeo. After several years, however, it was discontinued in favor of the Honda Pilot. Just recently, Honda brought the Passport back to life—in a way that is stylish, comfortable, and current for 2019 all-wheel-drive buyers.

The Honda Passport Elite is the top-of-the-line trim level that boasts a 280 hp 3.5-liter VTEC V-6 engine that’s joined with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Passport is smaller than the three-row, seven-passenger Pilot but larger than the CR-V. Although the new Passport offers normal, mud, sand, and snow drive settings via an i-VTM4 all-wheel drive system, we left it in normal mode during our time with it—no off-pavement adventuring this time.

Honda-Passport-Elite-and-El-Capitan
El Capitan perfectly frames our 2019 Honda Passport Elite tester.

“I really enjoyed driving [the Honda Passport],” Tina said. “It felt comfortable from the moment I sat in it. It had good mirrors for blind spots and it drove like a cloud!” Tina, an avid off-roader and traveler, has driven a multitude of different vehicles over the years. Driving dynamics and good visibility are important traits to her. Her adventure vehicle of choice, however, is her modified Nissan Xterra. But, she mentioned if the Passport came as a true four-wheel-drive and she needed to buy a new rig, she’d definitely consider it. Where she usually travels to, low-range is often needed.

Honda-Passport-Elite-shifting-setup
The shifting sequence takes a bit of getting used to.

“I wish it had the option of 4WD and different selections for tires.” She wants to beef up its capability to improve its off-tarmac prowess. “Oh! And the seats fold down which was awesome,” she says, “because you could sleep in the back if you wanted to.” Tina, always thinking about her next camping adventure, thought the 2019 Honda Passport Elite was a solid ride—especially when cruisin’ down the highway. She’d take it across the country in a heartbeat.

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There is a large rear hidden storage compartment in the 2019 Honda Passport.

During our stay at Yosemite, we ventured out on a day hike to Taft Point, a stunning outlook that showcases stunning views of El Capitan and Yosemite Falls. Up, up, up in elevation we went. We stopped at a few stunning lookouts, and then kept on going.

Yosemite-National-Park-1
One of a few breathtaking vistas seen from just off the highway.

The Passport’s 280 horses easily kept up as we curved our way to the top. We started our morning at AutoCamp around 3,000 feet in elevation, but after a long trek up over 4,000 more feet, we arrived at the trailhead. I’m not used to high elevation hiking! Thankfully, we stocked up on plenty of water and snacks, and had our trusty Garmin GPSMAP 66i on hand to help guide us in the correct direction.

Garmin-GPSMAP-66i-in-Yosemite-National-Park
The GPSMAP 66i accurately depicted where we were, which direction we’re headed, and what elevation we were at.

Taft Point Trail heads west to the canyon’s edge and boasts incredible views of Yosemite Valley below. This few mile hike gains another 500 feet in elevation, and winds its way through tall boulders, mossy covered pine trees, and light-colored dirt.

Hiking-in-Yosemite-National-Park
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate while hiking Yosemite! Taft Point’s high elevation could catch you off-guard.

The trek itself was just as beautiful as the viewpoint itself. After we took a few long minutes to take it all in, we began our trek back to the Passport.

Staring-into-Yosemite-National-Park
Taft Point is absolutely breathtaking! Photo credit: Tina Rahn

We were close to another popular lookout: Glacier Point. We decided to push further and check it out. There, we happened upon spectacular views of one of Yosemite’s most prized natural wonders—Half Dome. I could have spent days there, but alas, we needed to head back to base camp.

Half-Dome,-Yosemite-National-Park
Half Dome, located in Yosemite National Park, is truly awe inspiring.

People who are after an AWD run-about that has a bunch of features and creatures comforts to get you from point A-Z both comfortably and safely, then they should check out the 2019 Honda Passport Elite trim level. After spending a few days with this five-seater, both Tina and I can agree that this is a major contender for couples or families, or even those flying solo that want a reputable and solid ride that is built for true tarmac enjoyment for years to come. 2019 Passport Elite: $43,680.

3 Comments

  1. I love to take ‘rides’ with you and like to read what you write. Keep up the good work.
    Love you. Mama.

  2. I just read your NYT article from Monday 8/3.
    I would have liked more details on the 356 Porsche she was driving.
    The year of production, what Are some of the add ons on the car?
    How did she get that ancient vehicle ? Why something that old for a race that arduous?
    Gorgeous vehicle I owned a 57 a long time ago
    I was crying seeing the pics of the vehicle in those rough conditions
    I have wanted that vehicle again before I go to the other side.

    1. Thanks for reaching out, John. Feel free to reach out to Valkyrie Racing via social media. I’m sure they’d be happy to answer those questions for you. I know she loved how it looked, drive, felt, etc. so once she saw and drove it, she knew it was the vehicle for her. Thanks for the feedback! -Mercedes

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