Yosemite National Park is the most famous of all the California National Parks. What is it that attracted nearly 4 million visitors to this part of the Sierra Nevadas in 2010? The rugged terrain. It's so picturesque, it beckons to hikers and photographers. The rugged terrain also creates some of the most spectacular waterfalls and cliffs in North America, and that is the unique feature that draws the crowds.

Conservationist John Muir was enthralled with Yosemite. His mission was to preserve the wilderness areas of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

He was instrumental in the 1890 creation of both Yosemite National Park and Sequoia National Park. In his memory and honor, the 211 mile (340 km) John Muir Trail runs from Happy Isles in Yosemite Valley, south to huge Mount Whitney in Sequoia.

Yosemite is located in east-central California, in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Highway 120 cuts across the heart of the park from east to west. In winter, for 6 months, the portion of the highway called Tioga Road, is closed from the Tioga Pass Entrance in the east, all the way to Big Oak Flat Road in the west. Arch Rock Entrance on highway 140 (west side) is open year round. Big Oak Flat Entrance (west side), Hetch Hetchy Entrance north of highway 120 (west side), and South Entrance on highway 41 are open year round weather permitting.


There are four Yosemite National Park visitor centers. Yosemite Valley Visitor Center is the most popular, located near Yosemite Village amidst the primary attractions. It's the only visitor center open year round. Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center is on Tioga Road on the east side of the park. Wawona Visitor Center, also called Wawona Information Station, is several miles from the south entrance. Big Oak Flat Information Station is at Big Oak Flat Entrance on the west side (highway 120).

To get the most out of your visit, familiarize yourself with the Yosemite National Park map before arriving. Upon arrival, stop at a visitor center and get information and brochures from park rangers. Find out about the free shuttle system, which not only makes it easier for you to get around the park, but also relieves traffic congestion. The shuttle operates extensively in Yosemite Valley in addition to other areas of the park.

Summertime draws the most visitors to Yosemite National Park. The majority of them go straight to Yosemite Valley to see the park's main attractions, and never see anything else. This makes Yosemite Valley crowded and rather touristy. If you must come in the summer, you absolutely have to see this incredible valley, just be prepared for some congestion. The other 95% of the park is equally memorable, and much less crowded.

The number of natural attractions in Yosemite will leave your head spinning. On top of that, there are the galleries, museums, nature centers, and exhibits that highlight the history, geology and natural resources of the area. Put it all together and there are plenty of things to do at Yosemite.
















Yosemite National Park, CA just may be the waterfall capital of the world. Many of the falls are fed by the melting of heavy winter snows, and therefore don't flow year round. This makes spring the best time for viewing falls. May is the peak month. The most famous of all the falls is Yosemite Falls, a whopping 2415 feet (736 meters) tall. It is actually 3 separate drops.

Upper Yosemite Fall is the biggest drop at over 1400 feet (427 meters). The middle fall is really a 675 foot (206 meter) cascade. Lower Yosemite Fall, at over 300 feet (91 meters), can be viewed from the base via a 1 mile (1.6 km) accessible loop trail. Most people are surprised to find out that the park's namesake falls does not flow year round. It usually starts flowing in November, and stops in July.

Bridalveil Fall is 620 feet (189 meters) tall and flows all year. This waterfall is hard to miss as you enter Yosemite Valley, and shows up on many Yosemite National Park photos. Other year round falls include beautiful Vernal Fall (317 feet/97 meters) and Nevada Fall (594 feet/181 meters), which can be reached via a strenuous hike. Ribbon Fall (1612 feet/491 meters) and Horsetail Fall (1000 feet/305 meters) only flow for several months. All of these falls are in Yosemite Valley.

There are other waterfalls throughout the park, a couple that are rather notable. Wapama Falls is a 1400 foot (427 meter) falls in Hetch Hetchy Valley. It can be viewed from the O'Shaughnessy Dam parking area. Chilnualna Falls is 2200 feet (671 meters). The strenuous trail to the falls starts about 2 miles (3.2 km) from the Wawona Visitor Center in the south.

El Capitan is another one of those big names sights at Yosemite National Park. Located across the valley from Bridalveil Fall, it's the largest granite stone in the world at over 3000 feet (914 meters) in height. Geologists like to call it a monolith. Rock climbers like to call it a challenge. There are many good Yosemite rock climbing destinations, but the one that mountain climbers aspire to is The Nose of El Capitan. To the rest of us, it's simply an awe inspiring cliff, towering over the valley.

While there are other eye-catching rock formations such as Three Brothers, Sentinel Rock, and Cathedral Rocks, the other big name, almost iconic formation, is Half Dome. From the eastern end of Yosemite Valley, the cliffs of Half Dome soar nearly 5000 feet (1524 meters), to 8,800 feet (2682 meters) in elevation. Rock climbers regularly ascend Half Dome. There's also a long, extremely strenuous and rewarding hike to the summit. The final ascent to the peak includes a renowned cable climb.

Yosemite is one of several California National Parks that boasts having groves of huge sequoia trees. The most accessible one is Mariposa Grove near the South Entrance. The parking lot on Mariposa Grove Road often fills up in the summer, resulting in road closures. Your best bet is to use the free services of the Wawona Mariposa shuttle.

The giant sequoias can be seen from the parking lot. With a hike of less than a mile (1.6 km), you can see many more sequoias, including Grizzly Giant and California Tunnel Tree. It takes several more miles of hiking to tour the entire grove. Mariposa Grove Road is closed in the winter, but some visitors choose to walk the 2 miles (3.2 km) on the snowy road to the grove.

There other two other smaller groves in Yosemite National Park, the Tuolumne Grove and Merced Grove. They're both on the west side near Crane Flat, off highway 120. You don't park next to the grove in either of these areas. They both require a 1 to 2 mile (2 to 3 km) hike to see the trees.

Anywhere you drive, you'll want to stop for some Yosemite National Park pictures. Gorgeous scenery abounds. Nowhere is that more apparent than on Tioga Road, highway 120. The park trys to get Tioga Road open by late May. It closes sometime in November. From nearly 10,000 feet (3048 meters) at Tioga Pass, westward through Tuolumne Meadows, all the way to Crane Flat, there's one panoramic vista after another. Don't stop in the road for pictures. There are plenty of places to pull off.

Another "must see" vista is Glacier Point, overlooking Yosemite Valley. It's well worth the one hour drive from the Valley. You head west out of the Valley, circle around to the south, and drive out Glacier Point Road. A short accessible trail leads to an amazing view of the Valley, over 3,000 feet (914 meters) below. In the winter, Glacier Point Road is closed beyond Badger Pass Ski Area.

Many people like the thought of camping in Yosemite National Park. It gives a feeling of closeness to all of this grandeur. There are 13 campgrounds with over 1400 campsites in total, and that's not including backcountry camping areas. About half of them accept reservations. The rest are first come, first serve. At the height of the summer season, when all facilities are open, the campgrounds fill up and can be rather crowded.

Here's some general information on Yosemite Park camping. First, practice bear safety. Store all food and toiletries in the bear boxes provided, not in your car. In regards to campground amenities, none of the campgrounds in the park have hot showers. Public pay showers are available in Yosemite Valley at Curry Village and Housekeeping Camp. There are no hookups for a trailer or RV. Dump stations are available at Upper Pines and near Wawona and Tuolumne.

There are four campgrounds in Yosemite Valley. The three campgrounds at the east end of the Valley can handle everything from a tent to an RV. The largest, Upper Pines Campground, has 238 sites and is open year round. Camp 4, near Yosemite Lodge is year round, tent only, and campsites are shared by 6 people, first come, first serve. All campgrounds in Yosemite Valley have flush toilets and potable water available.

There are two other year round campgrounds. In the south is Wawona Campground with 93 campsites. On the west side is Hodgdon Meadow Campground is a 105 site facility, located near the Big Oak Flat Entrance. The largest campground in the park is Tuolumne Meadows campground, with 304 sites, plus seven group sites and four horse sites. These campsites are a little more spread out than some of the other campgrounds. Open from July through September, this beautiful subalpine meadow is great to use as a base for hiking the high country of the Sierras.

There are many options for lodging in Yosemite National Park. From the simple tent cabins of Curry Village, to the upscale Ahwahnee hotel, there's something for everyone. Most of the lodging carries historical significance, so wherever you choose to stay will be a change from your day to day routine.

In Yosemite Valley, the pride of the hotels is The Ahwahnee. It's stone based architecture is the basis for an elegance that has attracted world leaders for years and years. Yosemite Lodge, with nearly 250 rooms, is a popular choice because of it's prime location next to Yosemite Falls. Housekeeping Camp is a rustic option. There are 266 concrete and canvas units with fire rings for cooking. Restrooms and showers are centralized. Bed linens are the customer's responsibility, but can be rented. There is no daily housekeeping.

Curry Village is quite large with many options. This is where you can find Yosemite National Park cabins. There are 56 of them with private bath, and 14 cabins with centralized bath facilities. People looking for Yosemite motels can find 18 rooms here with private bath. Then there are the tent cabins. Several hundred of them. Linens are provided, but unlike the cabins and motel rooms, there is no daily housekeeping service. Tent cabins are truly a nostalgic way to spend the night in The Valley.

Several miles inside the south entrance is one of the most historic hotels in Yosemite National Park, the Wawona Hotel. Spread across six buildings, about half the 104 rooms have a private bath. The hotel is in close proximity to the sequoias of Mariposa Grove. Winter guests are only 30 minutes from Badger Pass Ski Area.

Early July through mid-September, the tent cabins at Tuolumne Meadows Lodge and White Wolf Lodge are open for business. Located along Tioga Road, these facilities are favorites for those that enjoy hiking in the Yosemite wilderness. None of these tent cabins have electricity. Showers and restrooms are centralized. Note that White Wolf Lodge does have four cabins with private baths available.

Rafting on the Merced River between the cliffs of Yosemite Valley is a popular summer activity. People love it. They start near Curry Village at Stoneman Bridge and float to Sentinel Beach Picnic Area. Rafting is prohibited when the water level is too high. There must be a life vest for everyone and children under age 13 must wear it! Bring your own raft or rent one. Rafting is also an activity in the Wawona area.

On hot days, swimming is popular too, but these mountain waters are very cold. Some simply prefer the public pools at Yosemite Lodge and Curry Village. Others prefer the cold waters of Merced River at Cathedral Beach or Sentinel Beach. You can actually swim almost any where in the park, except, you cannot swim in Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. Also, swimming above waterfalls is dangerous and forbidden. Observe any posted signs prohibiting swimming.

Yosemite National Park has some of the most beautiful hikes you'll find anywhere. There are hikes to waterfalls, cliffs, and the High Sierras. 95% of the park is wilderness. There are great backcountry hikes, and great day hikes. Over 800 miles (1288 km) of trails criss-cross this rugged terrain. There are trails for all levels of expertise.

All visitors to Yosemite National Park need to learn bear safety. This is especially true for hikers. Know how to avoid problems with bears. By law, food, toiletries, and all trash need to be kept in bear proof containers when not within arm's length away. This is a requirement for backcountry hiking. Hanging your food is not an option. That's illegal. If you don't have an approved bear proof container, the park rents them at a very reasonable rate, plus a sizeable deposit. Remember, never leave your backpack unattended.

Access to the wilderness is highly controlled. Backcountry hikers must acquire a free wilderness permit, and that may not be easy. Permits are on a quota system for each trailhead, and some trails are quite popular. Reservations can be made for a small fee. 40% of the permits are saved for first-come, first-serve, starting at 11:00 am the day before your hike. Check out the details on the Yosemite National Park Service Wilderness Permit page.

There are many backcountry trails available. From Wawona in the south, to Tuolumne Meadows in the east. One of the lesser traveled areas is Hetch Hetchy, on the west side. If you're looking for solitude, this is your place to hike. Some of the trails, such as Rancheria Falls Trail yields breathtaking views of Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, but it's very hot in the summer.

Two very well known long distance backpacking trails are available in Yosemite National Park. The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail passes through the park, nearly 70 miles (113 km) of it's 2650 mile (4267 km) length. It meanders from Dorothy Lake in the north, to Donohue Pass in the southeast. If you get off the PCT and hike elsewhere in Yosemite, you'll need a Yosemite wilderness permit. If you stay on the PCT, the official Pacific Crest Trail Association permit is all you need.

The northern terminus of the John Muir Trail is at Happy Isles in Yosemite Valley. Most backpackers that tackle this 211 mile (340 km) trail start in Yosemite, and end with the big ascent up Mt. Whitney at the southern end, in Sequoia National Park. The Yosemite wilderness permit will suffice for all of the John Muir Trail, even Mount Whitney. From Happy Isle, the trail goes northeast to Tuolumne Meadows, where it joins the Pacific Crest Trail and heads south out of the park. Some backpackers start at Tuolumne Meadows Lyell Canyon Trailhead because that wilderness permit is easier to get.

For the multi-day backcountry hiker, there's an unusual option available at Yosemite National Park. The historic High Sierra Camps are a great way to hike the wilderness and stay overnight, without having to carry a tent or cooking gear. The camps provide a complete breakfast and dinner in their dining tent. You'll sleep in a tent cabin, likely shared if there are less than 4 people in your group.

Blankets and pillows are provided. Bring your own sheets and towels. The next day you can buy a box lunch to take with you as you hike 6 to 10 miles (9.7 to 16.1 km) to the next camp. There are five High Sierra Camps in the circuit. They are managed by a third party and are so popular a lottery system is used in the reservation process. This is a great way for the non-backpacker to get started in backcountry hiking and camping.

If you're looking for a day hike, it won't be hard to find one to your liking just about anywhere in Yosemite National Park. There are easy walks to beautiful waterfalls. There are some of the most difficult day hikes you'll find anywhere, with phenomenal panoramic views. For popular trails that are crowded, you might consider starting your hike early in the day, around sunrise. Late afternoon or early evening is also less crowded, as long as you're sure you can return by nightfall.

The Yosemite Valley Loop Trails are a good way to familiarize yourself with the Valley. They go from one end of the valley to the other end, 6 miles (half loop) or 13 miles (full loop) in total, crossing the Merced River. They pass a lot of the attractions, so you'll probably be making a lot of stops. These trails are long, but easy terrain. Parts of these trails are accessible.

One of the most popular but strenuous day hikes in Yosemite National Park is the John Muir Trail and Mist Trail to Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall. Located at the east end of The Valley, this 6.2 mile (10 km) round trip journey allows you to experience two of the finest falls in the park. The hike is best done going up Mist Trail and returning on John Muir Trail. You will get wet near Vernal Fall on Mist Trail in the spring, so bring rain gear and be careful on the wet trail and rocks.

One of the toughest day hikes you'll find is Half Dome. It's a grueling trip that starts using the same trails as the Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall hike. Total round trip distance is 14 miles (22.5 km), or 16.3 miles (26.2 km), depending on your use of Mist Trail or the longer John Muir Trail.

There's a 4800 foot (1463 meters) elevation gain, with the last 400 feet (122 meters) using cables to pull yourself up the steep incline. It's a good idea to bring gloves to improve your grip on the cable and save wear and tear on your hands. The top yields astounding views of the Valley and the High sierras. The trail is open from late May to early October, when the cables go up. As of 2011, a permit is required to do this hike any day of the week. Approximately 400 permits are issued each day.

Here's a sampling of the other great trails at Yosemite National Park:

*Length is round-trip mileage. To convert to kilometers multiply by 1.61.
@ One way mileage. Use hikers bus from valley to trailhead.

These are some of the more popular trails. Buy a trail guide or map and talk to a park ranger for more complete information. Also inquire about free hiking shuttles to alleviate parking congestion at some of the trailheads.

Do you want to hear about Yosemite National Park hiking from someone that's been going there for 45 years? Head over to See Yosemite to find out about More Hikes In Yosemite (opens new window). Winter in Yosemite means fewer visitors. Yosemite National Park weather can be even more unpredictable in the winter than it is in the summer. Temperature and snowfall is so dependent on elevation. Valley temperatures often exceed 50F (18C) in the day, and drop below 32F (0C) at night. Higher elevations are much colder, with more snow cover for traditional winter activities.

The mild winter temperatures keep Yosemite Valley roads clear most days of the winter. Many venues are open, as are many hiking trails. If you decide to hike, bring plenty of water and be prepared to stay out overnight, just in case anything happens. Whatever you choose to do, dress in layers, so you can flex with the temperature variations and your own level of physical activity.

With the first heavy snows, Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road close. Mariposa Grove Road will soon follow suit. Badger Pass Ski Area, a hub of winter activity, usually opens in December for downhill skiing and tubing. In the same area, Glacier Point Road is used for cross country skiing since no vehicles are allowed. Some of the hiking trails along the road are used for skiing and snowshoeing. Take advantage of a ranger guided snowshoe hike. Snowshoes are provided.

In the Wawona area, the Pioneer Yosemite History Center is open. There are often evening music programs in the Wawona Hotel. With Mariposa Grove Road closed, visitors find other ways to get to the giant sequoia grove. They either hike, ski, or snowshoe the 2 miles (3.2 km) to the grove parking area.

In the high country, Tioga Road becomes a venue for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Backcountry camping is only done by the hearty in the winter. You'll usually need skis or snowshoes, and will be camping in the snow. Actually, most backcountry winter camping is done around Badger Pass, Wawona, and Hetch Hetchy.



The Yosemite National Park fees for entry as of 2011 are $20 for a car and $10 for an individual on foot, bicycle, or motorcycle. Entry is good for 7 days. For that, you get to experience all of the sights and trails of Yosemite, plus free ranger led programs.

Due to the hard work of John Muir, Yosemite was set aside for your enjoyment over 100 years ago. The scenery is like no other. The towering cliffs and amazing waterfalls have been mesmerizing visitors for years. Yosemite Valley is a breath taking experience in itself, but be sure to see the the rest of the park. From the High Sierras down to Hetch Hetchy Valley, be sure to get your full Yosemite National Park experience.