Yosemite National Park

The first park set aside by the U.S. government for preservation (though not the first National Park), Yosemite National Park is visited by 3.5 million people each year. The park is situated in Mariposa and Toulumne Counties in California and covers 1,189 square miles. Nearly 90% of the park is designated “wilderness” and much of it stretches across the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada.

Yosemite National Park, which is known mostly for its amazing waterfalls, huge Sequoia trees, and granite cliffs, is a biologically diverse area that was placed on the list of World Heritage Sites in 1984. Photographers love this park as photo opportunities are many. Nature lovers can explore 7,000 plant species in five major vegetation zones including chaparral/oak woodland, lower montane (highland areas below the tree line), upper montane, sub-alpine, and alpine.

Though Yosemite is immense, the national park system reports that most visitors only explore the seven or so miles that make up the area known as the Yosemite Valley. That means lots of visitors located in a relatively small section of the park, making for heavy traffic during peak summer months. To relieve the congestion, the park service offers shuttle bus service for those who want to see the park from the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle. 

However, if you prefer using your two feet to explore, you might want to take advantage of the more than 800 miles of trails available within Yosemite National Park. In the Yosemite Valley area, for example, guests can hike to Bridalveil Fall or pretty Mirror Lake. In the Toulumne Meadows, take the John Muir Trail to Lyell Canyon or take a strenuous 16-mile hike to the Vogelsang High Sierra Camp. 

Bicyclers at Yosemite can ride 12 miles of paved bike paths or on any of the park’s regular roads, though that can be difficult during high season. For something a bit different, book a guided mule ride through Yosemite’s backcountry. Advance reservations are a must during high tourist season.

The Merced River, located at the eastern end of the valley, is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The same river is also ideal for rafting and such trips provide a relaxing way to see the pristine Yosemite Valley.

With nearly 800 miles of streams, anglers love Yosemite National Park. The Toulumne River is a great spot for trout fishing and other rivers offer several additional species. Fishing is best from April through November. 
 
In the winter, guests can visit Badger Pass Ski Area, the oldest in the state of California. Downhill and snowboarding are available here. Other portions of the park offer the opportunity to enjoy cross country and snowshoeing. The park’s concessionaire rents equipment. 

Lodging at Yosemite includes an entire range of options, from primitive campsites to deluxe rooms at one of the nation’s oldest national park lodges. The Ahwahnee, a National Historic Landmark, is AAA 4-diamond rated and is truly one of the country’s most stunning lodges. Yosemite Lodge at the Falls offers standard and family rooms. Wawona Hotel, also a National Historic Landmark, boasts white wooden buildings with Victorian interiors, a golf course, and many additional amenities.

If you prefer to rough it, Yosemite has 13 campgrounds. More than half of them accept advance reservations, which are necessary during the busy summer months and required for all of Yosemite’s car campgrounds. If you’re planning a trip, try to make reservations on the first day on which they become available. (Campground reservations are available in blocks of one month at a time, up to five months in advance, on the 15th of each month at 7 am Pacific time.)

If you can avoid visiting Yosemite in the middle of the summer, you’ll experience far fewer crowds. However, summer is when you’ll be sure to see the largest portion of the park as many park roads are closed from October or November through late May. The falls are at their best during the late spring run-off but it’s too early for wildflowers at that time. 

To reach Yosemite from the Bay Area, take I-580 east to I-205 east to Highway 120 east (Manteca) or Highway 140 east (Merced). From Reno or Lake Tahoe, take I-80 or I-50 west to Sacramento; take Highway 99 south to Highway 120 east (Manteca) or Highway 140 east (Merced). From Los Angeles and points south, take I-5 north (or I-405 north to I-5) to Highway 99 north to Highway 41 north (Fresno) into Yosemite National Park.

Contact:

Yosemite National Park

P.O. Box 577
Yosemite, CA 95389

(209) 372-0200