For an ideal way to get closer to nature and explore one of the country's greatest treasures, travel to Yosemite National Park. The park itself, located in the central-eastern part of California, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the third oldest national park in the U.S.. Of the 3.7 million people that visit each year, most spend their time in Yosemite Valley, with its unrivaled natural beauty-- cliffs, waterfalls, and spectacular wildlife. A visit to Yosemite National Park is a true delight for any group, especially nature-lovers and anyone with an adventurous spirit. The Yosemite National Park travel guide is here to help you plan your experience and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Things Not to Miss in Yosemite National Park
• Viewing the park from atop Glacier Point
In the winter, skiing at Badger Pass, Yosemite's destination for winter sports. It provides ski gear, trails, and instruction for those who need it
• Walking amongst towering Sequoias in Mariposa Grove
• Having a picnic while viewing El Capitan (or if you're game, ascending the Half Dome's sheer face!)
• Hiking to one of a variety of waterfalls: Bridal Veil Falls, Vernal Falls, Nevada Falls, and many others
• Strolling along the banks of the Merced River
• Kayaking on Mirror Lake or Lake McClure
• Exploring the Hetch Hetchy reservoir and scenery
When to Go to Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park travel may be influenced by the time of the year, so take a look ate the best time to visit this natural treasure. From March to May is the best time to visit Yosemite National Park, when the spring is at its peak. The less touristy season is from December to March. During the winter, with the heavy snowfalls, some roads may be closed.
-
8 National Parks Where You Can Have an Unforgettable Summer Vacation
Natural beauty, history, education, and relaxation await at our country’s national parks. This year, many have enhanced their tours, lodging, dining,... Read More
-
Starbucks Opened a Location in Yosemite — and Not Everyone Is Excited
In most U.S. cities, a Starbucks is never too far away, and now even in the middle of a redwood forest there’s a tall latte nearby.Starbucks opened a... Read More
-
Yosemite's Famous 'Firefall' Has Run Dry Because of the California Drought (Video)
Yosemite's famous "firefall" likely won't be happening this year because the waterfall has run dry. The naturally occurring phenomenon usually... Read More
-
Thousands of People Are Trying to Stop a Starbucks From Opening in Yosemite
Nothing says “I enjoy the great outdoors” like a Venti Mocha Frappuccino.Earlier this month, The Fresno Bee reported that a Starbucks outpost would open... Read More
-
How This 29-year-old Data Scientist Quit Her Job to Become a Full-time Rock Climber
This story originally appeared on Money.com.Like most millennials, Lauren Ford counts housing as her biggest monthly expense. But her housing money goes... Read More
-
Rockfall in Yosemite Kills Hiker Near El Capitan
One person has died and another has been injured after a large chunk of the rock formation known as El Capitan broke off in Yosemite National Park.El... Read More
-
This rock climber just conquered El Capitan without safety gear
Rock climber Alex Honnold is not only scaling new heights, he’s doing it without a safety net.On Saturday, Honnold climbed El Capitan, a vertical rock... Read More
-
Incredible new waterfalls have appeared at Yosemite, thanks to heavy snowfall
After a winter of heavy snowfall, Yosemite National Park is putting on one of its most incredible spring seasons for visitors.The waterfalls are more... Read More
-
The Can't-miss Sights in 20 National Parks Across the U.S.
When brothers Jim and Will Pattiz visited their first national park four years ago, their lives changed forever.“Stepping foot inside a... Read More
-
You Can Track Yosemite's Bears on This New Website
Nature enthusiasts can now track the movements of some of Yosemite's black bears with a new website.Keepbearswild.org tracks the movements of the bears... Read More
-
Get Free Admission to U.S. National Parks This Month
Travelers who want to enjoy the warmer weather in the outdoors can take advantage of free admission to U.S. national parks for two weekends this month... Read More
-
Rare 'Firefall' Returns to Yosemite for Just a Few Weeks
California’s Yosemite National Park is known for its awe-inspiring waterfalls, and one of them exhibiting a rare natural phenomenon you're... Read More
-
Watch a Slackliner Cross Yosemite Falls, Almost Trip, and Miraculously Recover
Imagine walking across Yosemite Falls at Yosemite National Park with little more than a thick rope keeping you from tumbling into the rocks below. ... Read More
-
This Man Was Born at Yosemite National Park—and He's Lived There Ever Since
John Reynolds was born at Yosemite National Park in 1960, and he's lived there ever since.The 56-year-old came into the world at the park's Lewis... Read More
-
President Obama Is the First Sitting President to Visit Yosemite in 50 Years
This past weekend, President Obama did something that no sitting president has done in over 50 years — he went to Yosemite National Park.Like many dads... Read More
