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.
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Yosemite's Famed 'Firefall' Will Ignite This Friday
For a few short days a year something magical happens in Yosemite National Park: A firefall.As Travel+Leisure previously explained, the natural... Read More
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Enjoy 30% off Three-Day Tours of Yosemite National Park
T+L launched Operation Vacation to inspire workers to use their days off and get away, offering exclusive travel discounts as incentive. For the latest... Read More
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Couple Who Fell to Their Deaths at Yosemite National Park Identified As Popular Travel Bloggers
Two bloggers, who spent the last couple of years of their lives traveling the world, tragically died after falling off an overlook at Yosemite National... Read More
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Two People Died After Falling From a Popular Yosemite National Park Overlook
A man and woman died after an apparent fall from a popular viewpoint at Yosemite National Park, officials confirmed.The pair plunged to their deaths... Read More
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You Can Spend the Night in a Glamorous Airstream Trailer Right Outside Yosemite National Park
“Sometimes I wish I lived in an Airstream,” country queen Miranda Lambert sang in the 2009 song simply titled “Airstream.” Now, nearly 10 years... Read More
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You Can Go Glamping Oregon Trail Style in Yosemite's New Covered Wagons (Video)
Pioneers in the old days definitely did not travel in the lap of luxury in their covered wagons, but that doesn’t mean you can’t.If you’re one of those... Read More
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Fire Spreading Near Yosemite Doubles in Size, Has Potential to Become a 'Major Threat' to the Park
A quickly spreading wildfire has led to the closure of one of the main access points into California’s Yosemite National Park.The Ferguson Fire, which... Read More
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8 National Parks Where You Can Have an Unforgettable Summer Vacation
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
