About Yosemite

Yosemite National Park is truly one of nature’s wonders. Yosemite provides an experience seldom matched with its spectacular views of both mountains and valley scenery. Yosemite has been a vacation destination since 1890 when it was set aside as a national park.

Yosemite can be enjoyed on many levels from casual strolls along the valley floor to climbing the sheer cliffs of the granite rocks. Within the park are high cliffs, waterfalls, historic hotels, giant sequoias, and flower covered meadows.

Reservations are not needed to enter the park which is open 365 days a year. Free shuttle buses are available in the valley as well as in Wawona/Mariposa Grove and Tuolume Meadows in the summer. There are over 12 miles of paved bike paths available in Yosemite Valley. For updated information on hike descriptions, schedules for ranger programs, maps and safety information download the Yosemite Guide, published by the National Park Service (NPS).

The Tioga and Glacier Point and Mariposa Grove roads have seasonal closures. They usually reopen in late May or June. (View information on current weather and road conditions)

Park Highlights:

Yosemite Falls
Yosemite Falls is the tallest waterfall in North America. The distance from top to bottom is 2425 feet. The waterfall has a 3 stage drop, but is commonly referred to as a 2 stage drop: Upper Yosemite Falls and Lower Yosemite Falls.

El Capitan
El Capitan is a 3000 foot vertical rock formation sitting right in the heart of Yosemite National Park. In 1958 some rock climbers climbed El Capitan for the first time. It took 47 days over a 17 month period. Climbers can now reach the top within 5 to 7 days.

The Grizzly Giant
It is estimated that the Grizzly Giant is somewhere between 2,000 and 3,000 years old. It is one of the oldest living trees of its kind.

 

Yosemite Valley
A view of Yosemite Valley from the east end of the Wawona Tunnel, commonly known as tunnel view.

 

Half Dome
A wonderful view of Half Dome from Glacier Point

 

 

Vernal Falls
This waterfall was given the name Vernal, because it's still active in the springtime. It provides a continuous mist that flourishes the surrounding trees and plants keeping the area rich and green.

Merced River
The Merced River is approximately 29 miles long with 2 sections. It runs in the springtime for about 3 to 4 months depending on the snow pack. A good time to see it really flowing is in late April, May and June.