"It
was like lying in a great solemn cathedral, far vaster and more beautiful than
any built by the hand of man." –Theodore Roosevelt after camping in
Yosemite National Park.
Yosemite National Park, one of the first wilderness
parks in the United States, is best known for its waterfalls, but within its
nearly 1,200 square miles, you can find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient
giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area, and much more.
Where to stay?
Lodging options in Yosemite National Park range from
simple tent cabins to deluxe rooms at The Ahwahnee, a four star hotel located
in Yosemite Valley.
The Ahwahnee Hotel
The majority of visitors decide to stay in the
available lodging in Yosemite Valley which includes The Ahwahnee, Yosemite
Lodge at the Falls, Wawona Hotel, Curry Village, and other hotel locations
while others decide to make reservations at campgrounds in the surrounding
wilderness.
You can plan your visit and make lodging
reservations here:
When to visit?
If you're planning a trip to Yosemite, first decide
during which season you plan to visit, then decide where you'll spend the night
(if you spend the night) so you can make lodging or camping reservations.
Then, you can find the answer to the age-old question about what there is to do
in Yosemite.
Summer
June – September
All areas of the park are usually accessible by car
by late May or early June. The climate will be warm to hot, with occasional
rain (usually as afternoon thundershowers, especially at the higher
elevations). Most of the water flowing in Yosemite comes from snowmelt in the
high country, so runoff decreases during the dry summer. Peak runoff typically
occurs in May or June, with some waterfalls (including Yosemite Falls) often
only a trickle or completely dry by August. Other waterfalls, including Vernal,
Nevada, and Bridalveil, run all year, however their flow can be very low by
late summer.
Fall
October and November
All areas of the park usually remain open through
October, and sometimes into November. However short-term closures may occur due
to snow. The climate in
Yosemite is quite variable, with weather ranging from hot to cold, dry
to rainy or snowy. Water levels tend to be very low, with waterfalls (including
Yosemite Falls) containing little or no water. Some waterfalls, including
Vernal, Nevada, and Bridalveil, run all year, however their flow slows to a
trickle by fall. Yosemite is not known for having spectacular fall colors
because most of the trees are evergreen. Still, big-leaf maples, black oaks,
Pacific dogwoods, and other deciduous trees tend to be showy around mid-October.
Winter
December – March
Winter in Yosemite is snowy and cold, though sunny
and chilly days are not uncommon. Most of the roads that lead to higher
elevation are closed during winter making access to those areas of the park
limited. Water levels tend to be low, but once some snow and rain have fallen,
Yosemite Falls begins flowing again (though not at springtime levels). Most of
the park is covered in snow during winter, but some trails in Yosemite Valley
are often accessible.
Spring
Aril and May
In spring the climate is highly variable, with sunny
and relatively warm days, but still an occasional winter storm. As warmer
weather begins to melt the snow, even the smallest creeks are rushing with
water. You may see many small, unnamed waterfalls and cascades all along the
Valley rim. Larger creeks and rivers, along with the better known waterfalls,
tend to reach peak runoff in May or June.
What to do?
Visit Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
The Mariposa Grove is located 36 miles (one hour)
south of Yosemite Valley, near the park's South Entrance. The Mariposa Grove is
the largest stand of giant sequoias (also known as Sierra redwoods or big
trees) in Yosemite.
Giant Sequoia
Visit Glacier Point
Glacier Point, an overlook with a commanding view of
Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and the High Sierra is located 30 miles (one hour)
from Yosemite Valley. The road ends at Glacier Point and it is a short walk to
the viewpoint.
View from Glacier Point
Hike
There are many hikes in Yosemite. Some of the less
strenuous but very beautiful ones can be found in Yosemite Valley. Some popular
day hikes accessible from Yosemite Valley are the hikes to Lower Yosemite Fall,
Mirror Lake/Meadow, Valley Floor Loop, Four Mile Trail, Half Dome and many
others.
The Cables up Half Dome
Biking
Over 12 miles of paved bike paths are available in
Yosemite Valley. In addition, bicyclists can ride on regular roads (if they
obey traffic laws). This is a great way to view the valley floor. Bicycles are
available for rent in Yosemite Valley.
Rock Climbing
Modern rock climbing as we know it today was born
here in Yosemite Valley. It is one of
the world's greatest climbing areas. Climbers here can enjoy an endless variety
of challenges--from the sustained crack climbs of the Merced River Canyon to
pinching crystals on sun-drenched Tuolumne Meadows domes to multi-day aid
climbs on the big walls of the Valley.
Climbing El Capitan
Stargazing
Yosemite National Park, miles from the nearest city lights, has a very dark night sky that makes it a great place to look at the stars. Bring along a star chart and look for constellations, or look through binoculars at some of our planetary neighbors. In June, July, and August, amateur astronomers often set up telescopes at Glacier Point on Saturdays, and astronomy walks or talks are also be offered in Yosemite Valley, Tuolumne Meadows, and Wawona.
Stargazing near the Merced River
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