Yosemite National Park

Situated in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains and stretching 747,956 acres, Yosemite National Park’s greatest icons are its giant, ancient sequoia trees. Then there’s Tunnel View, a vista that reveals Bridalveil Fall, plus the staggering granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome. From its deep valleys to its thundering waterfalls, vast wilderness and glorious meadows, there is untouched beauty everywhere you look.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Centre in 1984 and one of our nation’s first national parks, Yosemite has a rich human history — one that involves conflict, adventure, hardship and preservation. It was here that — in 1918 — Clare Marie Hodges became the first female park ranger enlisted by the National Park Service.

The Flora and Fauna

Sporting imposing and incredible geological and biological diversity, Yosemite has two National Wild and Scenic Rivers, the Tuolumne and Merced, which begin in the park and flow west to the Central Valley.

Delivering an elevation gradient from 1,800 to over 13,000 feet, Yosemite hosts a wide array of climate and plant zones, from oak woodlands to chaparral scrublands, lower montane, upper montane, subalpine and alpine habitats. In the lower-lying, foothill-woodland zone, witness the likes of manzanitas, chamises, ceanothus and blue oaks. Yosemite’s giant sequoia groves — found in the lower montane forest — demand visits to Mariposa, Merced and Tuolumne.

Starting around 6,000 feet, the upper montane forest features vanillascented Jeffrey pines and western junipers. Come 8,000 feet, white pines, mountain hemlocks and lodgepole pines thrive in the subalpine forest, while the alpine zone is marked by rocky slopes, limited vegetation and — when weather allows — vibrant mountain monkeyflowers. It’s no surprise Yosemite’s wildlife is as diverse as its flora. Its mammal species include black bears, Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep and mountain lions. They’re joined by 262 documented bird species, plenty of fish and an impressive array of reptiles, including more than a dozen types of snakes.

The Weather

Given Yosemite’s wide elevation range, weather varies considerably. The park receives nearly all of its precipitation between October and May — over 75% of it between November and March alone. Notably, Yosemite is blanketed in snow from around November through May.

Seasonal road closures are the norm, so be sure to watch the park’s website for details on that and trail conditions, too.

Yosemite Valley from Tunnel View Overlook

Matthias Muli

The Hikes, Drives and Viewpoints

Tioga Road Scenic Drive

Drive Tioga Road (Highway 120) from Crane’s Point to soaring Tioga Pass at 9,943 feet in the sky. Pause at Olmstead Point for a .5-mile stroll for vistas of Half Dome. Next, head to subalpine Tuolumne Meadows. Sitting at 8,600 feet, it’s one of the Sierra Nevada’s largest high-elevation meadows.

Glacier Point

During your stay, do make the drive to Glacier Point. Its overlook, at 7,214 feet, promises commanding views of Yosemite Valley, the high Sierra and distinct Half Dome.

Half Dome at Glacier Point

Getty

Nelder Grove

If Mariposa Grove is too crowded, Nelder Grove’s sequoias are an impressive, outside-the-park alternative that doesn’t disappoint.

Tenaya Lake

Build in some time to reflect at snowmelt Tenaya Lake, its beautiful 2.5-mile loop trail taking you around glassy waters.

Vernal And Falls Trails

On the Vernal and Falls Trails via the Mist Trail, a challenging hike to two waterfalls awaits.

Upper And Lower Yosemite Falls Trails

Want to appreciate the magnitude of Yosemite Falls? Hit the 7.6-mile Upper Yosemite Falls Trail, which offers aweinspiring views of North America’s largest falls from above. An easier, though different, experience is the easy, 1.2-mile Lower Yosemite Falls Trail. Soak up the mist, which sprays from the falls 2,425 feet above.

Half Dome via John Muir Trail

Not for the faint of heart, but incredibly rewarding, is the challenging Half Dome hike via the John Muir Trail. Ascending 4,800 feet above Yosemite Valley, it promises larger-than-life vistas. This is a long and incredibly steep hike at the beginning and end. While this is among the most dangerous and difficult Yosemite hikes, it’s also the stuff of bucket lists. Keep in mind that you can’t climb Half Dome unless the cables are up, typically from late May or early June through Columbus Day weekend.

About the Park

Location - East-central California, in the Sierra Nevadas

Established - October 1, 1890

Area - 747,956 acres