Yosemite National Park – how to plan and what to see

Today we take you on a journey to the beautiful Yosemite National Park.This pearl of California is visited by more than 4 million tourists a year and is the perfect place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the big West Coast cities, especially if you come here during the off-tourist season.

Yosemite National Park(Yosemite), located in the heart of the Sierra Nevada in California, is one of the most beautiful and well-known national parks in the United States. It is famous for its majestic granite walls, cascading waterfalls, giant sequoias and…. bears!

We visited the park during our first trip to the West. After several weeks of traveling through parks in Arizona and Utah, we returned to California to see Death Valley National Park, Sequoia National Park and, of course, the eponymous Yosemite.

Unfortunately, bad luck that just on the day we were scheduled for this park the weather deteriorated, snow fell and chains on the wheels were required (although, to be honest, we don’t know how much they actually verify this). And we would have embraced it all, but the worst part was that the view of the famous Yosemite Valley was shrouded in fog that obscured everything.

So we had to change our plans. We let the park visit go and returned the next day, when the weather in Yosemite promised to be really good. And it was a very good decision!

Highlights of Yosomite Park

Located in central California, on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountains, this national park is one of the most beautiful and famous places in the United States, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Yosemite National Park was established in 1890, but several thousand years earlier Yosemite Valley was inhabited by indigenous people from the Miwok people, of the Ahwahneechee tribe.

Yosemite Valley was first “discovered” by Europeans during one of their clashes with indigenous peoples. The place has expressly gained notoriety, and tourism in the region has begun to flourish, and faster than expected. Environmental degradation involving the Yosemite Valley area began to occur, but timely steps were taken to protect it and a national park was established. Today, more than 4 million tourists a year head to, in the opinion of many, America’s most beautiful national park.

And if you are wondering where the name of the national park came from, we hasten to answer, because it puzzled us too (as well as pronounce the name of the park correctly, by the way). Well, the origin of the name is not fully and clearly explained, as there are two theories: either from the word the Miwoks used for bear(Uzumati or Uzhumati), or from the phrase they used to call the tribe living in the valley, which can be translated as “they are the killers”(Yohhe’meti or Yos.s.e’meti).

The area of today’s Yosemite National Park is more than 3,000 square kilometers, and that’s really a lot of roads and trails to explore.

The national park area is famous for its granite cliffs, magnificent waterfalls, clear streams, giant sequoias and biodiversity. The most visited area is the incredible Yosemite Valley, home to some of the most recognizable rock formations, such as El Capitan and Half Dome. Because it is the breathtaking views and hiking trails that are among the list of Yosemite’s biggest attractions. Much of the area of Yosemite National Park is occupied by pristine forests and majestic mountains, making it an ideal destination for lovers of nature and outdoor activities.

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As in other national parks in the US, it is possible to travel around the park by car. You can also get there by bus, or even take advantage of the free shuttle buses that run within the park, which can be a good option especially during the high tourist season, when tourist traffic is heavier and parking spaces can be harder to come by.

There are several roads leading into the park and there are several entrances: those from the west are accessible all year round (roads number 41, 140 and 120), and the road from the east through Tioga Pass is open from May, June to October (depending on weather conditions).

When traveling to Yosemite, pay special attention to the required reservation for entry into the park. Well, between April and October on weekends and even throughout the week it is necessary to make a reservation in order to enter the park at all. Entry can be reserved at this website: recreation.gov (similar to other parks in the US.

Weather and climate in Yosemite (National Park)

The climate in Yosemite varies, depending on the altitude. In Yosemite Valley, located at an elevation of about 1,200 meters, winters are cold, with frequent snowfall, and summers are warm and dry. In the park’s higher elevations, such as Tuolumne Meadows, winters are harsh and snow can last until late spring. Summers are cooler there.

The best time to visit is late spring and autumn, when the weather in Yosemite is mild and there are fewer tourists. However, we personally recommend visiting the park in spring, that’s when you have the best chance of seeing the intense waterfalls, which are fed by the melting snow on the peaks. In summer, the waterfalls are much weaker.

Watch out for closed roads

Although Yosemite National Park is very popular, getting there is not so easy.

Due to changing weather conditions, some roads in Yosemite may be closed for most of the year. The most famous of these, Tioga Road, which runs through Yosemite National Park at an altitude of more than 3,000 meters, is usually closed from November through the end of May and even into June. Also, entering the park from this side is then impossible. Glacier Point Road, which offers spectacular views, is also closed to traffic in winter.

Before visiting Yosemite Park, it’s worth checking the current condition of the roads here: Yosemite National Park website. There are no fixed dates in the park when roads are opened and much depends on current weather conditions. It may also happen that roads are closed only temporarily, or chains on wheels are required.

Visiting Yosemite – highlights of the park

Yosemite National Park is famous for its attractions for nature lovers and hikers. The highlights of the park are the surrounding nature, unique views, waterfalls, granite cliffs and mountain meadows. There are a number of designated viewpoints and hiking trails that allow you to get where you can’t go by car.

Both those who are in poor shape or traveling with children will find easily accessible viewpoints and short trails, as well as the more advanced who can go on long and difficult trails. Below we have prepared descriptions of interesting places in the park that will make visiting Yosemite easier.

Yosemite Valley

Among some of the most beautiful places in the Park, Yosemite Valley was formed by glacial erosion, which gave it a unique shape, and today we can admire the impressive granites surrounding it, such as Half Dome and El Capitan, which have inspired climbers and tourists for centuries. In spring, when the snows melt, the valley comes alive and the waterfalls reach their greatest height and power, creating a unique spectacle. In our opinion, Yosemite Valley is a must-see in the park.

Yosemite Valley’s attractions are all about the views, but you should know that the valley is the centerpiece of the national park. It is in Yosemite Valley that a Visitor Center has been established, along with a restaurant, store, post office, picnic areas, and many hiking trails start from here. Don’t miss the place called Yosemite Chapel. This charming chapel is located just off the road, with granite rocks protruding majestically behind it. Let the Yosemite chapel be another reason to take a look at the Merced River Valley.

There is no shortage of parking spaces in the Yosemite Valley area, although it can be difficult to find free spaces during the tourist season. A map of Yosemite Valley with marked parking lots is available here.

Lower Yosemite Falls and Upper Yosemite Falls

Yosemite Falls is actually a cascade of waterfalls that can be viewed both from vantage points and from the bottom of Yosemite Valley. At 739 meters high, it is one of the tallest waterfalls in North America.

It consists of three parts:

• Upper Yosemite Fall: the highest section, with an elevation of 436 meters.
• Middle Cascades: a 206-meter-long section consisting of several smaller waterfalls.
• Lower Yosemite Fall: the last section, with a height of 97 meters.

In spring and early summer, the waterfall is most impressive when the snow melts and the water flows at full force.

Lower Yosemite Falls is the most easily accessible part of the falls, accessible via the short Lower Yosemite Fall Trail. Thanks to the ease, even the less seasoned will be able to see part of Yosemite Falls up close. Upper Yosemite Falls already requires a slightly longer hike, but the effort will be rewarded with picturesque views. Yosemite Falls Trail is more than 11 km long.

El Capitan

The iconic granite monolith is especially popular with climbers, but tourists can also admire its majesty from the valley and viewpoints. One of the best places to unhurriedly admire El Capitan is El Capitan Meadow, from where you can watch the climbers and the impressive rock face.

Half Dome

Climbing this impressive formation can be a physical challenge, but offers breathtaking views. The trail leading to its summit is about 27 kilometers long (both ways), with an elevation difference of more than 1,450 meters. On the last section, the so-called cables are installed, without which it would be difficult to climb to the top.

So that it’s not still too easy, not everyone can climb to the top. To be eligible for this challenge, one must enter the raffle and win one of the 300 seats that are drawn each day. The lottery takes place online(link).

Mariposa Grove

The area of the famous Yosemite Valley and surrounding mountains is rich in flora and fauna. Here you can see, for example, the giant mammoth trees for which another park is famous:Sequoia National Park. You can find them in Yosemite, too, and the best place for that is Mariposa Grove, a grove headed by a Grizzly Giant Sequoia estimated to be 3,000 years old.

The access roads to Mariposa Grove are open seasonally.

Bridalveil Fall

Bridalveil Falls is one of the more easily accessible waterfalls in Yosemite, with a height of 188 meters. The trail to the waterfall is the Bridalveil Fall Trail, less than a kilometer long. The best time to admire this cascade is in spring and early summer, when it is most intense.

Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall

These two waterfalls are located on the Mist Trail, one of the most beautiful trails in Yosemite, but they can also be viewed from the John Muir Trail, and both trails can be connected in a loop. The Mist Trail route to Vernal Fall leads to two viewpoints of the waterfall: from below and from above (here there are 600 steps to climb), and the trail continues to Nevada Falls. This is already a longer hike because the trail is almost 8 kilometers in both directions.

Horsetail Fall

Seeing this waterfall is a dream for many visitors to Yosemite National Park. Being precise, we should write: seeing the amazing phenomenon that is created at this waterfall is a visitor’s dream. In the second half of February, at sunset, the waterfall begins to shimmer in yellow, red and orange, making it appear as if it is on fire. This amazing show lasts about 10 minutes and it is not entirely clear when exactly it will appear. So it takes a lot of patience to see this natural wonder.

Since there are many people eager to see the flaming waterfall, a limit has been placed on the number of people allowed within the national park at one time and reservations are required for three weekends in February.

Tuolumne Meadows

Entering Yosemite Park from the east, one reaches Tuolumne Meadows via Tioga Pass. It is a high-altitude subalpine meadow, offering a decidedly quieter experience compared to Yosemite Valley.

Here is the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center (now temporarily closed), a hotel, a campground, and the start of hiking trails.

The most interesting viewpoints in the park

You can go on the trails, admire the granite cliffs and waterfalls in the foothills, but something that impresses most within the national park are the amazing vantage points from which you can view the vast forests with granite rocks that create an amazing landscape! Yosemite Park offers breathtaking views, and if you are lucky with the weather from the points below you will see it in its full glory.

Below is a list, in our opinion, of some of the most beautiful spots:

• Glacier Point: located at nearly 2,200 meters above sea level and 980 meters above the valley, it offers views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and Yosemite, Vernal and Nevada Falls.
  Admiring the view of Yosemite National Park from Glacier Point gives an incredible impression of the vastness and beauty of the place.
  Accessible by car or on foot(Four Mile Trail), with the access road only available from May/June through November.
  Additional hiking trails (Panorama Trail, Pohono Trail) start from Glacier Point.
• Tunnel View: a panorama of Yosemite Valley including the classic view of El Capitan, Bridalveil Falls and Half Dome.
  It is located at the entrance to the Yosemite Valley area from the Wawona Tunnel.
  Tunnel View is easily accessible, reached by car.
• Yosemite Valley View – a viewpoint from Yosemite Valley, just down the road.
• Yosemite Valley Vista Point – a more remote point, with a panorama of Yosemite Valley in the distance.

Yosemite with children

This vast national park is a great place for a family vacation, as are other national parks in the US. You don’t have to go for several kilometers of challenging trails right away, as the park offers plenty of easier trails that are ideal for kids, such as the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail and Mirror Lake Trail (leading to Mirror Lake). On top of that, the opportunity to observe animals and intense waterfalls means that the place will also impress younger visitors.

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With children, a must-see park tour is. Visitor Center. Educational programs and activities will help the youngest understand nature better. Be sure to pick up the special Junior Ranger Activity Book here. These are thin activity books for children that encourage them to observe nature, look for animals and plants, and learn about geology.

It is important to plan trips according to the abilities of the youngest and to remember to prepare properly, including protection from the sun and protection from wildlife. This will make visiting Yosemite Park a fantastic yet safe adventure.

Practical information – visit to the park

What is worth knowing?

When visiting Yosemite, it’s a good idea to be prepared for changing weather conditions, bring appropriate clothing, a supply of food and water, and be aware of the wildlife. The park has numerous hiking trails, but some of them can be difficult for novice hikers.

Here are the most important tips before visiting Yosemite National Park:

• Reservations are required to enter the national park on some days (especially during the tourist season).
• Bears live in the park.
  It is important to follow safety rules and store food in special containers.
  There are many warnings in Yosemite Park, as well as instructions on how to act in case of encountering them.
• Careful planning: Before you leave, plan your route carefully and get maps and information about the points you want to visit.
  Check current information on the park’s website to know if all roads and trails are accessible (roads and trails may be closed in winter).
  A map of the entire park as well as a map of Yosemite Valley are available on the park’s website.
• Weather and climate: when planning, also take into account weather conditions on roads and trails.
• No network: be aware that there may be no cellular coverage in the park.
  Save all documents and maps on your phone to have them available offline.
• Access to help: Have a first aid kit with you, as well as information on the nearest rescue and telephone points.
• Compliance with rules: The park is protected and strict environmental rules apply.
  Nature must be respected and wildlife must not be disturbed.

How to get to Yosemite?

Yosemite can be reached by car from various directions, the most common routes are from San Francisco (about 4 hours drive) and Los Angeles (about 6 hours drive). As you can see, it is not a good idea to drive from these cities just for one day to Yosemite ;) It is definitely better to find accommodation in the area or in the park itself and spend more time there. We have listed accommodation suggestions later in this post.

There are roads leading into the park from the west and east, with the former being the more common; these are roads 41, 120 and 140, of which we recommend the latter leading from Mariposa to the Yosemite Entrance Gate (Central) – El Portal. Getting to Yosemite is not difficult, but even in spring, wheel chains may be recommended.

The park can be accessed from the east from Mono Lake, but the road through Tioga Pass is only opened seasonally. Information about whether the road is open will, of course, be provided by the national park’s website.

Opening hours

The park is open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, some attractions and visitor centers have their own opening hours, which can vary depending on the tourist season.

Yosemite Valley Welcome Center is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. – this is where you should start exploring Yosemite Park (of course, on your way to the Visitor Center you can safely stop at the viewpoints ;-) ).

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Price list

There is a fee to enter the park. The fee is paid at the entrance, payment by card or cash is possible.

Prices:

• Passenger car – $35 (regardless of the number of people in the car)
• motorcycle – $30
• Bicyclists, people entering without vehicles – $20 (children under 15 free).

Please note that you will also have to pay a nominal $2 fee if you travel on the day you are required to book.

This is a national park so the America the Beautiful Annual Pass (cost per year $80) is accepted. This is a card that allows any number of entries into most US national parks managed by the NPS. Its purchase pays off if you plan to travel to at least three US national parks.

Where to stay overnight in or around Yosemite National Park?

Yosemite Park offers a variety of lodging options, from luxury hotels like the Ahwahnee Hotel, to the more affordable Yosemite Valley Lodge, to “cheap” cabins and tents. There is also no shortage of campgrounds, but about them in a moment. Staying overnight in the park is not only an opportunity to wake up to picturesque views, but it is simply convenient if you plan to spend more time here. It is also very popular and it is recommended to make reservations well in advance. The chances of staying overnight in the park, during the tourist season, without prior reservations are quite slim.

In such a situation, it remains to look for accommodations near Yosemite Park, such as in places like Mariposa, Groveland and Oakhurst. It is when entering from this side that most of Yosemite’s attractions await.

Here are some suggestions for accommodations in the park itself and in the surrounding area:

• The Ahwahnee (Yosemite National Park)
  Address.: Ahwahnee Drive, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389, United States
  Prices: from $536/2100 for a double room
  Link: https://www.travelyosemite.com/lodging/the-ahwahnee/
• Yosemite Valley Lodge
  Address: 9006 Yosemite Lodge Dr., Yosemite Village, CA 95389
  Prices: from $267/1100 per double room
  Link: https://r4b.link/yosemite-valley-lodge
• Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn
  Address: 40530 Highway 41, Oakhurst, CA 93644
  Prices: from $166/653 per double room (with breakfast)
  Link: https://r4b.link/yosemite-gateway-inn
• The Yosemite Inn
  Address: 5180 Jones Street, Mariposa, CA 95338
  Prices: from $155/610 per double room
  Link: https://r4b.link/yosemite-inn
• Best Western Plus Yosemite Way Station
  Address: 40530 Highway 41, Oakhurst, CA 93644
  Prices: from $148/580 per double room (with breakfast)
  Link: https://r4b.link/bwyosemite
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Oakhurst
  Address: 40820 Highway 41, Oakhurst, CA 93644
  Prices: from $144/566 per double room (with breakfast)
  Link: https://r4b.link/holiday-inn-express-suites-oakhurst

Overnight camping

Yosemite National Park offers as many as a dozen campgrounds, but despite their large number, reserving a site, especially during the tourist season, can be a feat. In season, all require reservations, and three of them operate on a first-come, first-served basis in the off-season.

Four campgrounds are open year-round: Upper Pines, Camp 4, Wawona, Hodgdon Meadow, with Camp 4 being for tents only (you can’t stay here with trailers or RVs).

A detailed list of campgrounds, along with opening dates and prices, is available at this link.

Our opinion – is it worth visiting Yosemite National Park?

Definitely yes! Yosemite National Park is famous not only for its spectacular landscapes and unusual rock formations, but also for its rich flora and fauna that will delight any nature lover. The park offers a number of trails for both beginners and the more advanced. Due to its location relatively close to California’s largest cities, it is a very popular park, so we recommend traveling around the highest tourist season if possible.

Nearby Yosemite Park, Mono Lake is noteworthy (the road from the lake into Yosemite Park is not open year-round), and a place a little more remote, but also worth a visit, is Sequoia National Park (about a 3.5-hour drive).

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