United States California

Yosemite National Park

Tips from the community

When America’s first conservationist president, Theodore Roosevelt, signed into law the lasting protections for the natural wonders of our modern-day national parks, he soliloquized, “There can be nothing in the world more beautiful than the Yosemite, the groves of the giant sequoias and redwoods, the Canyon of the Colorado, the Canyon of the Yellowstone, the Three Tetons; and our people should see to it that they are preserved for their children and their children’s children forever, with their majestic beauty all unmarred.” Yosemite National Park topped that list—and is the most-visited national park in California—for good reason. Just 200 miles east of San Francisco, Yosemite delivers on all promises of sweeping high-country views from the Central Sierra Nevada Mountains—California’s tallest mountain pass. Its most famous features, from El Capitan to Half Dome and Bridalveil Falls, are the stuff of desktop screensavers and boy scout dreams. Yet, in the words of John Muir, who first found his footing as an adventurer while herding sheep through Yosemite’s lush valleys and sublime canyons, the landscape is “hopelessly unsketchable and untellable.” It’s the sort of thing you have to see for yourself. You won’t be limited to sightseeing, though you won’t want to miss the thundering 2,425-foot Yosemite Falls or Glacier Point where Muir and Roosevelt once stood to see about one third of the park from 3,500 feet above the valley floor. There are also fantastic opportunities for harder backcountry sports like mountaineering, rafting, bouldering and big-wall rock climbing, and swimming in natural springs and alpine lakes. The park and many of its campsites, lodges, and airbnbs are open year round, so if you’re looking for a quieter trip, you can snowshoe or cross-country ski in winter months.

savannah.whitmer 2 years ago

Yosemite has certainly boasted plenty of epic trails for years so there really wasn’t any need to invent a new one. But Ian Elmen, ultimate thrill seeker and founder of Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides, did just that 10 years ago. Because, why not? This truly epic trail traverses the Yosemite Nationall Park for 100km, meandering through some of its best highlights, including the Ansel Adams Wilderness, the Cathedral Range, Tuolumne Meadows, the Post Peak Pass, and even Half Dome, which you can climb as a side trip. You’ll cross rivers and granite plateaus, hike along the shores of sapphire lakes and raging waterfalls, and spend days on end crossing high-altitude, flower-filled meadows. The landscapes are classic and memorable, the hike enjoyable and contemplative: the best Mother Nature has to offer. Verdict: If you hail from abroad and are overwhelmed by the sheer choices of trails in Yosemite, go for gold and pick this beauty for the grandest bragging rights of all. It’ll deliver an incredible array of visual feasts and offers the unrivalled chance to be completely immersed in this pristine nature for an entire week, totally disconnecting you from the rest of the world. SYMG bagged an award from National Geographic for this trail and although it can certainly be done independently, the preparation (and food + camping gear packing) really is quite substantial. SYMG offer two guided options: one is a backpacking trip and the other an assisted journey with the addition of packhorses.

laurastraveltales 4 years ago

Yosemite National Park is one of the headline acts of the Golden State. Legendary among free climbers (if you haven’t watched Free Solo yet, now’s the time) and visited by more than four million people each year, it’s something truly special. The heart of it all is the awesome Yosemite Valley, which is guarded by the sheer walls of El Capitan and the Half Dome. Hiking is abundant. Waterfall watching abounds. Scenic drives are everywhere. What more could you want?

jrfrancis 3 years ago

Yosemite National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers looking for the coolest camping spots. With stunning granite cliffs, waterfalls, and lush forests, this park offers a range of camping experiences, from backcountry wilderness camping to car camping in developed campgrounds. Set up camp in Yosemite Valley, Tuolumne Meadows, or Mariposa Grove to immerse yourself in the park's natural beauty and discover the best of outdoor recreation in California.

seeker 2 months ago

Renowned for its epic views, and ancient natural treasures, Yosemite also comes with its fair share of dangers. Expert Mountain Guides can’t stress enough to use your common sense and practice situational awareness as you navigate through the valleys of Yosemite. Beware of any wildlife, whether bears, mountain lions, or squirrels, which the latter has been known to spread the Plague around the park.

seeker 2 years ago

Yosemite National Park has a preserved dark sky during the night and plenty of unobstructed locations where you can seep into the universe through panoramic views of a sky full of stars. Check out Sentinel Dome for a 360 degree perspective of the magnificent and sparkling night, or visit Glacier Point for the chance to get a glimpse of the milky way.

seeker 2 years ago

What better way to escape crowds than to set up camp in one of the most iconic National Parks in the country. Yosemite National Park is famed for its ancient sequoia trees, adventurous hiking trails, and renowned Ansel Adams gallery full of mesmerizing landscape portraits of the area. Getaway and go off the grid at this natural paradise.

seeker 2 years ago

Yosemite National Park is a breathtaking wilderness wonderland in California's Sierra Nevada Mountains. It is known around the world for its remarkable granite cliffs, gorgeous waterfalls, and ancient giant sequoias. Visitors can explore hundreds of miles of trails, camp amongst the towering trees, rock climb, hike, bicycle and see a wide variety of wildlife.

seeker 2 months ago

Located in California's gorgeous sierra mountains, Yosemite National Park is an American treasure that hosts some of the highest foot traffic areas across the nation. Because of its accessibility, Yosemite is one of the top National Parks that we recommend for beginners. Witness the power of nature through iridescent cascading waterfalls, granite cliffs, and have a blast trying out plenty of touristy-type shops and restaurants.

seeker 2 years ago

Okay, so you probably won’t be alone on the Yosemite hiking trails. But hey, these are some of the most famous trails in America. Apply for a permit early if you want to try that bucket-list Half Dome to get views of the idyllic valley below.

jrfrancis 2 years ago

I think everyone knows about Yosemite National Park! It's one of the most popular & beautiful National Parks and I highly recommend visiting if you are in California.

clumsygirltravels 2 years ago

Camping, hiking, biking

lwithrow 2 years ago

Yosemite National Park Lists

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Yosemite National Park Articles

  • List of All National Parks in the US By State | 2022

    From swivel chairs to space rockets, the US has had some darn bright ideas over its short history. But of all the ideas that have changed the world, the national parks system is surely close to the top. It was way back in 1872 that the sulfur-belching lands of Yellowstone were designated as protected lands […]

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  • Yosemite National Park: The Complete Guide for 2023

    Massive granite cliffs, majestic waterfalls, and abundant wildlife: Yosemite’s U-shaped valley features profound natural wonders, earning its spot as the most-visited California national park. With more than 1,200 square miles of protected land within its borders, there’s opportunity for endless adventure. Walk amongst Giant Sequoias, explore the high country, swim in alpine lakes, hike up […]

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  • The World’s Most Epic Trails for the Thrill Seeker

    Conquering a mammoth trail through some of the world’s most astonishing landscapes isn’t only about bragging (although it certainly can be), but primarily about facing your fears, testing your endurance (both physical and mental), and achieving something you never thought you could in a truly spectacular part of the world — and who wouldn’t brag […]

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