Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is located in the western United States’ Sierra Nevada mountain range of central California. This UNESCO World Heritage site and national park boundaries encompass 1,169 square miles (3,029 sq km) with 95% of the park being classified as wilderness.

Although the park boundaries are so enormous, the majority of visitors spend the majority of their stay in the 7 square miles (18 sq km) that make up Yosemite Valley. The majority of the park’s attractions can be seen or easily accessed from this area.

Yosemite Valley stretches approximately 7.5 miles (12 km) long and reaches depths between 3,000 to 3,500 feet (914.4 – 1,066.8 m). The valley provides views of the renowned granite peaks of Half Dome and El Capitan. Other summits outside the valley reach peaks of 13,114 feet (3,997 m).

The valley gives access to the aforementioned and other granite cliffs, lakes, meadows, giant sequoia groves, streams, and waterfalls. The famous Yosemite Falls, which is the tallest in North America at 2,425 feet (739 m) is easily seen and experienced from the valley area.

Other Yosemite Valley waterfalls include Ribbon Falls which reveals the tallest single vertical drop of 1,612 feet (491 m) and the Bridalveil Fall at 617 feet (188 m). The Bridalveil waterfall is seen from the tunnel as visitors enter into the valley.

El Capitan is the largest granite monolith in the world, and it reaches a height of 3,000 feet (914 m). Half Dome is probably the most renowned granite monolith in the world because of its unique shape. Carved in half by an ice glacier, Half Dome features a near-vertical side as compared to the rounded side. It reaches a height of 4,000 feet (1,219 m).

The park is renowned drawing nearly 4 million visitors a year for its abundance of nature experiences. Visitors can see and experience giant sequoia groves, tremendous waterfalls, majestic mountains, lakes, rivers, glaciers, meadows, forests, and rich biological diversity.

Yosemite is also a great place to experience wildlife with popular species including black bear, bobcat, bighorn sheep, mule deer, coyote, gray fox, red fox, cougar, river otter, marmot, beaver, and the raccoon.

Photos

Yosemite National Park Photo Gallery

Highlights

Yosemite Valley and the variety of nature experiences it affords visitors in such a short time is the pinnacle of nature travel. El Capitan, the world’s largest granite monolith, and Half Dome, which is the most renowned granite monolith, can both be seen within minutes of each other.

Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite Falls, and Ribbon Falls can all be seen within minutes of each other with other spectacular waterfalls accessible from trails in the valley. Most of these things can be easily seen from drives around the circular drive of the valley.

However, the best way to experience Yosemite National Park is to get out and hike the various trails. Many are short little endeavors to pure majestic views of nature. The types of trails range from easy to much more challenging requiring good endurance.

Yosemite is a famous destination for mountain climbers with El Capitan serving as the pinnacle climb.

Yosemite National Park Trails

Yosemite National Park beckons hikers with around 250 trails that travel amongst the many natural wonders and facets of nature on display in this amazing national park.  There are trails ranging from easy to difficult and short to multi-day backcountry adventures.

Lower Yosemite Falls Trail

This is a short 1-mile (1.6 km) trail access right from the Yosemite Valley floor.  There is minimal elevation change and the path is partially paved. This loop trail provides views of the stunning waterfall as well as the granite mountains that surround the valley. There are chances to see wildlife, however, the falls are the pinnacle attraction of the hike.

Sentinel Dome Trail

This is an easy rated 2.1 mile (3.38 km) trail out to a lookout of Yosemite Valley and Half Dome. There is an ascent of 456 feet (138.99 m) as well as chances to see wildlife and wildflowers.

Vernal Falls Trail

This is a moderate rated trail that ascends up 1,279 feet (389.84 m) to views of Vernal Falls which is one of the most picturesque falls in the park.  This is a popular trail that covers a distance of 3.5 miles (5.63 km) out to the falls. There are chances to see wildlife but the majority of the hike is admiring the astounding scenic landscapes as you follow along the river.

Half Dome Trail

This is a 15-mile (24.14 km) difficult rated trail that ascends 5,206 feet (1,586.79 m) up to Half Dome which is the most iconic natural wonder in the park. You will travel through dense forest, along granite mountain paths, and have views of a river and waterfall that will leave you in amazement.

Upper Yosemite Falls Trail

This is a challenging 7.2 mile (11.58 km) trek up the mountains ascending 3,175 feet (967.74 m) with views of the astounding waterfall.  It is a difficult rated trail, however, it does provide remarkable panoramic views of Yosemite Valley and the surrounding area.

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