A World Heritage Site, Yosemite National Park is a bountiful reserve nestled in the heart of the Sierra Nevada, over 140 miles (225 km) to the east of San Francisco. Giant sequoias tower to dizzying heights at the Mariposa Grove, while the bare walls of the hulking Domes rise from the verdant depths of the valley. From the thunderous descent of the Yosemite Falls to the wildflower-laden Tuolumne Meadows, the Yosemite National Park is a tapestry of awe-inspiring spectacles, dappled with pristine lakes and etched with canyons; a maze of stark granite walls riddled with tumbling cascades that drench the scene in a cool mist. Amid the varied habitats of the Yosemite National Park thrive a fascinating variety of flora and fauna including the endemic Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep. Visited by thousands each year, the Yosemite National Park continues to inspire awe in the hearts of all those who venture here. There are several permanent campgrounds and accommodations, dining options, a visitor center, and a myriad of hiking trails at the Yosemite National Park, weaving the perks of civilization through the heart of the wilderness.
This train is a restoration of the narrow-gauge Madera Sugar Pine Lumber Company Railroad. The four-mile track was rebuilt using original techniques, and it runs two vintage shay steam locomotives pulling a few passenger cars. You will hear the engine whistle, snort, blow and more. You will also be in the forest and get a good feel for what logging was probably like in the 19th century. The trains run on a variety of daily schedules from March through October.
Featuring a series of buildings and structures that serve as replicas of the original Native American village which was situated here, the Indian Village of Ahwahnee is a window into the life and culture of the people that historically inhabited the land. Located in close proximity to the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, this veritable open-air museum comprises Miwok cabins, a traditional roundhouse and a sweathouse among other attractions, which offer a deeper insight into the heritage and tradition of the people that lived here.
Lower Yosemite Falls is boisterous, and during a year of high water volume, you may find yourself getting wet as you gaze at this famous waterfall and listen to the amazing noise all the pounding water makes. John Muir wrote about "Moonbows," the rainbows created here by the full moon during April and May. Even without this phenomenon, the falls are lovely and worth the easy half-mile round-trip hike. This walk is likely to be crowded in summer. There is wheelchair access with assistance, and the trail is open all year. For your safety it is recommended that you take this hike during daylight hours.
The U.S. Congress authorized this group to support interpretive, educational, research, scientific and environmental programs in Yosemite National Park. It works closely with the National Park Service and has members worldwide. Memberships cost from USD35 to USD1000 per year, and a special international membership for those living outside the United States costs only USD40. In addition to supporting the park, members receive considerable benefits including: subscription to Yosemite, the quarterly journal of the association; 15-percent discount on all books, maps, posters, calendars and other products sold by the association (which has an outstanding collection); a 10-percent discount on most of the field seminars conducted by the association in Yosemite National Park; and other benefits.
This very strenuous, seven-mile round-trip hike gains almost 2,000 feet in elevation. Start at Happy Isles Shuttle Stop Number 16 and work your way through the crowds visiting Vernal Falls, and begin a series of switchbacks to the top. The trail goes up and down a fair amount until you near the top. As you climb out of a gully, you will be treated to the famous profile of Nevada Falls. Be sure to bring water, and wear a hat as well as comfortable walking shoes or boots. The trail may be closed in winter. For your safety, it is recommended that you complete this hike before dark.
This very strenuous, seven-mile round-trip hike gains almost 2,000 feet in elevation. Start at Happy Isles Shuttle Stop Number 16 and work your way through the crowds visiting Vernal Falls, and begin a series of switchbacks to the top. The trail goes up and down a fair amount until you near the top. As you climb out of a gully, you will be treated to the famous profile of Nevada Falls. Be sure to bring water, and wear a hat as well as comfortable walking shoes or boots. The trail may be closed in winter. For your safety, it is recommended that you complete this hike before dark.
This hike is also known as the Mist Trail because it passes right beside Vernal Falls, which in the spring blows a heavy mist everywhere, right up to Nevada Falls. This 7-mile roundtrip hike is considered a difficult hike, with a steep 400-foot elevation gain in just over a mile. It is recommended that you wear shoes that grip as the path can be slippery. You can see the gushing cascades from the Vernal Falls Footbridge as well as the top of the falls in the distance. This is among the busiest hikes in the Valley, small wonder given the loveliness of the trail. Plan on spending an hour or two on your walk. The trail may be closed in winter.
A World Heritage Site, Yosemite National Park is a bountiful reserve nestled in the heart of the Sierra Nevada, over 140 miles (225 km) to the east of San Francisco. Giant sequoias tower to dizzying heights at the Mariposa Grove, while the bare walls of the hulking Domes rise from the verdant depths of the valley. From the thunderous descent of the Yosemite Falls to the wildflower-laden Tuolumne Meadows, the Yosemite National Park is a tapestry of awe-inspiring spectacles, dappled with pristine lakes and etched with canyons; a maze of stark granite walls riddled with tumbling cascades that drench the scene in a cool mist. Amid the varied habitats of the Yosemite National Park thrive a fascinating variety of flora and fauna including the endemic Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep. Visited by thousands each year, the Yosemite National Park continues to inspire awe in the hearts of all those who venture here. There are several permanent campgrounds and accommodations, dining options, a visitor center, and a myriad of hiking trails at the Yosemite National Park, weaving the perks of civilization through the heart of the wilderness.
Lower Yosemite Falls is boisterous, and during a year of high water volume, you may find yourself getting wet as you gaze at this famous waterfall and listen to the amazing noise all the pounding water makes. John Muir wrote about "Moonbows," the rainbows created here by the full moon during April and May. Even without this phenomenon, the falls are lovely and worth the easy half-mile round-trip hike. This walk is likely to be crowded in summer. There is wheelchair access with assistance, and the trail is open all year. For your safety it is recommended that you take this hike during daylight hours.
This train is a restoration of the narrow-gauge Madera Sugar Pine Lumber Company Railroad. The four-mile track was rebuilt using original techniques, and it runs two vintage shay steam locomotives pulling a few passenger cars. You will hear the engine whistle, snort, blow and more. You will also be in the forest and get a good feel for what logging was probably like in the 19th century. The trains run on a variety of daily schedules from March through October.
The Grizzly Giant Loop Trail is believed to be one of the largest and one of the most famous in Yosemite National Park. The beautiful trail has over 500 giant sequoia trees and it is delightful to walk under these shady giants. Some of the trees are around 2,000 years old, but the over 1,800 years old Grizzly Giant Sequoia is a major tourist attraction.