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.
Here, you can see millions of gallons of water and a spectacular waterfall in a pristine setting. Do not let its beauty fool you, the reservoir's purpose is to supply the San Francisco area with water as well as electrical power. This reservoir is located in a secluded and quiet area of the park making it a great location for picnics or meditation. In addition, this place has trailheads for several hikes. The road to the reservoir is closed from October to June.
If you want to learn about the flora, fauna and geology of the Yosemite Valley, this is the place to visit. Created with both children and adults in mind, the Nature Center at Happy Isles has both static and interactive displays on the area's natural history. You can explore four short trails in the vicinity, each one devoted to a different ecological niche. The center also has a good bookstore, geared toward exploring the nature and ecology of the Yosemite Valley and national park.
About half a mile round-trip, this trail can get crowded in summer, but it affords breathtaking views of the falls, with water spilling over 600 feet to the valley floor and looking just like a bridal veil. Beware, you may get damp from the spray. Start from and return to the Bridal Veil parking area, located about 10 miles southwest of the Visitor Center on Highway 41. There is wheelchair access with assistance. The trail may be closed during winter months, so call first.
Named after famed photographer Ansel Adams, this gallery displays many of the artist's well-known works in its permanent collection. Through their rotating exhibitions, the gallery also shows works by contemporary photographers who have found creative inspiration in the valley. During weekends, the gallery also offers camera walks when weather permits. The delightful gift shop features not only prints of Adams' work but also videos, Native American crafts, and books about photography as well as the valley.
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.
If you are in very good shape and willing to spend a long day hiking, the difficult trek to the top of Half Dome may be for you. It is considered extremely strenuous, with an elevation gain of almost 5,000 feet. Start at Happy Isle 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 rises and falls a fair amount until you get close to Nevada Falls and from there the trail continues to Half Dome. Be warned, however, that the last 200 yards up the back of the dome require you to use steel cable handrails as you scramble up. Roughly 600 people make this trek every day in the summer, but it is not easy. Be sure to bring water, and wear a hat as well as comfortable walking shoes or boots. The trail may be closed in winter. Since this hike can take up to 12 hours to complete, it is recommended that you start early in the morning. For your safety it is best to complete this hike before dark. Check website for more information.
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 difficult-level trail, the Snow Creek Trail offers incredibly rewarding views during its ascent, the most memorable scenery being the one to Tenaya Creek Canyon to the Half Dome. You will also be greeted with views of stunning waterfalls, some located below the Snow Creek bridge.
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.